Newsletter
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
DAPCAN May 16, 2013
Twelve States now Recognize Marriage Equality!
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Marketing and Communications
Interactive Marketing Specialist
Volunteer Co-editor
Volunteer Co-editor
Volunteer Co-editor
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Positive Life Series - HIV & Sex HIV & Sex
The next Positive Life presentation "HIV & Sex - What you need to know about STDs" featuring Dr. Rick Loftus. As always, a light supper is served at 6:00 PM, and the program begins at 6:30 PM. The location is the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center (corner of Tachevah and Via Miraleste in Palm Springs) and the event, sponsored by Jewish Family Service of the Desert, is always free. ASL translation is provided. No need to RSVP. Questions? Email . Plan to attend and bring a friend!
And Positive Life is now on Facebook! Sign on, visit and like us here. Upcoming Programs |
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Mid-Summer Dance Party VI More details to follow!! (jl)
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THIS WEEK'S EVENTS AND RECURRING ACTIVITIES Desert AIDS Project's Community Services Wing, also known as the Community Center, houses many activities and programs including arts and crafts workshops, bingo and movies, a lending library, and "drop in" hours when clients come in to just hang out with their friends. The Community Center is also host to educational programs and classes designed to increase health literacy and empower our clients to participate in their own care. Follow this link to see more details about next week's featured events listed below. If you would like to attend any of these events please RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. Upcoming Community Center featured events: Every Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Every Thursday, 1:00 PM (no RSVP needed)
Ongoing Client Community Center Activities Include:
Complete Community Center Calendar.
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The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - one of D.A.P.'s largest funders - is mailing out a satisfaction survey to most clients. A postage-paid envelope will be included with the survey. The survey will be sent only to clients who have indicated they accept mail on their intake or update forms. So if your mailing preferences have changed, please contact your medical case manager, so we can update records accordingly. For clients who don't receive mail, hard copies will be provided upon request at D.A.P. Surveys in Spanish are also available. If you have visited another agency funded by the Ryan White Program in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, you may receive multiple surveys. Please look for the agency name at the top of the survey before completing it. Although the Ryan White Program will provide D.A.P. with a cumulative summary of comments and ratings, your responses to the survey will be completely anonymous. D.A.P. is eager to learn where improvements can be made and this survey is a great opportunity to contribute your thoughts. (jl) |
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Take LGBT Health Needs Survey and add your voice
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"What a day for Minnesota," said Governor Mark Dayton as he signed the state's marriage equality bill into law this week. "What a difference a year and an election can make in our state." Dayton's signature came just a day after the state Senate approved it with a 37-30 vote. Minnesota follows closely on Delaware's passage of same-sex marriage rights just last week. Meanwhile, California awaits the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, expected sometime in June, on the validity of the state's Proposition 8, which overturned same-sex marriage rights, and on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). A reversal of DOMA would mean same-sex couples married in states that recognize their legal unions would qualify for the same federal benefits that come with marriage for heterosexual couples. Click here for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) portal on marriage equality issues nationally, here for the Advocate's take and here for a current, detailed map of the U.S. showing each state's status. (sb)
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The LGBT Community Center of the Desert is proud to announce the first comprehensive LGBT Health Needs Survey of the Coachella Valley! In partnership with a local health research company, the Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC), the Center has designed an online survey to assess the health needs of the local LGBT community. Information obtained from this survey will help The Center design programs and services to better meet your specific needs, and obtain additional funding to provide new programs and services. Click 
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D.A.P. welcomes new employees Several new people have recently joined Desert AIDS Project and if you haven't met them yet, we'd like to introduce them here: Pictured left to right are: Dr. Charles Gonzales, Primary Care Provider; Aubrey MacInnis, Medical Case Manager; Ron Willison, Major Gifts Manager; and Ronnie Zahn, Benefits Eligibility Navigator. You might see them on a visit to D.A.P. so stop by and say hello. DAPCAN will introduce more D.A.P. folks in future issues. (sb)
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Next week, JJ&A Pop Up Gallery in Palm Springs will host an exhibit entitled Exposed Soul, Live Art, Jazz & Sangria. You can't ask for much more than that! It will feature "live art" by Demar Douglas and new works by artists Jeff Ingram, Chris Redman, Tyree Jessie and sculptures by Snake Jagger. And all will be accompanied by jazz music and sangria refreshment. The event takes place on Friday, May 24 at 6:00 PM. Twenty percent all sales are being donated to Desert AIDS Project. Our thanks to these artists and to JJ&A Pop Up Gallery, which is located at 687 North Palm Canyon, Suite A. So come out, socialize, have a good time, enjoy (and maybe buy) the art and support a wonderful cause. (sb) 
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Calling published/professional authors, composers, playwrights and artists
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We're amazed at the talents and accomplishments of some of our D.A.P. clients and friends. In addition to the above article about Steve Perkins, we have also, in past issues, run features about Dan Perdios, author of Rescued by Goldens and several other books; Steve Hodges, author of Daddy Can I Borrow Your Purse?; filmmaker Dan Cardone, producer of Incident, and even your editor Steve Bolerjack's |
Your mother really was right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that's especially true in living with HIV/AIDS since good nutrition is one of the key factors to maintaining our health. One of our pals and D.A.P. client Steve Perkins has some good advice on how to get into better eating habits. "A good breakfast should set your metabolism into gear and establish enzymatic actions in your gut into receiving and processing quality fuel efficiently," says Steve, who knows his subject. He is a Certified Natural & Holistic Health Practitioner, a self-described gym rat and long-term HIV survivor. He's also a three-time physique contest medalist, and still looks like one at age 66. Steve is the author of The Muscle Kitchen, a general nutrition/lifestyle primer book and website that focuses on healthy food and drink target guidelines, especially for those with chronic health issues. He recommends some simple breakfast meals with cool ingredients we probably haven't used much, such as unprocessed coconut oil, turmuric and curcumin and of course, lots of fruits and vegetables. He advises against so-called "convenience" foods, and anything with "instant," "concentrated," "freeze-dried," "microwavable," and especially "pouch" or "bag" meals. Most of these terms (not all: frozen veggies without additives are okay) mean over-processed foods of dubious nutritional value. Click here for some good breakfast ideas from Steve and here for more about his book and website. As he says, "A Pop-Tart just won't do it." It may take a little longer to prepare healthier eats, but with recent controversies over genetically modified and adulterated foods, we should all be shopping for simple, raw, and if available, local and organic foods. The less processed, the better. (sb) |
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One of the literally coolest things about summer in the desert is the free film program presented at the Annenberg Theater (pictured) at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The program begins on Thursday, June 6 at 6:00 PM and continues every Thursday all summer. It starts with selections from the 2013 Global Lens foreign film series, including intriguing titles such as About 111 Girls, Life Kills Me and Beijing Flickers. Classic American comedies come later in summer, including The Apartment, Harvey and Young Frankenstein. Click here for the schedule and start marking your calendars as the film series is very popular and you'll need to arrive early to ensure a seat in the comfortable and cool Annenberg Theater. (sb) |
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Many people think Palm Springs goes into air-condtioned hibernation during the summer months (and yes, we have to on many days) but there is so much going on in the next few months, it's clear that the city is becoming a much more year-round hub of activities. Click here for Palm Springs Life's Calendar of Events which covers just about everything you can think of that is happening and fun during the hot months. (sb)
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Cure talk is premature, inaccurate say annoyed Danish researchers In recent issues of DAPCAN, we've noted our frustration about casual, dubious, unsubstantiated and in some cases, downright sensationalized media coverage of a supposed HIV cure. Particularly noteworthy is an ongoing study in Denmark focusing on histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, drugs normally used for psychiatric or neurologic purposes, recently studied as cancer-fighting agents, and now possibly for an HIV cure. Quite erroneous news stories recently misquoted researchers saying the cure was due "within months." Not true, says one of the senior researchers, Dr. Ole Sogaard. "I would not say that we are on the brink of an HIV cure, and I can say for sure that I never said that we were," he cautions. "It would have been great if the story had been angled in a less sensational way." The researchers' irritation with the media has forced some retractions and corrections. Click here to read some of them and more about where we really stand on a cure. As we've said before, we'll believe it when we've got the proof. (sb) |
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FDA fast-tracks new Hepatitis C drug
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Do you, like your editor, often walk into another room and then wonder what you went there for? Are you misplacing keys, wallets, glasses, notes or important papers more often? Are you baffled at the grocery story without a shopping list? Do you (again, like your editor) sometimes forget where you parked your car? Well, we can certainly blame plain old aging for some of that, but it seems--like so many other factors of life--that HIV may be reducing our cognitive functions earlier than what is considered normal. It may be the virus itself, the long-term effects of antivirals or the combination of both. In any event, research is now emerging that shows people with HIV, in addition to experiencing accelerated aging in the form of increased rates of bone loss and cardiovascular disease, are also prone to cognitive decline beginning with memory loss, even when their viral load is fully suppressed. At least we can use HIV as an excuse instead of feeling naturally incompetent. Click hereto read more about it before you forget. (sb)
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A new Hepatitis C drug regimen has been given a breakthrough therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration, putting it on the fast track for potential approval in the United States. Such a designation from the FDA expedites development and review of drugs for serious or life-threatening conditions. It requires preliminary clinical proof that the drug may provide "substantial improvement" over therapies currently on the market. The FDA's distinction is a result of clinical trials involving patients infected with a particular strain of Hepatitis C, an infectious disease that mostly affects the liver and can ultimately lead to liver failure, cancer and other life-threatening complications. As we know too well, Hep C has a high rate of coinfection with HIV. The trials showed good response rates to the combination therapy and are currently in the third phase. Patients are treated for 12 to 24 weeks and will be followed for nearly a year after treatment ends. Read more 
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If you are on Medicare, it's important to keep track of ongoing changes in coverage and payment options. Most importantly, the "donut hole" of Medicare Part D drug plan co-pays begins to close this year (see below). Regardless of your current insurance situation, click here for a government website that provides some guidance regarding Medicare, Medicaid and other possible insurance options (albeit limited) for those living with disabilities and/or chronic health issues (pay particular attention to the Medicare and Timeline tabs). And click here for an even more detailed summary. (sb) |
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ADAP may pay Medicare Part D premium ADAP-eligible clients who have to purchase Part D prescription drug coverage may qualify to have their Part D premium paid by the State of California. Follow this link to the Part D Premium Payment Program Application. You can also call the State of California at 916.449.5900 for more information. (jl) |
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The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. This includes information about original Medicare, Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplemental policies and Long-term Care Insurance. The California Department of Aging (CDA) is responsible for statewide administration of SHIP, which is delivered through the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP services can be accessed via a toll-free line at 800.434.0222. The local HICAP counselor is located at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs and can be reached at 760.323.5689. Follow this link for more information. |
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Among the resources available to HIV-positive people to help pay for prescription medications is NeedyMeds. The mission of NeedyMeds is to make information about assistance programs available to low-income patients and their advocates at no cost. Go to www.needymeds.org, look up the medications you need and you'll be directed to the patient assistance program website for that manufacturer. The site also offers a free drug discount card that is accepted at more than 62,000 pharmacies. If you are having trouble paying for your medications this site is worth a look! (jl) (sb) |
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If you or someone you are close to is HIV positive and paying for private health insurance, there may be help in paying premiums. The California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS (OA) administers the Health Insurance Premium Payment (OA-HIPP) Program. OA has expanded OA-HIPP to make this program available to more individuals with health insurance who are at risk of losing it, and to individuals currently without health insurance who would like to purchase it. You do NOT need to be a D.A.P. client to access OA-HIPP. Follow this link to see if you qualify, and also check out the above links in the Healthcare reforms article. (jl) (sb) |
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Quest Diagnostics website Riverside County Healthcare (RCHC) Lab services are provided at both Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC) in Moreno Valley and Quest Diagnostics. All former LabCorps patients are now served at Quest. Click here or above for the Quest website: locations, hours and to make an appointment. |
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For those who qualify, medical care and help paying for your medications are available through the MISP and ADAP programs.* Find out if you qualify: schedule an appointment by calling the numbers below. You can schedule your MISP and ADAP appointments together for Moreno Valley office ONLY. Call no sooner than four weeks before your ADAP qualifying expiration date (usually around your birthday). If you qualify for ADAP only, the local ADAP office is right across the driveway, south of D.A.P., at the Palm Springs Family Care Center. Specify the Palm Springs office when you call. Here are the numbers: 877.501.5085 - toll free *NOTICE: Faxed MISP applications can get lost in the process. Many people who have faxed their application have had to re-apply later. It's best to apply in person in Moreno Valley, and get a "receipt of application", and use that as proof that you applied to avoid uninterrupted services with your D.A.P. medical doctor visits. |
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The Desert AIDS Project local phone number is 760.323.2118. The toll-free phone number is 866.331.3344 and the website is desertaidsproject.org. |
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Need another look at something you read in DAPCAN? Find past issues online by clicking this link. As always, you can also read the most current edition of DAPCAN on the D.A.P. website here. And we've recently updated these links to ensure that the very latest issues of DAPCAN are always available. (jl) |
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May 27 - Memorial Day |
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Call 211 for essential human services in Riverside County
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To contact state and federal officials, click on name:
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2-1-1 is a toll-free service for residents looking for information about essential human services such as affordable housing, food pantries, help for an aging parent, free or low cost health services, addiction prevention programs, employment, support groups, volunteer opportunities, and 1,700 additional services! (jl)
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