Philly nonprofit launching sex-ed app this fall [updated]

Reported cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia have decreased significantly within recent years even though condom use among teens in Philadelphia has dropped.

A Philadelphia nonprofit is designing a new tool to help continue the first trend — and reverse the second.

AccessMatters is launching a sex education app this fall. The It Matters app will provide teens and young adults with information about sexual reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases.

Brian Green, director of programs and development, said the organization designed the app after listening to the volunteers from the teen pregnancy program called I Matter. It’s a matter of meeting youth where they are — on their phones, Green said.

“For youth to get more specific information, have questions answered, as well as finding health center locations. Finding actual locations where they could go and receive clinical services,” Green said.

The It Matters app will disseminate thoroughly researched information for women and men; it will be inclusive for LGBTQ health concerns as well. It also aims to be a resource for parents, helping them talk with their kids about sex and health issues related to sex.

AccessMatters has health resource centers located in 13 high schools in Philadelphia and Chester where teens receive confidential counseling, education, condoms, and health referrals to a community based provider.

AccessMatters has provided more than 8,000 counseling sessions to students in the Philadelphia region. The initial It Matters app will be available in the fall.

This story has been updated to correct an error in the instance of STDs.