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Health News Posts

Weekend Wrap Up – May 30, 2020

by Sue Lowe

Milestones Of Hope and Celebration

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 30, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

COVID-19 Triage Clinic Update

Since it opened on March 16, we’ve now marked our first 1,000 patients receiving care for their symptoms at our COVID-19 Clinic, including testing if needed. As we’ve added antibody testing, interest is skyrocketing—in just one day, we had 400 phone calls requesting appointments for this testing. We are in this for the long haul to offer relief to our area hospitals and prevent needless suffering.

Revivals is safely reopening on June 1

We can now return to one of our favorite pastimes—treasure hunting! We’ve prepared our three Revivals stores to make sure that our customers, employees, and volunteers are set up for a safe and pleasant experience, starting this weekend. 

We are requiring all who enter Revivals to wear masks to show support for everyone’s health. Stores will be sanitized every two hours, and there will be sneeze guards at registers. Hand sanitizer and social distancing reminders will be prominent throughout the stores as well. You can find out more if you watch Dane Koch, our director of retail, talk with Steve Henke below.

DAP LIVE

We’re increasing the ways we reach our neighbors throughout the Coachella Valley, to inform them about all the ways DAP can help them build resiliency and community, and to inspire them to remain engaged in their health. 

We launched DAP LIVE, a weekly three-interview online show streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. 

With Steven Henke as host, we’ll bring you conversations with people who are making a difference in our community. We think you’ll be inspired as they share some of their motivations for getting involved to make life better for others.  

In this episode we heard conversations with TV Personality Scott Nevins, DAP Director of Retail Dane Koch, and DAP Behavioral Health Manager Dr. Jill Gover.

Voices of Hope Countdown

Scott Nevins is going to help us all shake off the doldrums when he hosts “Voices of Hope: Together We Thrive”, a free, one-hour entertainment special that will broadcast across DAP’s social channels on Friday, June 5 at 7pm PT.

 “No more Debbie Downer-this is all about feeling good and celebrating life.”

We’re so thankful that when Scott asked stars like Betty Buckley and Kristen Chenoweth to be featured in the online broadcast, they committed to helping support our COVID-19 Triage Clinic immediately. You can watch Scott Nevins tell Steven Henke more in the DAP LIVE clip above. 

To learn more about the show and restaurant ideas, click here.

Revivals Volunteers Needed 

Our volunteers make up 80 percent of our Revivals workforce, but some will not be able to return during this health crisis. We support and cherish all of our volunteers, including when their safety or comfort requires them to remain home.

We are looking for volunteers to help run Revivals. The minimum time requirement is just four hours per week for the chance to help support the community we all want to create. It’s easy to find out more by clicking here.

DAP In the News

Winston Gieseke for The Desert Sun covered Voices of Hope, plus the exciting news about Revivals opening on June 1. Read more here. 

Larry Buhl for The Body covered DAP offering HIV self-testing, access to PrEP and PEP, and continuous operations throughout this health crisis. Read more here.

Hearing messages of hope all around us

by Sue Lowe

Hearing messages of hope all around us

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 23, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Voices of Hope on June 5, 7pm PT

We’re bringing our community together around a message of hope with the help of Broadway and Hollywood stars while we continue supporting our local restaurants. “Voices of Hope: Together We Thrive” is a free, one-hour entertainment special that will broadcast across DAP’s social channels on Friday, June 5 at 7pm PT.

Let Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley and about a dozen other stars entertain you in your home. Complete your experience by ordering take-out or delivery from local eateries before the show, and you’ll know you’re preserving one of this area’s finest gems—its restaurant scene.  

To learn more about the show and restaurant ideas, click here.

DAP Talks – Hearing the message of hope

You can hear this DAP Talks by clicking here.

Anxiety and depression are getting in the way of many people’s health and resiliency, especially with isolation from social distancing and sheltering in place. We started the audio series DAP Talks to give people one more way to receive the message of transformation from healers like Dr. Jill Gover. Her first audio installment is “Taking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19” and more are coming.

COVID-19 Triage Clinic Update

We saw almost 200 clients this week for antibody and diagnostic testing for COVID-19 and treatment for respiratory symptoms.

We are taking what we’ve learned so far on the frontlines fighting COVID-19, and we are sharing it with the County of Riverside as we continue partnering in this health crisis. As the County looks at an antibody program and contract tracing, the hard work from Dr. Foltz and his team will help others avoid suffering. Through this tragedy, we are working to be part of a solution.

The Coachella Valley Weekly featured our COVID-19 Triage Clinic as its cover story. You can read it here.

Gratitude for Drop-Off Donations Resuming at Revivals

It felt great being reminded of how much this community cares after the first week of contact-free donation drop-offs at all three Revivals. We put the safety of our volunteers, clients, and staff first, and changing the way we accept donations was the first step.

We’re changing the way we work so Revivals can outlive COVID-19 and carry on as this community’s favorite place to find treasures new and old. We’re looking at new ways that you will be able to ‘Find Yourself at Revivals’, whether that’s online or through contact-free curbside services like order pickup.

We’re preparing for when the city of Palm Springs and the state of California clear us to re-open. That includes being armed with effective sanitization measures and protocols, and only opening if we have confidence we can ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers, and customers.

Antibody and diagnostic testing availabl …

by Sue Lowe

Antibody and diagnostic testing available   

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 16, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Dr. Foltz In-Depth on NBC Palm Springs

Dr. Christopher Foltz talked with Gino LaMont  of NBC Palm Springs about his own journey with COVID-19 and the current race to develop treatments to save lives, harkening back to the worst days of the AIDS crisis.

Also remembered from that terrible time was the outdated U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation that still prevents gay men from donating blood.

Dr. Foltz shared his story about being turned down for donating blood to a potentially lifesaving plasma study. Gino said he cannot believe the ban is still in effect, and neither can we.

DAP In the News

Clients Increase at COVID-19 Triage Clinic

The rise in people seeking services from our COVID-19 Triage Clinic isn’t stopping. We saw about 40 clients daily this week, as testing was given to asymptomatic patients and those displaying symptoms. Our staff continues to make sure each patient knows about the behavioral and primary care they can access at DAP, not to mention more.

We’ve moved testing inside the COVID-19 Triage Clinic so that we can protect our patients and staff from the desert heat as temperatures begin to rise.

Donation trucks rolling again, drop-offs resume at all Revivals

We're getting ready to roll again - Schedule your curbside donation pick-up or enjoy contact-free donation drop-off at one of our three stores.

We opened our donation drop-off location in Palm Springs last week and will open donation drop-off sites at our Cathedral City and Palm Desert stores on May 18.

DONATE THIS WEEKEND IN PALM SPRINGS: Donation drop-off hours are Monday thru Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm -and we'll see you at our donation centers in Palm Desert and Cathedral City starting Monday.

Schedule A Pick-Up

You have a unique opportunity during this pandemic to help fund comprehensive care at Desert AIDS Project.  Just by donating the things you no longer need.  Your gently used housewares, clothing, and furniture will fund comprehensive care at DAP - care that includes primary care, therapy, COVID-19 testing, STI testing, HIV specialty care, and so much more. 

We provide a contact-free drop or pick-up off allowing safe social distancing and our driver and staff continue to wear masks. 

If you are dropping donations off at our stores;

Receipts will be available should you need one for your records.

Voices of Hope – June 5 at 7pm

We’ve always believed in joining people together for entertainment and community, and bringing it online is part of the new normal. On June 5 we’re reminding everyone that Together, We Thrive, with a one-hour star-studded streaming event that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats with top entertainment. Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley are among the show’s stars. Voices of Hope will be hosted by Scott Nevins.

Advocacy at home for the chance to defea …

by Sue Lowe

Advocacy at home for the chance to defeat a pandemic

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 9, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

DAP to FDA: Let Gay Men Donate Blood Now

This week we called upon the FDA to drop its archaic ban on gay blood donation. Recently Dr. Christopher Foltz fully recovered from COVID-19 himself, only to be blocked from participating in a groundbreaking plasma study that could help save his patients.

Since this crisis began, national supplies of blood are dangerously low and we need everyone to be able to donate. DAP views this ban as a human rights violation. No one should be denied from contributing to the wellbeing of their community in a time of crisis, including gay men.

Those suffering from COVID-19 whose lives could be saved from convalescent plasma transfusion therapy and others needing regular blood transfusions deserve to have supplies ready. Lifting this ban will save lives.

Read more about Dr. Foltz’s journey with COVID-19 and the plasma study here.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing

We announced even greater access to health by opening up asymptomatic testing to our community for COVID-19, and the response has been incredible. In just one day, our Patient Registration team scheduled 140 appointments, and more than half of them are newly enrolled patients at DAP now, able to access primary and behavioral healthcare plus much more.

Our order for 2,500 additional asymptomatic COVID-19 testing kits might be delayed due to supply chain issues. We have plenty of tests to accommodate appointments we’ve already set through May 15 for asymptomatic testing.  We are keeping in close contact with our supplier and will keep the community updated.

One Call services brought clients into care

Callers accessed One Call services by calling 760-992-0426, and they cut the amount of time it took to get enrolled in insurance or Medi-Cal through Covered California and into care at DAP by about two-thirds.

“When accessing services becomes difficult, people are more likely to give up on participating in their own health,” said C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health. “We’re not going to lose people in this community because we failed to keep them connected.” 

We also made sure that our Spanish speaking residents of the valley got this important information by working with Univision. 

Outreaching about therapy in a pandemic

Dr. Jill Gover wrote a Valley Voice column for The Desert Sun yesterday about how much your mental health matters during this health crisis, and she offered hope for building ways of coping.  You can read the column in its entirety by clicking here.

Because of you ... Desert AIDS Project's homebound and immunosuppressed patients will continue receiving care packages of nutritious meals and toiletries, DAP's frontline clinicians remain safe with proper PPE, and neighbors will be tested and treated for symptoms of COVID-19.

Together, we raised $40,000 matched by Mark Hamilton & Juan Francisco for a total of $60,000. You ordered breakfast, lunch, and dinner from local restaurants. You rallied with others all across the Valley, and the world, to ensure we all rally back stronger from the challenges of the pandemic.
WE ARE GRATEFUL.

Good mental health also vital in coronav …

by Sue Lowe

Good mental health also vital in coronavirus pandemic. A therapist can help.

COVID-19 has triggered fear and grief for many as we grapple with multiple losses. The fear of getting sick, losing one’s job, paying the bills, not being able to protect or care for elderly parents, etc., is compounded by the loss of routine, familiarity, consistency, and confidence. Uncertainty and the disruption of daily norms only increases grief and anxiety. 

Now, more than usual, most of us could benefit from the expertise provided in therapy. People need support during this very challenging time, and mental health professionals are offering the tools necessary to help people cope.

The good news is that it's easier to access therapy now, because psychologists are using Virtual Visits and teleconferences to hold therapy sessions with their clients. Waiting lists are actually dwindling, and clients are getting help.

During this unprecedented time, therapy can help us distinguish the rational from the irrational. We may not even be consciously aware of own negative thoughts and how they make our situations worse. Therapists can help us identify the erroneous negative self-talk and faulty thinking that causes so much unnecessary emotional distress. 

We are able to increase awareness of this negative self-talk that causes stress, and develop a new, more accurate and positive perspective. Therapy provides a chance for people to think deeply about their emotional well-being, and prioritize their mental health. Collaboratively with the support of a therapist, we are able to face our fears and develop action plans that will move us through the paralysis of fear to empowerment. 

More than anything, psychotherapy is a reflective process that helps us better understand our experience so we can shape positive outcomes. Right now, we all need the opportunity to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted us. It is a global, collective trauma the world has never seen in this century. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of what we’re facing, and to slide into self-destructive behaviors. 

In therapy we learn how to engage positive coping skills instead of relying on destructive, negative strategies, such as overeating, or substance use. Therapists can assist us develop solutions to reduce stress. In the safety of a therapeutic alliance, we access internal and external resources and as a result, avoid negative consequences. 

Would you like to talk to a therapist in person or virtually? Desert AIDS Project offers essential therapy from wherever you are. Our therapists are here to care for you. Call (760) 992-0450 to find out more.

Obtenga seguro médico y atención con D …

by Sue Lowe

Obtenga seguro médico y atención con DAP — En una solo una  llamada

Contacto:

Navegador de Salud

(760) 992-0426

Acceso a estos servicios para residentes del Valle que han sido despedidos

Palm Springs, CA - Mayo 6, 2020 - Desert AIDS Project (DAP) ha lanzado “One Call”, un servicio que puede inscribir a las personas que llaman a un seguro de salud o Medi-Cal a través de Covered California, registrarlas para atención médica y de salud conductual, y programar su primera cita en DAP-- todo en un tiempo aproximado de 45 minutos. Esta es una reducción significativa de tiempo a comparación de lo que normalmente tomaría, gracias a un navegador de atención médica de DAP que trabajará uno a uno con cada persona que llama. Personas pueden acceder al servicio “One Call” llamando al 760-992-0426, Lunes a Viernes 9am-4pm PDT.

DAP lanzó “One Call” en apoyo a cada trabajador del Valle de Coachella que ha perdido sus ingresos laborales, así como cualquiera que busca cuidar mejor su salud durante esta crisis de salubridad. La complejidad de acceder a la atención médica mientras se da sentido a la “nueva normalidad” puede ser abrumadora, pero DAP está ofreciendo un acceso oportuno y conveniente a servicios al eliminar gran parte de la frustración y las presunciones.

“Cuando el acceso a los servicios se vuelven difíciles, es más probable que las personas renuncien a participar en su propia salud”, dijo CJ Tobe, Director de Salud Comunitaria. “No vamos a perder personas en esta comunidad porque no hemos podido mantenerlos conectados”.

Los clientes de DAP recientemente iniciaron a conectarse y acceder a la atención en visitas virtuales a través de “MyChart” donde se comunican con sus médicos y terapeutas como una alternativa para no acudir a DAP en persona.

Accediendo a una buena atención desde donde se encuentren, los clientes están utilizando esta herramienta fácil en teléfonos inteligentes, tabletas, PC y MAC con conexión a internet y cámara web.

Get Insurance and Care with DAP — In J …

by Sue Lowe

Get Insurance and Care with DAP — In Just One Call

Contact:

Healthcare Navigator

(760) 992-0426

Accessing services quicker for Valley’s struggling and laid-off

Palm Springs, CA – May 5, 2020 – Desert AIDS Project (DAP) has launched One Call, a service that can enroll callers in health insurance or Medi-Cal through Covered California, register them for medical and behavioral healthcare, and schedule their first appointment at DAP — all in approximately 45 minutes. This is a significant reduction in the amount of time this would normally take, thanks to a DAP Healthcare Navigator who will work one-on-one with each caller.

Callers can access One Call service by calling 760-992-0426, M-F 9am – 4pm PDT.

DAP launched One Call in support of every worker in the Coachella Valley who has lost employment income, as well as anyone seeking to take better care of their health during this crisis. The complexities of accessing care while making sense of the “new normal” can be overwhelming, but DAP is offering timely and convenient access to services by removing a lot of the frustration and guesswork.

“When accessing services becomes difficult, people are more likely to give up on participating in their own health,” said C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health. “We’re not going to lose people in this community because we failed to keep them connected.”

The DAP campus is open for in-person visits. Also, many clients have started connecting and accessing care with Virtual Visits, accessed through MyChart with their doctors and therapists as an alternative to coming to DAP in person.

Accessing great care from wherever they are, clients are using this easy tool on smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs with an Internet connection and a web cam.

Asymptomatic Testing Now Available at DA …

by Sue Lowe

Asymptomatic Testing Now Available at DAP for COVID-19

Contact:

DAP COVID-19 Triage Clinic

(760) 992-0407

(Palm Springs, CA) – May 4, 2020 – The COVID-19 Triage Clinic at Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is now offering testing to asymptomatic people who want to know if they are infected or have been exposed to Coronavirus. Until now testing was limited to people showing specific symptoms, although treatment was offered for upper and lower respiratory illnesses at the Clinic to everyone.

The COVID-19 Triage Clinic does not accept walk-ins.

An appointment is still required to access COVID-19 testing at DAP by calling (760) 992-0407.

The right testing based on possible exposure

For accuracy and reliability, DAP will administer testing based on the following criteria:

Antibody testing only: Asymptomatic individuals with 1) No symptoms of a cold or flu-like illness in the last 4 weeks. 2) No Laboratory confirmed contacts to anyone who tested positive to COVID-19 in the last 4 weeks.

Antibody testing + Diagnostic (swab) testing: Asymptomatic individuals who had symptoms or a confirmed exposure within the last 4 weeks.

The DAP Infectious Disease team validated the testing approach on a control group of DAP employees and clients over more than a week. Those tested had either tested positive for COVID-19 or were likely to be negative, without prior exposure, symptoms and a negative swab test.

Dr. Foltz says that four weeks is a longer period to review for client exposure when compared to other testing sites, but data shows antibodies can take longer than expected to form, and this window increases the accuracy of the test. 

With this window, testers can make more informed decisions on whether to administer both tests, or just one.

It remains unproven if recovering from COVID-19 builds immunity.

Anyone who thinks they have COVID-19 is invited to call (760) 992-0407 for information and the opportunity to talk to DAP clinician, who will provide accurate and reliable information and offer next steps.

About the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP

DAP’s COVID-19 clinic is open to any community member experiencing symptoms, regardless of insurance coverage. With every visit to the COVID-19 Clinic, clients will be evaluated for multiple upper and lower respiratory diseases.

The process begins with a quick phone call to our COVID-19 hotline for assessment and scheduling. You must discuss your symptoms with a clinician by calling (760) 992-0407—they will advise you if you should come in for an appointment and will set it up for you.

We provide two appointment options for testing: drive-up testing or testing inside our clinic.  Your phone assessment will determine which option is right for you.

The COVID-19 Triage Clinic does not accept walk-ins.

The COVID-19 Clinic at DAP is the only clinic offering treatment for other respiratory illness that can present in a similar manner.

Treatment provided for upper and lower respiratory infections at DAP’s COVID-19 Clinic includes:

  • Oxygen Therapy for patients who have lower than normal levels
  • Nebulizer treatments to open airways and address shortness of breath
  • IV Fluids for dehydration
  • Fever control with medication
  • Community Acquired Pneumonia Treatment – Injection of antibiotics and ability to prescribe medications to our DAP Walgreens (overnight home delivery available)
  • Influenza A & B testing and treatment
  • Strep Throat testing and treatment

Location and Hours
COVID-19 Clinic at Desert AIDS Project
1695 North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs, Palm Springs, CA
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm

Before you arrive, call (760) 992-0407 to speak with a member of our care team.

Currently, 7,000 people in the Coachella Valley get primary and specialty care from DAP, plus other services like behavioral health, dentistry, wellness, and social services. Learn more at https://www.desertaidsproject.org/about-us/

Celebrating and supporting our community …

by Sue Lowe

Celebrating and supporting our community during COVID-19

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 2, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Getting Insurance and Care with DAP -- in just One Call

Starting this week, we’ve launched a service that requires just one telephone call to enroll in health insurance or Medi-Cal, as well as register for medical and behavioral healthcare at DAP.

Large numbers of people in our Valley are losing their jobs and insurance. To respond, DAP team members are shepherding callers through the insurance enrollment process - offering access to care that strengthens physical and mental resiliency.

Our team of Infectious Disease experts is on the cutting edge of the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and how to protect and treat members of our community best. I want to share feedback that shines a light on the difference our courageous healthcare workers are making.

“I just got home and the first thing I wanted to do was write you a thank you note.  I am sure this is a difficult period for everyone connected with healthcare but you are definitely a cut above. Why?  I could not get tested for COVID at local clinics and I tried twice.  You not only tested me but had me admitted to the hospital all in the same day.  Because of my serious health issues, I fear to think what might have happened to me if I had waited one day more.  For the record, I believe you saved my life and for this I am so grateful….”

Thank You For Vital PPE Donations

When we asked the community to donate badly needed PPE, we were once again shown the generous spirit that the Coachella Valley is famous for.

So far, we have received 10,000 individual pieces of PPE, such as a masks, shoe covers, and face shields. This amount of giving has touched us deeply, and it will go a long way. Our team in the COVID-19 Clinic is increasing the numbers of patients it sees and innovating ways of accommodating more.

As we brace for the continuation of this health crisis, we will continue to need donated PPE to protect our frontline healthcare workers and their patients.

#GivingTuesdayNow Next Week on May 5 

You can hear Joe Smith on NBC Palm Springs explain a little bit about the difference this year with Giving Tuesday—he will be talking to Steven Henke more in-depth this Tuesday on air.

Millions of us will be standing up, helping out, giving back, and healing on #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving planned for May 5, 2020. This people-powered event brings together humans around the world for a day of action, giving and community building.

Click Here to Learn More About How You Can Make an Impact and Give Today

Desert AIDS Project's Giving Tuesday Now efforts start right now. While DAP faces its own financial challenges related to COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring our community emerges from the pandemic stronger than ever.

Please help make a difference between now and May 5th!

Take Out. Give Back
The economic impact on our restaurant community has been especially harsh and the stimulus is not trickling down to many. Over the years, they have generated millions of dollars for our valley's causes, including DAP, so we ask you to TAKE OUT. GIVE BACK. You can help by choosing a restaurant for take-out/delivery. Let's turn the tables and support our restaurant community with breakfast, lunch, and dinner orders. 100% of your receipt goes to the restaurants. Contact them directly to place your order. For a full list of restaurants open, please visit: https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/stay-in-take-out/

Help DAP Feed Our Most Vulnerable Clients 
Many of DAP's most vulnerable clients are over 65 and/or have fragile immune systems. We are keeping them safe by delivering packaged food, fresh produce, and toiletries to their homes.

For $40.00 per person, we are able to deliver this life-sustaining nutrition. If you’re in a position to help, please consider how many of our patients you can feed. https://www.desertaidsproject.org/givingtuesdaynow/

We would greatly appreciate your support for all of these efforts in our COVID-19 Emergency Response.  

With gratitude and the hope that you too are finding your silver linings.

David Brinkman

DAP Food Program Nourished With Grant fr …

by Sue Lowe

DAP Food Program Nourished With Grant from Bank Of America

Palm Springs, CA – April 24, 2020 – As the Coronavirus creates unprecedented demand and challenges for our services, Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is deeply grateful for a $20,000 grant from Bank of America to help us provide continuous access to nutrition for our clients as we respond to COVID-19. This grant will help ensure our at-risk clients will continue receiving fresh produce and grocery vouchers from our Nutrition Program.

At a time when sources of financial support to fund healthy staples and fresh produce have dried up or remained flat due to the virus, this grant from Bank of America greatly supports DAP’s commitment to providing hunger relief in our community – providing approximately 30,000 meals to clients of DAP who are eligible for food distribution and grocery vouchers.

DAP was awarded this grant because it is working on the frontlines of the pandemic in our community, and the array of wrap-around services DAP offers its clients.

“DAP is thankful to Bank of America for supporting our programs that build community health through good nutrition in this crisis,” said Zayda Welden, director of Social Services. “Uninterrupted access to fresh produce and groceries means that our clients who are most at-risk can worry less about the basics, thanks to this kind help.”

Bank of America recently announced a $100 million commitment in support of communities facing unprecedented challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Now more than ever, we need to take care of one another. Thanks to the responsive leadership of incredible Coachella Valley nonprofits like Desert AIDS Project, we can together help address this health and humanitarian crisis,” said Al Arguello, Inland Empire market president, Bank of America.

By providing a comprehensive continuum of healthcare and social services, including Nutrition Services to support retention in care and adherence to medical treatment, DAP keeps clients connected to medical care, despite existing barriers or challenges that may arise.

Hurdles Accessing Enough Food

Food Insecurity is an economic or social indicator of the health of the community with a direct correlation to poverty levels and poor health outcomes. At least 50% of our clients receive Supplementary Security Income, based on disability, which renders them ineligible for the CalFresh food "stamp" program. Other clients who are eligible for Cal-Fresh receive $16-$30 per month; amounts that are insufficient to fully alleviate food insecurity. Since DAP's founding, food assistance has been a vital component of our integrated approach to service delivery, based on the Chronic Care Model, a system of care that emphasizes patient self-management skills, and the Patient-Centered Medical Home model, which facilitates partnerships between patients and their healthcare providers.

About Our Clients

DAP serves vulnerable low-Income persons and families living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level inclusive of all races, ethnicities, gender orientation, and sexual identity, in addition to low-income people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Over one-third of DAP's patients/clients who are living with HIV are aged 50 years and older. DAP is well aware of the needs of clients and patients confronted by numerous complications of surviving long-term with HIV, including subsisting on fixed incomes.

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP 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. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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