The Client Community Center hosts regular activities events every week (listed below).  Community Center special events and other activities are now listed under the main D.A.P. website.  Click here for the complete list of upcoming special events. 

August 1 through September 5, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Community Center Presents:

THE WRITER'S WAY TO A BETTER YOU

Please join us in the D.A.P. Community Center for this six-week creative writing course.  Join Instructor Ted Luciani as he helps you channel your creativity through poetry and prose. Please RSVP to Ray at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org

This class is limited to 10 participants so sign up now!

Starting Friday August 12^th 10:00 - 11:30 AM 

Community Center Presents - EMOTIONAL WELLNESS GROUP

Discover the Gifts of Your Emotions and how to turn the Negatives into Positives. This group is ongoing and you may join at anytime. Curriculum will repeat at the end of each cycle. For more information please contact the group's facilitator, or just show up. Embrace your feelings! Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext 295  or via email:  rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org 

Regular Client Community Center activities include:

Letter from CEO David Brinkman

Back to top

New HIV testing hours at Indio location

Nyrza Gonzalez, D.A.P.'s Community Health Educator for our Indio office writes: "As of August 1st, we will NO longer be testing at the Indio office on MONDAYS. We will expand our testing hours on WEDNESDAYS  from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (rv)

How can we improve client services at D.A.P.?

One of the primary functions of the Client Advocacy Committee (CAC) is  monitoring  client suggestions.  Each month the committee reviews the suggestions from the lobby  boxes.  In recent months, the committee has addressed suggestions concerning Ryan White/client eligibility issues and changes in staffing at the Health Center.  If you have a suggestion or comment that you think would improve client services, CAC would like to hear from you.  Suggestion forms are available at the main reception desk and in the hallway outside the Client Community Center.  You can also address CAC at its meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM in the D.A.P. Community Center or email the CAC secretary at Cletus.Warren@yahoo.com.  (jl)

Back to top 

Anderson Cooper's roundup show on 30 years of AIDS

While this special, "Defining Moments," ran  on CNN some months ago, it's worth another look as it recounts stories from many well-known researchers, activists and celebrities about how they reacted to loved ones with AIDS, and what they have (or haven't) done to help fight the disease over the years.  Click here for links to the videos.  (sb)

Back to top 

Tell us your story

Just like you, your editors have been through it and lived to write about it.   In our ongoing series highlighting 30 years of AIDS, we've run a couple of stories on fellow survivors, one or two local, some from elsewhere.  But since we prefer to focus on D.A.P. clients, we'd like to hear from you.  What did you go through upon diagnosis, starting meds, becoming ill?  What were reactions from family, friends?  We all have our own individual stories and we'd like to run some of them here at DAPCAN.  Of course, the more unusual and instructive the better, but if you're an HIV/AIDS veteran, have worked on the front lines, or have any interesting tale to tell, we'd love to hear it and publish it.  Please email us at info@desertaidsproject.com with anything you'd like to share and a photo too!  (sb)

Back to top 

Advocate for your rights and benefits

Help defend federal programs that support people with HIV/AIDS! Services for millions of Americans, including people living with HIV/AIDS, are at risk as Congress continues to debate how to raise the debt ceiling, and reduce the federal deficit. The Ryan White Program, Medicaid and Medicare, HIV prevention, HIV/AIDS housing, Social Security, HIV/AIDS research that holds the key to ending the pandemic, and other programs that make up the safety net for vulnerable Americans are all on the line and at risk.  We need to flood Congressional phone lines NOW.  Express your views. Every call makes a difference. Tell Congress to support only fair and balanced legislation that will:

• Prevent harmful cuts and caps to federal programs and spending that could negatively impact health care and low-income programs, including those for people living with HIV/AIDS
• Maintain the government's ability to resuscitate an ailing economy and aid people in need

When you call, ask to speak to the housing or health staffer and tell them, "As your constituent, I urge you to stand up for the social and health safety net. Our nation cannot afford reckless cuts and caps to the Ryan White Program, HIV prevention, Medicaid, Medicare, and other essential services. I urge you to vote for a fair and balanced approach that includes revenues to reducing the federal deficit." The toll-free line at Capitol Hill is: 1.800.828.0498. When you reach the Capitol Switchboard, ask to be connected to your Representative's office. See below for a full roster of your elected representatives. If you have trouble getting through with the toll-free number, you can use the regular switchboard number: 1.202.224.3121. (rv)

Back to top  

Our Sponsors

The Bottom Line

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians