 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
October 24, 2013
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Desert AIDS Walk Exceeds Goal by Ten Percent, Thanks to All Donors, Walkers and Volunteers!
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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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Saturday, Sunday, November 2 - 3
Palm Springs Pride Weekend!
  It's just a week away! Palm Springs Pride Weekend is always a fun and celebratory highlight of autumn in the desert. Click here for schedules, events, celebrities and all the great happenings and people 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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Desert AIDS Walk a smashing success
 Last weekend's 26th Desert AIDS Walk exceeded its revenue goal of $250,000 by at least 10 percent, resulting in the most successful Walk in more than a decade. "We are overwhelmed by the response of the community, individuals and organizations, who stepped forward in such a significant way, not only to raise funds but for awareness that AIDS is still very much among us," said Darrell L. Tucci, Chief Development Officer for D.A.P. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians gave D.A.P. board chair Barbara Keller and CEO David Brinkman a check for $25,000 as the tribe returned for its third year as the Walk's presenting sponsor. Walgreens, sponsor of the Walk's Health & Wellness Fair featuring 42 vendors, also presented a check for $10,000 from its fourth consecutive Red Ribbon Campaign. All funds raised go toward client services at D.A.P. Click here for the full story at our website. And a big thanks to everyone who participated! (sb)
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All-day sale at all Revivals stores this Saturday!
 Don't miss the major half-off everything (except new and consignment items) sale at all Revivals stores on Saturday. Stores are located in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and San Diego. Click here for information about store hours and locations. And remember, all proceeds from Revivals' sales go to funding benefits and services at D.A.P.!
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Important update for all D.A.P. clients: Keeping your records current!
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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The Client Advocacy Committee needs volunteers to make a difference!
 Want to make client services better at Desert AIDS Project? Join the Client Advocacy Committee (CAC). We're
a dedicated volunteer group that acts as a liaison between D.A.P and its clients. CAC provides the clients' perspective so they have a voice in planning programs and services. CAC reviews them and provides feedback to D.A.P., primarily by reviewing client questions, comments or suggestions at regular meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM (check at the front desk for room location). Contact CAC at clientcom@desertaidsproject.org, or ask for a comment card at the front desk. CAC is in the process of reorganizing so watch DAPCAN for ongoing information. Any D.A.P. clients are welcome to join! (sb)
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Update on how to dispose of unused, unneeded HIV meds
 Desert AIDS Project is no longer able to accept unused HIV medications, but they are urgently needed elsewhere. If you have unused meds you'd like to donate, please stop by the front desk at D.A.P. and ask for prepaid, preaddressed mailing envelopes to the Calexico post office box of Programa Amigo in Mexicali, which accepts and distributes these medications to their HIV-positive clients. Follow these easy directions to donate your meds:
- Mark out patient name, address and doctor information.
- Both opened and sealed bottles are accepted.
- Do not remove the medication name, strength or expiration date.
- Only HIV meds are accepted--no narcotics, sleeping medications or tranquillizers.
- Seal and mail the prepaid envelope.
Please email Dr. Enrique Gomez at programa.amigo@gmail.com if you have additional questions. (sb)
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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. It 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 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, Noon - 2:00 PM
Halloween Party and Bingo!
(to attend, rsvp to Ray; see contact information above)
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!
Every Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:30 PMACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT IS BACK!  We're very fortunate to welcome back Askat Ruzyev, L.Ac., MSTCM, Dipl.O.M.Licensed Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture & Herbology, Nationally Certified by the Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). To schedule an appointment, contact Ray (above). For D.A.P. clients only.
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza
There will be no movie next Thursday due to the Halloween party (see above).
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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:
- 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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European AIDS Conference predicts new drugs, treatment strategies soon
 The 14th European AIDS Conference concluded last week in Brussels on a rather upbeat note. Leading researcher Francois Raffi of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Nantes, France, offered an overview of the future of HIV drug development. He noted that a remarkable 28 drugs have been produced in the past 26 years, but half are no longer used since safer and more potent alternatives have come along. But he also said the new antivirals and improvements on older drugs are definitely in development and will help improve convenience, tolerability and reduce toxicities and side-effects. Click here for a good summary of what we can expect on meds over the next few years. (sb)
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Reality check: how close are we to an effective vaccine?
 As optimistic and hopeful editors, we've done many stories in DAPCAN over the last few years about possible vaccines and cures. Unfortunately, none of them have panned out and therefore, we've become more cautious about what we report. The 13th Annual AIDS Vaccine Conference recently concluded with no major breakthroughs. For a clear summary story about why we may still be a decade away from a vaccine, click here. (Remember that the term "vaccine" focuses on prevention of HIV infection while "cure" means ridding HIV from those already living with the virus. See following article.) (sb)
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More reality: why is a cure so elusive?
 October 5 was recently designated as "AIDS Cure Day," which we feel is premature. Timothy Brown, the celebrated "Berlin patient" remains the only person truly cured of AIDS, and that was through complex, costly and impractical treatment involving bone marrow transplants and other difficult procedures. Clearly, virology is among the most challenging areas of biology and medicine. For good, optimistic summaries of the challenges facing HIV/AIDS cure researchers, click here and here and don't lose hope! (sb)
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One more reason to get your flu shot
 It's the time of year to get your flu shot and a new study shows that doing so may prevent not only influenza, but possibly heart problems as well. People who get the flu are at higher risk for heart problems, most likely because of the great inflammation throughout the body that the flu virus triggers. Inflammation and cardio risks are already problems for those living with HIV. Click here for more information on the study, then go get your flu shot! Your healthcare provider and most local drugstores offer them and Medicare and most insurance plans cover the cost. The medical center at D.A.P. and Walgreen's pharmacy offer flu shots on a walk-in basis. If you have no insurance, the cost is $40. (sb)
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Virulent new HIV strain found in Russia
 Scientists in Siberia have reported a "new and extremely virulent" strain of HIV in various parts of Russia. The HIV subtype, known as 02_AG/A, may be the most dangerous form ever seen in the country. While HIV infection rates have been falling worldwide, they are rising in eastern Europe, central Asia and Russia, according to United Nations statistics. Researchers stated last week that the strain is "spreading rapidly." Whether increasingly repressive anti-LGBT policies and poor sex education in Russian schools have anything to do with this is unknown, but it seems another good reason to cross Russia off any travel itinerary. Since viruses can travel around the world so quickly, this bears watching. Click here and here for more. (sb)
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Sign up for historic cancer study on November 16 at D.A.P.
 The deadline for participating in a major American Cancer Society study is near: November 22, but you can sign up here at D.A.P. on November 16 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The requirements: - Between 30 and 65 years old.
- Never been diagnosed with cancer.
- Willing to make long-term commitment which involves updating mailing or emailing follow-up questionnaires every few years.
The purpose of the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) 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 also 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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President Obama: "ACA is more than just a website"
 As everyone knows by now, the rollout of the ACA has had major problems with the main website. President Obama addressed this on Monday (click here for a summary). He promised that technical glitches would be fixed as quickly as possible and suggested contact by phone, which for the most part, is going well. If you run into problems, try calling; be prepared for some wait time, but you'll eventually get through. Remember, if you need insurance and sign up by December 15, you'll have coverage beginning January 1, 2014. Visit CoveredCA or call 1.800.300.1506 for plans available in the state.
Late news: The Administration is taking steps to extend the sign-up deadline by six weeks. Watch DAPCAN for updates next week.
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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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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POZ Magazine founder Sean Strub pens memoir
 Sean Strub, who founded the groundbreaking POZ magazine, produced the hit play The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me and was the first openly HIV-positive candidate to run for Congress has written his story in a new book: Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics,  Sex, AIDS and Survival. It's his remarkable life story and a powerful testament to loss, hope, and survival. Strub has been an activist since the early 1980s and is a long-term AIDS survivor. His book is sure to be a good read and will be available in bookstores soon. You can also pre-order on Amazon here. (sb)
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HIV memoirs, books, personal stories on the rise
 Did you know that the subject of HIV/AIDS has become a literary genre? In addition to scientific and medical books, there are growing numbers of memoirs, novels and story collections written by all sorts of people living with or deeply affected by HIV. POZ magazine includes a link to collections of these books. Many make a good read and it's interesting to compare your own story to others. Click here and here for links to these varied and intriguing works. And check out the Community Center library for some of these books. (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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Light Side Quote of the Week
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"Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing."
--Oscar Wilde
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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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Discount 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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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,