June 14, 2012 - DAPCAN

Drop by the D.A.P. Library on Tuesday, June 19, between 1:00 and 4:00 PM to say farewell to our resident dental health provider Dr. Christina Chung, and to greet her successor, Dr. Margaret Soh. Both doctors will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Free refreshments for everyone!

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Wednesday, June 27, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Pathways to Health and Well-Being HIV Conference

Pathways The Pathways to Health and Well-Being HIV Conference is a collaboration between the County of Riverside Department of Public Health and Mental Health, Desert AIDS Project and Bienestar. It will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center and will provide the latest information on Treatment as Prevention, Hepatitis and HIV Coinfections, HIV & Holistic Health, HIV & Aging and much more. Dr. Neva Chauppette will be the keynote speaker. The conference will feature nine dynamic breakout sessions on these various topics with a chance to win fabulous door prizes. FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & LUNCH will be provided by the organizers. The goal of the conference is 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. Attendance is free and registration opens at 8:00 AM but it's helpful to have head counts, so please register here. Conference will begin at 9:00 AM on June 27. There is plenty of free, nearby street parking around the Convention Center. For more information, visit pathwayshiv.org or email info@pathwayshiv.org. (rv) (sb)

Friday, July 13, 8:00 PM - Midnight

Fifth Annual Mid-Summer Dance Party

Do Ask, Do Tell everyone you know that D.A.P.'s Mid-Summer Dance Party V will be better than ever! The party will feature DJ Michael Antonio, dancers from SHARE Nightclub in Las Vegas and a performance by dance music icon Kristine W whose long list of #1 hits include "Feel What You Want," "One More Try," "Land of the Living," "Save My Soul" and many more. More information and tickets here. (ji)(rv)

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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.

Friday, June 15th, Noon - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: ENGAGEMENT IN CARE TEAM!

Joseph Leahy, of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, will be discussing the importance of your care team working together. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext. 295 or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your Quality of life through education

Monday, June 18th, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (this is NOT a luncheon)

Community Center Presents: HOW TO MAKE SOME MAGIC: ARCHITECTURAL FINISHES AND DESIGNS ! !

PRESENTED BY FAMOUS LOCAL ARTIST: DAVID SEABOURN. He will be demonstrating exotic surfaces, textural reliefs, effects and design. RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext. 295 or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your Quality of life through education

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Tuesday, June 19th, Noon - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: HIV AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Mike Roy, of Gilead Sciences, will be discussing HIV and substance abuse. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext. 295 or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your Quality of life through education

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA
Thursday, June 21 - Planet of the Apes (2001)

An Air Force astronaut crash lands on a mysterious planet where the evolutionary process is reversed and apes are the dominate species! Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter.

Let's all go to the movies!

Ongoing Client Community Center activities include:

Support groups
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 recurring activities on the Community Center Calendar.

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D.A.P. News

New HIV & Cancer Support Group forming

support A new, peer-led, HIV & Cancer Support Group is starting on July 9. The group will meet every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3:30 to 5:00PM and will be led by Mike Wayne. More information to follow. (jl)

Schedule change for the Sexual Wellness Support Group

schedule The Monday afternoon Sexual Wellness Support Group has moved from 3:00 - 4:30PM and will now meet from 2:00 - 3:30PM. Contact Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext. 295 or rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org for more information. (jl)

FREE HEALTH CARE CLINIC at the First Community Baptist Church in DHS

Desert AIDS Project will also be at the Free Health Care Clinic offering Free HIV Testing along with a $10.00 Gift card for those who get tested.

Clinic Flyer

Desert AIDS Project accepts unusued medications

Desert AIDS Project accepts unused medications through partner programs. These programs accept expired HIV medications as well as non-HIV medications, but they will not take narcotics. Simply drop off any unused medication at the HIV Health Center front desk, at Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs, and we will take care of it from there. Many of these medications go to persons with HIV/AIDS in disadvantaged countries such as Guatemala. (rv)

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Desert AIDS Project & Revivals featured in Frontiers LA

Desert AIDS Project and Revivals were recently featured in not one, but two articles in Frontiers LA magazine. Follow this link to read the article on D.A.P. and this one to read the Revivals story. (jl)

Desert AIDS Project is going tobacco-free

Effective September 1, 2012, the use of all tobacco products will be banned from Desert AIDS Project. This will include ALL areas, without exception, including the Serenity Garden, all pathways and walkways leading to the designated smoking area, grassy areas and parking lots. The only designated smoking area will be outdoors, on the west end of the building, in the bench area. (jl)

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HIV & Other Health News

Traces of virus in man cured of HIV trigger scientific debate

A new finding is leaving some scientists puzzled over whether Timothy Ray Brown, the "Berlin patient" who was reportedly cured of his HIV after receiving bone marrow transplants in 2007 and 2008, has actually been completely rid of the virus. A presentation at the International Workshop on HIV & Hepatitis Virus last week in Spain suggested that Brown still has traces of HIV genes in his body. But what this means exactly is being interpreted differently among scientists, NPR reported. Read more here. (jl)

Insurers forcing patients to pay more for costly specialty drugs

While we await the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act, health costs continue to rise. Even those with insurance are finding their out-of-pocket costs for medications are increasing, sometimes astronomically. Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna and other health insurers are increasingly shifting more prescriptions for complex conditions, like HIV/AIDS, to a new category requiring customers to shoulder a larger share of the medication's cost. Read more here. (jl)

NIAID scientists identify new HIV-inhibiting protein

Scientists have identified a new HIV-suppressing protein in the blood of people infected with the virus. In laboratory studies, the protein, called CXCL4 or PF-4, binds to HIV such that it cannot attach to or enter a human cell. Scientists are pursuing further research to better understand CXCL4's role in HIV disease and to determine whether it has a protective effect not only in laboratory studies, but also in people. Read more here. (jl)

US Senator wants to scrap HIV drug patents

monopoly A leading US Senator has called for drug patent "monopolies" to be abolished and replaced by an annual prize fund to reward the discovery of new treatments which would then, because of the power of competitive markets, become available at the lowest possible price. "The US has - by far - the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs," says Vermont's Independent Senator, Bernie Sanders. "The simple fact is that the prices of patent medicines are a significant barrier to health for millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans, and people die because of it," he added, opening a hearing held by a subcommittee of the Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Read more here. (jl)

Clinical trials - HIV cure related studies currently enrolling

scientist There are over 20 HIV cure related clinical trials currently enrolling. These include immune based therapies, vaccines, and reservoir related studies. Read more here. (jl)

Paid research study - HIV Internet Sex Study seeks participants

The HINTS Project is looking for MSM (men who have sex with other men) 18 years old and over who are living with HIV to participate in a paid research study. This study is supported by the NIH, and is being conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut. The study will require you to participate in 4 anonymous online discussion sessions over a two week period. You will also be asked to complete online questionnaires over a 6 month period. You can earn up to $210 if you complete ALL of the study activities.To see if you qualify call their confidential screening line at 860.341.7000. Read more here. (jl)

Benefits

Do you have questions or need help with Medicare?

Whether you are newly eligible for Medicare, or an existing beneficiary, you may need help navigating the system. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. They offer assistance with original Medicare, Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplemental policies and Long Term Care insurance. In California, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is responsible for the statewide administration of the SHIP which is delivered through the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP services can be accessed via a toll- free line 800.434.0222. The local HICAP office is located in Riverside and the phone number is 951.241.8723. Follow this link for more information. (jl)

This & That

Confused about the Presidential election? Take this quiz

There is a entertaining site where you can take a quiz and find out which candidate you most closely align with on the issues. (Note... this was constructed when the field had not yet been narrowed so your number one candidate my no longer be a candidate!) Your editor took the quiz and found out he should be supporting Jill Stein (of the Green Party) while Obama was a close second! As you go through the quiz you can choose from the answers they provide, choose another stance, or enter your own unique response. You can also click on the interactive map and see how other people in the United States answered. While not extremely scientific, the quiz is fun and may get you thinking about where you actually stand on the issues! Click here to visit the site and take the quiz. (jl)

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Donna Summer's letter to ACT UP revealed

With the recent passing of Donna Summer there was some mention of the gay backlash she faced after the Village Voice attributed some quotes to her from a concert in 1983, saying she slammed gays and claimed AIDS was a punishment from God. By 1989 it had gotten to the point where ACT UP was protesting at Summer's appearances. What isn't as well known is that the singer, who has always denied the allegations, wrote a letter to ACT UP in July of 1989 trying to mend the rift between them. Although a few quotes from the letter were released at the time, the entire letter has never been seen publicly. The letter was recently revealed and in it she again denies making the comments attributed to her. You can see the full text of the letter here. (jl)

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Quotes of the Week

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."-- Winston Churchill

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Ongoing Benefits & Resources

More help paying for prescription medications

We recently reported on the City of Palm Springs Prescription Card that offers savings on prescription drugs to residents without health insurance, traditional benefits plan or need prescriptions not covered by insurance. Another resource to help pay for prescription medications is NeedyMeds. The mission of NeedyMeds is to make information about assistance programs available to low-income patients and their advocates at no cost. Go to the website, look up the medications you need and you'll be directed to the patient assistance program website for that manufacturer. The site also offers a free drug discount card that is accepted at more than 62,000 pharmacies. If you are having trouble paying for your medications this site is worth a look! (jl) (sb)

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Sunline Transit encourages using new Bus Tracker service

Many D.A.P. clients rely on Sunline Transit to get around town and the bus company has just made that a bit easier with a new feature on its website (click here) called Bus Tracker. Scroll down to the lower left side of the page under "public messages" and you'll see a constant update of traffic status; any delays, detours, route changes, etc. will be posted for you to check on before you head to the bus stop. Bus Tracker is an enhanced addition to the Sunline Rider's Guide (click here) which also includes a link to the Google Trip Planner tool. It's a good way to save time and avoid frustration so check it out and bookmark. Incidentally, congratulations to Sunline for its clean vehicles, for having a bike rack on every SunBus and on celebrating its 35th anniversary! (sb)

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Desert Samaritans and The Center offer social work services for seniors

The Center has partnered with Desert Samaritans to provide social work services to seniors aged 60 and over. Each Monday between 1:00 and 3:00 PM, a social worker from Desert Samaritans will be on hand at The Center. The mission is to ensure the financial, physical and psychological well-being of seniors in the Coachella Valley through effective social service programs. Those services include:

Advocacy on immediate challenges.
Financial aid program assistance related to healthcare, utility bills, rent, food and emergency needs.
Grocery relief for people unable to shop for themselves or pay for groceries.
Transportation for medical appointments.
Information and referrals to match requests to available community organizations and providers. (jl)

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Your local libraries

Want to catch up on all the latest magazines? Looking for some good Bogart, Hitchcock or Clooney films? Got a roommate whose company is wearing thin? Get out to your local library for awhile! It's a great place to read, write, think and escape the summer heat. Most of our local libraries have huge numbers of books, periodicals, CDs, and DVDs--all for free. Palm Springs Library is at Sunrise and Baristo. Click here for its website and hours. Click here for other Riverside County libraries (although you should call to confirm their summer hours). Many of them allow you to search and reserve books, music and videos online. It's a welcome step away from card catalog days. And remember the lending library here at D.A.P. and the inexpensive used books at Revivals. (sb)

Discounts at Revivals!

clothesale 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. 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) dogcomputer2

DAPCAN archives always available online
archive5

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 across the driveway, south of Desert AIDS Project, at the Palm Springs Family Care Center. 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