DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
February 21, 2013
|
|
|
A beautiful winters day in Palm Springs
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 5, 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Positive Life Series
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  antiretroviral 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! (rv) Upcoming programs:
April 2: Aging Well with HIV--what to expect as we grow older with HIV, and what to do about it, with Daniel Tietz from ACRIA in NYC.
May 7: 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.
|
|
Every Tuesday, Noon to 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents - Learn to Meditate Group
Learn to bring mind-body balance, health and nourishment into your life through AYURVEDA! Healing Compassion is about the journey to a wellness state-of-being. Jeff Skorman is a teacher,counselor, and Certified Chopra Center Perfect Health and Ayurvedic Lifestyles, Meditation and Yoga Instructor. HELD IN THE MEDITATION ROOM.
BETTER HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION!
|
|
Every Monday, Noon to 12:45 PM
Community Center Presents - Guided Imagery and Affirmations
Join Steve Dinga as he presents sessions in Guided Imagery and Affirmations. Topics include: depression, anxiety, and stress, pain, HIV, and many others using the works of Belleruth Naparstek. HELD IN THE MEDITATION ROOM. JUST SHOW UP!
BETTER HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION!
|
|
Tuesday, February 26, PRESENTATION LUNCHEON, Noon to 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents - Understanding Your HIV Medicines
 Speaker Mike Roy will discuss managing your disease, and understanding what your medicines are and how they work for you. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered D.A.P. clients only. ASL Interpretation available upon request - please contact Ray at least 48 hours in advance. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc. RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118 ext. 295, or via email to rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
BETTER HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION!
|
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM - Movie and Pizza!
February 28: Hairspray (2007)
 Hairspray is a 2007 American musical film based on the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was based on John Waters's 1988 comedy film of the same name.
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.
Back to top
|
Desert AIDS Project in the news
 Desert AIDS Project Executive Director David Brinkman recently wrote an opinion piece that was featured in The Desert Sun concerning the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as "ObamaCare", on patients with HIV/AIDS. The tone of the piece is optimistic and concludes that the ACA will help HIV and AIDS patients in six key ways. First and foremost, when fully implemented in 2014, the Affordable Care Act passed nearly three years ago in March 2010, will expand insurance coverage, and therefore access to care, for millions of people in the U.S., including people living with HIV or AIDS. You can see the full piece here. (jl)
Back to top
|
|
Will the ban on HIV organ donation research be lifted?
 A new bill is being introduced that would end a federal ban on research regarding organ donation between people with HIV. The bipartisan measure was introduced by Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Republican Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. The bill was also sponsored by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul and Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin. The reasoning behind the bill is simple; people with HIV are living longer thanks to life-sustaining medical treatment, but HIVers also experience chronic conditions such as liver and kidney failure. If passed, the HOPE Act (HIV Organ Policy Equity Act) could open a pathway to allowing people with HIV transfer organs to other people with HIV, a practice that is has been banned since 1988. Even researching the topic is forbidden under federal law. Read more here. (jl)
|
|
U.S. Department of Justice settles multiple HIV discrimination cases
 The Justice Department recently announced that, as part of its Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative , it has reached a settlement with Woodlawn Family Dentistry, of Alexandria, Va., under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is the third settlement addressing HIV discrimination by a medical provider reached by the Justice Department in three weeks. Read more here. (jl)
|
|
Hep-C market research
 There is an online survey for a research study to better understand the impact that dual and triple therapy treatments have on the lives of people with Hepatitis C. Each patient will have the opportunity to earn up to $150 for participating in this study.
They are looking for people with Hep C that meet the following description:
- Currently on triple or dual therapy for hep C or;
- Has been unsuccessful on triple or dual therapy or;
- Has been successful on triple or dual therapy
Your commitment would be 90 minutes total - 30 minutes pre-work, and a 60 minute phone interview with a professional moderator. The contact for the project at Clearvoice Medical Research is Jerimy Hiltner, who can be reached at 303.895.3574. Please call him and indicate you were referred by Dr. Henry Sacks (henry.sacks@mssm.edu) from the Mount Sinai Medical Center, whocan be reached at 212.241.7856. (jl)
|
|
Stop the Sequester!
 Congress is once again making decisions on federal spending that could mean REAL CUTS in funding for health centers that would impact their ability to serve even their current patients. These decisions are being made NOW! We know that federal spending is going to be cut; the question is how it will be done and what programs will suffer the most. If you want to have any influence on those decisions, you need to act NOW by emailing your Members of Congress. They need to hear from YOU and as many other advocates like you as possible to make sure they get the message that they need to protect health centers and the patients they serve! EMAIL your members of Congress now to let them know what's at stake for your health center and the patients it serves if they fail to stop the sequester immediately. (jl) |
|
Anthem/Blue Cross reverses prescription restrictions 
As you may recall, we've reported here that Anthem/Blue Cross introduced a controversial new policy whereby patients with HIV/AIDS were being forced to obtain their medications via a mail order pharmacy. This discriminatory policy applied ONLY to HIV/AIDS patients! This raised many concerns including privacy issues, possible missed deliveries, and most importantly, the loss of a personal relationship with a pharmacist. Fortunately, after a public outcry, Anthem/Blue Cross fully reversed course and agreed to change their policy. This is an important victory -- not just for patients who faced discrimination, had their privacy threatened, or their health threatened after being shut out of long-term relationships with skilled pharmacists. This is a victory for YOU. This is proof-positive that when we we stand together, change is possible! (jl)
|
|
Tell Rep. Ruiz: Help Rep. Alan Grayson and Rep. Mark Takano take Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits off the chopping block.
 Over the next few weeks, we'll be in the fight of our lives to save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits. House Democrats can help take these programs off the chopping block by co-signing a letter written by progressive champions Rep. Alan Grayson (FL) and Rep. Mark Takano (CA) that draws a line in the sand on benefit cuts. You can take action by signing the petition. (jl)
|
What the 'Sequester' could mean for Medicare and Social Security
 At this point, the nation is no longer facing a single trigger point that would unleash economic calamity. Instead, with no deal in sight, we face a series of them:
- March 1 - The "sequester" - a very large remnant of the deal that averted the "fiscal cliff" at the beginning of the year - kicks in and cuts a whopping $85 billion from military and domestic programs.
- March 27 - Funding to continue running the country expires, meaning the government shuts down.
- May 18 - Uncle Sam again hits the debt ceiling, meaning we can't borrow more money. Come July or August, we'll be facing default.
The most pressing question right now is, what happens if the sequester hits? No one really wants these cuts, but neither has anybody come up with the silver bullet to stop them. Follow this link to see what might happen to your benefits should the worst-case occur. (jl)
Back to top
|
Modernism Week bigger than ever
 One week ago, the 11 days of Palm Springs Modernism Week, the only such event in the country, returned to Palm Springs as the famous worldwide 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 and elegant informality which has come to define desert modernism. Following the 2001 success of the first Modernism Show, a whole week of events began in 2006. It 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)(rv)(jl)
Back to top
|
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Back to top
|
|
Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
|
|
Healthcare reform changes begin in earnest this year
 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
 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
 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 counselor is located at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs and can be reached at 760.323.5689. Follow this link for more information.
Back to top
|
Help with paying private health insurance premiums may be available 
If you or someone you are close to is 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. You do NOT need to be a D.A.P. client to access OA-HIPP. Follow this link to see if you qualify, and also check out the above links in the Healthcare reforms article. (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.* 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.) Back to top
|
|
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
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 
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)
|
|
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
| |
|
|
|
|
|
