Newsletter
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
DAPCAN February 2, 2012
Punxsutawney Phil says "Oh No" it's Groundhog Day
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Marketing and Communications
Interactive Marketing Specialist
Volunteer Co-editor
Volunteer Co-editor
Volunteer Co-editor
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The next seminar in the Positive Life Series will feature new Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment options. Speakers will include Dr. David Wyles, (UCSD) and Tracy Swan from Treatment Action Group (T.A.G.). A light supper will be served at 6:00 PM, and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. The location is the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center (at the corner of Tachevah and Via Miraleste in Palm Springs), and is always free. ASL translation will be provided. Please email or call Jeff Taylor at jefftaylorps@gmail.com, or 760.835.1926, with any questions. However, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RSVP! (jl) |
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Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Get out your tuxes and gowns! Drawing for tickets to Steve Chase Gala!
For 17 years the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala has raised millions of dollars for direct client services at the Desert AIDS Project. This year, ten free tickets to the Gala will be available in a drawing to be held at D.A.P. on February 6! See above for instructions on how to enter. If you can buy a ticket, great. If not, try your luck in our drawing! The Gala itself will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 PM. This year's Gala host is the incorrigible Joan Rivers, with performances by Queen Latifah, Wynona Judd, Megan Mullally and David Burnham. Click here for more information and tickets. (sb)
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CLIENT CENTER COMMUNITY EVENTS The Client Community Center hosts regular activities and events every week (listed below). Community Center special events and other activities are here on the Community Center page.
Follow this link to see the recurring activities on the Community Center Calendar. |
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Michael Clayton: A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty. Starring George Clooney, Tilda Swinton Come enjoy a great flick! |
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New sessions using guided imagery and affirmations as narrated by Belleruth Naparstek. You'll gain deeper relaxation, healing and wellness. Just show up to the Meditation Room on designated days and time.
Lower anxiety, stress, and depression!
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Discover the gifts of your emotions and how to turn negatives into positives. This group is ongoing and you may join at anytime. Curriculum will repeat at the end of each cycle. For more information please contact the group's facilitator, or just show up. Ray Robertson at (760) 323-2118 ext: 295; rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Embrace your feelings!
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The D.A.P. Community Center in the DHD Room is the new location for this spiritual support group, facilitated by Stefen. The group meets to empower people and celebrate the fullest expressions of spirituality in daily living. For more information please contact Stefen at 760.856.0886.
We honor truth!
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In an effort to improve the delivery of care and the coordination of services to its clients, Desert AIDS Project has elected to convert its aging electronic health record system, ALTEER, to a new system, thanks to the generosity of grant funders. The implementation of this new system, Greenway, will occur over several weeks beginning January 31, 2012. During the implementation process, the providers and staff will have changes in their schedules that may occur on short notice. D.A.P. management recognizes and apologizes for any inconvenience or disruption this may cause its clients. We are making every effort to keep any disruption to a minimum. We request and appreciate your patience and understanding while we are going through this transition to improve your care. Please contact any of the following directors at 760.323.2118, if you need any assistance during this transition: (rv)
Joy Hamilton, MD, MBA, Clinical Services - ext. 251
Brande Orr, MBA, Program Services - ext. 256
Robin Johnson, Social Services - ext. 229
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Nesteggg offers free tax filings for D.A.P. clients
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Help fight prescription drug abuse and misuse at the Palm Springs Drug Take-back Day Palm Springs residents are invited to help fight a mahor public health issue, prescription dug abuse and misuse, by safely disposing of unused, expired and unwanted medications at the Palm Springs Drug Take-back Day on Saturday, February 18. Participating locations: Community, Rite Aid Rite Aid Walgreens Walgreens Walmart For more information, visit caresalliance.org |
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D.A.P. receives funding from the Ryan White program to link low-income people living with HIV/AIDS to services if they meet federally-mandated eligibility criteria, and have no other insurance options. Our local Ryan White program office at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health will be mailing out Client Satisfaction Surveys to clients who: 1. Have not opted out of receiving mail Surveys will include a pre-paid return envelope. The survey is ANONYMOUS and OPTIONAL. Completing this survey is the client's choice. D.A.P. will never know who chose or chose not to participate. A client's eligibility for services is not affected by their choice either way. Surveys will be accepted until March 9, 2012. If you have chosen not to receive mail, printed copies will be made available shortly at D.A.P. (rv) |
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The Client Advocacy Committee (CAC) needs volunteers for several new focus groups to help improve D.A.P. client services:
Group 1: Clients who have only been served by D.A.P.
Group 2: Clients served by other HIV service provider(s) prior to coming to D.A.P.
Group 3: Women clients
Group 4: Minorities/People of color
If you are in one or more of these categories and would like to be a client advocate please contact Robin Johnson at rjohnson@desertaidsproject.org, or call 760.323.2118. CAC is also looking for additional members. Apply at D.A.P. or contact cletus.warren@yahoo.com. Meetings are on the second Tuesdays of each month at 2:00 PM in the Community Center.
The Client Advocacy Committee is made up of D.A.P. clients who endeavor to:
--Help D.A.P. improve their services to clients through client suggestions and comments;
--Advocate for funding for all people with HIV/AIDS; --Educate and increase awareness of services offered to clients through D.A.P. Comment cards are available in the hallway at D.A.P. and at the front desk. All cards with contact information will be responded to. If the card is a grievance, it is given directly to staff to be dealt with in a formal grievance procedure. (rv)
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D.A.P. grande dame Barbara Keller will be honored with the 342nd Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. The star will be unveiled during a star dedication ceremony on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 4:00 PM at 200 South Palm Canyon Drive. The public and media are invited to attend. Barbara Keller is well-known in the desert as a supportive wife, businesswoman (she and her husband, Jerry, are owners of Lulu Bistro and Acqua Pazza restaurants), loving mother, devoted daughter, and all-around humanitarian. Her tireless efforts and dedication to Desert AIDS Project, Jewish Family Services of the Desert, and the Palm Springs Museum, are just three examples of how Barbara enriches all of our lives. She is also a huge supporter of civil rights, women's rights, and equal rights. Barbara Keller's professional career involved all aspects of the theater and film in New York. From playwright to director and union organizer, Barbara lived a fast-paced big city life. She taught theater arts and was executive producer of two theater companies before becoming a tough-as-nails labor negotiator in the entertainment industry. Now in "retirement", Barbara is co-chair of the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala, among her many philanthropic activities. She has also published three books. The last, 11 years ago, was called "Orgasmic Days in the South of France", where she and Jerry had a home for many years. This star ceremony honors one of our City's most shining and beloved humanitarians. (rv) |
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One of Palm Springs' most exciting annual events is coming up February 11-26. Modernism Week attracts modernism enthusiasts from around the world to our City, a well-know bastion of modern architectural treasures, and design. Modernism, for those unfamiliar with the term, refers to a revolt, or movement, against the conservative values of realism. Possibly the most paradigmatic motive of modernism was the rejection of tradition. Modernism rejected the lingering certainty of enlightenment thinking, and also the existence of a compassionate, all-powerful Creator God. Instead, modernists, beginning in the early 1900's, began favoring the abstract, unconventional, largely uncertain ethic brought on by modernity, which was initiated around the turn of century by rapidly changing technology, and further catalyzed by the horrific consequences of World War I on the cultural psyche of artists. Many today use the term modernism to describe architecture and design which began to appear at that time, and flourished in the 1950's and early 1960's. You may want to consider taking one of the many home tours offered during Modernism Week. Close to the Desert AIDS Project is the Racquet Club Estates neighborhood, where the famed "Alexander" homes, and Wexler "steel homes", can be plentifully found, and whose annual home tour is one of the week's most popular. (rv)
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It may sound obvious, but researchers have been hard pressed to get good data. Now, a new study confirms that HIV-RNA levels are the most significant factor predicting risk of HIV transmission to a sexual partner, according to a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Other factors such as circumcision, CD4 count, STDs and other factors have all been shown to contribute to risk, but this study seems to confirm that viral load is the most significant risk factor--the higher, the more likely infection becomes. This study also confirmed that prophylactic use of acyclovir has no effect in preventing HIV infection, as once theorized. This is important news for both heterosexual and homosexual serodiscordant couples or partners, and all the more reason to keep close track of viral load if you are sexually active. (sb) |
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Demographics are increasingly influencing federal agencies that address HIV/AIDS. Greater survival rates and passage of time have clearly demonstrated the need to address aging with HIV as a distinct category of overall HIV/AIDS policy and research. In the past few weeks, various agencies have announced or scheduled a variety of meetings, studies and public policy initiatives to better deal with an aging HIV community. Click here for a list of encouraging activities going on at the federal level. How things have changed since the Reagan Administration, when no one in government would publicly utter the word "AIDS."! (sb) |
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Until recently, Atripla was the only one-pill-a-day antiviral therapy drug available. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved Complera as the latest single dose alternative. Complera is three drugs in one (rilpivirine + tenofovir + emtricitabine) or one NNRTI (non-nuke) and two NRTIs (nukes). For anyone contemplating changes in your medication regimen, it's wise to discuss the latest new drugs with your doctor to see if one might be right for you. Who wouldn't like to lessen their daily pill load?! Click here for more about Complera. (sb) |
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Last week, the Los Angeles City Council approved a measure to require performers in pornographic films--both straight and gay--to use condoms in all scenes to help reduce HIV transmission within what is now a multi-billion dollar, highly sophisticated industry. Adult filmmakers now must comply with the new law in order to obtain shooting permits. They will also have to pay fees to fund enforcement and surprise inspections. The bill passed in a 9-to-1 vote. Not surprisingly, reaction has varied widely. AIDS community healthcare providers and advocates applaud the measure while adult filmmakers and some of their viewers are less enthusiastic. Click here for some contrasting commentary. (sb) |
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Sky-high cholesterol and triglycerides are often a side effect of long-term antiviral therapy, and can lead to all sorts of cardiovascular risks. A new study proves that short-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduces triglyceride levels in patients with HIV. It did not prove, however, that cholesterol levels are reduced even though omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have long thought to be "healthy fats" that can lower cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease over time. Nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fish oils are rich sources of such fatty acids. Read more here. (sb) |
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SCAM ALERT! Bogus internet site solicits personal information for Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are warning the public that a new internet site has been created to look like a government site and claims to collect information for the federally sponsored Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT SITE; NO ONE SHOULD PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION TO THIS SITE! The legitimate government website is www.pcip.gov. This is the only website you should visit to learn more about this program. There is also a phone number: 866.717.5826. Under the Federal Affordable Care Act of 2010, California has a contract with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to establish a federally-funded high risk pool program to provide health coverage for eligible individuals. The program will last until December 31, 2013, when the national health reform is set to begin. After that date, there will no longer be a need for high risk pools because federal rules will not allow insurers to reject persons with pre-existing conditions or charge them higher rates than those without such conditions. In California, the plan is the California Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). It offers health coverage to medically-uninsurable individuals who live in California who have had no health coverage in the last six months. This Plan provides the following:
If you feel you have been contacted by false sources or bogus emails, please report it to the Office of Deputy District Attorney for Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protection in San Diego at 909.387.6533 or by email at tsvare@sbcda.org.
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To contact state and federal officials click on name:
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Remember that the Desert AIDS Project toll-free phone number is always available at 866.331.3344 as well as the website at www.desertaidsproject.org. (jl) |
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Maybe your New Year's resolution involves getting back to the gym. Did you know that several of the area gyms offer discounted memberships to D.A.P. clients? World Gym in Palm Springs and WorkOUT Gym (A new gay men's gym located behind Toucan's) both offer D.A.P. discounts. Keep this in mind when choosing where you will work out and be sure you ask about the discount when signing up as the savings can be significant. (jl) |
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The Golden Rainbow Senior Center is now The LGBT Center of Palm Springs, aka, The Center. The mission of The Center is to enrich the lives of the LGBT community. A thriving, community-based organization, the Center provides a safe and supportive environment for members to enjoy health, wellness, educational and social programs, where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The Center advances its mission through senior programming, a clinical counseling and internship program, a weekly food bank, extensive social and recreational offerings, a free community cyber center, a growing volunteer program and periodic special events in the community. They also offer day trips, computer classes, exercise classes, support groups, and more. (Your editor is currently enrolled in a Beginning Spanish class!) For more information, visit their website. (jl) |
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Did you need to take another look at something that you read in DAPCAN last month only to find that you had already deleted the issue from your inbox? Now you can find past DAPCAN issues online by clicking this link. As always, you can also read the most current edition of DAPCAN, on the D.A.P. website by visiting www.desertaidsproject.org/newsletter. (jl)
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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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Medically Indigent Services Program (MISP) / AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) For those who qualify, medical care and help paying for your medications are available through the MISP and ADAP programs. You can find out if you qualify by scheduling an appointment by calling the numbers below. You can schedule your MISP and ADAP appointments together for Moreno Valley office ONLY. If you qualify for ADAP only, there is a local ADAP office right here at Desert AIDS Project. Specify the Palm Springs office when you call to make your appointment. Here are the numbers: 877.501.5085 - toll free ***NEW YEAR REMINDER!: Your annual appointments to continue qualifying for ADAP are usually scheduled on or before your birthdate. Avoid risking loss of coverage and long call hold times. Don't let the date creep up on you without making an appointment! The earlier you call, the better. (sb) IMPORTANT NOTICE: Faxed MISP applications tend to get lost in the process. Most persons 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 any uninterrupted services with your DAP medical doctor visits. (rv) |
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Call 211 for essential human services in Riverside County 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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| "The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm." --Aldous Huxley |
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