February 16, 2012

meddispose Prescription drug abuse is a serious, growing problem in Riverside County and across the United States. To combat abuse and misuse of prescription medications, the Collaborating and Acting Responsibly to Ensure Safety (CARES) Alliance participants, including the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI), Project Lazarus and Covidien, and in cooperation with the Palm Springs Police Department and American Academy of Pain Medicine, are sponsoring a Drug Take-back Day on Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. They encourage Palm Springs residents to fight prescription drug abuse by safely disposing of unwanted and especially expired medicines. There are six drop-off locations (listed below). However, no sharps, liquids or gels will be accepted.

Participating Pharmacy Locations in Palm Springs:

Community, a Walgreens Pharmacy

555 S Sunrise Way

Rite Aid

366 S Palm Canyon Dr.

Rite Aid

111 S Sunrise Way

Walgreens

1700 E Vista Chino

Walgreens

2465 E Palm Canyon Dr.

Walmart

5601 E Ramon Rd.

Tuesday, March 6, 6:00 PM

A Positive Life - The Series

The next seminar in the Positive Life Series will focus on HIV and Depression and will feature Dr. Neva Chaupette. 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 the event, sponsored by Jewish Family Services of the Desert, is always free. ASL translation will be provided. Questions? Email positivelifeseries@gmail.com, or call 760-566-6POZ (6769). However, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RSVP!

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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, February 21, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MEDICATION UPDATE & LUNCHEON WITH MIKE ROY OF GILEAD

gilead Lunch starts at 11:45 AM RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or at rrtobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your quality of life through education!

Beginning Friday, March 2 through April - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Community Center Presents: Theater Improvisational Group for the Creative Writing Project for "The Poz Effect," directed by Skip Warren

Creators of the "The Poz Effect" (formerly titled "Tell Your Story") presentation are adding an improvisational component to their program. They are looking for a few committed people to join this group. Participants need to be able to walk without assistance and project their voices. Anyone who is a D.A.P. client or is living with HIV is welcome. The new members will add their own creative talents to this program, which has performed to two standing ovation previews for D.A.P. Future plans include performing for other community groups and a fully realized evening at a theater next fall (after a summer hiatus the program resumes in September). For more information contact Skip at 760.835.2492 or by email at Cletus.warren@yahoo.com.

Further improve the quality of your life through education!

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, Noon - 12:45 PM

Community Center Presents: GUIDED MEDITATION & AFFIRMATIONS

meditate

These meditation sessions use 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 Thursday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

The Latino group Amigos will now be meeting on Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30 PM in the Library. All

Hispanic/Latino clients are invited to this weekly bilingual group for support and education. The group is led by Ralph Gonzalez Jr., D.A.P. Early Intervention Specialist. Call Ralph at 760. 323.2118, ext. 703 for more information.

-hombres y mujeres están bienvenidos
-aquí puedes hablar en confianza
-no estas solo/no estas sola
-no importa tu status migratoria
platicas:
-como tener acceso a tu medicina
-como tener acceso a un doctor
-como leer tus análisis de laboratoria y mucho mas!

Join in discussion and support with the community!

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM - Movie & Pizza

Community Center Presents: LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES
February 16 - Transamerica (2005) A pre-operative male-to-female transsexual takes an unexpected journey when she learns that she fathered a son who is now a teenage runaway, hustling on the streets of New York. Directed by Duncan Tucker. Starring Felicity Huffman and Kevin Zegers.

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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Community Center Events

Tuesday, February 21, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MEDICATION UPDATE & LUNCHEON WITH MIKE ROY OF GILEAD

gilead Join us for the luncheon, which starts at 11:45 AM next Tuesday, February 21. RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or at rrtobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your quality of life through education!

Beginning Friday, March 2 through April - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Community Center Presents: Theater Improvisational Group for the Creative Writing Project for "The Poz Effect," directed by Skip Warren

Further improve the quality of your life through education!

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, Noon - 12:45 PM

Community Center Presents: GUIDED MEDITATION & AFFIRMATIONS

meditate

Lower anxiety, stress and depression!

Every Thursday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

The Latino group Amigos will now be meeting on Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30 PM in the Library. All

Join in discussion and support with the community!

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM - Movie & Pizza

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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D.A.P. & Community News

Local philanthropist Annette Bloch donates $ 1 million to D.A.P. for research and cancer center

annette3 Amid the glamour of the 2012 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, the high spot was undoubtedly when David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project, escorted Mrs. Annette Bloch (pictured) to the stage. "I was so impressed from the very first time I met the amazing group of people on staff and otherwise associated with Desert AIDS Project," said Mrs. Bloch. "The work that my late husband, Dick and I began so many years ago made me realize that I must do something to continue this important work. That's why I am creating the Annette Bloch Research and Cancer Care Center at Desert AIDS Project with a gift of one million dollars." Mrs. Bloch has long been known for her generosity in supporting cancer research in her hometown of Kansas City, and more recently with our 100 WOMEN annual giving program and as sponsor of the Pioneer Arts and Activism Award. She spoke movingly of her late husband's cancer diagnosis and the resulting commitment they made to helping other cancer patients and funding much-needed research. Brinkman expressed the gratitude felt by everyone affiliated with Desert AIDS Project: "This will allow us to broaden our base of medical care in a way we could have only dreamed about before Annette's very generous gift. With the uncertain future of ongoing government funding for AIDS programs, we rely more heavily than ever on the generosity of our donors." Click here to read the full story at the D.A.P. website. We here at DAPCAN add our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Bloch! (sb)

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D.A.P. Ryan White Client Satisfaction Surveys accepted until March 9

D.A.P. receives funding from the Ryan White program to link low-income people living with HIV/AIDS to services if they meet federally mandated eligibility criteria, and have no other insurance options. Our local Ryan White program office at the San Bernadino County Department of Public Health will be mailing out Client Satisfaction Surveys to D.A.P. clients who:

1.Have not opted out of receiving mail

2. Received any Ryan White-funded service this past program year

3.Are age 18 and over

Surveys will include a pre-paid return envelope. The survey is ANONYMOUS and OPTIONAL. Completing this survey is the client's choice. D.A.P. will never know who chose or chose not to participate. A client's eligibility for services is not affected by their choice either way. Surveys will be accepted until March 9, 2012. If you have chosen not to receive mail, printed copies will be made available shortly at D.A.P. (rv)

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New dance therapy program begins at D.A.P.

dancetherapygroup Our new Dance Therapy Group will start next week on Thursday, February 23 at 10 AM in the Zen Room (downstairs). We are excited to add this program to the many and varied groups we offer our clients. The new group will offer gentle and therapeutic methods of movement to music, connecting body, mind and spirit in healing ways. Clients with mobility issues can participate sitting in a chair or even their wheelchairs. For more information contact Ralph Gonzalez at 760.323.2118, ext. 703. (sb)

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HIV & Other Health News

Merck warns of possible interactions between protease inhibitors and hep C drug Victrelis

The hepatitis C protease inhibitor Victrelis (boceprevir) has shown some significant interactions with common Norvir (ritonavir)-boosted protease inhibitor combinations, according to preliminary data from a clinical trial. The finding prompted Merck, the maker of Victrelis, to issue a warning to health care providers on February 6. Given that approximately one third of people living with HIV are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), this could limit treatment options for some. While Victrelis has FDA approval for treatment of HCV, neither it nor Vertex's Incivek yet have official approval for treatment of HIV/HCV coinfection, as studies are still ongoing. However, some clinicians are already prescribing these drugs for patients with both viruses. If you are living with coinfection, check with your doctor about your treatment status and whether you ought to explore other options. Click here to read more. (sb)

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California's AIDS Drug Assistance Program again faces major budget threat

adapmylife People living with and at risk for HIV and the programs that they depend on were hit with severe budget cuts three years ago that eliminated state support for prevention and education, as well as many care programs. Only the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) was left intact as a result of aggressive community advocacy. ADAP provides free, life-saving prescription drugs to more than 40,000 low-income, uninsured and underinsured people in California. Now, the Governor's 2012-13 budget proposes to cut $76.8 million in state general funds from ADAP. Read more. And a 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. (jl) (sb)

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Good news: newer drugs prove longer term effectiveness for treatment veterans

If you are a long-term survivor, have experienced regimen failures over the years and worry that your options are becoming limited, take heart. New clinical studies in France prove that a regimen combining Isentress (raltegravir), Intelence (etravirine) and Norvir (ritonavir)-boosted Prezista (darunavir) has been shown to be one of the most "highly potent and durable in terms of efficacy and safety." According to the research paper published ahead of print by the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS), 88 percent of those using this regimen had undetectable viral loads after nearly two years of treatment. That is a hugely significant success rate for a clinical trial. The three drugs were FDA-approved over 2006-08 and because their clinical trials were around the same time, studies evaluating the use of all three agents together were not possible. However, because these drugs each demonstrated effectiveness against virus that had become resistant to older drugs, they are now expected to perform extremely well when used together. For more background, click here. And if you have been more recently diagnosed, click here for a good regimen checklist from the graphic above. (sb)

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Cautionary news: tenofovir may increase risk to kidneys

Tenofovir, in the form of Viread, Truvada and Atripla is one of the most commonly prescribed and effective antivirals available today. Unfortunately, a new study has suggested that long-term use of tenofovir, in any of its forms, may result in kidney damage. "Clinicians treating HIV-infected patients should recognize," said researchers, "that while traditional risk factors such as hypertension, older age, and diabetes may increase risk for kidney disease, tenofovir is associated with elevated risk even in patients without pre-existing kidney risk factors. [But] despite tenofovir's association with progressive kidney disease, it is an important component of effective antiretroviral therapy that may be required in many patients to control viral load. The balance between its efficacy and probable adverse effects requires further study." That last sentence is the one to take to your doctor. As always, DAPCAN advises readers to confer with your physician regularly about your medications, especially when any issues of side-effects or risk factors such as these become known. We will follow developments on this closely. Click here to read a summary of the study. (sb)

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Love in the age of HIV/AIDS

We are just past Valentine's Day, but love, romance and relationships are year-round concerns for all but the most jaded of us (which probably includes your editor). And as we know all too well, one's HIV status can sometimes either be a minor issue or a major problem in the success of a relationship. Fortunately, there are more resources and contacts available today than ever before for people living with HIV/AIDS to meet for casual dating or something longer term (we'll leave the quick hook-up sites to your own discretion). Click here for a roundup story about how others living with HIV deal with the challenge of romance with a retrovirus. There are surprisingly many websites designed to bring positive people together. Since most are commercial, we cannot vouch for any particular one (although POZ Personals: http://personals.poz.com is reliable and has been around a long time) but it's worthwhile to do a Google search to see what's out there. Whatever your gender or orientation, there's no longer any reason to let your health issues or even serodiscordance limit your romantic options! (sb)

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Advocacy

Just in: Washington state passes marriage equality

Democratic Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire (pictured) has signed a same-sex marriage bill into law, completing the final stage on the road to marriage equality in the Evergreen State. The bill was signed on February 13. Gregoire emotionally thanked those whose efforts helped pave the way and promised that if brought to a referendum vote in November, Washingtonians would allow the bill to pass. "We in this state stand proudly for equality," said Gregoire. "Marriage equality is right for our state and our time is now." Washington becomes the seventh state, plus the District of Columbia, to enable same-sex marriage. Not surprisingly, religious and conservative opponents have announced yet more plans to overturn the measure in Washington and other states. Click here for the full story and here for video coverage. And for a moving and surprising change of heart from Republican state representative Maureen Walsh, whose daughter is in a lesbian relationship, click here. Keep watch on Maryland and New Jersey, where similar bills are moving through the legislative process, although NJ Republican Governor Chris Christie has already promised a veto. Clearly, a lot of work remains in attaining full equality in this country. (sb)

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President's budget demonstrates strong commitment to HIV/AIDS causes, even amid Republican criticism

2013 fy budget While President Obama's budget for fiscal 2013 faces many challenges from Republicans, it does demonstrate the Administration's ongoing commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS on a worldwide basis. It requests $1.65 billion toward the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, although funds earmarked exclusively toward AIDS issues are likely to be less than in past years. It's important to remember that any president's budget is simply the next fiscal year's starting point and it is Congress that decides final appropriations. In any event, the proposal does fulfill the president's pledge to seek $4 billion over three years for the Fund. Click here to read more. (sb)

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This & That

Presidents Day 1.0: all those presidential libraries

Most of us attended grammar school classrooms in which portraits (often with dubious resemblances) of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln gazed down upon our spelling and arithmetic efforts. We learned their birthdays, February 22 and 12, respectively and celebrated with the usual cherry tree and log splitting stories, while perhaps a kid in a bad fake beard re-enacted the Emancipation Proclamation. (Your editor was forced into this role only because he was the tallest one in the third gra de.) You may not know that "Presidents Day" (February 20 this year) is not the official name of the holiday--technically, its federal designation is still "Washington's Birthday." fdrlibrary

The "president" got thrown in because of the proximity of Lincoln's day, but mostly because stores and advertisers wanted another big holiday sale weekend. Hence, by the 1980s, the moniker had stuck. In some states, the name has been made official, but not by the federal government itself. For more information about the 44 men who have defined eras, influenced public policy and been among the most discussed individuals in history, click here for a great portal to all the presidential library websites. Your editor has visited several in person--Truman's, Eisenhower's, Franklin Roosevelt's (on a beautiful site on the Hudson), Johnson's, Hoover's (which was kind of a snooze) and Kennedy's, which is architecturally superb and by far the most interesting. (JFK Library pictured above left, FDR Library above right) (sb)

Presidents Day 2.0: backstairs at the White House

While millions of tourists have trooped through the familiar state rooms (East Room and the Red, Green and Blue Rooms) of the most famous residence in the country, the rest of the White House remains something of a mystery, or at least little known to most people who have never worked or lived there. Today, several websites are devoted to opening up the Executive Mansion for all of us. Among the best is whitehousemuseum.org which has hundreds of cool photos and histories of the seldom-seen second (pictured) and third floors, the East and West Wings and colonnades, attics, sub-basements (excavated in the complete rebuilding of 1948-52) and other remote work areas. Go to the website, click on a floor, then on a room and take a tour--even of the private bedrooms and bathrooms! The official site of the White House Historical Association is worth a look as well. There is also a White House Fanatics page on Facebook. No wonder that over 200 years, so many have tried to get the lease to the place! (sb)

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Quote of the Week

"No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother. "

--Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

Resources

Tax assistance

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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) handsomecomputer

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

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)

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)

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:

For questions, comments, or unsubscribe contact us at: DAPCAN@DesertAIDSProject.org

Additional Contacts/Social Networking