Empowering People with HIV or AIDS

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 14, 2008)

The Client Committee of Desert AIDS Project today announced two important programs, offered free-of-charge, designed specifically for people living with HIV or AIDS (PWLHA) who want to take greater control of their futures.

“A Positive Life: the series” will be presented on the first Tuesday of every month for the remainder of 2008 in the Sinatra Auditorium of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. On Tuesday, March 4, “Current and Emerging Therapies” will be the topic offered by Dr. Clayton Barbour, Medical Director of the D.A.P. Health Clinic, and Jeff Taylor, Treatment Activist. Dinner will be offered at 6:00 PM, followed by the presentation and discussion beginning at 6:30.

The D.A.P. Client Committee also encourages all interested PWLHAs to attend the LEadership in Advocacy and Planning (LEAP) training on March 18-20. The two and a half day training has been conceived, developed, and directed by people living with HIV or AIDS. It is designed to teach PWLHA how to become more involved with planning and shaping HIV care and treatment services.  The training provides current information, skill-building exercises, and activities designed to develop the abilities of PWLHA who wish to become advocates for themselves and the greater PWLHA community.

LEAP training will be offered free at Desert AIDS Project, 1695 N. Sunrise Way, in Palm Springs. But space at the training is limited, so anyone interested in attending must complete and submit their application no later than Sunday, March 2.

More information on both of these programs, including the LEAP application form, is available here.

Desert AIDS Project at the Greenburg-Peet Family Center is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive services to help manage HIV disease. D.A.P. offers primary medical care through its Wells Fargo HIV Health Center. The Project provides widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. Confidential, rapid-result HIV testing is also provided. For more information, call 760-323-2118.