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DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
January 10, 2013
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 Another exciting event in Palm Springs!
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Editorial Staff
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David Brinkman
Chief Executive Officer
Barry Dayton
Director of Marketing and Communications
Alexis Ortega
Interactive Marketing
Specialist
Rick Vila
Volunteer Co-editor
John Lewis
Volunteer Co-editor
Steve Bolerjack
Volunteer Co-editor
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Tuesday, February 5, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Positive Life Series
 The next Positive Life program on February 5 will be a town hall forum on Hepatitis C--the new treatments, what's in the pipeline, and transmission risks for gay men. This program is for anyone interested in Hepatitis C, not just people with HIV--so spread the word and bring any friends w ho might be interested. The speakers will be UCSD HCV researcher Dr. David Wyles, and Tracy Swan from the Treatment Action Group in NYC. 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!
March 5 program: HIV & Kidney Health with Dr. Dino Gonzalez
April 2 program: Update on the latest in HIV treatment & cure research from the Retrovirus Conference with D.A.P. medical director Dr. Homayoon Khanlou.
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D.A.P. Community Center Events
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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.
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Wednesday, January 15th, Noon - 1:00 PM LUNCHEON!
Community Center Presents - HIV AND NUTRITION NEEDS!
 Speaker Mike Roy will discuss managing your disease, and prevention through better nutrition. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered D.A.P. clients only. ASL Interpretation upon request. Contact Ray at least 48 hours in advance. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc. RSVP to Ray Robertson @ 760.323.2118 ext 295, or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org. BETTER HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION!
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Starting Tuesday, January 15th 3:00 to 4:00 PM & Friday, January 18th 3:00 to 4:00 PM.....and every Tuesday and Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM for four weeks!
Community Center Presents - SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES!
If you are truly ready to give up your nicotine addiction, this may be the help, direction, and  support you have been looking for! There are no scare tactics, patches, or medications involved, instead safe and healthy techniques and positive support as you finally leave behind this expensive and unhealthy habit! Commit to make 2013 the year you stop! Show up for the first session and give it a try! Facilitated by: Ray Robertson, Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist. Call Ray at 760. 323.2118 ext. 295 to sign up, ask questions, or just show up for the first session. WE WILL HELP WITH YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION TO STOP THIS ADDICTION SO YOU CAN FINALLY KICK THE HABIT!
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM Movie &Pizza
Community Center Presents: January 17th
Premonition (2007)
Depressed housewife learns her husband was killed in a car accident the day previously, awakens the next morning to find him alive and well at home, and then awakens the next day after to a world in which he is still dead.
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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The Client Advocacy Committee: Your voice at D.A.P.
 The Client Advocacy Committee (CAC) of Desert AIDS Project is a group of D.A.P. clients who endeavor to help D.A.P. improve their services to clients through client suggestions, comments, and actions. The committee was very active during the last year and would like to share this list of their accomplishments for 2012:
CAC Accomplishments for 2012
- Prior to 2010, CAC attrition brought the committee to only one member. Now the committee is a healthy group that is growing through consistent outreach for new members at public forums and venues.
- Client suggestions allowed the CAC to refine and improve Latin Services.
- Focus Groups have been instrumental in bringing about strategic infrastructure and business process changes that benefit clients directly:
- Procedural and organizational changes in medical clinic.
- D.A.P. customer service training in 2013 for D.A.P. staff.
- Second "Meet the Providers" forum was very successful - almost double the attendance over 2011.
- The public forum works! Client issues and concerns are seriously looked at by D.A.P. and rectified if necessary.
- CAC engages people coming to "Open Forum" at monthly CAC meetings to help effect change.
- CAC is more visible throughout the organization.
- CAC suggestions are increasing and are taking on a more positive tone.
- Significant amount of acknowledgements to D.A.P. staff for good work.
- Medical clinic couches and chairs have been removed from main hallway creating a more professional feel and increasing confidentiality.
- Waiting room was renovated and rededicated and is in use.
- Medical staff comes to find clients instead of yelling names from the clinic door.
- D.A.P. changes are being handled from a stronger "customer service" perspective.
- Transitions as opposed to abrupt changes.
- Provider relationships with clients are strongly considered before moving patients to new providers.
- D.A.P. is now a NON-SMOKING campus.
- All smoking benches outside have been removed from the premises. (jl)
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HIV/AIDS and the 2013-2014 California State Budget - stay tuned for more
 Gov. Brown announced his proposed State budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year this morning. Shortly after, Karen Mark, Interim Division Chief of the State Office of AIDS, released talking points on how the proposed budget affects programs under her jurisdiction. In summary, there are no changes proposed to the funding for the HIV/AIDS Surveillance program and no new major ADAP policy changes. On the plus-side, there is no cost-sharing proposed at this time for ADAP, as compared to previous years. However, in anticipation of larger numbers of individuals transitioning to local low-income health plans - such as Riverside County Healthcare, Arrowcare, etc. - less money is expected to be utilized by ADAP in the future and the budget reflects that prediction. As always, we wait until the May revise of the State budget to know for sure how proposed or any added changes will be realized. For more details, visit the California Office of AIDS website. (jl)
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Top 10 New Year's resolutions for people living with HIV
 Since we are only a week or so into 2013 it's not too late to make some resolutions for the new year! Positively Aware editor Jeff Berry recently published a great list of the top 10 New Year's resolutions geared towards people living with HIV. The list includes the usual items such as quitting smoking and eating right but also covers topics such as reviewing your treatment options and seeking out support. You can see the entire list here. (jl)
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Fulyzaq approved for diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS
The first medication to treat diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS who take antiretroviral drugs has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fulyzaq (crofelemer) is sanctioned for people whose diarrhea is not caused by an infection or gastrointestinal disorder but by the antiretroviral drugs used to combat HIV/AIDS. The drug is derived from the red sap of the Croton lechleri plant. Read more here and here. (jl)
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Groundbreaking HIV vaccine attempt may also help uncover cure
Spanish researchers may have discovered a major breakthrough in the path toward developing a therapeutic HIV vaccine, and possibly a cure. A therapeutic vaccine is the type of shot that treats an existing disease rather than prevent it. The method involves giving instructions to the immune system so it could learn to destroy the virus, which it does not do naturally. You can see the entire HIVPlus article here. (jl)
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Higher dose flu vaccine works better for people with HIV
 Now that we've all (hopefully) had our flu shots, researchers have announced that HIV positive people who received a quadruple dose of a seasonal influenza vaccine produced more protective antibodies without a significant increase in side effects. This study suggests that a substantial number of HIV-infected patients may not be obtaining sufficient protection with the standard influenza vaccine and indicates that while a single high-dose immunization, or even multiple dose immunization may produce the desired results, other strategies may be explored in the future, such as alternative vaccines, the use of additives, or new schedule strategies. Read more here. (jl)
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How to contact your elected officials
 As a result of the November elections there have been changes to our representation in Congress that you should know about. The 36th District (Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, Hemet, Beaumont) represented by republican Mary Bono-Mack for the past 14 years is now represented by democrat Dr. Raul Ruiz. You can contact him by going to his website here. Dr. Ruiz also has a local office here in Palm Springs at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. The 41st District (Redlands area) represented by republican Jerry Lewis for the past three decades is now represented by democrat Mark Takano, who also has the distinction of being the first openly LGBT person of color elected to Congress. You can contact him at his website here. As you know, we maintain a current list of your elected officials with contact links that appears at the end of every issue. Please scroll to the bottom of this issue for the full list. (jl)
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ADAP may pay Medicare Part D premium
 Since we at are the start of a new policy year, this bears repeating... 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)
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"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us."
~ Alexander Graham Bell
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Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
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Desert AIDS Project holiday closings for 2013
2013
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. 
 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  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
 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) |
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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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ATTENTION RCHC PATIENTS
LAB DRAW LOCATIONS
 RCHC Lab services are provided at both RCRMC in Moreno Valley and Quest Diagnostics. All RCHC patients currently going to LabCorp, are now being directed to Quest Diagnostics. Please call Quest before arriving at the location to ensure that they have received the lab order. If Quest states that they have not received the lab order, please contact your provider. If Quest states that they do have the lab order, please have your labs done 2 weeks prior to your next appointment. (rv)
Listed below are a few local Quest Diagnostics locations for your convenience.
Quest Diagnostics - Palm Springs - Tachevah
555 Tachevah Drive, Suite 102W
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 323-8833
Quest Diagnostics - Rancho Mirage - Bob Hope
36101 Bob Hope Drive, Suite E6
Rancho Mirage, CA
(760) 318-4387
Quest Diagnostics - Beaumont - Highland Springs
701 Highland Springs Avenue, Suite 6
Beaumont, CA
(951) 845-8013
Quest Diagnostics - Hemet - Devonshire
1011 E Devonshire Avenue, Suite 103
Hemet, CA
(951) 652-3674
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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)
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Help with paying private health insurance premiums may be available
If you are HIV positive and are paying for private health insurance, you may be able to get help paying your premiums. The California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS (OA) administers the Health Insurance Premium Payment (OA-HIPP) Program. OA has expanded OA-HIPP to make this program available to more individuals with health insurance who are at risk of losing it and to individuals currently without health insurance who would like to purchase health insurance. Follow this link to see if you qualify. (jl)
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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)
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To contact state and federal officials click on name:
President Barack Obama
Senator Diane Feinstein
Senator Barbara Boxer
Congressman Raul Ruiz
Congressman Mark Takano
Governor Jerry Brown
State Senator Bill Emmerson
Assembly member Brian Nestande
Assembly member Manuel 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:
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Additional Contacts/Social Networking
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