DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
April 25, 2013
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Don't forget to dine out and fight AIDS!
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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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Thursday, April 25: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!
Dining Out For Life
 This year, 38 restaurants are participating in and contributing to Dining Out for Life. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, bagels or a drink at the bar, these restaurants and diners like you supported client services at Desert AIDS Project! We're thrilled and wowed by all the community support. Do Good. Eat Well. And remember, all you have to do is go out to eat to fight AIDS! Click here for more information and make some reservations now! (jl) (rv) (sb)
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Tuesday, May 7, 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Positive Life Series
CROI Update
 Updates on the latest in HIV treatments and cure research from the Retrovirus Conference (CROI), with D.A.P. medical director Dr. Homayoon Khanlou, and local treatment activist Jeff Taylor. 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. No need to RSVP. Questions? Email positivelifeseries@gmail.com. Plan to attend and bring a friend! Upcoming Programs: June 4: HIV & Sex--What You Need to Know About STDs, with Dr. Rick Loftus. In July and August, we'll be on hiatus--have a great summer! September 3: HIV & the Law--What You Need to Know, with local attorney Andrew Alder.
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Desert AIDS Project's Community Services Wing, also known as the Community Center, houses many activities and programs including arts and crafts workshops, bingo, movies, lending library and drop-in hours when clients may come in to just hang out with friends. The Community Center also hosts educational programs and classes designed to increase health literacy and empower clients to participate more in their own care. Follow this link to see details about next week's featured events listed below. If you would like to attend any of these events, please RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Upcoming Community Center featured events:
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM (no RSVP needed)
Ongoing Community Center activities:
- 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
Check out the complete Community Center Schedule for all programs and drop-in hours.
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IEHPC Empowerment Committee meeting at D.A.P.
 The Inland Empire HIV Planning Council (IEHPC) is the local policy-making body in charge of prioritizing services and allocating funds granted from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Desert AIDS Project is a grant recipient. Last year, more than 2,000 clients benefited from services funded by this program. Usually convening in the City of San Bernardino, IEHPC is holding meetings at D.A.P. this month. The Planning Committee recently met and the Empowerment Committee will meet on Thursday April 25, 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the D.A.P. Situation Room and is open to the public with opportunity to comment. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn more about allocation of HIV/AIDS services funding that affects you directly as a D.A.P. client. For more information, including agenda packets, visit www.iehpc.org or call 909.693.0750. (jl) (sb)
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Have extra time and need to get out more? Volunteer at Revivals!
 Our area Revivals stores can always use volunteers and the Palm Desert location needs some helpers right now! If you have extra time and would like to contribute to the efforts that help fund D.A.P. client services, call Melanie Jones, Volunteer Coordinator at 760.413.6613.  It looks like fun!
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In case you missed it, check out D.A.P.'s Spring Progress Report
 The Spring Progress Report is a concise and comprehensive look at everything that's going at Desert AIDS Project. Click here to learn about the donors, events and activities that help maintain client services. (sb)
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HIV/AIDS & Other Health News
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Officials find no meningitis link between L.A. and New York cases
 In a story that still seems to be developing, an L.A. County report says that no other cases of meningococcal disease has been linked to either the case of a West Hollywood lawyer who died this month or to a New York outbreak. In an effort to quash any fears of a patterned outbreak, Los Angeles County health officials said a fatal case of meningitis found this month is not connected to any others across the country. You can read more here. As of this writing, public health officials were still recommending vaccinations for those at risk of exposure. For anyone who feels they may have close contact with a person likely to be infected with meningitis, has had intimate sexual contact with someone met through online websites, phone apps, or at a bar or party - or is simply concerned about their risk of contracting meningitis - D.A.P. will provide a free meningitis vaccination, regardless of HIV status. Contact 760.323.2118 for more information. (rv)(jl)
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National Take-Back Initiative
Have you switched meds and wound up with extra bottles of drugs you no longer take? Anyone needing to get rid of expired or unused prescription drugs can do so on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day . The annual event takes place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM April 27 and allows residents to drop off their unwanted prescription drugs at sheriff's stations throughout Riverside County. Stations in the Coachella Valley are at 73-705 Gerald Ford Drive, Palm Desert, and 86-625 Airport Blvd., Thermal. Riverside County residents last year disposed of 2,124 pounds of outdated drugs during the "Take Back" program. The service is free and people dropping off their expired prescription drugs can remain anonymous. Follow this link for more information. (jl)
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Fix health problems with exercise
Ever wonder why you feel so great after you break a sweat? Turns out, exercise isn't just an effective flab-fighter -- it's a remedy for pretty much any troubling health issue you are facing: anxiety, insomnia, back pain -- even hot flashes. "When it comes to preventing health problems, exercise is one of the best medicines we have," says David Katz, M.D., founding director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center. But some workouts are better than others for healing what ails you. Read more here. (jl)
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Want to be read?
 DAPCAN is a client and volunteer driven newsletter published every Thursday to a growing list of subscribers, now numbering over 1500. Do you have a message to relate? Have you fantasized about being published? Do you have a personal story that will help or inform others? Even if you don't consider yourself a good writer, we welcome your submissions and we will help you craft and edit your message. We welcome all non-offensive submissions and encourage each of you to always let us know what type of stories you want to read about in DAPCAN. (rv)(jl)
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Why the HIV-positive guy you won't date may be your safest bet after all
 Advocate.com recently ran an interesting piece opining that people concerned about contracting HIV may be better off dating someone who is HIV-positive. According to the article, the risks around dating someone who is HIV-positive are misunderstood. If your prospective mate has the gumption to disclose his positive status before the first round of cocktails, he is more likely to take steps to protect your negative status... and so are you! As for the risk of dating a man who doesn't know his status - a human question mark - that's when you should proceed with caution. You can see the complete article here.(jl)
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France approves marriage equality bill
 Marriage equality continues to spread! France will soon be the 14th country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. The French National Assembly gave final approval to a bill that would extend marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples. The bill, which passed by a vote of 331-225, passed the Senate two weeks ago. France is the third country to pass marriage equality in the past two weeks. New Zealand passed a marriage equality law last week and Uruguay the week before. Here in the United States, marriage equality is the law of the land in nine states and the District of Columbia. That number is expected to rise in the coming weeks as state legislatures are dealing with the issue in Rhode Island, Delaware, Illinois, and Minnesota. (jl)
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The National AIDS Memorial Grove
 The National AIDS Memorial Grove, located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope, and remember. The sacred ground of this living memorial honors all who have confronted this tragic pandemic: both those who have died and those who have shared their struggle, as well as those who kept the vigils, and supported each other during the final hours. The National AIDS Memorial Grove signifies that the global tragedy of AIDS will never be forgotten. Learn more here. (jl)
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Have your voice heard; take the LGBT Health Needs Survey
 The LGBT Community Center of the Desert is proud to announce the first ever comprehensive LGBT Health Needs Survey of Coachella Valley! In partnership with a local health research company, the Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC), the Center has designed an online survey to assess the health needs of the LGBT community here in the Coachella Valley. The information obtained from this survey will help The Center to design programs and services that will meet your specific needs, and obtain additional funding to provide new programs and services. Please take the survey! It's all online, completely anonymous, and will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. (jl)
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Tell Governor Brown: "Delay is not the way!"
 Tell Governor Brown, "When it comes to Medi-Cal expansion, delay is not the way!" Why? Because nearly 1.2 million Californians age 50-64 are uninsured, many of them struggling to find affordable health care coverage due to unemployment or job loss. Expansion of the Medicaid program in our state (known as Medi-Cal) could help over a third of that group -those 395,000 Californians who are age 50-64- qualify for the program to receive health care coverage. We need Governor Brown's support to make it happen. Pick up the phone now to call Governor Brown toll-free at 888.458.6355 to let him know, "Delay is not the way!" (jl)
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The Stigma Project seeks to create an "HIV Neutral" world
The Stigma Project is a grassroots organization that aims to lower the HIV infection rate and neutralize the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS through education and awareness via social media and advertising. The Stigma Project seeks to create an HIV neutral world, free of judgment and fear by working with both positive and negative individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, or background. Their latest campaign is entitled "HIV Talk, The do's and dont's of speaking about HIV/AIDS". Here is a graphic from the campaign. (jl)
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Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
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Keep track of healthcare reform changes
 The Affordable Healthcare Act is being implemented and it's important to keep track of changes in coverage and payment options. 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)
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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 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.
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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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Help paying for private health insurance premiums
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)
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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. Call no sooner than four weeks before your ADAP qualifying expiration date (usually around your birthday). 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/ADAP applications can get lost in the process. 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. Otherwise, follow up your annual meeting with ADAP with a call to ensure all your paperwork was received and is complete. Back to top |
D.A.P. contact information 
 The local phone number of Desert AIDS Project is 760.323.2118. The toll-free phone number is 866.331.3344 and the website is desertaidsproject.org.
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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) |
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D.A.P. holiday closings for 2013
 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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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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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:
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Additional Contacts/Social Networking
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