DAPCAN - February 7, 2013

The next Positive Life program on March 5 will be a town hall forum on HIV and Diabetes. Dr. Miguel Torres of the Oasis Clinic in Los Angeles will speak on managing blood sugar and insulin resistance while on antiviral

therapy. 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 program: 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.

Tomorrow, Friday, February 8, PRESENTATION LUNCHEON, Noon to 1:00 PM

Community Center Presents: HIV AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Joseph Leahy will speak on the emotional health and well-being of people with HIV. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered DAP clients only. Sponsored by Janssen Therapeutics. There is still time to RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext.295, or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve your quality of life through education!

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Tuesdays, starting February 12, Noon - 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents: New Meditation Group

Healing Compassion is about a journey to a wellness state-of-being. Certified yoga instructor Jeff Skorman is a teacher and counselor at the Chopra Center Perfect Health and Ayurvedic Lifestyles, Meditation, and Seven Spiritual Laws. Contact Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118,ext. 295, or by email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org for more information. (jl)

Learn to tap your inner resources!

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Every Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Community Center Presents: Acupuncture Therapy

Learn about the benefits of acupuncture with Askat Ruzyev, L.Ac., MSTCM, Dipl.O.M. He is a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbology, and is a certified member of the National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCAOM). For registered D.A.P. clients only. Call Ray to schedule your appointment at 760.323.3118, ext. 295 or by email at rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.

Improve the quality of your life through better health!

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

February 7: Valentine's Day (2010)

valday2

Intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine's Day. Features a huge all-star and near-star cast including Jessica Alba, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Queen Latifah. Directed by Garry Marshall.

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

More fundraising events on spring schedule

Following this weekend's Steve Chase Awards and Tour de Palm Springs, other events are coming up that will contribute to D.A.P.'s ongoing funding needs. In March, a new event, Dinner at My Place, will bring an array of privately hosted parties. Each will be individually and elegantly planned with delicious food, festive drinks, stimulating conversation, appealing themes and interesting guests. All proceeds from the dinners will go to D.A.P. More great food is the focus of one of our favorite annual events, Dining Out for Life, coming in April. Keep an eye on DAPCAN and the D.A.P. website for more on information on these well-appreciated events that help make our ongoing client services possible. (sb)

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HIV & Other Health News

Today is 13th Annual Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), African-Americans in the United States face the most severe burdens in all aspects of dealing with HIV/AIDS. Black Americans have accounted for more than 40 % of new HIV cases over the past few years and account for a higher proportion at all stages of the disease--from new infections to deaths. There has been a troubling increase of 22 % in new HIV infections among black young gay and bisexual men, ages 13 to 24 years old and they account for 54 % of new HIV infections. Racism, homophobia, and other stigma are still taking a devastating toll: about 80 % of all new HIV infections among young people occur in African-American youths. Data like these are stunningly disproportionate but seem endless. To help curb this trend, Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was begun 2000 (coinciding each February with Black History Month) to increase testing, awareness, treatment and access to care. The closest local public event is in Los Angeles--click here for AIDS Project LA information and here for the Awareness Day website, full information and other links. (sb)

New HIV worry: "gut leakage" and inflammation

A growing body of evidence indicates that an inflammatory process begins at the earliest stages of HIV infection, and if it remains, can contribute to a host of non-AIDS conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer that occur earlier and more often in people with HIV. The inflammation is a result of a process known as microbial translocation, or more vividly, leakage of bacteria from the gut. This research is from the latest edition of The Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and is something to read up on if inflammation has been a problem for you. Click here for an explanatory article based on the study. (sb)

Does undetectable viral load mean CD4 tests needed just once a year?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently conducted a study of HIV-positive people on antiviral therapy, with viral loads below 200, to ascertain the risk of their CD4 cells falling below 200, which would increase their chances of opportunistic infections. The study showed that people who are virally suppressed and have CD4 counts between 300 and 349 have a 95 percent probability of maintaining their CD4 counts above 200 over a four-year period. When CD4 counts were above 350 at the outset, the probability increased to 97 percent and to 99 percent when non-HIV-related causes of the drop in CD4 cells were factored out. The researchers concluded that reducing CD4 screens to once per year for virally suppressed patients would save both money and the anxiety patients often suffer from observing the fluctuations in CD4 counts that aren't clinically relevant. (Your editor, recently hospitalized due in part to a sudden crash of CD4s, must note that he remains somewhat skeptical.) Click here to read the report and draw your own conclusions. This topic should definitely be on your list for your next doctor visit. (sb)

CDC video analyses demographics of HIV "treatment cascade"

The term "treatment cascade" has been used for awhile to illustrate the great gulf between those unknowingly infected with HIV in the United States and those who are on antiviral therapy with undetectable viral loads. Between those two extremes are those only diagnosed, those with some links to HIV care, those on therapy with ineffective results, and so on. In other words, HIV patients may fall anywhere along a vast continuum of knowledge, access to care and effective treatment--a disparity which makes eradication of HIV all the more challenging. For an interesting video,click here for the video. (sb)

New technology improves HIV research, treatment and daily management AIDSapps

Unprecedented advances in technology are transforming medicine as never before. From diagnostic equipment to increasingly accessible health care records, technological advances are providing new tools for researchers, medical providers, and patients. Instead of being confined to the office visit, patients may use electronic health (eHealth) resources to address their health needs through technology. Email, smartphones, tablets, apps and other devices are changing the face of healthcare. This techno-transformation is changing the patient-doctor relationship and HIV/AIDS patient care in mostly positive ways. Your editor recently began accessing lab reports and treatment records via the doctor's website--a marked improvement from paper files that quickly fill boxes and filing cabinets. While nothing should replace face-to-face quality time with your doctor (nor, if necessary, his caring bedside manner) these new tools are making access and recordkeeping--and incidentally, acting as your own best healthcare manager--far easier than in the past. Click here for an informative, meaty article with many helpful links that can guide you into the brave new techno-world of healthcare. And click here for a short video on the same topic from the recent National African-American Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS. (sb)

Treatment Action Group updates guide to clinical trials for hep C therapies

The Treatment Action Group (TAG) has updated its guide for people considering participating in clinical trials of new therapies for hepatitis C (HCV). The revised guide provides an overview of the drug development process and information about specific types of HCV treatment. Clinical trials are the process of studying new medications in complex, systematic protocols intended to provide data that hopefully will show positive safety and hcvslide

effectiveness outcomes. But while the process is often tedious for researchers, it may prove even more daunting for the person who is being studied. An HIV/AIDS and/or HCV patient should never enter into a clinical trial without full research and advice from a doctor. Despite some risks, new drugs for HCV are flooding the clinical trial pipeline, including some that may completely cure the disease. The decision to enter a trial is difficult, but TAG's new guidelines should help in getting fully informed. Click here for an overview article and links to the TAG guide itself. (sb)

Eat defensively and avoid digestive distress...or worse

With all the recent news about how quickly influenza, norovirus and other infectious diseases can spread, it's wise to review some tips on how better to protect ourselves. Guidelines on defensive eating for those living with HIV/AIDS are no different than for anyone else; it's simply that our immune problems leave us far more vulnerable to more frequent and severe consequences from a bad oyster or lukewarm potato salad. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides some good advice here for people with HIV/AIDS on staying free of salmonella, e. coli and other nasty consequences of careless eating. Note the information about being aware of expiration dates and intact packaging when shopping, keeping your kitchen clean and the foods we ought never to order in restaurants. The very last thing we need is yet another bug. (sb)

Advocacy

Be an advocate and participate in these healthcare surveys

phoneshirtless Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC) is conducting a telephone survey to assess the state of health in the Coachella Valley. HARC is a trusted and reliable data resource for non-profit organizations, hospitals, and local government throughout the Coachella Valley. On behalf of HARC, survey calls will be made by Kent State University to a select number of residents. Help your community by accepting calls. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Eileen Packer, HARC's CEO, by phone at 760.404.1945 or by email at epacker@harcdata.org. Visit www.HARCdata.org for more information. HARC will also be conducting a first-of-its-kind online survey of area LGBT residents that will take place over the next four months. Survey results will be used to identify gaps in healthcare and could help to provide funding to Desert AIDS Project and AIDS Assistance Program, which depend on this kind of benchmark data. The Desert Sun recently ran a story (click here) on the survey. Calling will begin soon and DAPCAN will keep you posted. (jl) (sb)

Boy Scouts punt on gay ban decision

The board of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) decided yesterday to postpone a decision on whether to lift its longstanding ban against both gay Scouts and gay adult leaders. A BSA statement called the issue "complex" and said it needed "more time to deliberate." Meanwhile, a Quinnipiac poll released this week found that 55 % of all voters supported an end to the ban. However, 56 % of evangelical Protestants surveyed supported continuation of the discriminatory ban and this week, spokespersons from right-wing, anti-gay groups such as Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council and glaad badge

the Southern Baptist and Mormon Churches have been all over the media vocalizing their support of continuing the ban. What a shock. Click here and here to read news coverage. Meanwhile, you can still add your voice to this fight. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is still accepting input on this issue. Click this link to add your voice against discrimination and to let BSA know it's time to end the ban! (jl) (sb)

(Pictured above is former Eagle Scout James Dale, who was expelled from BSA upon coming out as gay in 1990. His case, Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale, ultimately went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000, where Dale's expulsion and the BSA ban on gay members were upheld. The case stands today).

This & That

Modernism Week bigger than ever

Next week, beginning February 14, will bring Palm Springs Modernism Week, the only such event in the country, has become famous worldwide as a celebration of mid-twentieth century design, architecture and culture. Many homes and buildings, designed and built by forward-thinking architects and designers in the 1950s - '60s, reflect the clean, simple lines psmod

and elegant informality which has come define desert modernism. Following the 2001 success of the first Modernism Show, a whole week of events began in 2006 and has grown in popularity, attendance and contributions to the local economy ever since. The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, Palm Springs Modern Committee, Palm Springs Historical Society, and the Architecture and Design Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum are the main organizers of events, although many patrons and volunteers contribute as well. Click here for the Modernism Week website, events and ticket information. And click here for a fun video. Then come out and see some of the art and places you may not even have known about! (sb)

Quote of the Week

"I didn't know anything about HIV. All I knew about HIV was that it was a gay white men's disease."

--HIV-positive African-American activist Maria Davis

Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information

Healthcare reform changes begin in earnest this year

healtcarenewway With the U.S. Supreme Court's affirmation of the Affordable Care Act last year, genuine and major healthcare changes are beginning in 2013 and will continue to be implemented over the next few years. This year will bring improved preventative healthcare coverage, increased Medicaid payments to primary care doctors and simpler, bundled billing options. Most importantly, the "donut hole" of Medicare Part D drug plan co-pays begins to close this year. Regardless of your current insurance situation, click here for a government website that provides some guidance regarding Medicare, Medicaid and other possible insurance options (albeit limited) for those living with disabilities and/or chronic health issues (pay particular attention to the Medicare and Timeline tabs). And click here for an even more detailed summary. (sb)

Federal benefit paper checks stop soon--learn how to switch to e-deposit

godirect If you still get federal benefits in the form of a paper check, it's time to make the switch to electronic deposit as soon as possible. Paper check payments of Social Security, SSD, VA and other federal benefits will end soon and recipients must make the switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013. Options include direct deposit to a bank or credit union account (contact them for instructions) or receiving benefits on a Direct Express Debit Mastercard. Those applying for federal benefit payments for the first time are now required to choose an electronic payment method upon application. Electronic payments are safer, easier and more convenient for benefit recipients--in fact, no payment of benefits via direct electronic deposit has ever been lost! It allows you immediate access to your funds from virtually anywhere. If you do not have a bank account, or are not sure you can get one, look into a Treasury Department-sponsored ETA account. To learn more about the switch, visit the Go Direct website. (jl) (sb)

ADAP may pay Medicare Part D premium

Part D 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
medicarewallet

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.

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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, and also check out the above links in the Healthcare reforms article. (jl) (sb)

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.* Find out if you qualify: schedule 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. 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: QUEST 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. Remember: 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

760.318.4387

36101 Bob Hope Drive, Suite E6

Rancho Mirage, CA

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

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

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 coolcomputer

bluemanphone 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)

Contact information for state and federal officials--click on name:

President Barack Obama
Senator Diane Feinstein
Senator Barbara Boxer
Representative Raul Ruiz
Representative Mark Takano
Governor Jerry Brown
State Senator Bill Emmerson
State Assembly member Brian Nestande
State 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