June 21, 2012 - DAPCAN

Pathways On National HIV Testing Day, June 27, the free, all-day Pathways to Health & Well-Being HIV Conference will be underway at the Palm Springs Convention Center. "The National HIV/AIDS Strategy has informed recent changes in the State of California's HIV prevention and education priorities," said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "There's greater focus on linking newly diagnosed individuals with care, making HIV testing part of routine medical care, reconnecting individuals who have fallen out of care and supporting medication adherence programs." The conference is a collaboration between the County of Riverside departments of Public Health and Mental Health, Desert AIDS Project, and Bienestar. Although registration is not required, anyone interested in learning more may visit www.pathwayshiv.org. It will be a great opportunity for anyone needing more information about HIV/AIDS and current available resources for care and prevention. "HIV 101" sessions will be offered, as well as a Resource Room staffed with eligibility workers. Early intervention counselors will be available for anyone learning they are HIV-positive with a free and confidential HIV test, as provided throughout the conference by the Riverside County Department of Public Health. As at D.A.P.'s Indio location on this day (see story below), a $10 gift card (while supplies last) will be provided to those who are tested and wait the 20 minutes for test results. A free continental breakfast and registration begins at 8:00 AM. The conference itself begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 3:30 PM. Spanish translation services will be available and there is plenty of free parking near the Convention Center. A free lunch will be provided and the conference will conclude with drawings for door prizes. (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. (jl) (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, 29, Noon - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: ALL ABOUT PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

pslibrary You've read our articles about the wonderful resources, privacy and retreat-from-the-heat available at our area libraries. Now come and hear a professional give us the inside scoop. Julie Warren, Library Services & Public Relations Manager, will discuss all the benefits and services offered by the Palm Springs Public Library. Luncheon starts at 11:45 AM. RSVP to Ray at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your quality of life through education!

Schedule change for Sexual Wellness Support Group

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

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA
Thursday, June 28 - Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

A year in the life of a middle-class St. Louis family, against the background of the 1904 World's Fair. The four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York City. Starring Judy Garland (in her prime), Mary Astor, Leon Ames, Lucille Bremer, a precocious Margaret O'Brien and terrific support from MGM's top character actors, Marjorie Main and Harry Davenport. Directed by Vincente Minnelli. A landmark American musical and must-see for Garland fans as she introduces the classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."

Come out for a great film!

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

hivcancer

A new peer-led HIV & Cancer Support Group will start on Monday, July 9. The idea for the group originated with D.A.P. client and recent cancer survivor Mike Wayne (pictured below). "I'm a single 49-year old man and have lived with HIV for 30 years," says Mike. "In 2011, I was diagnosed with anal cancer, had surgery and began chemo. Living with HIV and cancer presents you with a whole new set of challenges that you cannot really be prepared for. I'm cancer-free now, but throughout the whole experience, I found no local support group for people confronting HIV and anal cancer. Although I've great friends and a wonderful doctor, there were times I felt utterly alone in dealing with my illness. Even some friends didn't seem to know how to react or what to say to me. I've never led a support group, but after dealing with HIV and cancer first-hand, and noting the rise in anal cancer in HIV-positive people, I believe there's an mikewayne

increasing need for this particular support group. In fact, we're learning that long-term HIV may increase cancer risks as we age. So D.A.P. has offered a place to share our experiences and knowledge to help each other on what is a very difficult journey. If anal or any type of cancer is affecting you or someone in your life, or if you just have questions, I hope you'll join me in creating a caring, supportive haven that will help people," he concludes. Mike will facilitate the group, with as-needed assistance by Ray Robertson. It will meet second and fourth Mondays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Click here to learn more about anal cancer. (jl) (sb)

Longtime volunteer Helen Bostoff retires from Quilting Group

quilting5 For ten years, Quilting with Helen has been a weekly support group of sorts. Originally part of Stitch in Time--a component of the Wellness Program--Quilting with Helen became a separate group nine years ago. Its namesake, Helen Bostoff, started it after a D.A.P. staff member approached her about teaching quilting to clients. Since then Helen, who's been expertly quilting since 1965, has put in more than 2,000 volunteer hours. The group's quilts have been sold at auctions to raise funds for D.A.P. and given away as prizes at various events. Monday, June 25 will be Helen's last day with the group when she steps down and D.A.P. volunteer Judy Crotts becomes the new group leader. The quilters have organized a potluck at noon in the DHD Room for Helen's farewell, and are taking small donations for a gift card as a token of appreciation. The quilting group will continue to meet every Monday from 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM in the Duane Johnson Room. The group is open to everyone, from master quilters to novices. Stop by to check it out if you're in search of camaraderie and a new hobby! (sb)

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Bring in your unused medications

pills D.A.P accepts unused medications through various partner programs. These programs accept expired HIV medications as well as non-HIV meds, but they do not take narcotics. Simply drop off any unused medication at the HIV Health Center front desk, at D.A.P. in Palm Springs, and we'll take care of it from there. Many of these medications go to persons with HIV/AIDS in countries in Central America and other disadvantaged locations. (rv)

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Desert AIDS Project soon to be 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. So if you're still smoking, now seems the ideal time to quit! Click here for information about HIV and smoking and advice about kicking the habit. (jl) (sb)

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HIV & Other Health News

Dubious controversy continues over "Berlin Patient's" HIV cure

timothybrown5 Last week, we reported that some researchers are puzzled, and some are now arguing, as to whether Timothy Ray Brown (pictured), known as "the Berlin Patient" has been fully cured of HIV infection. Over several years, Brown underwent grueling bone marrow transplants, countless high-volume blood draws, sigmoidoscopies, biopsies, lumbar punctures and innumerable other procedures. Finally, in 2008, Brown was declared the first person to be cured of HIV/AIDS. Now, follow-up tests arguably may show "remnant" HIV genetic material present in his system. At best, the new studies are inconclusive. However, one French researcher, Alain Lafeuillade of the Department of Infectious Diseases at General Hospital in Toulon, has fueled the controversy by suggesting Brown may still be infectious or may have been reinfected via unprotected sex. This has set off a worldwide dispute in the HIV/AIDS community. Click here and here to read some reliable reports. However, since this is now a global story and we cannot provide full coverage, you may wish to do a Google search. We did and found hundreds of stories, opinions, accounts and debates. The important point to remember is that no one, particularly any medical researcher, is yet able to make definitive conclusions and that for now, doctors have stated there is no reason for Brown to resume antiviral therapy. And see Jeff Taylor's guest column below. (sb)

National HIV Testing Day is Wednesday, June 27

For most of us, our HIV tests were long ago, but we may still have people in our lives who ought to be tested and for various reasons, have resisted testing or refused it outright. Well, a little incentive never hurts. In its ongoing commitment to free and confidential HIV testing, D.A.P. at Indio will provide a $10 gift card (while supplies last) for anyone who gets tested and waits the 20 minutes for their results. The cards will be offered only at our Indio satellite office and the Pathways to Health Conference (see above), on Wednesday, June 27 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM,. The Indio office is located at 81-880 Dr. Carreon Blvd., Suite B-107. Appointments are not necessary, but anyone wishing to make one may call 760.342.4197. Regular free testing is always available during regular hours at D.A.P. in Palm Springs.

"The best way to stop the spread of HIV is by everyone knowing their status," said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "One in five people who are infected don't know they have it and every nine-and-a-half minutes, someone in the U.S. contracts HIV. That's more than 55,000 new men, women, and children added each year to the 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S."

If you know anyone who ought to be tested, alert them to National HIV Testing Day, which is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and provides free testing in many places across the country. Click here for information about D.A.P.'s free, confidential testing services and here for a map and other testing locations in the Coachella Valley. Click here for more information on National Testing Day. (sb)

Good news: HIV therapy shown to decrease risk of bone fracture

$bonefracts$ Compared with people living with HIV and not on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, those who are on meds are less likely to experience a fracture related to frail bones, according to new research by GlaxoSmithKline. Bone fracture has been shown to be statistically higher among HIV patients with traditional risk factors, such as prior fractures, low physical activity, excess alcohol use, low body weight, hepatitis C coinfection. And a longer period of infection combined with advancing age further increase fracture risks. The research shows that tenofovir (in Viread, Truvada, Atripla and Complera) is especially associated with reducing risk of bone fracture while protease inhibitors have no noticeable effects on fracture risk one way or the other. However, there are conflicting opinions on this issue among some researchers. Pictured here are common fractures of the tibia, the major bone in the lower leg. Click here for more on these findings and here for more about HIV and bone fractures. (sb)

Coinfection with Hepatitis B found to be as high-risk as with Hep C

We always hate to report bad news, but new research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that HIV-positive men who are coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be more likely to die than those with hepatitis C virus (HCV). A related study confirms that liver-related mortality remains quite high for HIV/HCV coinfected people with an AIDS diagnosis. It's more important than ever that HIV-positive people be regularly tested for any type of hepatitis coinfection. And while it doesn't make fun reading, it's imperative to remain informed, so click here and here for more on the study and hepatitis B coinfection. (sb)

HIV carries greater risk of heart disease than previously thought

We really don't like this one either, but yet more new research is proving what has long been suspected: HIV greatly increases risk of heart disease by as much as four times, even more than previously predicted. "The most likely explanation is that both HIV and the drugs fighting it cause chronic inflammation," said Dr. Paul M. Ridker, a Harvard Medical School professor who led pioneering studies establishing the connection between inflammation and heart disease. "In addition, antiviral therapy causes the liver to make more cholesterol, a major heart attack risk factor. Both HIV and other infections that can accompany it can inflame tissues and inflammation can produce blood clots, which in turn can cause heart attacks." The New York Times reports that, amazingly, the link between HIV and heart disease is "little known in the general medical profession" (editor's emphasis). It seems that only doctors specializing in AIDS patients have long suspected the connection which research is now finally confirming. Your editor knows this all too well--when he received his first stent (coronary LAD vessel) a few years ago, he found himself explaining the relationship between HIV drugs and heart disease...to his cardiac nurses! They had never heard of Crixivan, Zerit or any other HIV drug! A recent brief hospital stay (no stent this time) only confirmed to him that there is still a disturbing information gap among some cardiology professionals about HIV and heart disease. This doesn't mean that everyone with HIV is going to develop heart problems, but if you haven't discussed with your doctor how the virus may be affecting your cardio health, do your research, then ask questions on your next visit. Click here for more clinical information and here for The New York Times story. And sit down before you read them. (sb)

Clinical trials: HIV cure-related studies need participants

scientist Currently, there are more than 20 HIV cure-related clinical trials enrolling and looking for qualified participants. They include immune-based therapies, vaccines and reservoir-related studies. Read more here about how to find a study and enroll, and here for a good general portal about all aspects of clinical studies. (jl) (sb)

Paid research: HIV/Internet sexual habits study seeks participants

mensex The HIV/Internet (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. It will require you to participate in four anonymous online discussion sessions over a two-week period. You will also be asked to complete online questionnaires over a six-month period. You can earn up to $210 if you complete ALL of the study activities. To see if you qualify, call the HINTS confidential screening line at 860.341.7000 and read more here. (jl) (sb)

Community

Palm Springs Film Festival's ShortFest weekend

darrly2 The Short Film Festival & Film Market, commonly known as "ShortFest," started Tuesday and will continue at various theaters through Monday, June 25. This year, the films are especially notable for the great mixture of genres. "People are breaking down barriers and really getting away from themes," said ShortFest executive director incident2 Darryl Macdonald (pictured left). "A film can be simultaneously a drama, comedy, coming-of-age story and horror story." Macdonald and ShortFest film curator Kathleen McInnis had to package 323 festival shorts into 53 themed programs. Some tried-and-true categories are Award-Winning Documentaries, Fantastic Animation, Gay & Lesbian and Black Comedies. One of our D.A.P. clients, writer-director Daniel Cardone (pictured left), has a film in dancardone the ShortFest lineup. Incident is based on an actual occurrence Dan's life--a gay-bashing event that causes two drifting lovers to rethink things. Click here for the ShortFest website (including affordable ticket packages), here and here for Desert Sun coverage and here for information on Dan's film. (sb)

Advocacy

What to expect from International 2012 AIDS Conference

The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for researchers, policy makers, persons living with HIV, activists and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It has become an annual review and assessment of where we are, an evaluation of latest scientific developments and healthcare and governmental policies, as well as a chance to collectively chart a course forward. "New developments provide a robust toolkit of prevention and treatment interventions," says Dr. fauci5

Anthony Fauci (pictured), one of the pioneers in HIV/AIDS research. "Our challenge is to work collectively to implement these proven interventions to make an AIDS-free generation truly possible. This will require increased financial resources, innovation, political will, an overall strengthening of health systems, fighting stigma and greater ownership by all countries of HIV/AIDS efforts within their borders. At the International AIDS Conference, we will learn about the progress and the challenges that remain in 'turning the tide' of HIV/AIDS." Click here for the official website of the Conference and here for the full article by Dr. Fauci. (sb)

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Interactive way to monitor Supreme Court's upcoming decision on Affordable Care Act
The New York Times recently published an interactive flow chart that tracks possible outcomes of the nyt

Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka "Obamacare." As we've reported, the decision has tremendous potential, for better or worse, to affect the HIV/AIDS community. Click here for The Times chart page. The Court's decision had been expected in early June, was inexplicably delayed, but is now expected to be announced at any time. (sb)

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This & That

Doris Day's letter to AIDS/LifeCycle riders
dorisdayrockhudson

All but the very youngest of us remember Doris Day and Rock Hudson (pictured), who teamed up for several popular movie comedies in the 1960s. Close friends for years, Ms. Day was quietly supportive of Hudson throughout his illness and death from AIDS in 1985. He was one of the first high-profile AIDS victims and helped to raise awareness about the epidemic. Ms. Day, now 88 (hard to believe), has written a letter of thanks to the nearly 3,000 participants of AIDS/LifeCycle Ride of 2012. "What you're doing is so important," she writes, "both to remember those gone and also to ensure those alive keep living much longer than Rock was able to." Ms. Day also did an interview with The Advocate last year (click here) recalling her Hollywood days and more details on her friendship with Hudson. Click here for a video of Lorri Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, reading Ms. Day's letter for The Advocate. And just for fun, click here for more about the actress/singer's incredible career and filmography. (sb)

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Guest Editor's Corner

Clarifying "the Berlin Patient" story

By Jeff Taylor, AIDS Research Activist

I've known Timothy Brown, aka "the Berlin Patient," since I invited him to Palm Springs for some AIDS conferences this past spring. I had lunch with him last month in San Francisco, where he told me about the new findings that have since exploded in the press. He said at the time that his doctors still considered him functionally cured, since he has remained clinically undetectable and off all HIV meds since his first bone marrow transplant five years ago. Timothy is a quiet, reserved man who is too good-natured to speak out against those making unfounded speculations about his private sex life to which they attribute the new findings of HIV virus fragments. He has remained admirably restrained and above the fray.

The medical researchers who worked on his case and all his doctors agree that Timothy is indeed cured of HIV/AIDS. He is considered functionally cured because he has been off antiviral therapy for more than five years, and his virus remains undetectable in his blood according to all current, clinically available tests. His transplanted immune system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do--controlling HIV infection--whether from remnants of what he originally had, or something to which he's since been exposed. The only person who has questioned this is controversial French researcher Alain Lafeuillade, who inexplicably issued a press release that drew the extraordinary and unsubstantiated conclusion that Timothy might not actually be cured. Furthermore, he speculated that Timothy had engaged in unsafe sexual behaviors that could have reinfected him with a new strain or strains of HIV.

This whole controversy over the validity of Timothy's cure has become a tempest in a teapot. I'm especially dismayed that the media has portrayed this as a valid controversy, when the whole thing originated with one dubious researcher's speculative, inappropriate comments and misinterpreted data. All other researchers involved in Timothy's case concur that the new data is, for now, inconclusive at best. They feel that data is far too preliminary to release publicly; it was only discussed in an oral presentation at a scientific conference to other researchers in the field. It certainly did not merit a press release from another researcher who had nothing to do with the research himself.

The take-home message is this: We can split hairs over whether the experimental ultrasensitive assays used in Timothy's case are correct and if so, whether they mean anything. Many top virologists have asserted that the tiny amounts detected could actually be outside contamination of the experimental research tests being used. But after five years off HIV meds, there is absolutely no evidence that any dead, remaining fragments of HIV in his body can restart the disease--Timothy remains functionally cured. If the last 30 years have taught us anything, it's that HIV-positive people must remain wary of any researcher or doctor who makes unsubstantiated assumptions about questionable data and worse, speculates about a patient's behavior. We may need to wait until Timothy dies of old age or natural causes to know for sure that his HIV was permanently cured. Meanwhile, we can't let this distract us or more importantly, the researchers and those who fund them, from continuing our work on reproducing Timothy's cure for all of us living with HIV.

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Ongoing Benefits & Resources

Do you have questions or need help with Medicare?
medicareyou

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. It offers 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)

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

The Desert AIDS Project toll-free phone number is always available at 866.331.3344, as is the website at www.desertaidsproject.org. (jl)
princessphone

Discounts all summer at Revivals!

manshopbag 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)

DAPCAN archives always available online
filecab

Need another look at something you read in DAPCAN? You can find past 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. And we've recently updated these links to ensure that the very latest issues of DAPCAN are always available. (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