A mobile app is being developed to help prevent HIV among transgender women by connecting them with supportive peers anytime and anyplace. Called Transwoman Connected, the app is being created by California-based dfusion in partnership with Portland State University and support from a National Institutes of Health grant.

Transgender people have the highest HIV rates of any group, but according to a Portland State University press release, no evidence-based, trans-specific health programs take into account the particular needs of this population.

As such, one of the goals of the project is to learn about the needs of transgender people and tailor the app to meet them.

Using innovative science, dfusion develops smartphone, tablet and web apps that lead to healthy behavior. Transwoman Connected is led by dfusion in collaboration with Q Center in Portland; API Wellness Center in San Francisco; Someone Cares in Marietta, Georgia; and Arianna’s Center in Wilton Manors, Florida.