 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
September 19, 2013
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 Autumn begins this Saturday, September 21 |
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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
John Lewis
Volunteer Co-Editor
Eric Jannke
Volunteer Co-Editor
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Thursday, September 26, 12:30 PM
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 to learn 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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Tuesday, October 1, 6:00 PM
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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Saturday, October 19, 8:00 AM
Desert AIDS Walk
Find more information here and in the article below. (jl)
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Friday, November 22, 6:00 PM
Dancing with the Desert Stars
Find more information here and in the article below. (jl)
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Summer Progress Report: Beginning our 30th Year
 As you probably know, Desert AIDS Project produces a progress report every quarter to keep you informed about recent news and updates going on within the agency. In this issue, we share some results from our recent patient satisfaction survey, expand on our Dental Clinic's recent expansion, and offer a perspective on living and aging with AIDS (authored by DAPCAN's own Steve Bolerjack). Also, read a letter from our new Board Chair, Barbara Keller, and find out why Home Health Care is still crucial for some people living with AIDS. Finally, get a preview of the AIDS Walk, and take a trip down memory lane with photos from our past 30 years, which were on display last April at the City of Palm Springs' 75th Birthday Celebration. Click here to read the full report. (jl)
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We can STOP AIDS...with your help!
 Now in its 26th year, the Desert AIDS Walk is a grassroots community event supporting HIV and AIDS services, prevention, and advocacy at Desert AIDS Project. This year the Desert AIDS Walk will benefit both D.A.P. and dozens of community partners collaborating with us on Get Tested Coachella Valley, a soon-to-be-launched, region-wide campaign dedicated to dramatically reducing transmission of HIV. Join our fundraising efforts today. It's online, safe and easy. Create your own team or register as an individual. Set your fundraising goal and collect donations from your colleagues, friends and family. Our fundraising tutorials and templates will make it simple to raise even more. Click here for more information and to register. (jl)
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Dancing with the Desert Stars returns Friday, November 22
 Those competing to succeed local TV reporter/anchor Bianca Rae as 2013's Dancing Desert Star will be showing their best moves on an elevated dance floor this year, to improve the view for all audience members. Once again, the action will take place at the Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs on Tahquitz Canyon on Friday, November 22. Cheering sections are already lining up to support the competitor they are sure will dance away with the mirrored ball trophy. Make sure to join the fun at the Renaissance, beginning with cocktails at 6:00 PM while your favorite contestant warms up for the competition at 7:30. Purchase tickets online or by calling JP Allen at 760.969.5743. (jl)
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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. 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. 295 or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
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 26: It Runs in the Family (2003)
 T his is the story of a dysfunctional New York family and their attempts to reconcile. It stars father and son actors Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas (in their only film together) along with Bernadette Peters. Directed by Fred Schepisi.
Come out for a good flick!
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
New groups coming in October!
Cooking Classes: 2:00 PM, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays;
Living Sober Support Group: 3:00 PM, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays;
HIV and Aging Support Group: 10:00 AM, every Thursday;
Caregivers Support Group: 3:00 PM, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays;
Life Skills Classes: 2:30 PM, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays
If you would like information on any of the above please contact Ray Robertson at 760.323.2118, ext. 295 or email rrobertson@desertaidsproject.org.
Check out the complete Community Center Schedule for all programs, activities and drop-in hours.
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About all that new healthcare news: Take it slowly!
 Our reliable sources on healthcare reform advise people with HIV to take their time about enrolling in any new health insurance options. The private marketplace will announce new plans on October 1 and consumers can start enrolling in those marketplaces/exchanges, and in Medicaid on that date. But people with HIV have special circumstances and many should wait to enroll and take time to do the research. Click HIVHealthReform.org for an overview of what you need to know, and for screening tools to determine your eligibility and possible options. Remember that if you are currently on Medicare, you will not be affected by the new changes, and if on Medicaid, you may have some new options. And very importantly, California state law prohibits insurance sellers from initiating marketing their plans to prospective buyers. You must ask for the information, so don't accept unsolicited calls or email from anyone offering you new insurance because of new health reform laws! Watch DAPCAN for ongoing information as we move into this new period of insurance coverage. (sb)
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Health reform enrollment begins October 1: learn how to pick a plan
 In addition to the Positive Life Series presentation noted above, there will be a webinar on Tuesday, October 1, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, that may help you answer questions about new health plans. On October 1, health insurance marketplaces across the country will reveal the plans they will offer. People may also begin enrolling on October 1 through the marketplaces. To help you evaluate insurance plans, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) of Harvard Law School has developed a health plan assessment tool that can help you figure out which plans are particularly well-, or ill-suited for people with HIV. On this webinar, they will train  you to use the assessment tool, describe steps in evaluating a plan, highlight key provisions that will have the best impact on access to care, treatment and affordability. It includes a workbook and worksheet you can use to assess and compare the plans available in California. Remember that plans will vary from state to state. Click here for more information and to register for the webinar. (jl)
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New hope for HIV vaccine
 "Kafkaesque" is not a word normally used to describe immune responses, but that's how Dr. Louis J. Picker described what his experimental vaccine did to his rhesus monkeys: "It's like their T-cells were turned into the East German secret police, hunting down infected cells until there were none left." Dr. Picker tested his vaccine in 16 monkeys who were then infected with simian immunodeficiency virus, a close relative of HIV, which normally would have sent them spiraling rapidly toward death. The experimental vaccine protected only nine of them, but it also did something never seen before: these monkeys slowly "cleared" the virus and now appear to be cured. "Three years later, you can't tell them from other monkeys," said Dr. Picker. Read more of The New York Times article here. Also, here is some more promising vaccine-related news. We remain cautious about reporting cure news, but it's important to keep up. (jl)
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Cost of caring for elderly, disabled Californians to rise
 The cost of providing care to elderly and disabled Californians will increase in about 15 months because of new federal regulations on overtime. The new rules, announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Labor, will require overtime pay for almost 2 million more workers nationwide, including nearly 360,000 caregivers the taxpayer-funded home care program. Governor Jerry Brown's administration estimates that the overtime will cost the state an extra $150 million annually for its In-Home Supportive Services program. The new rules won't kick in until January 1, 2015; federal officials said that will give states such as California time to prepare. Read the full Los Angeles Times article here. (jl)
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Loss of kidney function risk higher in older people with HIV
 Kidney function deteriorates more rapidly in older people with HIV than in age-matched controls in both untreated and treated people, suggesting that antiviral therapy should start soon after HIV diagnosis, according to British research presented to the recent 7th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur. People with HIV over 70 years of age are at especially high risk of kidney failure, but it's also elevated for those over 50. Improvements in HIV treatment and care and a high rate of new infections mean that an ever-increasing proportion of HIV-positive people are aged 50 and over. As a result, the diseases of aging are an increasingly important cause of serious illness and death in people with HIV and another reason why DAPCAN frequently runs an Aging section. Read more here. (jl)
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Dolutegravir shows good efficacy across broad range of patient groups
 The new integrase inhibitor dolutegravir worked better than boosted darunavir for people starting HIV treatment for the first time, researchers reported last Thursday at the 53rd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in Denver. Another study found that dolutegravir worked well across sex, ethnicity and age groups. ViiV Healthcare's dolutegravir, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the brand name Tivicay and currently awaiting European Medicines Agency approval, was the topic of several presentations at ICAAC. Read more about them here. (jl)
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Take Action! Call Governor Brown today!
 Please take a few minutes to urge Governor Jerry Brown to sign three important pieces of legislation on his desk right now. Call the governor at 916.445.2841 or e-mail him through his website and tell him to sign these bills: AB 999 (Bonta), which would add condom-dispensing machines to all of California's state prisons over the next few years. The incarcerated population is at especially high risk for transmission of HIV, and adding condom-dispensers to state prisons is a sensible, simple response to help slow the spread of HIV.
SB 249 (Leno), which would make it easier for people in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to safely transition to Medi-Cal or the state's health insurance exchange, Covered California. Doctors need important information on their patients' medical history, and this bill makes getting that information a little easier to ensure that they can continue to provide life-saving treatment and care.
AB 446 (Mitchell), which would bring more routine HIV testing to community clinics across California. A large number of new HIV infections every year come from people who spread the disease without knowing they are HIV-positive. This bill encourages more widespread testing to identify more people living with HIV and will help get them into treatment and care.
Thank you for your efforts in support of the three important pieces of legislation! (jl)
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You can help strengthen Social Security
 It's time to expand Social Security, not cut it. That's why Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, D-CA, just introduced the Strengthening Social Security Act, H.R. 3118. Instead of a cold, calculated benefit cut like the chained CPI, the Strengthen Social Security Act would actually increase annual Social Security benefits by an average of $800 by ensuring the cost of living adjustment reflects the actual costs of beneficiaries, and by raising the cap on taxable income. This would assure that wealthy Americans pay their fair share into Social Security and strengthen the trust fund. Click here to tell your representative to support this critical legislation! (jl)
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Sign your name to support the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare
 House Republicans are still threatening to shut down the government over the Affordable Care Act (AC) also known as Obamacare! Republicans keep trying to gut healthcare reform and their special interest buddies are spending millions across the country spreading lies and falsehoods-- all in an attempt to destroy Obamacare. Republicans want to eliminate affordable health coverage, limits on premiums, better access to healthcare, and rules that would prevent people with pre-existing conditions--including women and children--from being denied health coverage. If you support Obamacare, make your voice heard. Sign your name to tell Eric Cantor and House Republicans to stop trying to dismantle the ACA. (jl)
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Tell Congress: Hands off food stamps!
 Just in: The GOP-led House today passed a bill to reduce spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) by $39 billion over 10 years. No Democrats voted for the measure. If finalized as law, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates it could result in loss of benefits for an estimated 3.8 million people in 2014. The bill now goes to the Senate, where a bicameral panel is expected to drastically reduce the amount of these cuts in a compromise bill. You can still call and urge your senators (see contact information below) to reject these Republican numbers and to continue support SNAP funding. (jl) (sb)
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Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Cinema Diverse begins today!
 The sixth annual Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Cinema Diverse, will run from today, 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  are 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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Palm Canyon Theatre offers discounted tickets to D.A.P.
 Palm Canyon Theatre is proud to announce that it is now offering a special $20 ticket rate to DAP clients, staff and volunteers. That's a savings of $12! To get this fabulous deal, call the Box Office at least two days before the show's first performance and mention D.A.P. Click here for the theatre's website and all you need to know about schedules and tickets. (jl)
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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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