DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
June 13, 2013
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 Click Here for Ticket Information!
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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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Friday, July 19, 8:00 PM: Sixth Annual Mid-Summer Dance Party!
 Bust out your sexiest neon beachwear (this year's theme) and head to The Commune at the ACE Hotel on Friday, July 19 from 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM for the Sixth Annual Mid-Summer Dance Party, which benefits client services at Desert AIDS Project. DJ phenomenon Kimberly S (pictured) will spin music through the night. With convenient valet parking near the event entry and upgraded air conditioning, you're sure to have a great time. And get creative with that neon beachwear--fabulous prizes will be awarded for most creative and best attire!  General admission tickets at $45 include Commune access beginning at 8:00 PM, as well as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, while the VIP wristband for $75 includes valet parking, catered hors d'oeuvres and premium liquor, with access to two VIP lounges as well as The Commune. Those preferring just the Late Night Party Pass at $20 will have Commune access beginning at 10:30 PM and complimentary cocktails. Click here for more information and tickets! (jl) (sb)
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See you in September when Positive Life Series returns
The popular and informative Positive Life Series will be on hiatus for the remainder of summer. But mark your calendar for the September 3 program: HIV & the Law--What You Need to Know, with local attorney Andrew Alder. Watch future issues of DAPCAN for schedule information. Meanwhile, have a great summer! And Positive Life is now on Facebook! Sign on, visit and like us here. 
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Ryan White CARE Program update
 You may have heard vague rumors that the the Ryan White CARE Program, which is a significant source of funding for Desert AIDS Project and state ADAPs, will expire this year. While it is true that the program is not up for reauthorization, there is no cause for concern. The primary reason is that implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) over the next few years will take over many funding functions of Ryan White, essentially superseding some of it and enhancing its overall purpose. The program will remain relevant as supplemental to ACA and for those who have lapses in insurance coverage. For example, in our jurisdiction, Ryan White will continue to fund home- and community-based healthcare, food assistance, substance abuse, early intervention, housing and psychosocial support services, etc., some of which will not necessarily be covered by insurance plans resulting from ACA. Here are the key points to remember about Ryan White: 1) there are no automatic "sunset" provisions built in, so it will continue to function normally for the time being; 2) implementation of Ryan White with ACA will take time and there may be gaps; 3) D.A.P. is working with various HIV advocacy groups to ensure ongoing education of Congress and the Administration about funding needs for the HIV/AIDS community. If you're interested in more information, click here for a "webinar" that covers these issues in more detail, and be sure to scroll down through the slides on various topics. And click here for a federal overview site on the Ryan White CARE Program. (sb)
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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 Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM (no RSVP needed)
First &Third Friday of Every Month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
HAIRCUTS BY ROBERT!
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, activities and drop-in hours.
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HIV/AIDS & Other Health News
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New study adds data about HIV reinfection
 Anyone living with HIV/AIDS for any length of time has heard scary and hazy stories about the possibility of "reinfection" or "superinfection." It is uncommon, but does happen and was first documented in 2002. Reinfection occurs when one already HIV-positive is exposed to a different strain and retains that infection as well. Two different strains of HIV can enter the same cell and bind their genetic material to become what is known as a recombinant virus. A new study published in The Lancet shows that an estimated 10 % of HIV-1 infections, from samples taken from HIV/AIDS patients worldwide, involve recombinant viruses, which is strong and disturbing evidence. "The widespread observation of superinfection suggests it is a substantial problem and has been under-reported," the researchers concluded. Still, more questions are raised than answered. It remains unknown why some patients may not develop recombinant strains after exposure, how the immune system responds to new HIV strains, or how great the risks may be when geographic, socio-economic and gender/sexual partner factors may affect the possibility of reinfection. This is an important issue to watch. Click here for more. (sb)
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HIV, aging and making the best of it
In case you missed it, The New York Times recently ran an excellent overview article about what we already know, but others may not: what it's like to, surprisingly, grow old with HIV/AIDS. It may be familiar territory, but it's worth a look here if you didn't catch it a few weeks ago. If you could use a little inspiration about people who are more-or-less  managing pretty well, click here. And The  Advocate's HIV-focused publication, hivplusmag.com is often a source of upbeat news. Click here to read its account of several high profile gay men, such as Broadway choreographer Bill Jones and Olympic diver Greg Louganis (both pictured) who are not only living successfully with HIV/AIDS, but using their celebrity for openness, awareness and fundraising. (sb)
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Film star ignites unusual conversation about HPV and cancer
 Actor Michael Douglas (pictured below), who recently turned in an over-the-top performance as Liberace in an HBO biopic, announced last week that his throat cancer was caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) which he says was a result of oral sex. (Douglas has also admitted to being a heavy user of tobacco and alcohol). His remarks not only lit up major news outlets and social media, but also raised new concerns about HPV and its links to various forms of cancer. There are more than 100 known types of HPV and almost everyone becomes infected with some strain soon after becoming sexually active. Some people naturally clear the virus, but it persists in others and contributes to genital, anal, oral and other forms of cancer. HPV is also especially linked with high incidence of  anal and rectal cancers in gay men and is often complicated by coinfection with HIV. In case you're wondering, preventative vaccines such as Gardasil have no effect in anyone already infected. If you are at all sexually active--male or female--you ought to discuss having a pap smear with your doctor. For the latest on HPV and these connections, click here and here for a good article specific to concerns of gay men. And thanks, we suppose, to Mr. Douglas for the vivid information. (sb)
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Serodiscordance: obvious dealbreaker or strategic challenge?
 Most of us have been there at least once: you meet someone attractive and intriguing and sexy as hell...but you hesitate. Because unless you've met on Poz Personals or in a HIV support group, your intended's serostatus may be unknown so you'll be forced to have... the Conversation before things go any further. No one likes to be shown the door after yet again having to disclose your status. Indeed, we all remember the early days when people didn't want to be in the same room with anyone HIV-positive, much less in bed with them. But like so many other issues, HIV and its effects on relationships have changed, and serodiscordance (an odd word invented during the Plague), like the  illness itself, is much more manageable today. Your editor is personally acquainted with a number of longtime successful couples who have figured out how to remain intimate and keep the negative half negative. So if this situation ever confronts you, don't presume it's impossible. And meanwhile, click here to read some reassuring stories about serodiscordant couples, both straight and gay, who have overcome the fears and stigma. (sb)
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Palm Springs ShortFest Film Festival begins next week
 Now in its nineteenth year, the Palm Springs ShortFest Film Festival begins next week, running from June 18 - 24. It will showcase 330 films including 70 world premieres, 55 North American premieres and 14 U.S. premieres as films arrive from 49 countries. The line-up includes Jason Ritter in Boats Against The Current (USA), the voice of Rachel Griffiths in Butterflies (Australia), the voice of Cate Blanchett in the North American premiere of A Cautionary Tale (Australia), Ian McKellen in the world premiere of The Egg Trick (UK), Christopher Eccleston and Felicity Jones in the world premiere of Emily (UK) and Gerard Depardieu in Frank-Etienne (France). Anticipated highlights include the voice of Bill Nighy in the North American premiere of The Hungry Corpse (UK), Missi Pyle in Killing Vivian (USA), Brenda Blethyn and Tom Jones in the world premiere of King Of The Teds (UK), Elle Fanning in Likeness (USA), Nick  Cassavetes in the world premiere of Love And Skin (USA), Hugo Weaving in No Budget (Australia) and Camilla Belle in Zero Hour (Mexico-USA). ShortFest is always immensely popular so make your plans now and click here for schedules and ticket (click Festival Guide tab) information and here for the full film schedule. Pictured are scenes from Laughing Matters (above) and The GayLA (right). (sb)
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Tell your story on film
 Australian filmmaker Daniel Cardone (pictured below) is making a documentary about people over 50 with HIV/AIDS who have relocated to Palm Springs after their diagnosis. Cardone intends the film to be showcased at festivals around the world and hopes to include men and women of various ethnicities, backgrounds and income levels. He is especially interested in talking to those living at the poverty threshold or with very limited resources. The general theme will be a collection of  very personal stories about individual histories, hopes, fears and what it's like to live with HIV/AIDS here in the Coachella Valley. Interviews will take approximately one to two hours, with an additional "day-in-the-life" filming subsequent to the initial interview. Questions will cover a variety of subjects intended to draw out open, emotional, and honest stories. If you would like to share your own experience of living with HIV in what could be a landmark film project, here's your chance. You may contact Dan Cardone via email at dfcardone@gmail.com. (rv) (sb)
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Last chance to catch David Pevsner in Musical Comedy Whore
 The provocative title promises that this isn't just another cabaret show and the moment handsome playwright-actor-singer-lyricist-dancer David Pevsner steps onstage, he proves it's much more. Musical Comedy Whore is a one-act, one-man show closing the season this weekend at the Desert Rose Playhouse in Rancho Mirage. Pevsner pops up in jeans and tight T-shirt--no flashy costume, no make-up, no touch-up of his graying hair. What kind of LA actor is this? The answer is an incredibly talented and honest one. In witty and touching songs, verse and monologues, Pevsner tells his story: nice Jewish boy from the midwest makes it on Broadway and Hollywood and, incidentally, does a little escorting on the side. Yes, there are plenty of four-letter words and explicit descriptions, but the actor's focus on  unapologetic truth only adds to his vivid story. Pevsner is not only an outstanding performer, but a gifted writer as well. His original script and lyrics are funny, poignant and refreshing. Three performances remain this weekend. Click here for information and tickets (only $25). And remember to watch for the upcoming fall season at Desert Rose Playhouse, which is the only theater in the area that offers LGBT-themed shows and plays. (sb)
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Read new Standard PS issue and then subscribe for free
 As we reported a few weeks ago, Palm Springs has a new monthly LGBT-oriented magazine, The Standard PS, which began online publication in January. It's particularly timely and welcome since the The Bottom Line went out of business last year. The Standard combines the elements of a high quality magazine with great content on politics, style, entertainment, pride, travel, local, regional and national news along with eye-catching graphics and photos. We're glad to report that the The Standard is also a media partner of Desert AIDS Project. The June issue has just posted and you can check it out here. After you've become a fan, click here and follow the prompts for your free subscription, which you'll find in your email every month. And click here to like The Standard on Facebook. Your support will help ensure the magazine's success! (sb)
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National LGBT leaders urge recommitment to fighting HIV/AIDS 
More than 35 leaders of various LGBT advocacy, public policy, educational and service provider organizations have written an open letter to the gay community at large asking for a stronger commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. "Our community hasn't maintained the same momentum in our fight against HIV," the letter states. "Gay and bisexual men account for 63 percent of all new HIV infections and a 22 percent increase among those between 13 and 24 years old. Each day, more than 80 gay and bisexual men become infected with HIV in the U.S. These trends are more pronounced among gay and bisexual men of color, with young black gay and bisexual men having higher rates of HIV infection than any other population in this country. While we don't have enough data on transgender populations, studies show that 28 percent of transgender women are HIV-positive in the U.S., with rates over 50 percent for African-American transgender women. One in five gay and bisexual men are living with HIV. Despite these alarming statistics, which have galvanized our community in the past, the HIV epidemic has seemed to fall by the wayside." The letter emphasizes three major points:
- Policy makers must fight to protect and expand HIV treatment and prevention programming and to stop HIV criminalization at federal, state and local levels.
- LGBT organizations must speak to constituents about the continued toll the epidemic has on the gay community.
- LGBT donors ought to support causes that encourage health of the community including testing and dealing with a positive diagnosis.
Click here for more and to read the full text of the letter. (sb)
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Possible Supreme Court outcomes on Prop 8, DOMA
 As we've followed for months, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decisions on two issues critical to LGBT communities by the end of this month. It will make some sort of ruling on California's Proposition 8, which invalidated marriage equality in the state; and on certain provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which currently deny federal benefits to same-sex spouses. The decisions will be all over the news in a matter of days, but meanwhile, click here to review the issues and here for what you need to know about DOMA. Our legal editor Andrew Alder will summarize it all for you in DAPCAN as soon as the decisions are known. (sb)
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HRC needs volunteers for Joshua Tree Pride
 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) could use some volunteer help this weekend in support of LGBT equality at Joshua Tree Pride. No experience is necessary--all are welcome. If interested in volunteering or for  questions, email Mattie at gmflatrate@yahoo.com. Joshua Tree Pride will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Art Queen, 61855 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree. (jl) (sb)
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Cautionary Quote of the Week
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"If this bill has something in it that gives gay couples immigration rights and so forth, it kills the bill. I'm done...it shouldn't happen."
--Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) on hoping to exclude LGBT couples from protections of his own immigration bill now before Congress
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A word about DAPCAN links
 Once in awhile, a reader brings to our attention that a link in DAPCAN does not work properly or leads to an unexpected site. We regularly monitor and test all links before an issue goes out, but readers should keep in mind that we have no control over how external news sources manage and maintain their own links. Some links may be only temporary or soon altered, so it is very difficult to keep track of such changes, especially weeks out from our use of a particular link. We hope you'll keep that in mind as you read DAPCAN, especially any back issues. In any event, we always appreciate your feedback. (sb)
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Ongoing Benefits, Resources & Information
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Dedicated phone line for RCHC HIV patient medications
 The Warm Line, also being called the Compliance Program Line, is a separate phone line for Riverside County HealthCare's (RCHC) HIV patients to order refills and receive medications from Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC) pharmacy. The number below enables patients to reach a dedicated team of pharmacists to ensure they receive the medications needed. Call: 951.486.4442, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Also p lease allow two business days for medications to be ready for pick up at the RCRMC Pharmacy in Moreno Valley, and seven business days for medications to be mailed to patient's home. If you leave a voice
mail with your contact number, phone calls are generally returned within one business day. (rv) (sb)
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Centers for Disease Control's HIV website
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a website dedicated to HIV/AIDS issues. It covers the latest HIV science and public health information, as well as educational materials, policies and guidelines. The site is somewhat front-heavy on HIV prevention but has portals to many other types of information. Click through sub-sections for more on living with HIV, treatments, etc. Click www.cdc.gov/hiv for the website. (jl) (sb)
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Positively Aware's online HIV drug guide
  Check here anytime for the latest information about your antivirals: dosages, side-effects, interactions, classification, etc., courtesy of Positively Aware. (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.
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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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D.A.P. holiday closings for 2013
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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