Tuesday, March 6, 6:00 PM 

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! 

Thursday, April 26, breakfast, lunch & dinner 

Dining Out for Life 

You can support HIV/AIDS services at Desert AIDS Project simply by dining out at any of the Dining Out for Life participating restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley!  Follow this link for more information and a list of participating restaurants. (jl)

The D.A.P. 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, March 6   12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents - Monica Lopez from:  

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

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!    

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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM - Movie & Pizza 

Community Center Presents: LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES    

March 8 - Minority Report (2002)

In a future where a special police unit is able to arrest murderers before they commit their crimes, an officer from that unit is himself accused of...   

Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell.

Come out for a good flick!    

 

According to a recent research paper, people living with HIV and not being treated for it are more likely to experience a fracture related to frail bones.  The report's findings, notably that tenofovir (found in Viread, Truvada, Atripla and Complera) is associated with a reduced risk of bone fracture and that protease inhibitors have little effects on the risk one way or the other, are at odds with other recent papers. In addition to studies noting higher rates of osteopenia (mild/moderate bone mineral loss) and osteoporosis (significant bone mineral loss) among people living with HIV using these drugs, increased rates of wrist, back and hip fractures have also been observed. 

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Central fat accumulation is associated with an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment for HIV-positive patients, according to a study published in the February edition of Neurology. Overall 40% of patients in the study were diagnosed with impairment and increased waist circumference was a significant risk factor. Diabetes was also a factor, but only for patients aged 55 and over.   Read more here. (jl) 

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Everyone should have a plan for what to do during an emergency, and be prepared. But people living with HIV/AIDS have special considerations to think about. For example, if you are living with HIV/AIDS, a natural disaster or other emergency may make it harder for you to take your HIV medications or have access to your health care providers or your pharmacy. To avoid interruptions in HIV treatment or access to medications, you should always have a 10-14 day supply of all your medications on hand. AIDS.gov offers this and other helpful information and resources to help you survive an emergency.  Read more here. (jl)  

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If you rely on sleeping pills to fall asleep, you could be putting your health at risk, a new study suggests. Research  shows that people who take 18 or fewer sleeping pills per year have a 3.5 times higher risk of dying, compared with people who don't take the pills.  And the effect seems to be even higher with the more pills you take!  Read more here. (jl)  

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Tell US Attorney don't unfairly prosecute AIDS Activists! 

On April 11, 2011 a group of activists were arrested protesting Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor's plans to slash AIDS funding and ban the funding of needle exchange in the District of Columbia.  That same day, Washington, DC Mayor and several City Council members were also arrested in a separate demonstration protesting these same policy "riders" in the Republican budget. But they received very different treatment-the Mayor and friends were released with $50 fines. However, the AIDS activists are being prosecuted by President Obama's US Attorney on charges that could carry up to 6 months in jail!  Court documents allege they did nothing more than sat down near Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office and refuse to stop chanting. But now these activists are being unfairly prosecuted and required to submit to drug tests-a policy that unfairly impacts people living with AIDS and other diseases.  Tell the US Attorney to drop the charges and end the policy of demanding drug testing for non-violent activists! Sign the petition!  (jl)

Tell Gilead to reduce the cost of HIV medications now! 

Since 2009, Gilead has raised prices three times each for Viread and Truvada for a total of 22.1% and 24.5% respectively; twice for Emtriva for a total of 15.3%, agreed to four price increases for Atripla, totaling 21%, and agreed to a 7.3% price increase for Complera. These increases are dramatically higher than the rate of inflation. They also come at a time when many people with HIV have lost their jobs, their employer-based insurance coverage and, in many instances, their ADAP coverage, all resulting in desperate patients attempting to access HIV drugs on the open market, a market plagued with constantly increasing drug prices. Tell Gilead that now is the time to reconsider its pricing policy and rescind its latest unreasonable price increases.  Sign the petition. (jl)

Porn industry may leave Los Angeles over new condom law 

According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, the nation's pornographic film industry found a happy, largely accepting home in Los Angeles.  Producers operated lucrative businesses in anonymous office parks in the San Fernando Valley. Available in the city were a steady supply of actors and film production talent as well as opulent mansions that often served as theatrical backdrops. By one estimate, at least 5% of on-location shoots were for adult films.  But this coexistence has been suddenly shaken by sweeping health regulations that, starting March 5, will require porn performers to wear condoms while on location.  Read more here. (jl)

In-N-Out Burger coming to downtown Cathedral City

Your dreams of getting a Double-Double and fries here in town are coming true!  In-N-Out Burger restaurant officials have indicated that they intend to move into the Marketplace at 111 shopping center near the Mary Pickford and Desert IMAX theaters.  It's the first confirmed tenant for the 23-acre development north of East Palm Canyon Drive, between Monty Hall and Date Palm drives.  Unfortunately, construction hasn't yet started, so don't get your heart set on enjoying this treat anytime in the near future! (jl)

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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Medically Indigent Services Program  (MISP) 

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

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)

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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