DAPCAN - November 15, 2012

pos life The Dec 4 Positive Life Series will be on Accessing HIV Benefits, addressing the county's new health programs for HIV care, Medicare Part D prescription coverage, and changes coming with the Affordable Care Act. Speakers will be Sheila Lo, PharmD from Walgreens, Brian Bilhartz from Bilharz Insurance Agency, and Jan Remm from the County of Riverside. 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. Plan to attend--and bring a friend! The Jan 8 program will be on HIV and your heart--preventing cardiovascular disease in HIV with Dr. David Shamblaw from San Diego.(rv)

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.

HO HO HO!! TIS THE SEASON! DRAWING FOR 40 CHRISTMAS TREE GIVEAWAY! SPONSORED BY THE PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL MUSIC PROGRAM, DANCE TEAM, AND WRESTLING TEAM! GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW! PUT YOUR ENTRY IN THE BALLOT BOX IN THE LOBBY AT D.A.P., SEND RAY AN E-MAIL WITH YOUR NAME AND PHONE #, OR CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE. DRAWING WILL BE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 5TH. ONE ENTRY PER CLIENT! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! (rv)

Success is not by Spontaneous Combustion! You must set yourself on Fire!

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Tuesday, November 20th PRESENTATION LUNCHEON! 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents - HIV AND LAB WORK

BRING YOUR LABS! Mike Roy will discuss the importance of lab work and what it all means. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered D.A.P. clients only. For ASL interpretation contact Ray at least 48 hours in advance. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences Inc. RSVP to Ray Robertson @ (760) 323-2118 ext 295 or via email: rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. Improve your Quality of life through education!

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

Community Center Presents: HAIRCUTS BY MITCH!

barberpole 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 Walgreens 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!

Thursday, November 29, 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: MOVIE & PIZZA

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan. Actors: Dev Patel: Older Jamal · Saurabh Shukla: Sergeant Srinivas · Anil Kapoor: Prem · Rajendranath Zutshi

LET'S GET OUT TO A MOVIE!

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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

Desert AIDS Project Providers Forum: more questions answered

Dr. K

On October 26, Desert AIDS Project held a "Providers Forum" so that clients could get to know some of the new personnel in the medical and dental clinics, by asking questions of a panel of providers.

Dr. Homayoon Khanlou (pictured), D.A.P.'s new Medical Director, who also carries a patient caseload of his own, answered many of the questions. Other providers on the staff, also responding to questions, included Matt Moran, NP; Dr. Tom Buehner; and Dr. Margaret Soh, DDS. The panel discussion was moderated by Bill Quinn, D.A.P.'s new Chief Program Officer, who has worked in the HIV/AIDS field since 1988.

Below are more questions that were answered for inquiring clients:

- How does D.A.P. differ from clinics like AIDS Health Foundation?

Answer: D.A.P. has a growing group of highly qualified providers to serve the often-complicated health care needs of our patients. We benefit from not only having a medical clinic but also case managers, to coordinate social services like food, housing, transportation assistance, home health, behavioral health, substance abuse, support groups, a partnership with LabCorp and Walgreens pharmacy all at one site. In the future, we look forward to expanding cancer prevention activities, telemedicine, research, and other services that meet the many needs of our community.

- What are the issues to consider when getting insurance and medications once I am able to go back to work?

Answer: Whenever you start a new insurance it is good to look at the specific services and benefits that are covered. When health care reform is fully implemented, it will be against the law to limit or deny coverage for any pre-existing health condition. As for medications, each insurance plan may have specific medication choices - name brands or generics - that they cover or exclude. If you become insured or have gaps in coverage for certain medications that your provider prescribes, D.A.P. staff will assist in accessing the appropriate programs to secure the medications whenever possible, such as Prescription Assistance Programs, Ryan White, ADAP, etc. if you meet the eligibility requirements. Your question is a good example of what to do: plan ahead, look at your choices for insurance plans and coverage, and talk to your case manager to figure out the best way to make the transition to being insured.

- Will D.A.P. providers support those on disability and help with forms? Do you believe all should work?

Answer: D.A.P. providers do assist with the completion of forms required to determine disability that relate to the medical aspects that may be causing disability. As you know, this is often a long process to determine eligibility that is only partially measured by health status. These forms can be given to your case manager to forward to the health center or given directly to the health center staff. In general, the provider will complete the parts of the forms they can or respond when the medical information they have does not support a claim for disability.

Whether an individual can work is specific to the individual's physical and mental abilities. Simply having HIV does not mean a person is disabled and even if someone had to briefly be on disability due to health conditions, it is possible to regain your ability to return to work. There are many benefits of being able to work, such as control of your income, feelings of self-worth, and being active in the community. Your providers at D.A.P. are committed to helping you be well and to maximize your ability to function in your life.

- What are the improvements that need to be made at D.A.P.? What are the steps and timelines for improvements?

Answer: D.A.P. is striving to improve overall customer service outcomes that include all aspects of patient care. Beginning earlier this year, D.A.P. started converting its electronic medical records system to enhance the quality of health care outcomes. We are recruiting for two additional providers to join the team. Providers and staff are being trained in sync with new improvements and the roll-out of new systems. Recent problems with labs have been corrected so that results are now available electronically, the phone menu has been improved so it becomes easier to both contact and get an answer, the prescription refill process is currently being updated, and the roles of nursing support staff are being realigned to correspond with the needs of patients and the providers. In the next few weeks, all patients will be completing check-in electronically using the orange Phreesia pads that will ultimately streamline the entire patient experience. The beautiful Les Dames Lounge was unveiled recently to provide a comfortable waiting area and accompanying front desk re-faced to accommodate two staff to respond to patients and phone calls.

D.A.P. staff is working hard to respond to the issues raised by patients and the community. This is an ongoing process as a Community Health Center. As needs in the community change, D.A.P. must change to remain up-to-date. (rv)

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Free and confidential HIV testing

The Palm Springs Gay Softball League and Desert AIDS Project invite anyone wishing to get a free and confidential HIV test to visit the mobile testing unit that will be parked at Demuth Park Saturday and Sunday, November 24-25 at the Palm Springs Turkey Shootout.

All tests are free and confidential. No blood is drawn, since the test is conducted with a simple swab of the inside of the cheek and results are available in about 20 minutes. Testing hours will be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday. Demuth Park is located on Mesquite, between El Cielo and Gene Autry Trail, where the Palm Springs Turkey Shootout will be played on six ball fields, beginning on Friday, November 23. If you are HIV positive, please encourage your family and friends to get tested. Click here for more information. (rv)

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Annette Bloch, Julian diCiurcio, and Lorna Luft to be honored

at 2013 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on Saturday, February 9

A philanthropic powerhouse ... a triple-threat volunteer/supporter/donor ... and an entertainer whose heart is as powerful as her voice. All three of these were honored by Desert AIDS Project Friday, November 9 at Colony 29 at a special pre-party for the 2013 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, which will return to the Palm Springs Convention Center on February 9. Annette Bloch, whose philanthropy has brought a new vibrancy to the Coachella Valley, will receive the 100 Women Award, sponsored by Desert Regional Medical Center. At the 2012 gala the audience applauded wildly when she announced "I was so impressed from the very first time I met the people associated with Desert AIDS Project. That's why I am creating the Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center at D.A.P. with a gift of one million dollars." Mrs. Bloch had already shown her generosity to D.A.P. repeatedly as a member of its 100 Women annual giving program, and will sponsor the 2013 Partners in Activism Award - the fourth consecutive year she has sponsored an award at the gala. Julian diCiurcio will receive the 2013 Partners for Life Award. He has given more than 7,000 hours of his time to D.A.P., volunteering at its front desk, at its Revivals stores, and at many of its fundraising events. In addition, he's been a member of the agency's Care Team - a sort of "buddy program" for clients in need of special support - for 13 years. If this generous donation of his time and talents wasn't enough, Julian is also a long-time member of the Partners for Life annual giving program with his partner Rob, and left a legacy to D.A.P. in his estate plan. Lorna Luft, will receive the 2013 Community Service Award, sponsored by Bob Hayes and Jim Burba. Before singing "Cockeyed Optimist" at the 17th annual gala in 2011, Ms. Luft told the audience, "I've toured Desert AIDS Project and witnessed incredible care and compassion for men, women, and children. Especially touching was how much heart I saw in the eyes of the staff and volunteers. It is something you must all experience for yourselves. It will feed your soul." She went on to personally give tours of D.A.P. the following Saturday, April 2 before joining the second annual Celebrity Doodles fundraiser for D.A.P. that same evening. "Annette, Julian, and Lorna have all been amazing supporters of D.A.P., each in their own way," said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "We were so happy to have the opportunity to set aside a little special time for three of our hometown-heroes at a special party for our 100 Women and Partners for Life members." (rv)

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HIV & Other Health News

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th

If you are on Medicare you should know that it's that time of year again! Medicare Open Enrollment started on October 15th and will continue through December 7, 2012. During this time, people receiving Medicare should review their health and prescription drug coverage to make sure it still fits their needs. Read the Ask Medicare fact sheet or visit Medicare.gov to compare coverage options and learn about recent changes to your plan's premiums, deductibles or benefits. You only need to make revisions to your plan if you are unhappy with your current coverage. If you like your current coverage, in most cases, it will automatically renew for the new year. (jl)

Community News & Events

POZ Life weekend seminar comes to Palm Springs, November 17 - 18!

The POZ Life FREE weekend seminar is a place where compassion, education, community and love is offered unconditionally. It's a place where HIV-positive men, women, youths and family members can be themselves, feel comforted and supported in their effort to learn how to either live a long healthy productive POZitive lifestyle, or help someone they know and love overcome the fears associated with being HIV-positive. November's POZ Seminar brings Palm Springs a great line up of amazing presenters and topic's including: Drug Treatment Options, Disclosure, Sex and Intimacy, Art Therapy, "L.I.F.E.", Adherence, Complementary Therapy, Meditation for Wellness, Yoga, Communication Workshop, Support Groups, Experiential Exercises and much more! Pre-Registration is REQUIRED!! Please log onto www.TheLifeGroupLA.org for our online reservation form and we will contact you to complete your registration. Or call Sunnie Rose at 888.208.8081. (jl)

Advocacy

Want to participate in D.A.P. client issues?

makevoice 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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Quote of the Week

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

--Melodie Beattie

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Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information

Desert AIDS Project holiday closings for remainder of 2012 and 2013

Closed 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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Contact information for D.A.P.

hiviphone The Desert AIDS Project local phone number is 760.323.2118. The toll-free phone number is 866.331.3344 and the website can be found at desertaidsproject.org. (jl)

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Help with Medicare
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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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)

*Note: MISP has changed its scheduling policy and now recommends that applicants call for their appointments no sooner than four weeks before their ADAP expiration date. (Our previous recommendation of six to eight weeks is no longer valid.)

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

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