 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
November 7, 2013
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November 11:
A Salute to All Veterans and Especially Our D.A.P. Clients Who Served
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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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Friday, November 22, 6:00 PM
Dancing With the Desert Stars
 The third annual Dancing with the Desert Stars event will be hosted by local KMIR news anchor Gino LaMont at the Renaissance Hotel. The event benefits the 100 Women Program at D.A.P. and is a fun and worthy evening. Click here for tickets and more information. (jl) |
Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 PM
Positive Life Series: Aging Well with HIV
 The next Positive Life presentation will focus on what we all face: getting older with HIV. Programs 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. ASL provided. Email positivelifeseries@gmail.com with any questions. You need not RSVP.
Future programs:
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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Important! Updates, new numbers for D.A.P.'s telephone system
 Starting November 18, Desert AIDS Project will launch its new phone system in an effort to better serve client and staff needs. There will be new phone numbers for each staff member and different areas of D.A.P. The main number-- 760.323.2118--will stay the same, along with the toll-free number-- 866.331.3344. A new main number will also be available: 760.992.0400. On November 18, visit desertaidsproject.org for listings of new extensions and phone numbers. The new numbers will be listed in DAPCAN's contact blurb beginning next week. Finally, check with your case manager for their new number and extension. Additionally, here are some numbers you should update (there may be more in future): Health Center: 760.969.4502; Dental Clinic: 760.969.4503: Indio Office: 760.992.040. (sb)
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Remember monthly Revivals' sales on men's and women's clothing!
 
All Revivals stores offer all men's clothing at half-off prices on the first Thursday of every month and half-off women's clothes every first Friday! With the holidays coming, you may need to spruce up your wardrobe and Revivals stores provide some of the best deals around. Click here for locations and hours of all stores. |
 That's not a typo. It is indeed Movember and many of us here at D.A.P. will be growing (or attempting to grow) a moustache, goatee, beard or whatever fur we can manage this month to raise funds and increase awareness about men's cancers and overall health issues. Facial hair is a great way to start a conversation! It will be a hairy journey and we invite you to be part of it with us. We've created our team, (DAP)PER Mo Bros & Mo Sistas, where you can pledge your support, join us and grow whatever hair you'd like! Through (DAP)PER, we hope to bring attention to issues of men's health beyond HIV/AIDS, such as prostate, testicular, rectal and breast cancers, which often go ignored. This is one reason why the Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center at D.A.P. was established--to address cancers that seem to be more prevalent among men and women living with HIV/AIDS. So help us change the face of men's health and have some fun too. For more about this program, click here. (sb) DEFINITIONS ·Mo = Moustache ·Mo Bro = Men who grow a moustache for Movember ·Mo Sista = Women who love the Mo and actively support Movember and men in their life  ·Mo Mentor = Men who have shown long-term commitment to moustache style and inspire others in hairy challenge ·Gala Parté = Costumed extravaganzas held around the country at the end of November to celebrate outstanding efforts of the Movember community. |
Change in D.A.P. Health Center hours
 A reminder that the Health Center is closed for lunch from Noon to 1:00 PM. The LabCorp facility is also closed for lunch during that hour. Walgreens Pharmacy and the front desk remain open. Please plan accordingly. (jl) |
Enroll in cancer study at D.A.P. and receive $10 gift card
 The Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center is helping the American Cancer Society recruit a diverse group of men and women for a new research study called Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Participating is easy. You need to:
- Be between 30-65 years old
- Have never been diagnosed with cancer
- Be willing to commit to the long term study by filling out surveys every few years
If you meet these requirements, enroll at cps3palmsprings.org and select Desert AIDS Project as your location for an appointment on November 16. If you are one of the first 75 people to meet the criteria, enroll and attend your appointment at D.A.P., you will be offered a $10 gift card. And click here for a special video about why this research is so important.
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Desert AIDS Project's Community Center houses activities and programs including arts and crafts workshops, bingo, movies, lending library and drop-in hours. It hosts educational programs and classes to help 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, 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:
Fridays, starting November 13, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
TRANSFORMATIONAL BREATHING WORKSHOP
 Join our Transformational Breathing Groups with Moni every Friday! This workshop will help you therapeutically open and clear your mind, body and spirit!
Tuesday, November 12, Luncheon, Noon - 1:00 PM
UNDERSTANDING HIV AND INFLAMMATION
Speaker Alejandro Ponce, MD, will discuss managing your disease and the negative effects of chronic inflammation. Lunch starts at 11:45 AM. For registered D.A.P. clients only, so please RSVP to Ray (above) at least 48 hours in advance. ASL provided on request. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc.
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza
November 14: Dr. T and the Women (2000)
 Richard Gere stars as Dr. Sullivan Travis "Dr. T.," a wealthy gynecologist whose life gets complicated by various dramas going on with the many women in his life. Conspiracy theories, mental hospitals, possible suicides and a lesbian daughter all add to his challenges. Still, it's all a comedy! Also starring Helen Hunt, Shelley Long and Farrah Fawcett. Directed by the legendary Robert Altman.
Let's get out to a good 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:
- 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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Encouraging news on treating HIV/HCV coinfection
 An all-oral, interferon-free combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin cured between 67 and 88 percent of those coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) according to recent advanced trials. As we know too well, coinfection with HCV is common in those living with HIV, complicates treatment options and increases threats to health and viral suppression. This new combination is one of the most promising in years, especially since it eliminates the necessity of interferon--an effective but difficult course of treatment. Click here for more and here for a good New York Times summary article. (sb)
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New entry inhibitor drug cenicriviroc shows promise in trials
 Cenicriviroc, a new investigational antiviral in the CCR5 inhibitor class, has shown promise in phase II clinical trials, as reported recently at the 14th European AIDS Conference. The new drug primarily works by binding to receptors on the membrane of CD4 cells called CCR5s (pictured). This prevents HIV from binding on the surface of CD4s, thus preventing infection of healthy cells. It also binds with another receptor called CCR2. This may help reduce overall inflammation in the body, thereby fighting some non-AIDS health conditions increasingly common among people with HIV, including cardiovascular disease, neurologic problems, metabolic complications and some cancers. This extra potential protection is unusally encouraging news. Click here for more. (sb)
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Bone health one more thing to watch
 A recent study in Spain revealed disturbingly high levels of osteopenia, precursor to osteoporosis--bone loss--in younger men with HIV. Click here for that study. It's a reminder that, like so many other factors in aging with HIV, risk of bone loss and deterioration is demonstrably increasing. Click here for an excellent summary article on the subject. Ask your doctor about your risks. (sb)
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Medicare and ACA: no changes but some indirect benefits
 Many D.A.P. clients are on Medicare and may still wonder if the Affordable Care Act will have any effect on their coverage. The answer is no; Medicare coverage continues and recipients need not change anything. However, there will be a few indirect benefits to Medicare as a result of ACA, including more access to wellness care such as cancer screenings and decreased cost of some prescription drugs. Click here for the official federal government statement about ACA and Medicare. (sb)
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Quick, easy, nutritious foods for Fall
 "Food is medicine," is one of D.A.P.'s basic tenets. And for those of us living with HIV/AIDS, eating well is something we owe ourselves and indeed, it ought to be one of our major daily priorities. So click here for a few good food ideas you may have overlooked. And remember, Fall is a great time to get out the crock pot for stews, soups and nutritious broths. (sb)
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Being Gay, Becoming Gray--With passion, beauty and a sense of adventure
 Being Gay, Becoming Gray is a co-creative project set in motion by Author Paul S. Boynton. As circulation of his motivational book Begin with Yes and his Facebook communities: Begin with Yes and Being Gay Becoming Gray continued to thrive and expand globally, Paul's belief that we create our own realities, led to embracing the current experience of being gay and growing older and helping to change it for the better. And so this project was set in motion. The ultimate goal of The Being Gay, Becoming Gray Project is to redefine, expand and enhance the "Gay and Gray" reality by giving more, expecting more and finding more from life and then inspiring others to do the same simply by sharing our personal stories and the hopeful, beautiful pictures of our lives. (jl)
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Sign-up for ACA extended to March 31, 2014
 T he national website problems with the Affordable Care Act should not affect California residents applying for insurance through Covered California, so start there! The deadline for sign-up has been extended to March 31, 2014. At this writing more than 94,000 people have successfully signed up! Visit CoveredCA or call 1.800.300.1506 for plans available in the state.Kaiser Health offers online portal specifically for those living with HIV/AIDS
 Several AIDS service organizations are pointing clients to a helpful Kaiser site on ACA. Click here to check it out and combine what you learn there with Covered California.
 Remember, 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.
Remember, if you're trying to get new insurance and having any problems, ask your case manager for assistance!
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LGBT non-discrimination bill passes U.S. Senate today in historic vote
 The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) finally passed the Senate today in a 64-32 vote. The proposed law, which would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual or gender orientation, has been pending in Congress for years. But this is only half the battle; the bill now needs passage in the House and not surprisingly, majority Republicans and Tea Party obstructionists are unlikely to bring it to the floor, much less pass it. While the Senate vote reflects a major advance in recognition of LGBT rights, the struggle continues (see right). Click here for more. (sb)
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Will there be a fourth wave of HIV activism?
 After years of seemingly being sidelined, AIDS activism has lately been back in the news and activists themselves have been back in the streets, especially in New York. The 1980s and early 2000s brought three separate, intense waves of AIDS activism that forced the epidemic into mainstream consciousness and spurred overdue action on treatment and prevention. Can there be a fourth and if so, what might the experience of the first three waves suggest about its direction and impact? Click here for the full story. (sb)
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Stop Republican attacks on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid!
 Stand with Senator Bernie Sanders in demanding, "No grand bargain in exchange for cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits." The Senator is serving on the Budget Conference Committee which will be negotiating a new federal budget over the next few months--and where a deal could be struck to slash Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. As the founder of the Defending Social Security Caucus, he is fighting every day to protect our earned benefits. Stand with Senator Sanders and a diverse coalition of thousands now and demand that Congress and the President oppose any grand bargain which cuts Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Click here to sign the petition. (jl)
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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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Ongoing Benefits, Resources, Discounts & Activities
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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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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 act liaison between D.A.P and clients, giving the clients' perspective so they have a voice in planning programs and services. CAC meets the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM (check front desk for room location). Contact CAC at clientcom@desertaidsproject.org, or ask for a comment card at the front desk. Any D.A.P. clients are welcome to join!
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Dispose of unneeded HIV meds
 If you have unused meds you'd like to donate, stop by the front desk at D.A.P. and ask for prepaid, pre-addressed mailing envelopes to a clinic in Mexico which desperately needs HIV drugs. Follow these easy directions to donate:
-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.
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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
Under the Affordable Healthcare Act, you may quality for help in paying the premium for private health insurance offered in the new exchanges. 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.* To 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. It's best to apply in person in Moreno Valley, get a "receipt of application, and use that as proof you applied to avoid uninterrupted service with your D.A.P. medical doctor visits. Always follow up by phone after your application to ensure all paperwork was received and is complete. Do this each year after your annual eligibility meeting with ADAP. The agency still relies on paper faxes which 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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