April 26, 2012

The next seminar in the Positive Life Series will feature speaker Ruben Gamundi discussing HIV and cardiovascular health. 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! The following Positive Life Series seminar will be on Tuesday, June 5th and feature Dr. Rick Loftus. (jl)

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D.A.P. Community Center Events

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

Community Center Presents - SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES!

If you are ready to give up your nicotine addiction, this may be the help, direction, and support you have been looking for! There are no scare tactics, patches, or drugs involved. Just safe and healthy techniques, and positive support as you finally leave behind this expensive and unhealthy habit! The first classes started in mid February, with eight participants. Out of that eight, five have managed to stop smoking and have not resumed! IT CAN BE DONE! Call now and sign up for the next classes. We will start them when we have at least eight enrolled. Facilitated by D.A.P.'s Ray Robertson, Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist. Call or email (760) 323-2118 ext. 295 or rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org and FINALLY KICK THE HABIT! (rv)

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA
Thursday, May 3 - Pay It Forward (2000)

With Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, Jay Mohr. A young boy attempts to make the world a better place. Let's all go to a good flick!

Ongoing Client Community Center activities include:

Support groups
Spiritual Living 101
Hepatitis C Therapy Education
Diabetes Education
Stitch in Time (needlecraft)
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

Misuse of neti pots can be deadly

In 2011, two people died of brain infections after using unboiled tap water instead of sterile water in their neti pots. Those deaths from the amoeba-borne infection, Naegleria fowleri, caused health officials to advise that while tap water is safe to drink, it's not safe for irrigating nasal passages. Use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water for your irrigation solution, and also make sure to clean your neti pot regularly with an anti-bacterial soap, letting it thoroughly dry before use. (rv)

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Pathways to Health and Well-Being HIV Conference coming to Palm Springs

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy has informed recent changes in the State of California's HIV prevention and education priorities to focus on linking newly diagnosed individuals with care, making HIV testing part of routine medical care, re-connecting individuals who have fallen out of care, and supporting medication adherence programs. On Wednesday June 27th, National HIV Testing Day, the Pathways to Health and Well-Being HIV Conference will address these changes as well as provide an exciting program of nine breakout sessions targeted to those infected with HIV, their caregivers, family and friends. The Pathways to Health and Well-Being conference is a collaboration between the County of Riverside departments of Public Health and Mental Health, Desert AIDS Project, and other community-based organizations. The conference will provide the latest information on such topics as Treatment as Prevention, Hepatitis and HIV Co-Infections, HIV & Holistic Health, HIV & Aging and much more. The goal of the conference is encourage all individuals to know their HIV status, and to empower those living with HIV to become better advocates for their own health, stay connected with care, and optimize their health and well-being. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. The conference, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, begins at 9:00 AM and will run until 3:30 PM. Spanish translation services will be available. Free lunch will be provided. There will be drawings for door prizes at the conclusion of the conference. Anyone wishing to learn more about HIV/AIDS is welcome to attend the conference. Free and confidential HIV testing - with results in about 20 minutes - and "HIV 101" sessions will be offered. In addition, a Resource Room staffed with eligibility workers and early intervention counselors will be available throughout the day. (rv)

Click to view D.A.P.'s 2012 Spring Progress Report, with great new information about how D.A.P. is positioning itself to play a role in what CEO David Brinkman and we all hope is the final chapter of the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. (rv)

HIV and AIDS

It's here: POZ Life Weekend Seminar in Long Beach

pozlife April 28, 2012 is the next POZ Life Weekend Seminar, a free healing and transformational workshop for people with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones. It will include a line up of amazing presenters and topics including Drug Treatment Options, Disclosure, Relationships, Insurance and Public Benefits, Sero-Different Relationships, Nutrition and HIV, Sex and Intimacy, Adherence, Healing Drum Circle, Art Therapy, Clinical Trials, Complementary Therapy, Support Groups and so much more! To register, log onto TheLifeGroupLA.org for an online reservation form and they will contact you to complete your registration. Or call Sunnie Rose at 888.208.8081. The POZ Life Weekend is Re-Affirming Weekend Seminar you will never forget! (jl)(rv)

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Advocacy

Speak out against anti-gay discrimination in the workplace

A google search of "gay man (or woman) fired" will return dozens of stories from all over the country about LGBT individuals losing their livelihoods solely because of sexual orientation, although the reasons given by employers are often tortured into various other "plausible" reasons for dismissal. But some are simply fired outright for being gay. How much progress have we really made? The Human Rights Campaign is trying to kick start the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate and needs all the voices it can gather. Click here for a link to sign a petition to senators urging this overdue action and see Editor's Corner below. (sb).

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HIV and Aging Survey

A doctoral candidate at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco is looking for volunteers to participate in his research of HIV and Aging. The study is looking at factors that contribute to health-related quality of life in HIV-positive, gay-identified men aged 50 and older. In an effort to understand some of the challenges encountered and the coping mechanisms employed by these individuals, he is looking for volunteer participants to complete a brief, completely anonymous online survey (average time 12 minutes). Your editor just completed the survey and found it essentially painless! Follow this link for more information and this link for access to the survey. (jl)

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HIV-positive men needed for photo shoot for Positive Frontiers magazine

Positive Frontiers is a new national online HIV magazine for the LGBT community, focusing on lifestyle, art, and culture. It is currently looking for HIV positive gay or bisexcual men who are out and open about their status to participate in a photo shoot. Previous modeling experience is not required. People of diverse backgrounds, ages, and body types are sought. Please email a clear, recent photo along with your name, age, city, and long you have been positive to alex.garner@frontiersla.com (jl)(sb)(rv)

This & That

Honoring nurses

"Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles."

- International Council of Nurses

"The use of clinical judgment in the provision of care to enable people to improve, maintain, or recover health, to cope with health problems, and to achieve the best possible quality of life, whatever their disease or disability, until death."

-Royal College of Nursing UK

"Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human responses; and advocacy in health care for individuals, families, communities, and populations."

-American Nurses Association

"The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge."

-Virginia Aveline Henderson
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Quote of the Week

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

- Maya Angelou

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Benefits & Resources Section - Ongoing

Discounts at Revivals!

fashion Revivals stores continue to offer 10% discounts for "seniors"--anyone over 55--every Tuesday. In addition, Revivals offers 50% off men's clothing the first Thursday of each month and 50% off women's clothing on the first Friday of each month. Discounts are available on all donated items but does not include consignment or "new" items. Visit Revivals' website for store locations, hours and other information. (jl)

D.A.P. Resources: website and toll-free number

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 always available online
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Do you need to take another look at something you read in DAPCAN somewhere only to find that it's long gone from your inbox? 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)

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