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DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project - Community Action Newsletter
January 26, 2012
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A Reminder that D.A.P. Serves
the Entire Desert Cities Area! |
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Editorial Staff
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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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Tuesday, February 7, 6:00 PM
A Positive Life - The Series
 The next seminar in the Positive Life Series will feature new Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment options. Speakers will include Dr. David Wyles, (UCSD) and Tracy Swan from Treatment Action Group (T.A.G.). A light supper will be served at 6:00 PM, and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. The location is the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center (at the corner of Tachevah and Via Miraleste in Palm Springs), and is always free. ASL translation will be provided. Please email or call Jeff Taylor at jefftaylorps@gmail.com, or 760.835.1926, with any questions. However, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RSVP! Get out your tuxes and gowns! Drawing for tickets to Steve Chase Gala!
For 17 years the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala has raised millions of dollars for direct client services at the Desert AIDS Project. This year, ten free tickets to the Gala will be available in a drawing to be held at D.A.P. on February 6! See above for instructions on how to enter. If you can buy a ticket, great. If not, try your luck in our drawing! The Gala itself will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 PM. This year's Gala host is the incorrigible Joan Rivers, with performances by Queen Latifah, Wynona Judd, Megan Mullally and David Burnham. Click here for more information and tickets. (sb)
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| Community Center Events | |
The Client Community Center hosts regular activities and events every week (listed below). Community Center special events and other activities can now be found on the main D.A.P. website. Click here for the complete list of upcoming special events.
Tuesday, January 31, Noon - 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents: DR. STEWART B. FLEISHMAN
Cancer specialist Dr. Stewart Fleishman will present his book
Learn to Live Through Cancer: What you Need to Know and Do.
It introduces the "LEARN SYSTEM" and promotes healing from the start of cancer treatment. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. RSVP to
Improve your quality of life through education!
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, Noon - 12:45 PM
Community Center Presents: GUIDED MEDITATION & AFFIRMATIONS
New sessions using guided imagery and affirmations as narrated by Belleruth Naparstek. You'll gain deeper relaxation, healing and wellness. Just show up to the Meditation Room on designated days and time.
Lower anxiety, stress, and depression!
Every Friday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Community Center Presents: EMOTIONAL WELLNESS GROUP  Discover the gifts of your emotions and how to turn 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. Ray Robertson @ (760) 323-2118 ext: 295; rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Embrace your feelings!
Second and Fouth Monday Every Month, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Community Center Presents: SPIRITUAL LIVING 101
 The D.A.P. Community Center in the DHD Room is the new location for this spiritual support group, facilitated by Stefen. The group meets to empower people and celebrate the fullest expressions of spirituality in daily living. For more information please contact Stefen at 760.856.0886.
We honor truth!
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM - Movie & Pizza
Community Center Presents: LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES
Thursday, February 2 - The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
 This remake of the classic 1962 Cold War-era political thriller is directed by Jonathan Demme, who also directed Silence of the Lambs. In this updated version, soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed for sinister purposes during the Gulf War, but "everything is under control!" Starring Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep and Live Schreiber.
Come out for a good flick!
Ongoing Client Community Center activities include:
- Support groups
- Spiritual Living 101
- Hepatitis C Therapy Education
- Diabetes Education
- Stitch in Time (needlecraft), Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
- Community Center Computer Lab
- Lending Library
- Free films, Thursdays, 1:00 PM
Follow this link to see the recurring activities on the Community Center Calendar.
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The Client Advocacy Committee needs your input
 The Client Advocacy Committee (CAC) needs volunteers for several new focus groups to help improve D.A.P. client services: Group 1: Clients who have only been served by D.A.P.
Group 2: Clients served by other HIV service provider(s) prior to coming to D.A.P.
Group 3: Women clients
Group 4: Minorities/People of color
also looking for additional members. Apply at D.A.P. or contact cletus.warren@yahoo.com. Meetings are second Tuesdays of each month at 2:00 PM in the Community Center.
The Client Advocacy Committee is made up of D.A.P. clients who endeavor to: --Help D.A.P. improve their services to clients through client suggestions and comments;
--Advocate for funding for all people with HIV/AIDS;
--Educate and increase awareness of services offered to clients through D.A.P.
Comment cards are available in the hallway at D.A.P. and at the front desk. All cards with contact information will be responded to. If the card is a grievance, it is given directly to staff to be dealt with in a formal grievance procedure.
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Good news: Complera approved as latest once-daily, all-in-one pill
 Until recently, Atripla was the only one-pill-a-day antiviral therapy drug available. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved Complera as the latest single dose alternative. Complera is three drugs in one (rilpivirine + tenofovir + emtricitabine) or one NNRTI (non-nuke) and two NRTIs (nukes). For anyone contemplating changes in your medication regimen, it's wise to discuss the latest new drugs with your doctor to see if one might be right for you. Who wouldn't like to lessen their daily pill load?! Click here for more about Complera. (sb) |
HIV and the porn industry: Los Angeles City Council takes action
 Last week, the Los Angeles City Council approved a measure to require performers in pornographic films--both straight and gay--to use condoms to help reduce HIV transmission within what is now a multi-billion dollar, highly sophisticated industry. Adult filmmakers now must comply with the new law in order to obtain shooting permits. They will also have to pay fees to fund enforcement and surprise inspections. The bill passed in a 9-to-1 vote. Not surprisingly, reaction has varied widely. AIDS community healthcare providers and advocates applaud the measure while adult filmmakers and some of their viewers are less enthusiastic. Click here for some contrasting commentary. (sb)
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More good news: fatty acids lower triglycerides in HIV positive people
 Sky-high cholesterol and triglycerides are often a side effect of long-term antiviral therapy, and can lead to all sorts of cardiovascular risks. A new study proves that short-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduces triglyceride levels in patients with HIV. It did not prove, however, that cholesterol levels are reduced even though omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have long thought to be "healthy fats" that can lower cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease over time. Nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fish oils are rich sources of such fatty acids. Read more here. (sb)
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Keep an eye: Viral load key factor in risk of infection
 It may sound obvious, but researchers have been hard pressed to get good data. Now, a new study confirms that HIV-RNA levels are the most significant factor predicting risk of HIV transmission to a sexual partner, according to a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Other factors such as circumcision, CD4 count, STDs and other factors have all been shown to contribute to risk, but this study seems to confirm that viral load is the most significant risk factor--the higher, the more likely infection becomes. This study also confirmed that prophylactic use of acyclovir has no effect in preventing HIV infection, as once theorized. This is important news for both heterosexual and homosexual serodiscordant couples or partners, and all the more reason to keep close track of viral load if you are sexually active. Click here for more information. (sb)
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Federal government increases focus on HIV aging issues
 Demographics are increasingly influencing federal agencies that address HIV/AIDS. Greater survival rates and passage of time have clearly demonstrated the need to address aging with HIV as a distinct category of overall HIV/AIDS policy and research. In the past few weeks, various agencies have announced or scheduled a variety of meetings, studies and public policy initiatives to better deal with an aging HIV community. Click here for a list of encouraging activities going on at the federal level. How things have changed since the Reagan Administration, when no one in government would publicly utter the word "AIDS."! (sb)Back to top |
Scam alert! Bogus internet site solicits personal information for Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are warning the public that a new internet site has been created to look like a government site and claims to collect information for the federally sponsored Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT SITE; NO ONE SHOULD PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION TO THIS SITE! The legitimate government website is www.pcip.gov. This is the only website you should visit to learn more about this program. There is also a phone number: 866.717.5826. Under the Federal Affordable Care Act of 2010, California has a contract with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to establish a federally-funded high risk pool program to provide health coverage for eligible individuals. The program will last until December 31, 2013, when the national health reform is set to begin. After that date, there will no longer be a need for high risk pools because federal rules will not allow insurers to reject persons with pre-existing conditions or charge them higher rates than those without such conditions. In California, the plan is the California Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). It offers health coverage to medically-uninsurable individuals who live in California who have had no health coverage in the last six months. This Plan provides the following: --Covers a broad range of health benefits. --Does not charge a higher premium due to a medical condition. --Does not base eligibility on income.If you feel you have been contacted by false sources or bogus emails, please report it to the Office of Deputy District Attorney for Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protection in San Diego at 909.387.6533 or by email at tsvare@sbcda.org.
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Strange but true: laughing about HIV
 After living with HIV for years, few of us have gotten many grins out of it, but every so often one runs across conversations that just take the cake. Click here for some outlandish misconceptions about the virus (warning: vivid language!) And click here for a video of comedian Sarah Silverman's offbeat experience in taking an HIV test. A little dark humor perhaps, but sometimes you just gotta laugh! (sb)
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Want healthy, easy cooking in winter? Dust off your crock pot!
Your editor can attest that it was largely a crock pot that got him through college, many days of illness and long stretches of his later adult life. Absolutely forced to cook for himself, he found that chopping up a few meat/ vegetable things, splashing in something liquid and shaking a few spices over a single pot, flipping a switch...then later finding the whole concoction done, edible, even tasty and fragrant, was key to avoiding starvation. The humble, inexpensive crock pot is a mid-twentieth century derivation of the classic Dutch oven, a cast iron or ceramic deep, covered pot that has been used for centuries. Crock pots can cook nearly anything, and are especially good for hearty, nutritious stews, soups and chili dishes during colder weather. And they're great if cooking is a chore or even difficult for people with health and nutrition issues. Click here for simple Food.com recipes and here for Eating Well's list of healthy and easy slow cooker recipes that are perfect for supper on chilly nights. (sb) Back to top |
Election Year Quote of the Week
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"Strongly guarded as is the separation between Religion & Govt in the Constitution of the United States, the danger of encroachment by Ecclesiastical Bodies may be illustrated by precedents already furnished in their short history." President James Madison, 1811
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The LGBT Center of Palm Springs: Not just for seniors any more
 The Golden Rainbow Senior Center is now The LGBT Center of Palm Springs, aka, The Center. The mission of The Center is to enrich the lives of the LGBT community. A thriving, community-based organization, the Center provides a safe and supportive environment for members to enjoy health, wellness, educational and social programs, where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The Center advances its mission through senior programming, a clinical counseling and internship program, a weekly food bank, extensive social and recreational offerings, a free community cyber center, a growing volunteer program and periodic special events in the community. They also offer day trips, computer classes, exercise classes, support groups, and more. (Your editor is currently enrolled in a Beginning Spanish class!) For more information, visit the website. (jl)
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D.A.P. Resources: website and toll-free number
Remember that the Desert AIDS Project toll-free phone number is always available at 866.331.3344, as is the website at www.desertaidsproject.org. (jl)
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DAPCAN archives now available online
 Do you need to take another look at something you read in DAPCAN last month only to find that you already deleted the issue from your inbox? Now you can find past DAPCAN issues online by clicking this link. As always, you can also read the most current edition of DAPCAN on the D.A.P. website by visiting www.desertaidsproject.org/newsletter. (jl)
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Medically Indigent Services Program (MISP)
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
For those who qualify, medical care and help paying for your medications are available through the MISP and ADAP programs. You can find out if you qualify by scheduling an appointment by calling the numbers below. You can schedule your MISP and ADAP appointments together for Moreno Valley office ONLY. If you qualify for ADAP only, there is a local ADAP office right here at Desert AIDS Project. Specify the Palm Springs office when you call to make your appointment. Here are the numbers:
877.501.5085 - toll free
951.486.5375 - English
951.486.5400 - Spanish
951.486.4635 - fax
***NEW YEAR REMINDER!: Your annual appointments to continue qualifying for ADAP are usually scheduled on or before your birthdate. Avoid risking loss of coverage and long call hold times. Don't let the date creep up on you without making an appointment! The earlier you call, the better. (sb)
NOTICE: Faxed MISP applications can get lost in the process. Most persons who have faxed their application have had to re-apply later. It's best to apply in person in Moreno Valley, and get a "receipt of application", and use that as proof that you applied to avoid any uninterrupted services with your DAP medical doctor visits. (rv) (jl)
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ADAP may pay Medicare Part D premium
ADAP-eligible clients who have to purchase Part D prescription drug coverage may qualify to have their Part D premium paid by the State of California. Follow this link to the Part D Premium Payment Program Application. You can also call the State of California at 916.449.5900 for more information. (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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To contact state and federal officials click on name:
President Barack Obama
Senator Diane Feinstein
Senator Barbara Boxer
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
Congressman Jerry Lewis
Governor Jerry Brown
State Senator Bill Emmerson
State Senator Juan Vargas
Assembly member Brian Nestande
Assembly member Manual Perez
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:
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Additional Contacts/Social Networking
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