SPNS Social Media Initiative Demonstration Site Resources

OPT-In for Life Monograph

OPT-In for Life Implementation Manual

Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
The intervention promoted the OPT-In For Life app and social media sites for current and newly enrolled Part C patients aged 13-34. The Part C clinics in the region utilized a select portion of the OPT-In app that allows for confidential messaging between patient and provider as a means to retain them in care and to encourage medication adherence and safer lifestyles.

Opt-in for Life App. The Opt-In for Life app was developed by an mHealth platform company. Adaptation for another agency would entail costs. The app is for young adults living with HIV. App features included management of HIV medical data (e.g., viral load, CD4 counts), medication and appointment reminders, text messaging for confidential communications between patients and clinic staff, and telehealth. Links to social media sites were used on the platform to convey education about HIV and healthy living. 

TreatYourSelf App

PC4H Monograph

PC4H Implementation Manual

PC4H Manual Appendices

Philadelphia FIGHT, Philadelphia, PA
PC4H is structured to reach youth through three distinct yet coordinated social media approaches, including the iknowUshould2 platform, the TreatYourSelf mobile app, and APPlify Your Health.

TreatYourSelf App. The TreatYourSelf app supported ART adherence among youth living with HIV. The app allowed users to document their adherence and receive immediate feedback and incentives. Medication reminders were time-based and time/location-based. The app also allowed for social support among users. 

Positive Peers Monograph

Positive Peers Implementation Manual

The Metro Health System, Cleveland, OH
The Positive Peers Application (PPA) is a web-based mobile application for youth and young people aged 13-34 living with HIV. It featured information, social networking, and self-management tools to support HIV-related holistic care.

Positive Peers App. The app and a companion social media and website serve to engage young people in holistic HIV care within a private, stigma-free, supportive online community. Functions include: health information; social networking in community and private chats; and health management tools. Organizations can register as program partners. Patients can also register to use the app, independent of their care agencies. Learn more and download the Positive Peers app.

SMARTEE Monograph

SMARTEE Implementation Manual

Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC), Chicago, IL
SMARTEE (SPNS Social Media: Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago) stands for Social Media App for Retention, Treatment, Engagement and Education. Through the use of a downloadable smart phone app or web portal, this social media intervention engaged young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transwomen of color aged 13 to 34 who are patients at HBHC. The SMARTEE intervention design was, optimally, for use by agencies providing HIV medical care and support services and utilizing electronic health records in a patient-centered medical home setting.

SMARTEE App. The project used Healthvana, a HIPAA compliant mobile app to support care engagement and ART adherence. Users could access lab results/health information and message staff. The target population was people living with HIV as well as those newly diagnosed.

weCare Monograph

weCare Implementation Manual

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
The intervention harnessed established social media commonly used by young MSM and transgender women, including Facebook, text messaging, and established GPS-based mobile applications.

weCare Text Messaging. This project utilized established social media to communicate with MSM and transgender women ages 16-34 to demystify HIV treatment and help engage and support clients in care. A Cyber Health Educator used social media to communicate with participants, using theory-based messages that relate to the person's place on the HIV care continuum.

Wellness Web Monograph

Wellness Web Implementation Manual

Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation Inc., Corpus Christi, TX
The project adapted the Antiretroviral Treatment and Access to Services (ARTAS) evidence-based intervention (EBI) for implementation via social media platforms (Mobile ARTAS), in order to engage recently diagnosed youth into HIV care. 

YGetIt? Monograph

YGetIt? Implementation Manual

New York State Department of Health, Menands, NY
YGetIt? focused on facilitating entry of young people (ages 18-34) into HIV care, prevention of vulnerable youth from dropping out of care, and achievement of sustained viral load suppression among those in care. The project developed a mobile app and the "Tested" digital comic series, available online for free with educational content on all aspects of the HIV care continuum, COVID-19, and related topics from the perspective of a diverse cast of characters at-risk for and living with HIV.

YGetIt? App. This project's mobile app was developed in collaboration with Mt. Sinai App Lab and Peer Engagement and Educator Professionals (PEEPs). The app was used at two engagement hubs: Montefiore AIDS Center, and Long Island Crisis Center. The YGetIt? app features secure login and confidentiality, direct messaging for patients and providers, self-tracking, education and information, and design for privacy. Learn more and inquire about downloading and adapting the app for your agency.