DAPCAN - January 17, 2013

delrosario2 Alex Del Rosario, M.D. (pictured), will discuss sero-discordant relationships and the role of HIV medicine and pre-exposure prophylaxis at a Business Member Presentation at 5:30 PM on January 30 at the Center, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 201 in Palm Springs. Dr. Del Rosario is Board Certified in Internal Medicine with an emphasis in treating patients with HIV/AIDS and practices at Eisenhower Medical Center at Rimrock in Palm Springs. He will also cover information on STDs--such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis. In addition to the lecture, there will be time for questions and answers. Call 760.416.7790 for more information. The presentation is at no cost as part of the Center's commitment to increasing awareness of issues important to the LGBT community.

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The Center presents this program in collaboration with the Desert AIDS Project.

Tuesday, February 5, 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Positive Life Series

pos life The next Positive Life program on February 5 will be a town hall forum on Hepatitis C--new treatments, what's in the pipeline and transmission risks for gay men. This program is for anyone with questions about Hepatitis C, not just people with HIV, so spread the word and bring any friends w Hep ho might be interested. The speakers will be HCV researcher Dr. David Wyles, of the University of California at San Diego, and Tracy Swan from the Treatment Action Group (TAG) in New York City. 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!

Upcoming programs:

March 5: HIV & Diabetes--managing blood sugar and insulin resistance with HIV meds, with Dr. Miguel Torres from Oasis Clinic, Los Angeles.

April 2: Update on latest in HIV treatments and cure research from the Retrovirus Conference, with D.A.P. medical director Dr. Homayoon Khanlou.

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.

Friday, January 18, 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!

marlboro2 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 are provided as you finally leave behind this unhealthy and increasingly expensive habit! (Click here to read about new taxes and higher prices on cigarettes.) Make a commitment to stop in this new year--just come 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 you can just show up for the first session.

WE CAN HELP YOU KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION TO FINALLY KICK
THIS UNHEALTHY, COSTLY HABIT!

LUNCHEON, Friday, January 25, Noon - 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: HIV AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

hivgenlogo Joseph Leahy will discuss HIV and depression, anxiety and other emotional aspects of coping. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered DAP Clients Only. ASL Interpretation upon request. Sponsored by Janssen Therapeutics. RSVP to Ray at least 48 hours in advance at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your quality of life through education!

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

Community Center Presents: HAIRCUTS BY MITCH AND JOSE!

haricutcartoon3 Our free haircuts for clients service is every third Friday of each month from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sign up outside the Walgreen's room in the Community Center. Twelve slots are always available on a first-come basis. NO appointments or reservations taken by phone ahead of time. Please show up with clean hair.

Look your best with a clip n' snip!

Every Thursday, 1:00 PM -- Movie and Pizza!

Community Center Presents:The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

whole9 A dark comedy involving a bickering Canadian couple headed for divorce, a Mob hit man who moves into their neighborhood, mistaken identities, double-crosses and of course, a life insurance policy. Starring Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Rosanna Arquette. Directed by Jonathan Lynn.

Come out for a good flick!

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

Annual fundraiser events benefiting D.A.P. just around the corner

Two annual events that are among the most significant sources of funding for D.A.P. services are coming up next month. In fact, both will take place on the same day, Saturday, February 9. Starting at a very early 6:30 AM, the Tour de Palm Springs Bike Ride will roll out through the city streets. The Tour is more popular every year and benefits not only D.A.P., but 150 other local nonprofits as well. If you're up to it, you can still register to participate. Click here for the Tour website and complete information. And Saturday evening will bring the 19th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards at the Palm Springs tdps

Convention Center. Always a glamorous event, the gala will be honor Lorna Luft, Mario Lopez, Julian diCiurcio, Jake Glaser and D.A.P.'s own special benefactor, Annette Bloch, who has been a longtime generous donor and recently funded the new Cancer Center at our facility which bears her name. The night's entertainment will sparkle with Melissa Etheridge, Queen Latifah and Matthew Morrison leading the lineup. Click here for the D.A.P. website's information on the event. (sb)

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HIV & Other Health News

Will we ever see a cure for HIV/AIDS?: One researcher's opinion

"There are two types of cure," says longtime researcher Steven Deeks, M.D. "A functional cure in which the patient's immune system controls the virus and a sterilizing cure in which all virus is removed from the body. We think the former is possible because about one in 100 people who have HIV essentially appear to have a functional cure." That's the good news, but the term "functional cure" has been around for awhile. It essentially means that, for some HIV patients, strict adherence to an antiviral medication regimen may result in a longterm "cure," with a non-detectable viral load and adequate CD4 counts. The less-than-encouraging news is that the "sterilizing cure" remains elusive as ever. Deeks identified several unknown factors that continue to baffle researchers: where the virus actually resides in people on antiviral therapy; how the virus actually goes into "hiding"; how HIV DNA actually works and replicates; why antiviral therapy works for a long time for some and not for others; and how and why some medications suddenly fail. Clearly, a full cure in all senses of the word remains a long way off, but we should still be encouraged by the numbers shown in the chart above and article below. Click here for more on Deeks' research. (sb)

Groundbreaking HIV vaccine attempt may also help uncover cure

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Spanish researchers may have discovered a major breakthrough in the path toward a therapeutic HIV vaccine, and possibly a cure. A therapeutic vaccine treats an existing disease rather than preventing it. The method involves giving instructions to the immune system so it can "learn" to destroy the virus, which it does not do naturally. Read the entire HIVPlus article here. (jl) (sb)

Update on anti-diarrheal Fulyzaq

fulyzaq Last week, we reported that Fulyzaq (crofelemer) has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS on antiviral therapy. However, our own Jeff Taylor has been in touch with the drug's manufacturer, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., and learned that the new drug, while approved, will not be available to patients until late March at the earliest. So if this is an issue for you, be aware of the new drug's timing and availability, and as always, consult your doctor. Read more here. (sb)

Flu cases expected to increase locally; HIV/AIDS patients may need higher dosages of vaccine

Flu activity is expected to increase in California over the next couple of weeks and The Desert Sun reported this week that around the Coachella Valley, the peak has not yet been reached. "The big message is, it's not too late to get a flu shot," said Dr. Russell Grant, medical director for Eisenhower Urgent Care. He added that there is no local shortage of vaccine and urged anyone who has not done so to get the shot now. And as we reported last week, recent research suggests that a substantial number of HIV patients may not be getting 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. Learn more about HIV and flu, including how to avoid it, here. If, despite all precautions, you do get the flu, contact your doctor immediately and click here for guidance on how to take care of yourself. Remember, influenza can be especially dangerous for the immune-compromised. Even if you're not sure what you may have, err on the side of caution, call the doctor and get treatment. (jl) (sb)

Latest on antivirals' effects on cholesterol/triglycerides

Increased levels of lipids--cholesterol and triglycerides--has long been a major concern in HIV/AIDS treatment. As we know, researchers have shown this is often an unavoidable side-effect of longterm antiviral therapy. A recent study confirms that the stronger one's virus suppression as a result of antivirals, the greater are chances of high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and lower levels HDL (good) cholesterol. "Although specific drug classes were not considered, lipid levels are considerably higher in those on a suppressive ART regimen," the researchers concluded. "The higher total cholesterol/ triglyceride and lower [HDL] levels seen among those with low nadir CD4 count and with a prior AIDS diagnosis suggests severe immunosuppression may be associated with dyslipidemia over the long-term." This isn't great news, but it is current and specific. Read more here. (sb)

Strange but true: laughing at HIV (yes, it is possible)

We're all accustomed to the gravity and gloom that are usually part of any HIV/AIDS dialogue. But sometimes, you hear things--especially questions about how the virus might be transmitted--that just take the cake. It's a reminder that ignorance and naivete can be both hilarious and appalling. One of our regular source sites, TheBody.com, features an phonehearingaids

"Ask the Experts" blog that answers readers' questions about HIV. A surprising number come from HIV-negative people who have engaged in some activity that they fear may have exposed them to the virus. Most are serious, valid inquiries, but some are outright bizarre. We won't recount here the odd notions about sexy sandwich bags, suspicious smoothies or foam parties (whatever those are) but you can read about them here for yourself if you might enjoy a grin at the expense of the unenlightened. Your editor can't decide if he's amused at human foibles or depressed about the future of mankind. (sb)

Advocacy

A reminder about our newly elected representatives

Democratic Representative Raul Ruiz (left) was recently sworn into the U.S. Congress as the representative of California's 36th district, which includes Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, Hemet and Beaumont. Contact him at his website here. Rep. Ruiz also has a marktakano

local office here in Palm Springs at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. And the 41st district around the Redlands area is now represented by Democrat Mark Takano (right), who has the distinction of being the first openly gay man of color elected to Congress. Contact him at his website here. We're fortunate finally to have progressive representatives who are also very supportive of the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities. (jl) (sb)

Documentary on ACT-UP nominated for Oscar and why that's so important

Last fall, your editor viewed How to Survive a Plague, a sweeping documentary about the group of inexperienced and unlikely activists that managed to form the AIDS Coalition to Unleash spencer2

Power, (forever known as ACT-UP), and later the Treatment Action Group, (TAG) in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, the film had a very short run in the Coachella Valley and few people here saw it. Now, the film has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary category and we hope that will mean a new run and increased viewership. Other LGBT films have won various awards, but this one is especially significant since it deals so directly with the efforts of our peers and the events they caused in demanding that attention be paid to AIDS in America. The film is actually less about the disease itself than about the individuals who, by trial and error and against all odds, managed to get public and government responses that eventually led to new drugs and saved lives. It's our history and we should not only be familiar with and appreciative of it--we ought to be passing it on to younger people. You ought to see this film, even if you have to go to LA. mixner

The award nomination is especially poignant after the recent death of one of those activists, Spencer Cox (pictured above right). Spencer was a friend and occasional colleague of this editor and his difficult and ultimately tragic journey could be a film in itself. Read more about him here and here about one of the landmark demonstration events he helped to instigate. And longtime activist David Mixner (pictured right) comments here about why Plague is such a landmark for the HIV/AIDS community. (sb)

Remembrance

Founder of PFLAG and activist mother Jeanne Manford dies at 92

Once again, we bid farewell to someone we didn't know well, but whose life and activism greatly benefited and comforted folks in the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities. Jeanne Manford (pictured with photo of her son Morty), the founder of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, (universally known as PFLAG), died earlier this month at age 92. Mrs. Manford was an ideal case study in how we wish all parents could react to, deal with and continue to love their gay and lesbian children. She organized other parents to do just that at a time when some were either seeking psychiatric "adjustment" for their sons and daughters, or disowning them completely. Her love and support of her son Morty Manford continued from his time as a gay activist throughout and beyond his illness and death from AIDS in 1992. Jody Huckaby, PFLAG's current executive director, said, "Jeanne Manford paved the way for us to speak out for what is right, uniting the unique parent, family, and ally voice with the voices of LGBT people everywhere." Indeed, we owe much to Mrs. Manford. Click here for the full story of this remarkable, lovely woman and her family. (sb)

This & That

Want to try your hand at writing? Fine, but read some rules first
Many of us, due to our health issues, are limited in our ability to work and may face long days wishing for something constructive and creative to fill the hours. Your editor found out long ago that even when you feel less than terrific, writing can be a rewarding and even remunerative activity (especially when you can do it propped up on the sofa). Everyone has a story to tell (even though it's unfortunately true that many are not that interesting) and it's worth a try to see if you have the talent and discipline to convey some valuable and interesting copy. While everyone and their Aunt Mildred seems to have a blog or website these days, you may be the one to break through to thousands of fans or followers on Facebook and whatever other new media is out there. Getting published in traditional hard cover paper is a tough proposition these days, even for published writers (your editor knows this all too well) but blogs and self-publishing offer some happy alternatives. If you author

do decide to write the great American novel, or just a great paragraph, it's worth reviewing some valuable guidelines before sending your hard work out into a world already awash in words. If you are so moved by now, click here to read some good suggestions from blogAIDS.gov and here from the always-wise New York Times. Your editors are reviewing them as well. And one last word of advice: whatever you write, whether it's potential Pulitzer stuff or absolute drek, back it up on several memory sticks, external hard drives, carbon paper or even foolscap if you have to. You never know what you may want to rewrite, which is the essence of good writing anyway. (sb)

Quote of the Week

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom."

-- Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information

ADAP may pay Medicare Part D premium

Part D 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)

Help with Medicare
The State Health Insurance trumanmedicare

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, phone is 951.241.8723. Follow this link for more information. (Shown above is an interesting landmark artifact: the first Medicare card, issued to former President Harry Truman by then-current President Lyndon Johnson in 1966.) (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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Medically Indigent Services Program (MISP)

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

For those who qualify, medical care and help paying for your medications are available through the MISP and ADAP programs.* You can find out if you qualify by scheduling an appointment by calling the numbers below. You can schedule** your MISP and ADAP appointments together for Moreno Valley office ONLY. If you qualify for ADAP only, the local ADAP office is right across the driveway, south of D.A.P., 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. Many people 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 uninterrupted services with your D.A.P. medical doctor visits.

**NOTICE: 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.)

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Riverside County Healthcare Patients: LAB DRAW LOCATIONS

Riverside County Healthcare (RCHC) Lab services are provided at both Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC) in Moreno Valley and Quest Diagnostics. All RCHC patients currently going to LabCorp are now directed to Quest Diagnostics. Please call Quest before arriving at the location to ensure that they have received your lab order. If not, contact your provider. And always get your blood draw two weeks before

your next appointment with your doctor. (rv) (sb)

Here are local Quest Diagnostics locations for your convenience:

555 Tachevah Drive, Suite 102W

Palm Springs, CA 92262

36101 Bob Hope Drive, Suite E6

Rancho Mirage, CA

760.318.4387

760.323.8833

701 Highland Springs Avenue, Suite 6
Beaumont, CA

951.845.8013

1011 E Devonshire Avenue, Suite 103
Hemet, CA

951.652.3674

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)

Help with paying private health insurance premiums may be available

If you or someone you are close to are HIV positive and paying for private health insurance, there may be help in paying 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 it. Follow this link to see if you qualify. (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)

D.A.P. holiday closings for 2013

January 21 - Martin Luther King, 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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D.A.P. contact information computercool

iphonenew 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)

DAPCAN back issues always available online

Need another look at something you read in DAPCAN? 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 here. And we've recently updated these links to ensure that the very latest issues of DAPCAN are always available. (jl)

(cartoon from New Yorker Magazine, 2011)

Contact information for 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:

For questions, comments, or unsubscribe contact us at: DAPCAN@DesertAIDSProject.org

Additional Contacts/Social Networking