DAPCAN
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
June 27, 2013
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Today is National HIV Testing 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
Integrated Communications Associate
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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Dr. Khanlou to leave Desert AIDS Project on August 2
 While Dr. Homayoon Khanlou plans to leave his post as Medical Director at D.A.P., returning to Los Angeles, he has the pleasure of knowing that patient satisfaction has significantly increased from a year ago. "Eighty-seven percent of patients surveyed rated all areas of the health center as 'great' or 'good' as compared to just 45% last fall," said CEO David Brinkman. "That is an improvement we can all be proud of." Click here to see the complete results of the Patient Satisfaction Survey, June 2013. (jl)
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Desert AIDS Project holiday closure
 D.A.P. and LabCorp offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. They will be open regular business hours on Friday, July 5. (jl)
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DAPCAN Summer Schedule
 D.A.P.'s weekly online newsletter, DAPCAN, will publish bi-weekly in the months of July and August. The first July issue will be on July 11. (rv)
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Dining Out for Life surpasses fundraising goal!
 For the fourth consecutive year, Trio Restaurant was the biggest fundraiser for Dining Out for Life, benefiting client services at Desert AIDS Project. While almost all of the restaurants and bars have submitted their 33% or 50% contributions from sales on Thursday, April 25, D.A.P. has already surpassed its 2013 Dining Out goal of $122,500.But the two top-producing restaurants for 2013 decided they could do even more. Trio brought in over $18,000 through its 60% contribution from the day's lunch and dinner sales, supplemented by additional donations from patrons. Spencer's Restaurant contributed 75% from its breakfast, lunch, and dinner sales - raising nearly $16,000. "We are so grateful to Tony and Mark at Trio, to Harold and chef Eric at Spencer's, and to everyone else that helps to make this a great annual event, just by patronizing a favorite participating restaurant or bar," said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. "Some of these businesses have been with us since we began Dining Out and others since they opened their doors for business."Acqua Pazza and Lulu, owned by Barbara and Jerry Keller who were recently recognized as Business Persons of the Year by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, contributed a combined total of more than $18,000 to Dining Out for Life. Zin and Alicante, owned by Mindy Reed, contributed more than $8,000. Tropicale, Wang's, Jake's, and El Mirasol rounded out the top 10 contributors for 2013 Dining Out for Life. Thank you to all the participating restaurants and to all the patrons who dined out and fought AIDS! (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:
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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Some good news about anal dysplasia
 High-grade pre-cancerous anal lesions are more likely to regress than progress, according to Australian research published in the online edition of AIDS. The study involved 574 men, three-quarters of whom were HIV positive. Only 1% of patients progressed to anal cancer, compared to a regression rate of 24%. "Our data provide reassurance that high-grade ASILs [anal squamous intraepithelial lesions] diagnosed at any one point are much more likely to spontaneously regress than progress to cancer," write the authors. "Not all patients with high-grade ASILs warrant treatment." Read more here. (jl)
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Did doctors inject HIV into a dying girl and cure her leukemia?
 It depends on who you ask. Some of you have probably seen the video circulating on the web telling the story of how doctors injected a six year old girl with a "deadly disease" in a long-shot attempt to save her life. While this is a heartwarming story the message is a bit misleading when it says the girl was injected with HIV. In fact, the researchers are using a type of virus called a lentivirus to reprogram the T cells. This family of viruses - of which HIV is a member - are particularly skilled at sneaking into cells and embedding their genetic code within the cell's DNA. Unsurprisingly, this makes them a good vehicle for smuggling in the genetic instruction telling T cells to attack the cancer. However, the virus has undergone significant genetic tinkering, meaning that it is no longer harmful. And it's arguable whether it should even be referred to as HIV at all, given how much it has been altered. And the researchers didn't inject any virus into anyone. They took immune cells out of the patient, treated them with the virus in the lab, then injected the modified cells back in. Read more here. (jl)
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HIV trial to create new immune system
 People living with HIV will be treated with genetically engineered stem cells next month by the team of Nobel Prize-winning immunologist David Baltimore. The goal: to create, in patients, new immune systems resistant to HIV. The trial, which blends techniques both conjured in the lab and pilfered from nature, is long-awaited. Baltimore calls it a "Hail Mary Pass." Like trials sponsored by Sangamo Biosciences, it was partly inspired by the "Berlin Patient" Timothy Brown. Read more here. (jl)
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PrEP works for injecting drug users too
 A daily tablet of tenofovir, a drug otherwise used to treat HIV infection, reduced the risk of HIV acquisition among people who inject drugs by 49% in a clinical trial. Those who took the medication most consistently had higher levels of protection, report scientists from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). These findings from Thailand come from the only pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trial ever conducted with injecting drug users, and show that PrEP can reduce infections associated with sharing injecting equipment as well as sexual transmission among drug users. Prior studies of this approach showed it cut infection rates by 44 percent in men who have sex with men, by 62 percent in heterosexual men and women and by 75 percent in couples in which one partner is infected with HIV and the other is not. The new results showed that it also protects intravenous drug users. Read more here. (jl)
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HARC report details HIV risk in Coachella Valley
 Almost 67 percent of adults in eastern Riverside County have never been tested for HIV, according to a special report issued by the Health Assessment Resource Center.That rate stands out in an area where HIV prevalence is 67 percent higher and AIDS 500 percent higher than the national average, local HIV- and AIDS-related professionals said. And the Center for Disease Control estimates that approximately one in five of those who don't know their status are HIV-positive. You can read more here. (jl)
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Supreme Court strikes down DOMA and returns marriage equality to California!
By Andrew Alder, Attorney at Law, DAPCAN legal editor
 Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its much anticipated rulings in the two same-sex marriage cases; these rulings came last in a week of important activity by the Court, and one cannot help but appreciate, if not mourn, the juxtaposition of having a significant advancement for gay civil rights occur the day after the Justices gutted one of the most important civil rights statutes in the history of the US. Several weeks ago in this space I predicted that the US Supreme Court would, contrary to popular opinion, issue a substantive decision in California's Prop 8 case, finding that there was a 50 state right for same-sex couples to marry. I was wrong in the result, but after reading the text of these decisions I still believe my thinking on this issue was correct: Someday, soon, there will be a 50 state right to marry, and though I dislike the delay inherent in today's decisions I do believe they will ultimately hasten that result. In the Prop 8 case, Perry, the Supreme Court basically said that the parties bringing the appeal had no legal right to so so, and based upon this procedural 'defect' the Court did not have to make a decision about the substantive issues raised by the case . It is interesting to note that Chief Justice Roberts actually wrote the majority opinion in the Perry case; his rationale was pretty standard legalese (though it is worth noting that he backhandedly slaps the California Supreme Court right across the face). What is more interesting in Perry, indeed, perhaps very revealing, indeed, about what the future may hold, is the dissent authored by Justice Kennedy where he forcefully argues that the supporters of Prop 8 did, indeed, have the requisite legal 'standing'; in short, Kennedy really, really wanted the court to consider the merits of Perry and not have it decided on a narrow technical point of procedure. One has to wonder if Justice Roberts, or any of the other conservative justices who agreed with his opinion, initially were on the other side of this case and then switched sides when they realized that Kennedy had the votes to find a 50 state right to marriage; I seriously doubt that Kennedy would have pushed for standing and a substantive decision on the right to marriage if he had not had the majority votes for that decision in hand. No matter, though, as Kennedy did not carry the day in that regard. But, importantly, Perry does pave the way for same-sex marriage to take place in California (and implicitly takes the equally important step of saying that a right once given cannot be taken away, a principal which will some day prove to be very important perhaps on other legal issues.) It is the DOMA case which is, clearly, the more important of the two issued today, largely  because initial reporting on the case indicates that the status of being gay is now elevated by the Supreme Court to one, legally speaking, that requires courts apply a higher level of scrutiny to laws that purport to treat gay folks different from non-gay folk. The importance of this evolution in the law cannot be understated, and though the Court chose to confine its DOMA decision only to the single section of DOMA that was before it today, giving equal federal benefits to any couple legally married in any state that chooses to sanction such marriages, the fact is that the rationale set forth in Justice Kennedy's majority opinion in the DOMA case will surely form the basis for future cases that challenge the rest of DOMA. Such cases are either in the pipeline or soon will be, and they will directly confront the other sections of DOMA that were not part of today's decision, such as the provision that permits states to ignore same-sex marriages in states which approve them or the one that denies same-sex spouses the right to equal application of the marital preference in immigration law. The entirety of DOMA that remains will now be subject to attack on the grounds articulated by Justice Kennedy, and given that language and the principles it represents, it is hard to see how, over time, the remaining impediments to full recognition of same-sex marriage can long survive. While a 50 state decision in Perry would have avoided the necessity for additional litigation, it is what it is. The politics of this issue will continue to evolve outside the courtroom, and one cannot help but be sure that, although the court today was loathe to confront head-on the real question: Are gay folk truly equal to those who are not gay?, this question, with no easy procedural "off-ramp", will soon be squarely asked at its front steps and the Supreme Court will have to answer. Justice delayed may, indeed, be justice denied, but it is not justice denied forever. (jl)
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Have you been mistreated by a physician for being LGBT? UCR wants You!
UCR School of Medicine is creating a new teaching film for medical students to instruct them on how to provide compassionate and competent care for the LGBT community. If you have ever had a bad encounter with a physician where s/he did not treat you well or disrespected you due to you sexual orientation, UCR would like to film your testimonial. This film will teach student doctors how provide care to the LGBT community. If you are interested, please email Dr. Charles Gonzales, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the UCR School of Medicine, and write him about your experience. He will then contact you to include you in the project. This is your opportunity to teach the next generation of doctors how to better engage and care for the LGBT community with compassion and precision. Please email: abetterdoctorproject@gmail.com. (jl)
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Tell your U.S. Senator to fully fund programs vital to people living with HIV/AIDS in Fiscal Year 2014!
Members of the Senate Budget Committee plan to vote on the federal spending bill that supports Fiscal Year 2014's domestic HIV/AIDS programs in early July. As a part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, TODAY, we need to let U.S. Senators know that in addition to HIV testing, they should fully fund access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and research!
Take Action Now:
On National HIV Testing Day, call your U.S. Senators and ask them to prevent harmful cuts and to fully fund HIV prevention, care, treatment and research programs! Here's how to take action: Urge Congress to fully fund HIV programs now! Look up your Senators here, and dial the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 to be connected to your legislator. (jl)
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"DOMA instructs all federal officials, and indeed all persons with whom same-sex couples interact, including their own children, that their marriage is less worthy than the marriages of others. The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment" - Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in DOMA majority opinion
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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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