DAPCAN - September 6, 2012

Positive Life series continues on Tuesday, October 2 with Chicago physician Daniel Berger, M.D, speaking about treatments for HIV lipodystrophy. As always, a light supper is served at 6:00 PM and the program begins at 6:30 PM. The location is the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center (corner of Tachevah and Via Miraleste in Palm Springs) and the event, sponsored by Jewish Family Service of the Desert, is always free. ASL translation is provided. Questions? Email positivelifeseries@gmail.com or call 760.566.6POZ (6769). However, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RSVP! (jl)

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Watch DAPCAN for more on these events coming later this fall!

Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM

Les Dames Du Soleil - LAST DANCE: World Farewell Tour

Click here for more information. (jl)

Sunday, November 4, 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

25th Anniversary of Palm Springs AIDS Walk

See below for more information or click here. (jl)

Friday, November 16, 6:00 PM

Dancing with the Desert Stars returns!

Click here for more information. (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.

COMING SOON! "FROM GRIEF TO HOPE" WRITING WORKSHOP --

SIGN UP NOW! SEATS WILL BE LIMITED

carruthers3 Dolores Carruthers (pictured), a local author and mother who lost her adult son in an accident, recorded her journey through feelings of grief, anger, disbelief and despair in her book, A Vow Made True: From Despair to Hope. In this workshop, she will teach individuals who have had similar experiences how to write their way to hope and healing! Contact Ray for details and how to sign up. Date and time will be announced soon.

Learn how to express yourself more effectively!

Tuesday, September 18, Noon - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents - Gilead Sciences, Inc.

TOPIC: NEW MEDICINE!

pillbox Mike Roy will be here discussing STRIBILD, The new (QUAD pill) one pill, once a day regimen that we reported on in our August 30 issue. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. RSVP to Ray at 760.323.2118, ext. 295, or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. (jl)

Improve your quality of life through education!

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA

Thursday, September 13 - Funny Farm (1988)

Funny Farm is a 1988 comedy starring Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith. The film was adapted from a 1985 comedic novel of the same name by Jay Cronley. The movie was filmed on location in Grafton, Vermont. It was the final film directed by George Roy Hill.

Come out for some great films and pizza but please remember, the doors don't open until 1:00 PM sharp!

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Ongoing Client Community Center activities include:

Support groups
Hepatitis C therapy education
Diabetes education
Stitch in Time (needlecraft) - Third Wednesday of each month
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

Revivals 1/2 off clothing sale, today and tomorrow!

Remember that Revivals has 1/2 off men's clothing the first Thursday of each month (that would be TODAY), and 1/2 off women's clothing on the first Friday of each month, which is tomorrow! Does not include consignment or new items. (jl)

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Desert AIDS Project is now tobacco free!!

Effective September 1, 2012, the use of all tobacco products is banned at the Desert AIDS Project campus. This includes 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 is located outdoors, on the west end of the building. (jl)

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Register now to join Palm Springs AIDS Walk and Palm Springs Pride in marching together!

AIDS Walk, Sunday, November 4 The Palm Springs AIDS Walk has become one of the most important annual events for D.A.P. over the last 25 years. Our supporters have continued to "show the love" by ever-increasing participation in the Walk, raising much-needed funds for D.A.P. client services. In its first quarter-century, the AIDS Walk has netted nearly $6.25 million through individual walkers who secure donation pledges from friends and family, as well as through significant sponsorships from community partnerships. This year we'll make history as we walk together with Greater Palm Springs Pride, honoring the AIDS Walk legacy and all of our community supporters. The AIDS Walk is also honored to receive the inaugural 2012 Spirit of Stonewall Advocate of the Year Award from the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade. Register for AIDS Walk here and come out to walk with us! (jl)

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D.A.P. is now an approved RCHC provider!

aidstethoscope As we reported in the March 1, 2012 issue of DAPCAN, conflicting information about Riverside County's new Low Income Health Plan (LIHP), called Riverside County Healthcare (RCHC), was causing confusion for both D.A.P. clients and staff members. Now that D.A.P. is an approved RCHC provider:

Clients who are enrolled members of RCHC should contact their Medical Case Manager for instructions on how to select Desert AIDS Project as their new medical home. This step must be completed before the D.A.P. Medical Clinic is able to serve you.

If you have already completed an intake class and are an established client with D.A.P., once you have switched your RCHC medical home to Desert AIDS Project you may call the D.A.P. Medical Clinic to make an appointment with Esmeralda at 760.323.2118, ext. 219.

If you will be a brand new client of Desert AIDS Project, please contact Ray at 760. 323.2118, ext. 295 after you have switched your RCHC medical home to Desert AIDS Project.

If you have any difficulty along the way, please contact your Medical Case Manager. They're here to help you. (jl)

HIV & Other Health News

Latino LGBT and HIV Center evicted for "bringing disease" to building!

Bienstar In a shocking example of the kind of LGBT and HIV/AIDS discrimination that still exists in the world, a Southern California center serving the Latino LGBT and HIV-positive community has been evicted from its new offices just two days after opening. Bienestar is a non-profit social services organization offering testing, support and information to the Southern California Latino LGBT, HIV-positive, and other at-risk communities since 1989. Just 48 hours after opening in a new Van Nuys location, the landlord forcibly evicted the organization, saying it was "bringing disease" to the building. Bienestar has filed a lawsuit to regain access to its property, still locked inside the building. Read more here. (jl)

"A Day with HIV" observance planned for September 21

Each day almost 7,000 people around the world contract HIV, joining an estimated 34.2 million people already living with HIV. During any 24 hours more than 4,600 people around the world still die of AIDS-related causes. But on Friday, September 21, people everywhere, both HIV positive and negative, can share an image of coping and care through the lens of a camera. On that day, Positively Aware is asking people to take a digital photograph to record a moment of their day that will focus the world's attention on the daily trials and triumphs of people living with HIV. This will be the third year of A Day with HIV, in hopes that it will help remove the stigma associated with the virus and advance an international community of care through this collective photographic portrait. On that day, anyone can record a special image, with friends and family, at work or play, or any moment in the day that helps people better understand how HIV impacts people, loved ones, colleagues and communities. Click here for information on how to participate in A Day with HIV. (sb)

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New guidelines recommend hepatitis C test for all "baby boomers"

Hep

Anyone born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to new guidelines released by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The guidelines quote research showing that prevalence of hepatitis C is significantly higher in this age group than in other age groups. Current risk-based screening strategies mean that many infections remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, leading to a high risk of cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and death. Read more here. (jl)

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Studies reveal health benefits of vitamin D in TB and HIV

New research suggests that mega-doses of vitamin D, may help fight both tuberculosis and reduce the risk of death from HIV. TB researchers in England found that vitamin D, given in conjunction with standard antibiotic treatment, appeared to bolster the body's natural defenses. In another study, researchers in Tanzania report that HIV-positive individuals with vitamin D deficiency became sicker and were twice as likely to die as those with sufficient or normal levels. Read more here. (jl)

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Vitamin B3 may help kill superbugs

B 3 Your mom was right when she told you to take your vitamins! Researchers are now finding that vitamin B3 could be a new weapon in the fight against super-bugs such as MRSA. Researchers found that B3, also known as nicotinamide or niacin, boosts the ability of immune cells to kill Staphylococcus bacteria. B3 also increases the numbers and efficacy of neutrophils, white blood cells that can kill and eat harmful bugs. The study, in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could lead to a major change in treatment. Read more here. (jl)

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New computer model offers realistic tool to predict HIV drug resistance

AIDS experts at Johns Hopkins and Harvard universities believe they have developed the first accurate computer simulation to explain effects of anti-HIV drugs. The model clarifies how and why some treatment regimens fail in some patients who lack evidence of drug resistance. Researchers say their model is based on specific drugs, precise doses prescribed, and on "real-world variation" in how well patients follow prescribing instructions. Read more here. (jl)

Reyataz more likely to cause kidney stones

Reyataz Treatment with Ritonavir(Norvir)-boosted Atazanavir (Reyataz) is associated with a much higher risk of kidney stones compared to other protease inhibitors. There was also a high recurrence rate of kidney stones in people who continued to take Atazanavir/Ritonavir. Investigators said replacement with other drugs should be considered in patients diagnosed with renal stones to prevent further deterioration in renal function. Read more here. (jl)

This & That

Those "senior moments" may be perfectly normal!

Maybe it starts with simply forgetting something. You can't remember the route to a restaurant you've been to many times before or the birthday present a friend gave you a month ago. Then comes the worry. Is your forgetfulness a sign of something serious, like Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia? Such brain freezes happen to most of us, to different degrees, as we age. But while such common memory lapses are frustrating, they don't necessarily mean Alzheimer's is at the door. If your lapses aren't disrupting your life, there's no need to be actively worried, experts say. Click here to read about six types of normal memory lapses that are not signs of dementia - plus tips on how to counter them. (jl)

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Organic food no healthier than non-organic?

If you are buying organic food to get more vitamins and nutrients you may be wasting your money. Organic produce and meat typically isn't any better for you than conventional varieties when it comes to vitamin and nutrient content, according to a new review of the evidence. But organic options may live up to their billing of lowering exposure to pesticide residue and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Read more here. (jl)

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Quote of the Week

Benefits & Resources

Meds reference chart

Wonder what other meds are out there? Have trouble keeping your nukes and non-nukes straight? Do you sometimes (like your editor) want to throw your pillbox out the window? (See his weekly regimen below). Then weeklypills2

check out and bookmark this handy chart from Positively Aware, which lists all currently approved antiviral medications, dosages, restrictions information and even photos of the pill just in case you really get confused! It's updated regularly and is a good resource and checklist before you talk to your doctor about meds. (sb)

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Help with Medicare
medicareyou

Whether you're new to Medicare or an existing beneficiary, you may need help navigating the system. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a national program offering one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. This includes information about original Medicare, Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplemental policies and Long Term Care Insurance. The California Department of Aging (CDA) is responsible for statewide administration of SHIP, which is delivered through the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP services can be accessed via a toll-free line at 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)

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More help paying for prescription medications

Among the resources available to HIV-positive people 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. website and toll-free phone

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

DAPCAN archives always available online
tallfile

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 at 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

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