DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
January 24, 2013
|
|
|
|
Today's high temperature in Palm Springs was 69 degrees Fahrenheit, while much of our country is in a deep freeze...
|
|
|
|
Editorial Staff
| |
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
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 30, 5:30 PM - Business Member Presentation:
Sero-Discordant Relationships and the Role of HIV Medicine 
 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.
 
The Center presents this program in collaboration with the Desert AIDS Project.
|
|
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--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 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.
Back to top
|
|
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, January 29, PRESENTATION LUNCHEON, Noon to 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents: HIV and Genital Herpes
 Diptesh Patel, PharmD., will talk about genital herpes and HIV, including a question and answer program. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered DAP clients only. ASL interpretation available upon request, with 48 hour notification. Sponsored by ViiV Healthcare, you are requested to RSVP to Ray Robertson @ (760) 323-2118 ext 295 or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Improve your quality of life through education!
|
|
Tuesday and Friday for the next three weeks from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
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 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 finally kick this unhealthy, costly habit!
|
|
Third Friday, Every Month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Community Center Presents: HAIRCUTS BY MITCH AND JOSE!
 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!
January 31: The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
Directed by Robert Schwentke, this film is a romantic sci-fi drama about a Chicago librarian with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications that creates for his marriage. Starring Michelle Nolden and Alex Ferris.
Let's get out to a movie!
|
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.
Back to top
|
Dr. Steven Scheibel (pictured) has joined the staff of Desert AIDS Project in the Wells Fargo HIV Health Center. "Some of our clients have already met Dr. Scheibel, since he's been with us for a few weeks," said Dr. Homayoon Khanlou, Medical Director for D.A.P. "Not only is he a very knowledgeable and involved physician in HIV medicine but he's highly personable as well. He's already proven to be a great addition to our staff." After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana with a BS in biology, Dr. Scheibel received his MD from the University of Illinois Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine in Chicago, graduating cum laude. Following his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia Hospital, Dr. Scheibel was an instructor and Fellow in Medicine at the Infectious Disease Unit at the University of Rochester (NY) School of Medicine and Dentistry for four years. He was co-founder of the nonprofit Community Health Network (CHN,) a clinic serving HIV-infected people, in Rochester where he served as Associate Medical Director for more than three years. CHN cares for 800 to 1,000 patients, providing comprehensive health care, including clinical research. After moving to California in 1994, Dr. Scheibel worked in a number of positions, including both direct client service and research. While consulting for Roche Molecular Systems in Alameda, he assisted in the development of a test to measure plasma HIV levels with a high degree of sensitivity, as well as a DNA assay to monitor cell-associated-HIV in response to combination antiviral therapy. "Dr. Scheibel is a welcome addition to our medical staff because we pride ourselves on providing the best possible care to our clients," says David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "All of our physicians are credentialed by the American Association of HIV Medicine and possess the most current base of knowledge for treating HIV and AIDS." (rv)
Back to top
|
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  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)
Back to top
|
|
Just in: Stanford researchers create HIV-resistant cells
 Researchers at Stanford University have created HIV-resistant T-cells, a breakthrough that, if proven successful in humans, could potentially stop the virus from developing into AIDS. Here's the gist: the new process uses a kind of molecular scissors to cut and paste a series of HIV-resistant genes into T-cells. By inactivating a receptor gene and inserting additional anti-HIV genes, the virus is blocked from entering the T-cells in the first place, thus preventing it from destroying the immune system. The discovery was announced just this week and, according to researchers, may have potential to replace lifelong drug treatments and protect the immune systems of those infected. This is very new but promising and DAPCAN will follow developments closely. Click here to read more. (sb)
|
|
New Orleans will host AIDS Conference in September
 The 2013 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA), will take place September 8 - 11, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency, in New Orleans, LA. For nearly two decades, USCA has been one of the important gatherings of case managers, physicians, public health workers,  advocates, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and policymakers. Its purpose is to build national support networks, exchange the latest information and learn cutting-edge tools to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Click above to link to the National Minority AIDS Council and learn more about the Conference and how you can apply for a scholarship to attend. (rv)
|
|
Anti-diarrheal Fulyzaq still on hold
 We recently 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. 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)
|
Hepatitis B and alcohol: an especially bad idea
 Everyone knows that consumption of alcohol when diagnosed with any type of hepatitis is extremely dangerous. New findings now confirm that people with hep B (HBV) who also drink alcohol are significantly increasing their risk of developing liver cancer. This relationship does not seem directly correlated to having HIV, but we report it here because many people with  HIV/AIDS may also live with various types of hepatitis, i.e., coinfection. Ten percent of HIV-positive people in the U.S. are coinfected with hepatitis B (HBV/HIV) and even greater numbers have been exposed to HBV and other types of hepatitis. Again, not great news, but when living with chronic disease, it's wise to revise your thinking about alcohol usage. Click here to read more. (sb)
|
Anthem Blue Cross Rx policies bring out opposition, possible lawsuit Many with HIV/AIDS are opposing a new policy at Anthem Blue Cross that will limit filling of antiviral medication prescriptions to mail order only. A lawsuit may be filed by Consumer Watchdog and San Francisco-based Courage Campaign, citing privacy issues. Click to follow developments and for more information. (rv)
|
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
-- Oprah Winfrey
Back to top
|
|
Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
|
|
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)
|
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, 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)
Back to top
|
|
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)
|
|
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.) Back to top
|
|
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
Back to top
|
|
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)
Back to top
|
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)
Back to top
|
|
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)
Back to top
|
|
D.A.P. holiday closings for 2013
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
Back to top
|
|
D.A.P. contact information 
 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:
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:
|
|
|
Additional Contacts/Social Networking
| |
|
|
|
|
|
