There are special events happening in the Community Center each week. 

For an in depth view,  just click GO

"The Adonis Factor" film premiere & cast reception

Chiseled bodies, flawless skin, sculpted jawlines.  At a time when popular culture objectifies men more than ever, it's hard for them to avoid the pressure to possess such physical traits. "The Adonis Factor" takes viewers on an eye-opening journey through circuit parties, gay porn, and avant-garde fashion photo shoots, all of which promote their own kinds of idealized physiques.  By capturing a diverse range of voices  - from those who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of mainstream male beauty, to those who openly spurn it "The Adonis Factor" ultimately poses the question: does a man's fixation on body image make him any happier?  With interviews and filming locations in Palm Springs!  Join us on Sunday, December 19 at 2:30 for a screening, plus Q& A, at the Annenburg Theater, followed by a cast reception at Trio Restaurant... all for only $20.00! GO  (jl) 

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The Client Advocacy Committee is re-organizing and expanding its role!

The Client Advocacy Committee traditionally acts as the liaison between Desert AIDS Project clients and staff by reviewing client questions, comments, and suggestions and addressing them with the agency.  In the past, the committee has assisted with the implementation of client suggestions, including the creation of the Dental Clinic and the Medical Clinic waiting room.  The committee is now expanding its role to act as the liaison between clients and elected officials by interacting with members of our State Assembly, Congress, and the Inland Empire HIV Planning Council.  However, in order to continue functioning, the committee needs to recruit at least six (6) new members.

• Would you like to have a voice in the client/agency relationship at D.A.P.?
• Do you have ideas about how to improve the client experience?  
• Do you have suggestions about new or existing programs or services offered at D.A.P.?
• Would you like to communicate with our elected officials about the importance of HIV/AIDS funding?

There will be a committee reorganization and member recruitment meeting on January 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM for clients interested in continuing the important work of the committee.  This is an opportunity for you to have a voice in creating the type of committee that YOU think best serves clients and to create positive change at Desert AIDS Project.  If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still submit an application to join the committee.  Applications are available online or at the D.A.P. front reception desk. (jl)

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Desert AIDS Project has created a Special Events Information Line.  Now you can call 760.969.4514 to get recorded information about upcoming special events happening at D.A.P.!  The message will be updated every Friday and will include information on events scheduled for the upcoming week(s).  As always, you can also read about upcoming events in DAPCAN or visit the D.A.P. website. (jl)

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U.S. House increases ADAP funding by $60 million

In a significant victory for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved an additional $60 million for the financially struggling AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in fiscal year 2011.  The increased funding was included in the bill that funds all federal programs for next year basically at existing levels, except in some minor instances.  It is now up to the Senate to approve, the spending bill, and forward it to the President for his immediate signature. GO  (jl)

HIV and Women

AIDSmap.com has prepared a new informational booklet about HIV and women.  Whether you are newly diagnosed with HIV, or have been living with HIV for a long time, the information provided is to help answer your questions on living well with the virus, and on talking to your doctor and others involved in your health care. The booklet includes information on some of the day-to-day issues involved in living with HIV, as well as information on HIV treatment, sexual health, contraception and pregnancy. GO  (jl)

APLA opens in West Hollywood

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) launched services at its newest site this week, in the eastern section of the city. APLA's site will offer a range of HIV/AIDS-related programming six days per week, along with a meeting space available to other community groups. The new site, at 7530 Santa Monica Boulevard, will offer on-location mental health services (including weekly support group sessions and individual therapy with licensed clinicians); public benefits counseling; a weekly group for crystal meth users; and assistance with enrollment in the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which offers free medications for people living with HIV/AIDS. GO  (jl)

Social Security Disability: Will recommended qualification changes help or hinder access to services?

In 2009, the Social Security Administration (SSA) asked the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine (IOM) to establish the Committee on Social Security HIV Disability Criteria--made up of experts in the field of HIV care, including leading clinicians and community advocates--to recommend updates to the agency's disability benefits criteria for people living with HIV. IOM's report was released in draft form and is on its way to SSA for review.  Not everyone who has seen the report is thrilled with its recommendations, however. Though it is now clear that the IOM recommendations are only intended for new SSA disability applicants there are concerns about how these new criteria will affect new applicants who might come to depend on disability status, not only for income, but also health care and other supportive services. GO (jl)

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