 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
September 12, 2013
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Twelve Years Ago, September 11, 2001
...A Day to Remember...
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Editorial Staff
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David Brinkman
Chief Executive Officer
Barry Dayton
Director, Marketing & Communications
Alexis Ortega
Integrated Communications Associate
Steve Bolerjack
Senior Editor
Rick Vila
Volunteer Co-Editor
John Lewis
Volunteer Co-Editor
Eric Jannke
Volunteer Co-Editor
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September 26 - Inland Empire HIV Planning Council
The Inland Empire HIV Planning Council (IEHPC) is the local policy making body in charge of prioritizing services and allocating funds from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program 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. Clients are always welcome to attend to make sure their voices are heard. This month's full planning council will convene on Thursday, September 26 at 12:30 - 3:30 PM at
Human Social Services, 150 S. Lena Rd in San Bernardino. This is an opportunity for you to see how the Planning Council allocates Ryan White funds. Public comment follows each meeting where you may address the Council. More information, including agenda packets, can be found at www.iehpc.org or by calling 909.693.0750. (rv)
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October 1 - Positive Life Series: New healthcare changes and what they mean for you and your insurance needs
Open enrollment under the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) will begin on October 1, 2013. Learn how the new healthcare options will affect you, along with changes to the Ryan White CARE Act, Riverside County Health Care and other programs. Positive Life presentations are always on the first Tuesday of each month at the Sinatra Auditorium of Desert Regional Medical Center (corner of Tachevah and Miraleste). A light supper is served at 6:00 PM, and the program begins at 6:30 PM. ASL provided. Email positiveliveseries@gmail.com with any questions. You need not RSVP. This will be one of our most important programs, covering new insurance issues that will affect everyone for many years! (rv)
Future programs:
Nov. 5: HIV and kidney health, with Dr. Ruben Gamundi
Dec. 3: Aging well with HIV
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HIV death rate drops 21 percent worldwide, but not evenly
 Over the past five years, the global death rate from HIV dropped 21 %, but disparities exist between different world regions. A new study drawn from various worldwide sources, including UNAIDS, shows that of 182 countries with documented AIDS cases, AIDS-related deaths are on the rise in 22 % of them. Countries where AIDS deaths and global disability-adjusted life-years are on the rise include those in eastern, central, and southern Africa, the Caribbean, Thailand, Russia and Ukraine. (rv)
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HIV/Hepatitis B coinfection responds well to Viread
 Antiviral Viread (tenofovir) has proven highly effective in combating both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among those coinfected with both, according to this AIDSMAP report. As always, consult your doctor if this is an issue for you. (rv)
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent HIV infection for
serodiscordant couples
 For serodiscordant couples, preventing infection in the negative partner has been achieved by consistently following antiviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), according to a recent study published in PLOS Medicine. Based at Harvard Medical School, the study is the first to effectively monitor participants' adherence to preventive treatment and show successful outcomes as a result. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, one million people are living with HIV in this country and one in five are unaware of their infection. Additionally, every 9.5 minutes, someone in the U.S. is newly infected with HIV. Successfully preventing the spread of the virus has been a major focus for researchers but until now, the efficacy of PrEP has not been accurately documented due to varying adherence levels within study participants. Read the study summary in Medical News Today here. (rv)
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Fourth HIV transmission infection found in porn industry
 Another porn actor has allegedly come forward after testing positive for HIV, marking the fourth new case in the last month. The alleged HIV transmission has shaken the porn industry and halted numerous productions. Last year, Los Angeles passed a city ordinance requiring the use of condoms in the films, and voters even approved a county-wide measure requiring condoms. But the industry has been fighting those rules ever since. Read more about the ensuing battle between The AIDS Healthcare Foundation and porn company executives in southern California here. (rv)
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Desert AIDS Project's Community Center houses many activities and programs including arts and crafts workshops, bingo, movies, lending library, and drop-in hours. The 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 for details about next week's featured events listed below. If you would like to attend any of them, please RSVP to Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Upcoming Community Center featured events:
Thursday, October 10, LUNCHEON! - 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Community Center Presents: HIV MEDICATION OVERVIEW
 Speaker Jack Degnan will discuss ATRIPLA, AND OTHER HIV MEDICATIONS in a presentation and Q&A session. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. Registered D.A.P. clients only. ASL interpreted upon request. Sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Contact Ray at least 48 hours in advance to RSVP at 760..323.2118, ext.
Better health through education!
First & Third Friday, Every Month, HAIRCUTS BY ROBERT!, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Sign up outside the Walgreen's room in the Community Center. Twelve slots are available. First come first served. NO appointments or reservations taken by phone ahead of time. Please show up with
clean hair. Come in for a good clip 'n snip!
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza (no RSVP needed)
September 19 - The Cutting Edge (1992)
 Set at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games at Calgary, this 1992 romantic comedy stars D.B. Sweeney as a hockey player and Moira Kelly as a figure skater, both competing in the games. Unfortunately, the event becomes a disaster for both, but their troubles lead them into helping each other and of course, an unexpected relationship. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser and written by Tony Gilroy.
Let's go out to the movies!
Ongoing Community Center activities:
- Support groups
- Hepatitis C therapy education
- Diabetes education
- Stitch in Time (needlecraft) - third Wednesday 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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You can blame estrogen for your belly
A surprising new answer is emerging about how men's bodies age. It turns out that estrogen and not testosterone may be the reason for lower sex drive and bigger waist size in men over 40. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, plays a much bigger role in men than previously thought and may be related to men's expanding bellies, just as in women's. The discovery of the role of estrogen in men is "a major advance," said Dr. Peter J. Snyder, a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who is leading a new research project on hormone therapy for men 65 and over. Until recently, testosterone deficiency was considered nearly the sole reason that men undergo the familiar physical complaints of midlife. Click to read the New York Times article on these results and about Dr. Joel Finkelstein, an endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School and the study's lead author. (rv)
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Good news: life expectancy with HIV increases by 15 years...for some
 A new study announced at July's International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference shows that with earlier and increasingly effective antiviral treatment options, people with HIV can expect to live longer than previously thought possible. But as always, there are cautionary notes: the longer life expectancy is greater in newly infected younger people, only among North Americans and not surprisingly, is not as evident for people of color and minorities. Still, it's encouraging news. Click here to read details about the study. (sb)
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Fifteen things to do to live to 100, even with HIV (maybe)
  We like headlines like this, even when the story turns out to recommend basic common sense (click here). Still, it's an upbeat read. See how many of the activities might apply to you. And pay attention to numbers 12 and 13 as particularly good advice. People with HIV ought to be extremely careful and picky about foods like sushi, soft cheeses and rare meats. And all raw vegetables ought to be hosed down hard before they go anywhere near your mouth. (That is, if you really want to go all the way from the picture at left to the one at right.) Thanks to HIVPlus.com for these bits of wisdom. (sb)
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How to learn about Affordable Care Act
 While the news is full of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a good concise source of information is the government's dedicated website, aids.gov. Click here for specifc portals to more information about implementation, timing, benefits, options, etc. As we get further into the ACA timeline, DAPCAN will keep you informed of developments. Be sure to attend the October 1 Positive Life Series (see above) on ACA and watch for a detailed column soon from legal contributor Andrew Alder to explain even more. One important note: if you are currently already on Medicare, you will not be affected by the new insurance laws. (sb)
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"Covered California" prepares for open enrollment under new healthcare law
 Under the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), effective January 1, health insurance coverage will be mandated for most people in the country. Covered California, a state program designed to expand access to health care for everyone, creates an insurance marketplace that allows individuals and small businesses to purchase competitively priced health plans using federal tax subsidies and credits. Covered California also assists with paying premiums. The exchange will provide guaranteed coverage with no annual limits and rates that are not based on one's health status, among other benefits. Open enrollment begins October 1 and goes through March 31, 2014. People who wait until after open enrollment will have to wait until the next enrollment period to join, which will be October 2014. Click here for more information about Covered California. (ej)
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Confused about the Syria crisis?
 Most of us have recently heard a lot of changing news stories regarding civil war in Syria, use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government against its own citizens and decision/indecision regarding a potential U.S. military strike in retaliation. Click this easy to understand Washington Post article to educate yourself about the Syrian conflict. (rv)
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Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Cinema Diverse begins September 19
 The sixth annual Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Cinema Diverse, will run from Thursday through Sunday, September 19 - 22. The Festival is always popular so it's wise to get your tickets early. "We're screening a total of 24 feature films and more than 30 shorts this year," said Michael C. Green, Managing Director of the Palm Springs Cultural Center. "This has been a banner year for LGBT filmmaking, which made the selection process even more difficult, but I think we've put together a schedule that may be our best ever." Included in the lineup are Del Shore's hilarious Southern Baptist Sissies and the intriguing titles Leather, Hot Guys with Guns, Greg's List, Meth Head and many more. All screenings will be at Camelot Theatres on E. Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Click here for the Festival website and all you need to know about schedules and tickets. (sb)
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Benefits, Resources & Discounts
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Gym discounts for D.A.P. clients
  Two area gyms offer ongoing significant discounts for D.A.P. clients. World Gym at Sunrise and Vista Chino offers 20% off regular annual or monthly memberships. And WorkOUT Gym on Via Escuela between Palm and Indian Canyon offers monthly memberships of just $20 to D.A.P. clients, employees and supporters. Click here for World Gym's website and here for WorkOUT Gym's site. Even with health issues, going to the gym for a light workout is a great way to get out, socialize a bit and get some exercise. It always makes you feel better! (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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Dedicated phone line for RCHC HIV patient medications
 The Warm Line, also known as 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 special pharmacist to ensure they receive the medications needed. Call: 951.486.4442, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. And allow two business days before picking up meds at RCRMC Pharmacy in Moreno Valley, and seven business days if mailed to a patient's home. Voice mails are generally returned within one business day. (rv) (sb)
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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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Centers for Disease Control's HIV website
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website covers the latest HIV/AIDS science and public health information, as well as educational materials, policies and guidelines. The site is a bit front-heavy on 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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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!
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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. You should also follow up by phone after your application to ensure all paperwork was received and is complete and do so each year after your annual eligibility meeting with ADAP. The agency still relies on paper faxes which have been known to go astray often.
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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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D.A.P. contact information
  The local phone number of Desert AIDS Project is 760.323.2118. If you don't know the extension, simply dial 0 and you'll be connected to a D.A.P. operator during business hours. The toll-free number is 866.331.3344 and the website is www.desertaidsproject.org.
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D.A.P. holiday closings for remainder of year
 Monday, October 14 - Columbus Day
Monday, November 11 - Veterans' Day
Thursday-Friday, November 28-29 - Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
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Riverside County's 211 number for essential services 
2-1-1 is a toll-free service for residents needing 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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