• Sexual Wellness Services

Call: (760) 323-2118
8am to 5pm Mon - Fri

At White Party 2018: HIV and HCV Tests, …

Desert AIDS Project and Riverside University Health System-Public Health want to make sure the roughly 30,000 fun seekers who descend on Palm Springs for the 2018 White Party know their HIV and Hepatitis C status during the event. And this year, vaccinations for Hepatitis A will be offered to those interested.

Starting in 2017, Hepatitis A outbreaks in San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz have left California cities struggling to contain the spread of the virus, which primarily affects the homeless, drug users, and individuals involved in high-risk sexual behavior. But since the virus can be passed by consuming contaminated food, water or ice, it is possible for people outside these groups to contract it.

“We see offering HIV and HCV testing as integral to stomping out both epidemics,” said Bruce Weiss, director of Community Health at D.A.P. “The more people know their status, the less likely they will accidentally spread either virus, and we can link them to care.”

Desert AIDS Project’s Get Tested Coachella Valley team will be on hand to conduct HIV and HCV testing and to assist those affected to find treatment, all three days of the event. Riverside University Health System-Public Health will be offering vaccinations for the Hepatitis A virus on Friday and Saturday.

“The collaboration between Public Health and D.A.P. is one example of community partners coming together to tackle some critical health issues,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health. “We agree that getting tested and learning your status is empowering and a key to slowing the spread of illness.”

Please see below for the schedule of testing and vaccination information.

Friday, April 27            10:30a.m. to 6p.m.
Renaissance Hotel        Mobile Van, Valet Parking Lot
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
Riverside University Health System-Public Health for Hep A vaccine

Friday, April 27             10p.m. to 2 a.m.
Renaissance Hotel- Pueblo Room
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV

Saturday, April 28        10a.m. to 6p.m.
Renaissance Hotel- Pueblo Room
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
Riverside University Health System-Public Health for Hep A vaccine

Sunday, April 29           3p.m. to 6 p.m.
Inside T-Dance (next to Impulse tent)
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV

To learn more about hepatitis care at D.A.P., click here.
To learn more about STI screening at D.A.P., click here.

Ask Dr. Foltz at Revivals Palm Springs W …

Navigating through today’s strategies for your best health.

PrEP and PeP have taken a lot of the worry out of living and loving today, but what about managing your health overall? Regular access to a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine plus infectious diseases means you can trust he has your complete health in his focus.

Come meet Dr. Christopher Foltz at Revivals Palm Springs. He will present the best current strategies for staying healthy and happy, and will take your health questions. Passed apps and drinks will be served, and seating is limited.

If you cannot join us in person, you can watch as we livestream on the Desert AIDS Project Facebook page during the event. Click here to learn more here.

D.A.P. Support Letter for SB 1021

Senator Ed Hernandez
Chair, Senate Health Committee
State Capitol Room 2191
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: SB 1021 (Wiener) – Support
As Introduced, January 29, 2018

Dear Senator Hernandez:

Desert AIDS Project is pleased to support SB 1021 (Wiener), which will ensure consumers have access to vital medications by keeping existing consumer protections on prescription drug co-pays and formulary standards. SB 1021 will continue the co-pay cap of $250 for a 30-day supply of a prescription drug that was established by AB 339 (Gordon, Chapter 619 of 2015) and set standards for tiers in drug formularies. These consumer protections will expire at the end of 2019 if SB 1021 is not passed.

Prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket. Consumers are facing price increases on everything from longtime generics used to treat common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to new treatments for chronic diseases such as hepatitis C. Before the AB 339 consumer protections were put in place, Californians with serious and chronic conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus were particularly vulnerable to higher out-of-pocket costs because high-cost specialty drugs were often placed on the highest tier of a drug formulary. Consumers often reached their out-of-pocket limit of as much as $6,000 in the first month of the plan year when filling just one of their prescriptions.

For individual and small employer coverage, AB 339 also set standards for each tier of a drug formulary to help prevent health plans from routinely placing all specialty drugs on the highest cost tier. The bill also required health plans place a drug on a tier based on standards for safety and efficacy, not just its cost. AB 339 also prohibited health plans from placing most or all of the drugs to treat a particular condition on the highest cost tier of a formulary – preventing discrimination based on a health condition.

SB 1021 will maintain these protections, ensuring that all Californians, including those living with chronic conditions, are able to afford life-saving prescription drugs. This bill will also keep co-pays affordable for consumers and maintain standards for formulary tiers, helping consumers have access to the prescriptions they need.

For these reasons, we support SB 1021 (Wiener). Please contact Carl Baker, Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs at 760-656-8482 if you have any questions about our position on this bill.

Carl Baker
Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs

cc: Members, Senate Health Committee
Senator Scott Wiener, author

SOLD OUT! Queen of the Desert 2018

2018 QUEEN OF THE DESERT!
Six drag queens compete for the title of Queen of the Desert, decided by a panel of local celebrities, while attendees vote for their Fan Favorite by donating dollar bills!

 

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW FOR QUEEN OF THE DESERT 2018

Click here to vote for Rusty Waters!

Click here to vote for Xotica Erotica!

Click here to vote for Lola-Lola!

Click here to vote for Vanity Halston!

Click here to vote for Lady Vajayjay!

Click here to vote for Mona Statseven!

EVENT DETAILS
Friday, June 1st
The Palm Springs Cultural Center (Camelot Theaters)
Palm Springs, CA
7pm to 9pm

CONTESTANT INFORMATION
The Queen of the Desert competition is limited to contestants who have pledged to raise a minimum of $1,000 each to pre-qualify. This is a “celebrity judged” competition where the focus is to have fun, entertain the crowd and raise money for Desert AIDS Project’s HIV/AIDS services. There is also Fan Favorite voting which is your opportunity to raise funds from the attendees and win Fan Favorite.

Each contestant will be asked to compete in resort wear/bathing suit and evening gown segments as well as perform.

Awards are given in the following categories:
Queen of the Desert
Fan Favorite
Best Bathing Costume
Best Performance
Best Evening Gown

Hepatitis Center of Excellence

The Hepatitis Center of Excellence, located at Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.), is designed to address a serious and growing need for Hepatitis care in the local community.  D.A.P. works in collaboration with Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) to staff the Center with Infectious Disease Physicians and Pharmacists who specialize in Hepatitis care.

Located at D.A.P.’s main campus in Palm Springs, the Hepatitis Center of Excellence delivers comprehensive, state-of-the-art expertise to manage, support and cure those afflicted with Hepatitis. Services include non-invasive diagnostic testing and staging, improved access to curative treatments, and compassionate support for the many complex issues associated with a Hepatitis diagnosis.

The Hepatitis Center of Excellence provides testing and treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV), a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, the need for liver transplants, and increased risk of death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every American born from 1945 through 1965 get a blood test for Hepatitis C.  Thanks to recent medical breakthroughs, Hepatitis C can now be cured with antiviral medication(s).

The Hepatitis Center of Excellence offers state-of-the-art Hepatitis C care delivered by Physicians and Pharmacists who specialize in Hepatitis. The DOHC model has been published and presented in State and Regional US forums.  Additionally, the agency’s own unique D.A.P. Total Care model — which holistically integrates case management, counseling, and other healthcare services – will help patients to maintain their Hepatitis C medication regimens.

For Hepatitis C information, testing, or treatment, please call the Hepatitis Center of Excellence at 760-992-0426 to schedule an appointment. 

Desert AIDS Project Offers Medical Home …

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jack Bunting, PR Specialist
Tel: (760) 656-8472
Email: [email protected]

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) announced an alliance with Sanctuary Palm Springs (SPS), a transitional residential program providing housing and independent life skills for foster youth who are 18-to-21 years old. Residents will be able to turn to D.A.P. for their medical, dental, mental health, transgender care (both medical and psychological), HIV education, drug and alcohol counseling, employment counseling and pharmacy needs.

The alliance was showcased today at a ribbon cutting at the newly remodeled SPS residence in Palm Springs, with a keynote from Mayor Robert Moon, and congratulatory addresses by city councilmember Lisa Middleton, and D.A.P. chief executive officer David Brinkman.

“This is going to really help youth at risk to get on their feet,” said Mayor Moon. “We’re so grateful for our community supporting this.”

Several community members and supporters, including the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, local media, and volunteers stood in the front yard of the home for the ribbon cutting.

Embracing the humanitarian dedication of Sanctuary SPS founders LD Thompson and David Rothmiller, D.A.P.’s David Brinkman said the two organizations were perfect to unify for this endeavor.

“Together by leveraging all the goodness standing in this front yard today,” said David Brinkman, CEO, “we will help people actualize their full potential in life.”

Sanctuary Palm Springs is the creation of filmmakers and authors David Rothmiller and LD Thompson. Their goal is to provide LGBT teens in foster care a family home environment, a place of safety and stability. A caring and professional staff provide emotional support, in addition to an emphasis on education and the arts.

“Sanctuary Palm Springs is the first program of it’s kind,” said David Rothmiller, co-founder. “While providing housing, as well as education and employment opportunities to LGBT+ youth as they prepare to leave foster care, our home is a place of safety, where these kids can be who they were meant to be.”

Palm Springs interior designer Christopher Kennedy chose many of the fixtures, lighting and accessories for Sanctuary Palm Springs. All six bedrooms also are adorned with brand new MODE furniture, provided by Revivals Stores.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com. Visit www.desertaidsproject.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

About Sanctuary Palm Springs
Sanctuary Palm Springs (SPS) is a Transitional Housing Program specifically designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community of foster youth transitioning to adulthood.

If you are 18 – 21 and are – or have been in – foster care and you would like to have a safe, welcoming home in which to successfully transition to adulthood, Sanctuary Palm Springs is the place for you.

Call us today to begin the application process. (760)766-3500. If you know someone who needs the additional support available through the THP+FC program, please share this site with them.

To find out more about Sanctuary Palm Springs, visit www.facebook.com/LGBTSanctuaryPalmSprings, www.twitter.com/sanctuaryps, and www.sanctuarypalmsprings.org to learn more.

DAP Leadership Presents Infectious Disea …

D.A.P.’s own David Morris MD and Matt Moran MSN, ANP-BC, presented their research at the prestigious Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), happening this week in Boston.

CROI brings together top clinical researchers from around the world to share important developments and best research methods in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and related infectious diseases.

CROI is a global model of collaborative science and the premier international venue for bridging basic and clinical investigation to clinical practice in the field of HIV and related viruses.

We are so proud!

31st Annual Palm Springs Black History M …

Saturday, February 24

11am-6pm (FREE)

This year’s parade will begin at Alejo and Palm Canyon Drive at 11am, and end at Arenas around noon. This year’s grand marshall is Capitol Records recording artist Alvin Taylor. From there, join us at Frances Stevens Park (Alejo Road between Indian Canyon Dr. and Palm Canyon Dr.) for performances, live music, shows, and specialty booths.

Desert AIDS Project will offer free Hepatitis C and HIV testing at the fair until 6pm.

It is estimated that approximately 4,000 residents of the Coachella Valley live with chronic Hepatitis C and half of them are unaware. This disease can be cured, and if caught in time, long term health problems from liver damage can be avoided.

Desert AIDS Project is offering free testing, as well as linkage to care. If you cannot meet us Saturday, please call for an appointment at Desert AIDS Project Hepatitis Center of Excellence at (760) 276-5097.

Undetectable = Untransmittable at The Co …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified in September that achieving viral suppression continuously for six months with antiretroviral therapy will prevent HIV transmission. But Bruce Richman, executive director of Prevention Access Campaign, had been telling people that for a while.

Come hear Richman talk about Prevention Access Campaign’s efforts to get the message out nationally about this monumental finding, and learn about what barriers still exist. He will also talk about strategies for safe loving and healthy living now that we know undetectable equals untransmittable!

The first 50 people will receive two complimentary drinks and free passed appetizers.

Community Health Educator Spotlight: Por …

Part of why I am so excited about being a Community Health Educator for Desert AIDS Project is that I get to be involved in helping spread the right kind of information to keep people healthy. I have a lifetime of personal experience in dealing with this pandemic. I am a strong advocate for the cause, and HIV has had a huge impact on my life.

I believe the key to getting to an AIDS-free generation is an education! Not only is knowledge the key, but along with giving out facts and statistics, we must also include our personal and individual stories. It is through our stories that we can make sense of all the information, and that we can UNDERSTAND and connect it to our real-life experiences.

My mother died from AIDS-related illnesses February 21, 2004, and I was born HIV positive in 1986. I am from San Bernardino, California, and there were no HIV medical specialists in my area back then. I had to be sent all the way to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. My provider’s name was Dr. Church, which I’ve always found ironic.

At the time, there were no treatments for HIV. The doctors said I would not live to be five-years-old. However, I just turned 31 December 5. Clearly, God had other plans for me.

My aunt and uncle took legal guardianship of me when I was two months old and made sure I got the care that I needed. Without them, I do not think that I would have been able to survive past my initial life expectancy. I would not have been taken care of very well at home, and definitely would not have made it to the millions of doctor appointments that I had to go to as a child.

I know that this dynamic occurs in a lot of black families as well. Grandmothers have to step up and take care of their grandchildren, or siblings have to step up to the plate and take care of their nieces and nephews due to drugs or incarceration. Fortunately for me, my family never treated me any different. I would not be as strong and independent as I am today if it was not for my family who loved me through my illness, regardless of the stigma.

I feel it is important that I include my stories when I give out facts and statistics, as an African American. Black experiences are often misrepresented in American society. It is through our personal stories that we learn the truth! Stories have the power to create social change and inspire a community.

That is precisely what I hope to accomplish at D.A.P. By sharing my own story about AIDS, along with the inspiration I get by working with the community, it is my wish that you will hear a message of hope.