• Sexual Wellness Services

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

Surge Warning: Heightened COVID-19 Aware …

Surge Warning: Heightened COVID-19 Awareness Required

COVID-19 Surge Means Vigilance Must Be Top Of Mind

The Coachella Valley is experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 infections, especially in the Eastern portion of the County, which accounts for half of all cases. A serious surge is happening throughout our state.

All people in California are now required by law to wear face coverings in most public indoor settings, plus in other situations where exposure is likely. Examples include waiting in line outside, using public transportation, and working with the public. For more guidelines from California Department of Public Health, click here.

Wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing are making all the difference in preventing new infections. It is extremely important that everyone take heightened measures to protect themselves and others.

By mid June, we surpassed 1,560 clients receiving care at our COVID-19 Clinic since opening in March, and we continue to see numbers rise as more people seek testing and consultations. Our staff are receiving as many as 400 calls per day for information and appointments.

We’re adding a new swab test to our protocol, and it will enable us to serve even more people in our community during this crisis, in less time, and with a lot less discomfort.

The more testing and services DAP can offer means fewer people in our community will have to be hospitalized for this virus. It will also require everyone doing their part to keep themselves and others safe.

Please read our COVID-19 Q&A for regularly update information. Call the COVID-19 Hotline (760) 992-0407 if you’d like to talk to someone about staying safe, or coming in for testing.

Surge Warning, plus Civil Rights Wins an …

Surge Warning, plus Civil Rights Wins and Challenges

Weekend Wrap Message - Friday, June 19 From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

COVID-19 Surge Means Vigilance Must Be Top Of Mind

The Coachella Valley is experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 infections, especially in the Eastern portion of the County, which accounts for half of all cases.

Wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing are making all the difference in preventing new infections. We urge everyone to take heightened measures to protect themselves and others as we begin this Father’s Day weekend.

This week we surpassed 1,560 clients receiving care at our COVID-19 Clinic since opening in March, and we continue to see numbers rise as more people seek testing and consultations. Our staff are receiving as many as 400 calls per day for information and appointments.

We’re adding a new swab test to our protocol, and it will enable us to serve even more people in our community during this crisis, in less time, and with a lot less discomfort. The more testing and services DAP can offer means fewer people in our community will have to be hospitalized for this virus.

Please read our COVID-19 Q&A for information. Please call the hotline (760) 992-0407 if you’d like to talk to someone.


Unexpected Justice: Supreme Court Protects LGBTQ Rights to Work

It was a landmark day for LGBTQ equality and our community when the United States Supreme Court codified our civil rights in places of employment this week. This changes the world and it provides the leadership that the United States should be and can be known for. We still have plenty of work to do. Health and Human Services has also rolled back civil rights for transgender Americans accessing healthcare through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).


Transgender Care Program at DAP Is Here For You

The news about HHS removing ACA nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people for health care and insurance does not affect access to care and services at DAP. Anyone can still access Transgender Care at DAP. Thanks to our own state’s insurance practices and civil rights law, LGBTQ people remain protected. Call (760) 323-2118 or email [email protected] for more information.


Rejoicing With Dreamers

DAP stands with DACA recipients locally and across the U.S. We welcome this week’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). We acknowledge their ongoing contributions to this community and our nation, and we remain committed to supporting them as they make good on their own life dreams.


Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is the oldest commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Desert AIDS Project continues to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the peaceful protests which continue to energize the movement around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in healthcare access in the United States. CDC data shows that the death rates among Black people are much higher than for white people, in all age categories. Read more here.


VOICES OF HOPE - Together, We Thrive – Happening TONIGHT

We invite you to join us at 7:00pm tonight (Fri Jun 19) for this star-studded event livestreaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Co-produced and hosted by TV Personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins, VOICES OF HOPE features some of the biggest names from Broadway and Hollywood. Find out more here.

DAP Celebrates Juneteenth

DAP Celebrates Juneteenth

Friday is Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Desert AIDS Project continues to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the peaceful protests which continue to energize the movement around the world.

"Juneteenth is an opportunity to commemorate the contributions of Black individuals who have inspired, guided, and driven our work at DAP, but also to recommit to our mission of ensuring everyone has access to healthcare information, testing, and treatment," said Desert AIDS Project CEO David Brinkman.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in healthcare access in the United States. CDC data shows that the death rates among Black people are much higher than for white people, in all age categories.

According to CDC data, Black Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV, compared to other races and ethnicities. In 2018, Black Americans accounted for 13% of the US population, but 42% of the 37,832 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas.

On Friday, digital marquee signs at DAP on the corner of Sunrise and Vista Chino, and at Revivals Cathedral City store located on Hwy 111, will recognize the day by displaying the emancipation flag.

Additionally, DAP will be using its social media platforms to educate its followers about the meaning of Juneteeth as we continue our work to end systemic poverty via nutrition, housing, and police safety.

Revivals Stores will be encouraging its shoppers to explore the rich variety of Black-owned businesses in Greater Palm Springs. https://www.pslocalsonly.com/

Further, to engage our employees, there will be a special all-staff virtual gathering on Friday to reflect upon and discuss the importance of Juneteenth’s historic and current significance.

Yesterday, DAP joined Human Rights Campaign and 350 LGBTQ organizations united in calling for transformational change in policing. The letter reads in part, "We cannot sit on the sidelines, we cannot acquiesce, and we cannot assign responsibility to others. We, as leaders in the LGBTQ movement, must rise up and call for structural change…” You can read the full letter here.

And, most importantly, DAP continues to listen to persons of color in the community in which we serve to learn how DAP can become a stronger ally and co-worker in the movement to end racism.