DAPCAN - October 11, 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

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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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Tuesday, November 16, 6:00 PM - at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

To purchase tickets, or for additional information, click here.

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.

Tuesday, October 16th LUNCHEON! 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Speaker Mike Roy will discuss STI's prevention and treatment. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM and is for registered D.A.P. clients only. ASL interpretation is provided upon request. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Please RSVP to Ray Robertson @ (760) 323-2118 ext 295 or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org, at least 48 hours in advance. Improve the quality of your life through education! (rv)

Friday, October 19th, LUNCHEON! 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents - THE JOURNEY

Joseph Leahy will present four video portraits of people living with HIV.

Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered D.A.P. clients only. ASL interpretation upon request. Sponsored by Janssen Therapeutics, you are requested to RSVP to Ray Robertson @ (760) 323-2118 ext295 rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org, at least 48 hours in advance. Improve the quality of your life through eduction! (rv)

Thursday, October 18, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA

Grand Canyon (1991 film)

Grand Canyon is a 1991 American drama feature film directed and co-written by Lawrence Kasdan and featuring an ensemble cast. About random events ...

LET'S GET OUT TO A MOVIE!

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

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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!

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

Desert AIDS Project holiday closings for 2012/2013

2012

November 22-23 - Thanksgiving

December 24-25 - Christmas

2013

January 1 - New Year's Day

January 21 - MLK Jr. Day

February 18 - Presidents' Day

April 1 - Cesar Chavez Day

May 27 - Memorial Day

July 4 - Independence Day

September 2 - Labor Day

October 14 - Columbus Day

November 11 - Veteran's Day

November 28-29 - Thanksgiving

December 25 - Christmas Day

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Free movie tickets to "I Stand Corrected"

20 pairs of FREE tickets to "I Stand Corrected", screening on Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 PM at the Camelot Theatres - Film, Panel Discussion AND Concert are being offered to the first 20 callers. As the AmDocs 2012 Audience Award winner, "I Stand Corrected" shows Jennifer Leitham's rise as a virtuoso of the upright bass and reveals how she risked everything with her decision to undergo sexual reassignment surgery. This documentary explores the fears Leitham wrestled with as she rose through the ranks of the jazz world, while celebrating the joy she discovered after embracing her female identity. The movie will be followed by a panel discussion on "The Myths and Misunderstandings of Being Trans" and a live concert by the Jennifer Leitham Jazz Trio. Call Ray Robertson at 760-323-2118, ext. 295, if you'd like to go. In addition to the 20 pairs of free tickets for clients, Camelot will offer a 25% discount for anyone who buys tickets at the box office. Simply ask for the D.A.P. discount, to receive $5 off. (rv)

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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 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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New 100 Women Boutique to open at Revivals Palm Desert store on Thursday, November 15 at 4:00 PM

The "Find It Here" headline of the Revivals store advertising campaign will hold even greater hope for treasure-hunters on Thursday, November 15. That's when the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce cuts the ceremonial ribbon at 4:00 PM to mark the opening of the one-and-only 100 Women Boutique at the Revivals store in the Palm Desert Costco Center at 72750 Dinah Shore Drive. The Boutique, featuring designer women's and men's clothing, handbags, and accessories that has been either donated or consigned, is sponsored by the 100 Women giving program at Desert AIDS Project. 100 Women funds gynecological services like pap smears, underwrites mammograms, and helps ensure healthcare accessibility to women and children whose lives are affected by HIV or AIDS.The Palm Desert Revivals store has quickly grown its Boutique department in its first year of business at this new location. The staff and team of volunteers last year took in more than 7,500 pieces of designer clothing, handbags, shoes and handbags that were sold on consignment. Clothing consignment appointments can be made for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from noon to 2:30 PM. Please call 760.992.0499 or come into the Palm Desert location, as appointments are required to accept.clothing consignments. Donations to the 100 Women Boutique can be made seven days a week, between store hours of 9:30 AM-6:00 PM Monday - Saturday, and 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM on Sunday. Your purchases at all Revivals stores benefit client services at Desert AIDS Project, which serves people living with HIV and AIDS by providing comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services, like food, housing, and counseling. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, please call 760.323.2118, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube. (rv)

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 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)

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)

Editorial

On this year's election

By Rick Vila

Early voting has begun in California. Many of us have already received ballots or informational brochures about the propositions and candidates. Voting is a fundamental right of American citizenship. I also think its a fundamental responsibility for each of us to take some time, even 30 minutes, to review our ballots, ask questions, discuss concerns with friends or seek guidance from trusted sources, and then make a heart-felt choice. If you don't vote, you are essentially belittling your citizenship. One vote can make a difference in who leads. One vote can make a difference in what policies shape our society. That one vote could be your vote.

I've already reviewed every proposition and candidate and made my choice. When I cast my vote I'll have the satisfaction that I took part in the process. This year we choose our next President, the person that will lead our country and shape our policies for at least the next four years, perhaps much longer. In California we also get to decide, among other things, whether to eliminate the death penalty by voting YES on Proposition 34.

I've been vehemently opposed to the death penalty from a very young age, and see the death penalty as a barbaric act from a country I otherwise very much love. The death penalty is wrong for many reasons. First, as we've seen time and again in recent years, innocent individuals can and have been killed in the name of justice. Second, think of this - if you truly seek retribution for a horrific crime, death only sets the criminal free from the poisoned well that is their life. Real justice would be to mete an even more severe penalty, the penalty of imprisonment. An imprisoned person has a lot of time to face their demons during their confinement, and hopefully turn their life force from hate to love. Third, I've observed that the story of almost every person on death row includes a childhood filled with neglect, abuse, instability and absence of love, or direction. In other words, I think that we all share as a society a burden of responsibility for allowing such situations to germinate to begin with. Finally, as taxpayers our costs to keep the death penalty in force are far greater than the costs to eliminate it, even when you consider the costs of life imprisonment.

As a child my mother would say to me "if someone hits you, defend yourself and hit them back". I was a sensitive child, and shy about any type of conflict. But my mother's instruction went in one ear, whilst my inner voice whispered in the other ear "always take the higher road''. I am glad I've always listened to my own voice. From a young age I've chosen to respond to aggressions with an olive branch for peace. I have never believed in the "an eye for an eye" myth, and I still don't. I believe in always taking the "higher road". To me this means putting love ahead of hate, compassion ahead of vilification, forgiveness ahead of resentment, understanding ahead of the misunderstood, and peace ahead of war. I also believe that we drink from a well of poison when we harbor anger, resentment, and hatred, even in response to a horrific act of aggression or crime. And when we release all that - we are really free to live and love life. I urge you to examine your own consciousness carefully, decide if you want to put someone to death through your vote, and then cast your vote. (rv)

Advocacy

Click above to learn more about the differences between Governor Romney and President Obama and how they stand on healthcare and HIV/AIDS care, in this informative article writen for Positively Aware by David Ernest Munar. (rv)

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)

Election Year Quote of the Week

"When a person living with HIV/AIDS is treated as if she's done something wrong, when she's viewed as being somehow morally compromised, how can we expect her to get tested and disclose her diagnosis to others? When we fail to offer a child a proper education, when we fail to provide him with accurate medical information and instill within him a sense of responsibility, then how can we expect him to take the precautions necessary to protect himself and others? When we continue, as a community of nations, to tolerate poverty and inequality and injustice in our midst, we don't stand up for how women are treated in certain countries, how can we expect to end the disease -- a pandemic -- that feeds on such conditions? So fighting HIV/AIDS in America and around the world will require more than just fighting the virus. It will require a broader effort to make life more just and equitable for the people who inhabit this Earth. And that's a cause to which I'll be firmly committed so long as I have the privilege of serving as President."

--President Barack Obama, remarks by the President on the national HIV/AIDS strategy

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