CHIPTS Combination Prevention Core Director Dr. Cathy Reback was recently recognized for her work developing an impactful text messaging intervention – Text Me, Girl! – that improves antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence and self-reported viral suppression among transgender women ages 18–34 years. As of November 2022, Text Me, Girl! is live on TargetHIV.org as part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Best Practices Compilation. As described on TargetHIV.org:
Text Me, Girl! is a text messaging intervention that aims to improve linkage to and retention in HIV care, increase adherence to HIV medications, and improve viral suppression and other health outcomes among transgender women ages 18–34 years. Text Me, Girl! delivers automated text messages grounded in behavioral change theory and associated with all stages of the HIV care continuum. The intervention supports young transgender women with HIV, particularly those experiencing barriers to care such as periods of homelessness and/or incarceration, substance misuse, or engaging in sex work.
Text Me, Girl! was developed and evaluated as part of Use of Social Media to Improve Engagement, Retention, and Health Outcomes along the HIV Care Continuum, an initiative funded by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part F Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) program. Text Me, Girl! participation was associated with statistically significant improvements in ART uptake and adherence, and self-reported viral suppression.
Check out these resources to learn more about the Text Me, Girl! Intervention and evidence-base: