DAPCAN - October 4, 2012

If you would like to see President Obama re-elected, you may think that California is solidly blue so there's no point in voting. You couldn't be more wrong! Various state legislative and especially our local congressional race are up for grabs, so voting is important as ever! It is indeed urgent and registration and voting this year are easier than ever. If you're not registered, here's what you need to know: the deadline for voter registration is Monday, October 22 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. Plenty of time! You can register online and request a ballot to vote by mail. It's all quite simple. Click here for the official State of California Elections site that will provide you with all the information you'll need. Or click here for the Riverside County Registrar of Voters Q&A site. (sb)

Save the Date

Wednesday, October 17, 9:00 AM - Noon -

Sunline Transit at D.A.P. to offer Disabled/Medicare Half-fare I.D. Card

Personnel from Sunline Transit, which operates bus service throughout our desert cities sunlinelogo2 , will be at D.A.P. on Wednesday, October 17, from 9:00 AM to Noon to accept applications from clients for half-price fare cards. To qualify, clients must present a government-issued identification card, proof of residence (such as a utility bill, driver's license with current address, lease agreement or property tax statement) and one of the following:

Medicare card
Sunline ADA certification card
SSI award letter
SSDI award letter
Veteran's Admininstration award letter for 50% disability
Physician's verification of disability form (which must be completed and signed by your doctor)

If you qualify, Sunline will mail an identification card to you. Then, you will provide a copy of the card to D.A.P. and if you meet eligibility requirements of 200% FPL or less, D.A.P. will provide you with a 31-day, half-fare pass each month. Click here for more information and for application forms from Sunline's website. Then come to D.A.P. on October 17 to start saving money! (sb)

Tuesday, November 13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM - Positive Life Series

Due to the elections on November 6 (be sure to VOTE!) the November Positive Life program will be delayed one week to Tuesday, November 13. This will be a special town hall forum on the HIV cure, featuring "Berlin Patient" Timothy Brown, who is the only person who has been cured of HIV to date. Timothy will share his amazing story, followed by three leading HIV cure researchers talking about their work and upcoming clinical trials here in Southern California. This special program will be three hours, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, to allow for all the presentations and a panel discussion. As always, a light supper is served at 6:00 PM and timothybrown5

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). Because of high expected attendance, we ask that you please RSVP for this program to guarantee that we have enough food for everyone. Plan to attend!

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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.

Tomorrow! Friday, October 5, Noon to 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents:

Diabetes and HIV--a ViiV Healthcare Luncheon

Speaker Gordon Sanford, HIV Specialist, will talk about diabetes and HIV. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Please call Ray at 760.323.2118, ext. 295, or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. Registered D.A.P. clients only. (rv) (jl)

Keep yourself informed!

Third Friday of Every Month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Community Center Presents: HAIRCUTS BY MITCH!

haricutcartoon3 The D.A.P. Community Center is pleased to announce free HAIRCUTS FOR CLIENTS, the third Friday of each month from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sign up outside the Walgreen's room in the Community Center. Six slots are available--first come, first served. NO appointments or reservations taken by phone ahead of time. Please show up with clean hair.

Look your best with a clip 'n snip!

Tuesday, October 9, EARLY DINNER! 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Community Center Presents:
THE HISTORY OF HIV AND THE HIV TRIVIA GAME

hivgame Speaker will be Jack Degman, Patient Community Affairs Manager, who has worked in HIV treatment education for more than 15 years. An early dinner lunch starts at 2:15 PM. Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. RSVP to Ray at 760.323.2118 ext, 295 or by email at rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. (jl)

Improve your quality of life through education!

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA

Thursday, October 11 - In the Cut (2003)

A New York writing professor has an erotic affair with a police detective investigating a murder of a beautiful young woman in her neighborhood. Starring Meg Ryan, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Ruffalo. Directed by Jane Campion.

Come out for a great film but please remember, doors don't open until 1:00 PM!

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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
Afternoon tea, every Wednesday, 3:00 PM

Follow this link to see recurring activities on the Community Center Calendar.

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D.A.P. News

Stitch in Time has a new schedule!

knittingneedles Remember that the needlecraft group, Stitch in Time, has moved its meeting time to the third Wednesday of every month, 10:00 AM to Noon in the Duane Johnson Room at D.A.P. Many of the clients and volunteers are very skilled in needlework and would love to share what they know, so come and learn something new! For more information, call Rick at 760.323.1123 or email at rfrdtux@dc.rr.com.

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Join us for afternoon tea at D.A.P.!

Actually, we don't have Lady Bracknell or cucumber sandwiches, but civilized conversation and elegant refreshments can be found every Wednesday at tea time, from ladybracknell 3:00 - 4:00 PM in the Duane Johnson Room at D.A.P. We find this British custom a nice alternative to the usual happy hour cocktails and beer blasts! For more information, contact Michael Muller at 760.343.2118, ext. 276 or email at mmuller@desertaidsproject.org. (sb)

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Revivals announces two new regular sale days every month

Now there will be always be a monthly sale day at all Revivals stores! Starting today, the first Thursday of every month will offer half-off prices on all men's clothing. And starting tomorrow, women's clothing will be half-price on the first Friday of each month. A great time for everyone to update their cooler weather wardrobes! (Sales do not include new or consignment items.) (sb)

Register now to join 25th Anniversary Palm Springs AIDS Walk and Palm Springs Pride in marching together!

AIDS Walk, Sunday, November 4

For this year only, there will be two sections of the Palm Springs AIDS Walk. Some Walkers may choose to complete only the first half; others may decide to complete the second half when the Walk joins the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, November 4. The Walk--and thousands of Walkers who have raised AIDS awareness and funds all these years--will be honored with the inaugural Spirit of Stonewall Advocate of the Year Award for helping to provide care, prevention, advocacy, and love for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Anne and Kirk Douglas, and late First Lady Betty Ford chaired the very first Desert AIDS Walk in a year that reported more than 100,000 AIDS diagnoses. Today, about 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV, as are 34.2 million people around the world.

If you haven't yet registered to Walk or you'd like to support someone with a donation, please visit www.desertaidsproject.org. The first 24 Walks raised nearly $6.25 million through individual donations from friends and families, as well as significant sponsorships from community partnerships! The 2012 Palm Springs AIDS Walk hopes to raise more than $250,000 this year. Registration will begin at 7:30 AM at the Kaiser facility at 1100 N. Palm Canyon at Tachevah (plenty of free parking is available). After a bit of music and merriment, returning host Scott Nevins will welcome Timothy Brown, "The Berlin Patient," the only person known to have been cured of HIV, and others who will showing their support of D.A.P.'s 28 years of service to the HIV/AIDS community of Palm Springs and the surrounding area. "As aidswalkers we continue to look to that day when there may be a vaccine against HIV or a cure for AIDS, D.A.P. will continue to provide care and treatment, while we try to stem the tide of further HIV infection here in Palm Springs," said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "We couldn't do it without the help of those who support us with the Palm Springs AIDS Walk!" The 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) (sb)

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HIV & Other Health News

How to Survive a Plague, landmark film on ACT UP, opens in California

This year marks the 25th anniversary of ACT UP. Many of us remember and participated in ACT UP, TAG (Treatment Action Group) and other activist events that demanded attention and help from the federal government and the pharmaceutical industry as AIDS was killing thousands of people by the late 1980s. To help mark this anniversary, filmmaker David France (pictured right) has produced How to Survive a Plague, telling the story of how self-made activists with no scientific training infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, forcing them from experimental trials to FDA approval and then to patients in record time. With unfettered access to unseen archival footage from the 1980s and '90s, France puts the viewer right in the midst of controversial actions, arrests (Peter Staley, pictured below in one of the iconic images of ACT UP arrests, is featured in the film) heated meetings, heartbreaking failures and exultant breakthroughs that finally led to saving many, many lives--including our own. Another film, United in Anger: A History of ACT UP also came out this year, but has been limited to film festivals and not yet in general release. Reviews for both

have been generally positive and ought to prove landmarks for all of us in the HIV/AIDS community. Click here for Plague's official website and here for United's site (which is featured at festivals in San Francisco and Seattle later this month). How to Survive a Plague is already showing in various theaters in Los Angeles and will open in our area on October 19 at Cinema Palm D'Or in Palm Desert. (sb)

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New study shows CD4 counts not affected by alcohol consumption

This may fall into the "mixed blessing" category of stories, but a recent study at Johns Hopkins University shows that drinking alcohol has no apparent adverse effect on CD4 cell counts among those living with HIV and on antiviral therapy. Neither total number of drinks consumed nor frequency of alcohol use on a weekly basis had any effect on CD4 cell counts. This held true in both women and men, as well as those with both detectable and undetectable viral loads. "Among individuals initiating antiviral therapy," said researcher Geetanjali Chander, MD, "the benefits of therapy and viral suppression on the immune system outweigh detrimental effects of alcohol, reinforcing the importance of initiating [HIV treatment] and ensuring adequate adherence to therapy." This hardly recommends going on a bender, but your editor feels even better about his cardiologist-recommended nightly glass of red wine with dinner. (sb)

It's flu shot season again

Just a reminder that early October means it's time for your annual flu shot. Yes, it's one more thing, but there's no point in risking flu. Remember the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) recommendation: "People with HIV/AIDS are considered at increased risk from serious influenza-related complications. Studies have shown an increased risk for heart- and lung-related hospitalizations in people infected with HIV during influenza season as opposed to other times of the year, and a higher risk of influenza-related death in HIV-infected people. Other studies have indicated that influenza symptoms might be prolonged and the risk of influenza-related complications is higher for certain HIV-infected people. Vaccination with a flu shot has been shown to produce an immune response against influenza viruses in certain people infected with HIV." So we gotta do it. Flu shots are available at pharmacies all over town, including Walgreens at D.A.P. and are usually covered by Medicare. Click here to read more about flu and HIV. (sb)

Timothy Brown tells full story of life before and after AIDS

Ever wonder what it's really like to be the only person in the world actually cured of AIDS? Timothy Brown, the famous "Berlin Patient," recently did an interview and video in which he recalls the details of his seroconversion, his battle with AIDS, the incomprehensible medical procedures he endured, and what it's like to be a worldwide celebrity for something he never anticipated. It's a fascinating and encouraging tale from a thoughtful, soft-spoken man. If you plan to attend the Positive Life Series (see above) that will feature Brown, this is terrific background information. Click here for the video and transcript of the interview. (sb)

HIV & Aging News

Evidence accumulates that HIV speeds aging process

More than a decade after the first truly successful AIDS drugs became available, a new image of HIV is emerging: people with the virus appear to be aging prematurely. After years of feeling healthy and recharged with the new drugs, they're suddenly slowing down not oldvillagepeople

from the effects of AIDS, but from old age--a decade or two earlier than their noninfected peers. "When we have clients passing away now, it's from cancer or heart disease," says Kaushik Roy, director of the Shanti Project, a hospice for the HIV/AIDS community in San Francisco. "It used to be AIDS." DAPCAN has reported on this as a separate HIV issue for more than a year and expect to continue as more research and evidence accumulates to show how living with HIV is accelerating normal aging processes. Click here to read more. (sb)

HIV News Elsewhere

Disturbing spike in meningitis shows up among HIV-positive men in New York; city recommends vaccinations

The New York City Department of Health is investigating a cluster of potentially lethal meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men. In the last month, there have been several reported cases among HIV-positive men and one death. Further research showed that over the past two years, there have been a dozen cases of meningitis spread among HIV-positive men, resulting in four deaths. Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (infection of the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (infection of the blood). It can also cause pneumonia or involve the joints, such as the knees. Common symptoms of meningitis are high fever, severe headache, stiff neck and rash that develop rapidly within two days. People that have been in prolonged close contact with infected people need to see their health care provider to receive preventive antibiotics. While this outbreak currently seems limited to New York City, it's wise to remain aware especially if traveling or in contact with someone who may have been exposed. Click here for more information. (sb)

England: HIV care now free to all ukmap

An example of the "European socialism" so feared by the right wing in America: HIV treatment is now officially free for all who need it in England, including undocumented migrants and non-United Kingdom citizens, as per legislation that went into effect on October 1. Other countries of the U.K may still technically charge for HIV treatment, depending on immigration status. However, this this hasn't been actively pursued in Scotland or Wales in recent years; in Northern Ireland, charges for HIV treatment have sometimes been rigorously enforced. However, the National AIDS Trust (NAT) has called for a formal change in the law in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that free universal access to HIV treatment is guaranteed across the U.K., not just in England. Click here to read more. (sb)

Advocacy

Supreme Court expected to address same-sex marriage issues this term but approach uncertain

The U.S. Supreme Court announced its new term agenda on October 1 (click here and here to see a couple of summaries of the issues). The justices are expected to take up same-sex marriage at some level, most likely in reviewing several lower federal courts' decisions that struck down as unconstitutional provisions of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that deny federal benefits, favorable tax treatment, health benefits and other rights that go with marriage to legally married same-sex couples. It is possible but not certain that the Court may thereafter review Proposition 8 and the voter referendum that struck down same-sex marriage in California in 2010. Click here for Equality California's take on that. And here's something to keep in mind as you vote in this election: four of the current justices are well over the age of 70. Whoever wins the presidency this year is very likely to make at least a couple of appointments to the Court in the next four years which could drastically shift--for better or worse--its current, usual five-to-four conservative tendency. (sb)

Take a stand against bullying: "Go purple" on October 19!

October 19 is Spirit Day! Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for LGBT youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 as a response to LGBT young people who had taken their own lives. Individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy--participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 19 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Click here to sign the pledge to "go purple" and for additional information. (rv)

Cautionary Election Year Quote of the Week

"A Romney administration will protect traditional marriage and the rule of law and we will provide the Defense of Marriage Act the proper defense in the courts that it deserves."

--Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan, speaking before Focus on the Family,

promising to block rights for LGBT community

Ongoing Benefits & Resources

Want your voice heard?

manmegahone Remember that the Client Advocacy Committee (C.A.C.) meets on the second Tuesday of every month and meetings are open to any D.A.P. client. The C.A.C. acts as liaison between D.A.P. and clients' interests and needs, giving them a voice in planning and provision of programs and services. For more information, email clientcom@desertaidsproject.org; or, to add your input on an issue, fill out the comment form on the D.A.P. website. (sb)

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Help with Medicare and doing your own fact-checking on both Democratic and Republican proposals to change it
The future of Medicare is a major campaign issue and the proposals of each party differ widely. Whether you're just applying, soon eligible or already receiving benefits, it's wise to do your own research through sites and resources you know and trust. "Fact-checking" has become a buzzword this year, but even supposedly neutral fact-checking organizations have been accused of bias. Get information from several sources and draw your own conclusions, especially if you are under 55. Meanwhile, the State Health Insurance medicare9

Assistance Program (SHIP) offers 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) (sb)

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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 www.needymeds.org, 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)

Never hesitate to

call the D.A.P. hotline!

DAPCAN archives always available online
archive5

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)

**Our quarterly reminder: remember that your annual meeting and paperwork to continue with ADAP is scheduled around the time of your birthday. Call for an appointment well in advance (we recommend six to eight weeks) to avoid long waits and gaps in drug coverage!

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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Riverside County Healthcare System (RCHC)

rchc If you are a member of RCHC, you know that D.A.P. recently negotiated a contract with it to become an in-network provider for medical care. Since then, D.A.P. Medical Case Managers have worked to reduce barriers transitioning to this health plan, in switching your provider assignment to D.A.P.'s HIV Health Center and linking you to RCHC benefits.

If you have questions or difficulties in linking to care at D.A.P. through RCHC, contact your Medical Case Manager, who may advise you on navigating the system. Be aware, however, that D.A.P. has no jurisdiction over RCHC operations and that you may need to deal with RCHC directly. If you continue to face barriers or have concerns about RCHC's service provisions, call the following numbers to file a grievance: 888-860-1303 or 1-888-860-1304 (TTY/TDD). You can also mail the grievance to:

Riverside County HealthCare

PO Box 8957

Moreno Valley CA 92555-8957

RCHC Website: http://riversidecountyhealthcare.org

(sb)

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

riv211 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