 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
November 14, 2013
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Congratulations to
One of Our Favorite Places!
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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
Mark Richard
Volunteer Co-Editor
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Friday, November 22, 6:00 PM
Kick off 75th anniversary of Palm Springs Art Museum
 The Palm Springs Art Museum's Meet The Galen event will kick off the museum's 75th anniversary season with its membership drive and party of the year at the Palm Desert location. It will feature art from the private collection of longtime D.A.P. friend and supporter, Helene Galen. Enjoy complimentary open bar, hors d'oeuvres, valet parking and music by DJ Alf Alpha. Non-member tickets are $40. Click here for more and here for the Museum's main website. Every dollar raised goes to support the museum and its mission. And remember, every second Sunday of each month, Museum admission is free. (sb) |
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) |
Sunday, December 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
World AIDS Day events, film screenings
  We will begin observance of World AIDS Day, starting at Oscar's restaurant in downtown Palm Springs from 1:00 to 3:00 on Sunday, December 1. Snacks and beverages provided. D.A.P. will then host a screening of the film And the Band Played On from 4:00 to 7:00 at UCR campus in Palm Desert, followed by a Q&A with the movie's producers. Also included will be a preview trailer of the documentary Desert Migration, currently shooting in Palm Springs by director Daniel F. Cardone, who will also have a Q&A (see article below). We will provide bus service for any D.A.P. clients needing transportation (pickup/drop off from both Oscar's and D.A.P.) but you must RSVP to rwillison@desertaidsproject.org as soon as possible to ensure your place!
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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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Saturday, December 7, 5:00 PM
Festival of Lights Parade - Downtown Palm Springs
 D.A.P. will have a float and walk contingent in the Festival of Lights Parade starting at 5:00 PM on December 7. The float will celebrate D.A.P.'s 30-year anniversary of providing HIV/AIDS care throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We will partner with the LGBT Center of the Desert for a pre-parade nosh and hot chocolate gathering.
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Dr. Steven Scheibel named Medical Director, Dr. David Hersch becomes Clinical Director at D.A.P.
  David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project, announced last week that two of our providers are stepping into new positions. HIV specialist Dr. Steven Scheibel (left) is now Medical Director and psychiatrist Dr. David Hersch (right) is now Clinical Director. Both doctors joined D.A.P. within the last year. "Since then, I have heard nothing but glowing reports of satisfaction about them," said Brinkman. Dr. Scheibel will oversee the Health Center, including women's health, pain management and nursing staff. Dr. Hersch will continue to see clients and oversee a psychiatrist, mental health clinician and addictions specialist, all yet to be hired. Click here to read the full press release. (sb) |
It's week two of MOVEMBER at D.A.P.
 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 and check out D.A.P. Events Manager Brett Klein's follicular efforts below. (sb)  DEFINITIONS ·Mo = Moustache ·Mo Bro = Men who grow a moustache for Movember 
·Mo Sista = Women who love the Mo and actively support Movember men ·Mo Mentor = Men who show long-term commitment to moustache style and inspire hairy challenge ·Gala Parté = Costumed extravaganzas held around the country at the end of November to celebrate outstanding efforts of the Movember community. |
Get a $10 Stater Brothers gift card and help cancer research at the same time!
This Saturday only at D.A.P.!
 Participating is easy if: you are between 30-65 years old, have never been diagnosed with cancer and are willing to commit to the long-term study by filling out surveys every few years. If you meet these requirements and would like to be a part of the next historic cancer prevention study (CPS-3) by the American Cancer Society, enroll at www.cps3palmsprings.org:
- Select Desert AIDS Project as your location.
- Complete online form, choosing a half-hour time slot on Saturday, November 16.
- If you have questions with the form, call 888-604-5888 toll-free.
- Come to D.A.P. during your appointed half-hour time slot on Saturday, November 16 where you will complete a brief questionnaire, provide a waist measurement and give a small blood sample.
- Every two years, you will receive a brief questionnaire from the American Cancer Society to complete and return in a postage-paid envelope.
If you are one of the first 75 people to meet the criteria, enroll and attend your appointment at D.A.P., you'll be offered a $10 gift card. (Incentive valid ONLY at D.A.P. on Saturday, November 16 between 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM). The American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-1 in the 1950s established the link between smoking and lung cancer. Study-2 in the 1980s established the link between diet, nutrition and exercise. This is your chance to be a part of the next important step in cancer research. For more information, click these links: video: "How to Create a World with Less Cancer" and The Desert Sun: "Just as with HIV, it will take all of us to defeat cancer." (sb)
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Important! New phone numbers for D.A.P. next week
 Next Monday, new phone numbers will be in place at Desert AIDS Project--most importantly, new numbers for each staff member. The main number-- 760.323.2118 and the toll-free number-- 866.331.3344 will stay the same. A new main number will also be added: 760.992.0400. Visit desertaidsproject.org for listings of all new extensions/numbers and check with your case manager to confirm their new number. Also update these numbers: Health Center: 760.969.4502; Dental Clinic: 760.969.4503: Indio Office: 760.992.040. (sb)
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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, 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!
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza
November 21: Must Love Dogs (2005)
 A romantic comedy about two somewhat damaged divorced people who, after many complications, find romance despite interference of friends, mistaken identities and one character's dubious dog ownership. Great cast, with Diane Lane, John Cusack, Christopher Plummer, Stockard Channing and Dermot Mulroney. Directed by Gary David Goldberg.
Get out to a good flick!
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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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Get Tested Coachella Valley launches HIV testing, awareness campaign
 While we're all too familiar with HIV issues, most of us have people in our lives who may not be. In fact, they may be at risk for HIV, or even already infected without knowing it. D.A.P. has been a moving force in Get Tested Coachella Valley (GTCV). Click here for Desert Sun coverage of the campaign launch last week and here for the GTCV website. Pass along this information to those you care about. (sb)
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Two new HIV drugs recommended for first-line treatment options
 Stribild, the once-daily, single-pill regimen, and Tivicay, a recently approved integrase inhibitor, are now part of the list of "preferred" HIV medications in the official U.S. HIV Treatment Guidelines. The promotion of both drugs was announced on October 30 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which produces the guidelines via a nationwide panel of experts. Read more here. (mr)
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Heart attack risk rises if CD4s dip below 200
T he risk of heart attack among people with HIV is linked to a depleted immune system, specifically if CD4s dip below 200, aidsmap reports. Similarly, keeping CD4s at or above 500 means no greater risk for heart attack when compared with HIV-negative controls. Publishing their findings in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, investigators conducted a case-controlled study of 22,081 people with HIV who were matched with 230,069 HIV-negative controls, all of whom received care through the Kaiser Permanente California health plan between 1996 and 2009. Read more here. (mr)
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Desert Migration to preview at D.A.P. on World AIDS Day
 On World AIDS Day, December 1, Desert AIDS Project will present a preview of Desert Migration, a new documentary currently being filmed in Palm Springs by director Dan Cardone (pictured below), creator of Still Around and Incident. "As HIV treatments improved and death tolls declined, many HIV-positive men had to reconsider their lives," says Dan. "Early death was no longer a given, but their health remained fragile, their lives off course. So men from all over the country have chosen Palm Springs as a viable place to retire: good health services, affordable housing and the  sun always shines. Have they indeed found a veritable Lost Horizon where age, illness and sin are things of the past? Or can life in a small, sunny town expose who you really are? Faced with wear and tear on their aging bodies from the virus, medications, side-effects, uncertainty and their own inevitable mortality, how have these men created lives of value here in the desert?" Come to the screening and find out! For more information on the film and screening, click here for the film's Facebook page and the article above for schedule and RSVP information. (sb)
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"Premature aging" and HIV: dispelling myths, calculating risks
 Here's the bottom line on "accelerated aging" among people with HIV: it's an issue but probably not as bad as you think. New research is rewriting much of what we thought we knew about aging and HIV, and also helps us figure out some concrete steps we can take to prevent or treat health problems associated with aging specifically in those with HIV/AIDS. Read more here. (mr)
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More HCV screening needed for veterans, baby-boomers, pregnant women
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State insurance site running well
 The 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. 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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Hawaii passes marriage equality
 Hawaii legislators gave final approval to their marriage equality bill this week and Governor Neil Abercrombie signed it into law yesterday, November 13. With Illinois' recent marriage equality law, 16 states including the District of Columbia, now allow same-sex couples to legally marry. Read more here and here. (mr) |
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Ongoing Benefits, Resources, Discounts & Activities
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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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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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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 at Palm Canyon Theatre
 Palm Canyon Theatre offers 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 a 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
Thursday-Friday, November 28-29 - Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
(DAPCAN will not be published during these weeks)
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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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