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DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project - Community Action Newsletter
June 9, 2011
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June: Pride Month Across the Country
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Editorial Staff | |
David Brinkman
Chief Executive Officer
Barry Dayton
Director of Marketing and Communications
Alexis Ortega
Interactive Marketing
Specialist
Rick Vila
Volunteer Co-editor
John Lewis
Volunteer Co-editor
Steve Bolerjack
Volunteer Co-editor
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| Community Center Events | |
The Community Center hosts regular activities and events every week. Special featured events are listed below. For in-depth view of other events, just click GO.
Friday, June 24, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents - INTERNATIONAL ADHERENCE CONFERENCE
 Please join us in the D.A.P. Community Center for this informative luncheon / presentation on the latest news from last month's International Adherence Conference. Lunch will be served at 11:45 courtesy of Tibotec. Please RSVP to Ed at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or escarry@desertaidsproject.org.
Stay on track!
Every Monday, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
An additional Substance Abuse group meeting has been added on Mondays, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in the Walgreen's Group Room. This new regular meeting is in addition to current Substance Abuse group meetings on Thursdays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM.
Knowledge is power!
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents - LET'S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES
Please join us in the D.A.P. Community Center for movie screenings every Thursday starting at 1:00 PM. Free pizza, salad, sweets, and drinks provided.
June 16 - TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, JULIE NEWMAR (1995)
Three drag queens travel cross-country until their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in a small town whose residents don't quite know what to make of them.
 June 23 - MOMMIE DEAREST (1981)
The best-selling memoir turned into motion picture, Mommie Dearest depicts the allegedly abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother...screen queen Joan Crawford.
Roll film!
Regular recurring Community Center activities each week include:
- Pozitively Positive
- Spiritual Living 101
- Hepatitis C Therapy Education
- Diabetes Educatiion
- Community Center Computer Lab
- Lending Library
To see the Community Services Wing calendar of support groups and events, click GO.
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D.A.P. Progress Report coincides with 30th anniversary
David Brinkman, CEO of D.A.P., recently released the Spring 2011 Progress Report that describes everything D.A.P. is currently doing to continue meeting its mission on behalf of those affected by or at-risk for HIV. It notes significant improvements in treatments and infection prevention. Brinkman also recalled how D.A.P. has been here almost from the beginning--August will mark its 27th anniversary. "I speak for everyone at the Desert AIDS Project," said Brinkman, "when I say that we would gladly walk out of this building forever with smiles on our faces--if it meant that AIDS was no longer alive in the world." He reiterated D.A.P.'s mission: care, prevention and advocacy. Click here to read the full Progress Report. (sb)
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Desert Sun publishes eloquent column by D.A.P. client/activist/writer Dan Perdios
 Longtime HIV/AIDS activist Dan Perdios has written a short but eloquent memoir about his personal journey that was published in the Desert Sun's Valley Voice column last Sunday, June 5. Dan also spoke at the D.A.P. service that same day which memorialized victims of the pandemic. Dan's frank and deeply-felt story mirrors the history of AIDS almost precisely--he first fell ill from frightening and unknown causes in 1981, the days when "GRID" and "gay bowel syndrome" preceded the term "AIDS." It's a story that will feel all too familiar to many of us living with the disease. Click here to read Dan's moving account. (sb)
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Los Angeles/West Hollywood Pride this weekend!
Since our Pride Weekend isn't until November, many of us will be heading to LA for a Pride fix and festivities this weekend, June 10 - 12. Click here for the official website and calendar of events. (sb)
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Ten things to do in Palm Springs this summer
Summer is here and while tourists may be leaving, locals can look forward to less traffic and two-for-one summer specials at our favorite restaurants. While the weather may get a little 'toasty' in the upcoming months, here are ten reasons to stick around and enjoy your summer here in the desert...and many of them are free! Click on a link for more information.
- Time Warp - Mid-summer Dance Party IV: July 23, 2011, benefiting D.A.P.
- Community Center activities at D.A.P.: Thursday movies & pizza, support groups, computer lab, Lending Library, etc...or just drop in to cool off. All free!
- Summer Film Series at the Annenberg: Thurs, Jun 2 - Sep. 1. Free!
- Palm Springs Restaurant Week: June 3 - 10, 2011. Three-course meals, $24 - $36. (Hurry, last two days!)
- Palm Springs International ShortFest and Film Market: June 21 - 27, 2011.
- Baseball and fireworks - All American Fourth of July in Palm Springs: July 4, 2011.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 60 Summer Pass - Ride all summer for $60!
- Palm Springs Certified Farmer's Market: Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Free!
- Palm Springs Villagefest: Thursday evenings, 7:00 - 10:00 PM. Free!
- Palm Springs Art Museum: Free Thursdays 4:00 - 8:00 PM and 2nd Sundays. (jl)
Enjoy your summer!
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Vacations and retreats for people with HIV/AIDS
 With summer here, many folks with chronic health issues may simply need to get away! But finding appropriate destinations and manageable activities can be complicated for people living with HIV/AIDS. Increasingly, there are more options available designed for them, from camping to cruising, from rafting to riding. Some activities are for HIV-positive folks only, which can help make socializing easier and eliminate the need to explain oneself. Click here and here for links and more information. One of our favorites is San Francisco-based Healing Waters Wilderness Adventures. Click here for its rafting/kayaking information. (sb)
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Mainstream media broadly marks 30th anniversary of AIDS
 Your editor recalls that the 10th and 20th anniversaries of AIDS were noted, but not too extensively by the mainstream media. However, this year's milestone seems a bit different: many more media outlets have featured AIDS anniversary stories. Click here for a New York Times retrospective, here for a more worldwide perspective from The Economist and here for a Colorlines report focusing on African-Americans, Hispanics and other groups. A Google search of "AIDS at 30" will return an astounding amount of coverage, which we hope leads to greater education, awareness and support. (sb)
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Short treatment for acute hep C works well in HIV-coinfection
HIV-positive men who have sex with men diagnosed with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are just as likely to clear the HCV with a 24-week course of treatment as those treated for a full 48 weeks, according to a recent report in AIDS. A new epidemic of HCV among gay men living with HIV has grown during the past ten years. It has been isolated mostly in urban areas of western Europe, the US and Australia, but now, new HCV infections are associated more often with sexual behaviors than with injection drug use. Read more here. (sb)
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Pope maintains opposition to condoms for HIV prevention
A Vatican Conference on AIDS in late May led many activists to hope for changes in the Roman Catholic Church's adamant opposition to the use of condoms in practically all situations. Last year, Pope Benedict XVI made some unprecedented, if vague statements that seemed to acknowledge the wisdom of condom usage by male prostitutes. This, combined with the fact that Catholic charities contribute significantly to worldwide AIDS care, suggested that the Church might be considering a policy change. Dr. Michel Sidibe, executive director of the United Nations AIDS Agency had strongly urged such a revision. Instead, senior Vatican officials at the conference reiterated antiquated Church policy that condemns use of condoms, even by married couples. They stated that the pope's earlier comments were "taken out of context." We here at DAPCAN are disappointed but not surprised. Click here and here for reports on the Vatican conference. (sb)
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Action alert!: Urge your senators to support increased Ryan White Program funding for fiscal year 2012
 Senators are currently in the process of submitting their FY 2012 funding priorities to the Appropriations Committee. We need as many senators as possible to request increased support for the Ryan White Program, especially for our priority areas of Part A, Part C, ADAP and the AETCs. Download the CAEAR Coalition FY 2012 Funding Request Chart here and urge your Senators to include these funding priorities in their letters to the committee. Remind your senators that:
- The need for HIV/AIDS care and treatment is growing
- The Ryan White Program works
- Ryan White-funded programs are economic engines in their communities
- State budget cuts have created an immediate funding crisis
- Requested increases authorized in legislation
See contact numbers at the end of this newsletter. Call and act now! Deadline for Senate letters is Friday, June 10!
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Office of National AIDS Policy works steadily, quietly
 On this anniversary, President Obama reiterated his administration's commitment to ending the pandemic. The White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) doesn't attract a lot of media attention (it isn't ACT-UP) but remains working quietly in the background, coordinating the various federal programs and policies designed to reduce HIV/AIDS. As a kind of central clearinghouse, ONAP's website is updated frequently and is worth bookmarking for regular reference. Director Jeffrey Crowley blogs on both national and worldwide HIV/AIDS policy matters. Click here for the ONAP site. (sb)
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National Minority AIDS Council works for people of color
You may not have heard much about the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) but the organization is committed, says director Paul Kawata, "To develop leadership within communities of color--predominantly African-American, Latino, Native American and Asian--to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.'' Kawata compiled an especially comprehensive history of the epidemic (click here to read) and NMAC's website (www.nmac.org ) is a good source of information for HIV/AIDS issues among minority communities. (sb)
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The Client Advocacy Committee wants YOU!
 The Client Advocacy Committee (CAC) at Desert AIDS Project is a group of D.A.P. clients who endeavor to help improve services to all clients through suggestions, advocacy for funding for all people with HIV/AIDS and increased education and awareness of services available to clients through D.A.P. The committee is currently seeking new members. Applications are available at the main reception desk. Potential members may also apply by attending CAC meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM in the D.A.P. Community Center or by email at Cletus.Warren@yahoo.com. (jl) Back to top |
| Medicaid expands coverage for people with HIV
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are allowing states to apply for more than 1,000 new Medicaid projects that would provide support for people living with HIV. Click here to read more. (sb)
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AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) phone numbers
ADAP for Riverside County has a new fax number. Clients may fax their verifications to the Moreno Valley office at 951.486.4434. You can also contact the County of Riverside directly at 951.486.5400 to make an ADAP appointment or ask questions regarding ADAP. (jl)
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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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"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."
--Russell Baker
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Desert AIDS Project - Community Action Newsletter (DAPCAN) presents published material, reprinted with permission, and neither endorses or opposes any material. All information contained in this newsletter, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. Always discuss treatment options with a physician who specializes in treating HIV. Publication of the name or likeness of any individual in articles in this newsletter is not to be construed as any indication of the HIV status of such individual. If you do not wish to receive this e-newsletter, please notify us by using the email address below.
For questions, comments, or unsubscribe contact us at : DAPCAN@DesertAIDSProject.org
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