 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
October 17, 2013
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President Signs Law Reopening
Federal Government,
ACA Remains Intact
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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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 Actor and activist Wilson Cruz will host the 26 th Desert AIDS Walk this Saturday morning, October 19, at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. Registration begins at 7:30 AM. The Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by Walgreens, a rally and yoga warm-up will happen before the Walk steps off at 9:30 AM. "We were so pleased when the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians returned this year as the Walk's presenting sponsor and for Walgreens running its month-long, in-store Red Ribbon promotion for the fourth consecutive year," said David Brinkman, CEO of D.A.P. In 2008, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) honored Cruz with its Visibilidad Award and he currently serves as a full-time GLAAD national spokesperson. D.A.P. received the 2011 GLAAD Amplifier Award for its "AIDS is not over" public service campaign. Cruz invites everyone to find their "inner activist" and help D.A.P. reach its fundraising goal of $250,000. Donations are accepted through the end of October at desertAIDSwalk.org. Everyone raising $25 or more will receive this year's Walk T-shirt. While supplies last, subscriptions to Out Magazine and  tickets to D.A.P. events like the Mid-Summer Dance Party and the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards are offered as incentives. From the webpage, click "Incentives and Prizes" to see what you might win--besides the feeling of having done a lot of good for others who need your help. (ej)
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Saturday, Sunday, November 2 -3
Palm Springs Pride Weekend!
 With all the government hoopla, it was easy to overlook that it's almost Palm Springs Pride Weekend! Click here for schedules, events, celebrities and all the fun stuff that Pride brings every year. And come out especially to support our own local grand marshalls: Brian Vatcher, Mark Jones, Ellen Zimmerman and Melanie Jones. (sb)
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Tuesday, November 5, 6:00 PM
Positive Life Series: HIV and kidney health
 Dr. Ruben Gamundi will discuss how HIV affects the kidneys and how you can help protect them. 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 positivelifeseries@gmail.com with any questions. You need not RSVP.
Future programs:
Dec. 3: Aging well with HIV with Dr. David Moore from UCSD
Jan. 7: New treatments for HIV with Drs. Lisa Capaldini and Steve Scheibel
Feb. 4: The latest in Hepatitis C treatments with Dr. David Wyles/UCSD and Tracy Swan/TAG
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Update on Government Impasse
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Federal government reopens, barely avoids default
On Wednesday evening, the Senate passed legislation to reopen the federal government, and two hours later, the House also passed the measure. President Obama signed the bill into law shortly after midnight, averting a default on federal debt obligations. (Click here for today's The New York Times summary.) The agreement will not significantly affect the ACA, which was the purported reason Tea Partiers circumvented the constitutional process to shut down the government in the first place. After claiming that "We have to get something out of this, even if we don't yet know what that is," Republican obstructionists are in fact, not getting much at all, beyond the ill-will of the great majority of Americans, and the incredulous anxiety of the rest of the world. It will take some time before federal agencies are fully functional again.  Returning workers face a 16-day backlog of work, a task not made easier by having been sent home with the understanding their position was "not essential." Standard & Poor's Ratings today estimated the overall cost of the shutdown to the American economy at $24 billion. The Bureau of Land Management Tumblr site was back up this morning, with a photo of the upper Snake River in Idaho. We have to wonder if they intended this as metaphor for the government. (ej)
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Don't let heavy website traffic prevent getting insured
 As we've reported, we're now in a six-month enrollment period for insurance under the ACA. There have been problems with the federal website and traffic (and demand) has been larger than expected. But officials say problems are being corrected so don't hesitate to search the sites listed here. If you need insurance and sign up by December 15, you'll have coverage beginning January 1, 2014. Remember, if you have insurance through your job, or Medicare or Medi-Cal, you don't have to do anything; you can keep what you have. If you have no insurance or need to improve what you have, click healthcare.gov for the federal government site. Then visit CoveredCA or call 1.800.300.1506 for plans available in the state. In addition, HIV Health Reform offers an Assessment workbook to compare benefits and costs, and help determine whether insurance plans are a good fit for people with HIV.
Want help understanding the ACA? 
Gilda's Club, 67-625 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 7A in Cathedral City, is sponsoring a free presentation about the ACA on Saturday, November 2, from Noon - 2:30 PM. Lunch will be provided, but you MUST RSVP by calling 760.770.5678 or emailing a request to gcdcinfo@dc.rr.com.
 If you are currently enrolled in Riverside County Health Care (RCHC), you will be automatically transitioned into the ACA's Medi-Cal Expansion on January 1, 2014. In addition, you will now be able to use any pharmacy in the state to get your medications.
Out2Enroll urges LGBT community to "Be out, be healthy and get covered"
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Important news for all D.A.P. clients!
Making it easier to update your records at D.A.P.
Every six months, D.A.P. is required by HRSA (the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) to update the eligibility records of any client receiving Ryan White-funded services. Update classes for current clients are held twice each day, Monday through Friday. Whether mornings or afternoons are more convenient for your schedule, choose 10:00 - 10:30 AM or 3:00 - 3:30 PM. If you can't make it in for either of those regularly scheduled update classes, just come in during office hours from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and ask for either Michael Malfavon (ext. 240) or Ronnie Zahn (ext. 231).
Don't be suspended from essential services!
"Has any of your information changed since your last visit?" When you hear that from your case manager, those who greet you at the medical or dental clinics, or anyone else at D.A.P., it's to help make sure that your eligibility is always current. Last month, D.A.P. didn't have to turn anyone away from receiving services through the food voucher program or the Farmer's Market--because everyone was current! Come in and update...stay current, so you can receive the services you need through D.A.P.
Watch for improvements to D.A.P.'s telephone system and the launch of its new Patient Portal
D.A.P. is in the final stages of launching its new phone system and training all staff, so that your concerns can be answered sooner and more completely. D.A.P. case managers and members of the Client Advocacy Committee reviewed the new Patient Portal earlier this week, to provide input so that it meets its goal of providing 24/7/365 access to your medical care records and ability to update online!
Using technology to stay in closer contact with you through "People Link"
Your case manager will soon be asking you for your consent to receive reminder messages of your D.A.P. appointments by text or voicemail to your phone or by email. People Link, a component of D.A.P.'s electronic medical records software, will soon be generating these automatically.
Do you have a current TB test on-file with D.A.P.?
If you receive ANY services through D.A.P.--even if that doesn't include your medical care, D.A.P. is still required to have a record of your annual test for tuberculosis (TB.) Please contact your case manager or one of D.A.P.'s Benefits Eligibility Navigators (BENs), Michael Malfavon or Ronnie Zahn, to make sure your TB test is current.
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Join the Client Advocacy Committee!
 Want to make a difference at Desert AIDS Project? Join the Client Advocacy Committee. We're a dedicated group of clients who have volunteered to act as a liaison between D.A.P and its clients. The Committee is here to provide the clients' perspective so they have a voice in the planning and provision of programs and services. The Committee reviews ongoing programs and services and provides input and feedback to the agency, primarily by reviewing client questions, comments or suggestions and addressing them at regular meetings. For example, the medical center waiting room came about as a direct result of a client suggestion to the Committee. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM (check at the front desk for room location). Contact the Committee at clientcom@desertaidsproject.org, or ask for a comment card at the front desk. The Committee is in the process of reorganizing so watch DAPCAN for ongoing information. Any D.A.P. clients are welcome to join!
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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. Click here for information about upcoming events at D.A.P.'s main website, and for details about next week's featured events. If you would like to attend any of them, please RSVP to Ray Robertson or feel free contact him about any of the following events listed below.
Ray's contact information:
760.323.2118, ext. 295 - phone
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Upcoming Community Center featured events:
Thursday, October 31, 12 Noon - 2:00 PM
Mondays and Wednesdays, drop-in hours at 9:30 AM
PING PONG practice for upcoming TOURNAMENTS!
Come to practice sessions, starting in the DHD room every Monday and Wednesday. It's a great way to have some fun and see how good you are with a paddle! Watch DAPCAN for upcoming games and tournaments. First and third Fridays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Free HAIRCUTS FOR CLIENTS!
 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. Get a good clip 'n snip!
Starting this week: STOP SMOKING CLASSES!
 If you are ready to give up your nicotine addiction, this course may be the help, direction and support you've been looking for! No scare tactics, patches or medications are involved. Just safe, healthy techniques and positive support as you finally quit this increasingly expensive, unhealthy habit! We'll do two one-hour sessions a week for four weeks. Facilitated by Ray Robertson, Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist. Call Ray today for more information. Commit to kicking the habit in 2013!
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza
October 24, Psycho
(1960) Special Halloween Thriller!
 The infamous film that made everyone skip showers for awhile. Good-girl-gone-slightly-bad Marion Crane checks in at a cheap motel. Unfortunately, Norman Bates is on desk duty. Starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins with suspicious support from Vera Miles, John Gavin and Martin Balsam. And directed of course by the master, Alfred Hitchcock.
Let's get out to a scary movie!
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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, Wednesdays, 3:00 PM
New groups this month:
- Cooking Classes: 2:00 PM, second and fourth Wednesdays;
- Living Sober Support Group: 3:00 PM, first and third Tuesdays;
- HIV and Aging Support Group: 10:00 AM, every Thursday;
- Caregivers Support Group: 3:00 PM, second and fourth Tuesdays;
- "Life Skills" classes: 2:30 PM, first and third Wednesdays
Again, for more information on any of the above, please contact Ray Robertson at the above phone or email. Check out the complete Community Center Schedule for all programs, activities and drop-in hours.
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Progress in treatment for Hepatitis C
 Hepatitis C (HCV) has a much higher rate of transmission among HIV-positive gay men than in the general population. The infection is notoriously difficult to clear, and the treatment often leaves people wondering if it's worse than the infection. Adding an experimental oral drug, daclatasvir, to the standard pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment improved the success rate for the most common strains of HCV. An all-oral (no shots) regimen was tested as well, with similarly good results. Click here to read a report drawn from the oral presentation of study results. (ej)
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Six-month monitoring works for those with suppressed viral load
 As recently reported at Infectious Diseases Week in San Francisco, people with HIV who have their viral load suppressed and CD4 count monitored every six months were no more likely to experience virological failure or fail to adhere to their antiviral regimens than those monitored every four months. Less frequent monitoring is an obvious improvement for our quality of life, and saves money too--lots when multiplied out for the HIV-positive population as a national group. Reducing the frequency of CD4 tests by one per year could save $10.2 million annually. Click here for more. (ej)
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Help fight cancer, participate in historic study
 The American Cancer Society is inviting people between ages 30 and 65 who have no personal history of cancer to participate in historic research--the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Its purpose is to better understand lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and use that data to find an end to the disease. Researchers wish to enroll 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds across the U.S. Local participation is easy and  enrollment will be at locations in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, November 12 - 22. Click here for details about locations, dates, times, appointments and more about the study. Whether or not you are able to enroll, please forward this website to friends, coworkers and family members in the desert area and encourage them to help cancer research by enrolling in CPS-3. The main website is www.cancer.org/cps3 or call toll-free at 1.888.604.5888. (sb)
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Not fun: facing "old AIDS" and "multi-morbidity"
 By 2015, the average age of an HIV patient in the U.S. will be 50 acccording to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Even now, a third of the 1.2 million HIV-positive are over 50 and by 2020 that will rise to half. New research continues to confirm that long-term HIV survivors are at greater age-related diseases than average people. "It is clear that adults with HIV are developing diseases we associate with very old people at a younger age," says Dr. Steve Karpiak, senior director of research at AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA). Researchers refer to "multi-morbidity," which means risk for numerous serious health conditions that can't be cured, only managed. Multi-morbidity is a term historically used only by geriatricians, who deal with multiple health failures in the elderly. It isn't great news, but is a good summary of what we'll face and need to know, especially dealing with our doctors as we age. Click here for this important article. (sb)
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Study on HIV, aging and brain still open to volunteers
 Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) continue to invite participants for its study of HIV's effects on the brain among older HIV-positive individuals. Transportation will be provided for Palm Springs area residents willing to travel to San Diego for cognitive and medical tests, and who agree to organ and tissue donation after death (required to enroll and participate). If you are not willing to meet this requirement, UCSD researchers have other studies for which you may be eligible. The study is known as the California NeuroAIDS Tissue Network (CNTN), part of a larger national research program, the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC). Together, these researchers use their shared knowledge and resources to develop uniform methods for studying HIV-affected populations with neurological disorders. Participants will be compensated for their time, and transportation will be provided to and from the research center in San  Diego. Overnight accommodations will be provided as necessary. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Susanna Concha-Garcia at 619.543.5098 with any questions you have about travel or compensation. Click here for the UCSD researchers' website. (sb)
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Free screening of Gen Silent: caring for an aging LGBT population
 You are invited to attend a special screening of the critically acclaimed documentary film Gen Silent followed by a panel discussion.
The film asks six LGBT seniors if they will have to hide friends, spouses--in fact their entire lives--in order to survive in the elder care system which often treats LGBT populations very differently than heterosexuals. Gen Silent shows the disparity in the quality of paid care-giving from mainstream facilities committed to making their LGBT residents safe and happy, to places where LGBT elders face discrimination by staff and bullying by other seniors. A continental breakfast will be available prior to the screening, which starts at 9:30 AM, and during the break before the panel discussion. No food or beverages are allowed in the auditorium. Please RSVP to either the Osher Institute at 760.341.2883, ext. 78121, or to The LGBT Community Center of the Desert at 760.416.7790, to secure seating and to receive a complimentary parking permit, paid for by the event sponsors. (regular campus parking permits are $5.) (jl)
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"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom."
--William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
"But bodies litter the path."
--Your friendly editor (ej)
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Benefits, Resources & Discounts
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Discounted tickets courtesy of Palm Canyon Theatre
 As Palm Canyon Theatre celebrates its 16th anniversary as the only equity theatre in the desert, it is offering an ongoing special $20 ticket price to D.A.P. clients, staff and volunteers--a savings of $12. To get your tickets, call the Box Office at least two days before the show's first performance and mention D.A.P. Click here for the theater's website and all you need to know about schedules and tickets. (jl)
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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 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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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.
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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, 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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A specific site,