DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
May 9, 2013
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Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12
Happy Mother's Day!
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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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Tuesday, June 4, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Positive Life Series - HIV & Sex
 The next Positive Life presentation "HIV & Sex - What you need to know about STDs" featuring Dr. Rick Loftus. 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!  And Positive Life is now on Facebook! Sign on, visit and like us here.Upcoming Programs:
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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Friday, July 19, 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM, Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Mid-Summer Dance Party VI
More details to follow!! (jl)
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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:
Tuesday, May 14, Noon - 1:00 PM
Luncheon/presentation - HYPNOMEDITATION
Every Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
ACCUPUNCTURE
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM (no RSVP needed)
MOVIE & PIZZA!
May 16: Dragon Heart (1996) Starring Dennis Quaid
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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Tool Shed's Erotic Art Expo & Silent Auction raises $6230 for testing program  Thanks to the generosity of donor artists and silent auction bidders, Tool Shed raised $6,230 at this year's Erotic Art Expo & Silent Auction. In the 11 years of the Erotic Art Expos, over $43,200 has been raised for local charities. Pictured here is Tool Shed owner Chris Rees presenting the silent auction proceeds to David Brinkman of Desert AIDS Project, which will go to support the Free & Confidential HIV Testing program. (jl)
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Want to see your own byline? Write something for DAPCAN!
DAPCAN is a client- and volunteer-driven newsletter loyally published every Thursday by three willing but sometimes harried editors. Our growing list of subscribers now numbers more than 1500. Sometimes, we could use some help! Do you have a message to convey? A particular expertise in HIV health or advocacy issues? An unusual or unique experience? A  cautionary tale? A constructive rant? Have you fantasized about being published? We're looking for people who would like to occasionally contribute stories, ideas and content to DAPCAN. Even if you don't consider yourself a good writer, we can help craft and edit your message. We welcome all non-offensive submissions and also encourage our readers to let us know what type of stories you want to read in DAPCAN. Remember, you can always contact us via email at dapcan@desert.aids.project.org. (rv) (jl) (sb)
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HIV/AIDS & Other Health News
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HIV infection weakened using synthetic agents
 Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine's Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) recently discovered that synthetic anti-inflammatory substances distantly related to the active ingredient of marijuana may be able to take the punch out of HIV while inside one of its major hideouts - immune cells known as macrophages. Read more here. (jl)
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CDC launches newly re-designed HIV website
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched its newly designed HIV website. With more than 8 million page views in 2012, CDC's site is one of the most-visited HIV websites on the Internet. Because so many people depend on CDC for the latest HIV science and public health information, as well as for campaign and educational materials, policies, and guidelines, the site was redesigned to give various audiences a more intuitive and useful way to find relevant, personal, and actionable HIV information. Please visit www.cdc.gov/hiv to experience the new site. (jl)
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FDA fast-tracks new Hepatitis C drug
 A new Hepatitis C drug regimen has been given a breakthrough therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration, putting it on the fast- track for potential approval in the United States. A breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs for serious or life-threatening conditions. It requires preliminary clinical proof that shows the drug may provide "substantial improvement" over therapies currently on the market. The FDA's distinction stemmed from clinical trials involving patients infected with a particular strain of hepatitis C, an infectious disease that mostly affects the liver and that can ultimately lead to liver failure, cancer and other life-threatening complications. The trials showed high response rates to the combination therapy. It is currently in its third phase of clinical trials, involving more than 2,000 infected patients in 29 countries. The patients are treated for 12 to 24 weeks and will be followed for nearly a year after the treatment period ends. Read more here. (jl)
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Task force calls for routine HIV testing for all adults
 An influential U.S. panel is calling for HIV screening for all Americans aged 15 to 65, regardless of whether they are considered to be at high risk, a change that may help lift some of the stigma associated with HIV testing. The new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-backed panel of doctors and scientists, now align with longstanding recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing of all adults aged 15 to 65, regardless of their risk. Read more here. (jl)
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NIH scientists create new tool for identifying powerful HIV antibodies
 In an advance that could help speed HIV vaccine research, a team of NIAID scientists has developed a new tool to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of preventing infection by the majority of HIV strains found around the globe. The underlying approach could be applied to the study of human responses to other pathogens, such as influenza and hepatitis C viruses, for which scientists have much information about neutralizing antibodies. Read more here. (jl)
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Delaware passes marriage equality; Minnesota may be next
 While we here in California await the Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8, the Delaware Senate gave final approval to HB 75, a bill granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry in that state effective July 1 of this year. The Delaware House of Representatives passed the measure last month. Democratic Governor Jack Markell signed HB 75 into law just minutes later, reportedly telling the crowd, "I do not intend to make any of you wait one minute longer." With the addition of Delaware to the equality column, 11 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. allow same-sex couples the freedom to marry. That number may soon swell yet again, as Minnesota appears poised to move forward on equal marriage legislation. That state's Democratic House speaker scheduled a vote on a same-sex marriage bill for Thursday, a move he had vowed not to do unless the votes required for passage were secured. If the bill clears the House, the Senate could vote on it as early as Saturday; leaders in that chamber are similarly confident that the votes are there for passage. Pro-equality Governor Mark Dayton has pledged to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk. If the bill clears each of these hurdles, marriages in Minnesota would begin on August 1. (jl)
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The Amgen Tour comes to Palm Springs
Since 2006, The Amgen Tour has become informally known as "America's Tour de France." It's the country's largest professional road cycling stage race with 128 of the best cyclists in the world battling it, including Olympic medalists, Tour de France competitors, and world cycling champions. More than 100 cyclists will be racing through Palm Springs on Monday, May 13, 2013, as the Amgen Tour of California travels thru Palm Springs. The entire caravan, which includes 128 riders and 120 support vehicles, is estimated to travel t hrough Palm Springs starting at 2:35 PM. Cyclists will arrive in the city from neighboring Cathedral City and end at the Tram, using the following route: This is a unique opportunity for you to come out and cheer as these world class riders pedal their way through Palm Springs! Read more here. (jl)
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Please let the Ryan White Program hear your voice when their survey hits your mailbox later this month!
 The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - one of D.A.P.'s largest funders - is mailing out a satisfaction survey to most clients. A postage-paid envelope will be included with the survey. The survey will be sent only to clients who have indicated they accept mail on their intake or update forms. So if your mailing preferences have changed, please contact your medical case manager, so we can update records accordingly. For clients who don't receive mail, hard copies will be provided upon request at D.A.P. Surveys in Spanish are also available. If you have  visited another agency funded by the Ryan White Program in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, you may receive multiple surveys. Please look for the agency name at the top of the survey before completing it. Although the Ryan White Program will provide D.A.P. with a cumulative summary of comments and ratings, your responses to the survey will be completely anonymous. D.A.P. is eager to learn where improvements can be made and this survey is a great opportunity to contribute your thoughts. (jl)
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Take LGBT Health Needs Survey and add your voice
 The LGBT Community Center of the Desert is proud to announce the first comprehensive LGBT Health Needs Survey of the 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 local LGBT community. Information obtained from this survey will help The Center design programs and services to better meet your specific needs, and obtain additional funding to provide new programs and services. Click here for all the information you need to take the survey. Your editor took the survey last week and found it rather painless! It's all online, completely anonymous, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is ultimately for your own benefit! (jl) (sb)
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"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." - Jewish Proverb
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Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
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Positively Aware's online HIV drug guide 
 You can check here anytime for the latest information about your antivirals--dosages, side-effects, etc, courtesy of Positively Aware. (sb)
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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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