 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
November 21, 2013
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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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Tomorrow, 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) |
Tomorrow, 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 (Tahquitz and Indian Canyon) in downtown Palm Springs from 1:30 to 3:30 PM 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 Dan Cardone, who will also have a Q&A (see article below). We'll 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. Dr. David Moore of the University of California at San Diego is our speaker. 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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DAPCAN won't publish next week
  Remember that DAPCAN takes a break for Thanksgiving next week. Your editors wish all our readers a happy and meaningful holiday! DAPCAN returns on Thursday, December 5.
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Important! New D.A.P. phone numbers now in place
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World AIDS Day and politics of faith
 For World AIDS Day, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Dr. Howard Koh has published a letter in The Partnership Center Newsletter addressing stigma associated with sexuality, and its negative effects on our communities. The newsletter is published by HHS "f aith-based and neighborhood partnerships." In his brief, calm letter, Koh states, "Family acceptance is key to helping LGBT youth develop into healthy adults and to lowering their risks for both HIV and suicide. Faith communities can play a major role in promoting this acceptance, and in supporting families whose children may be at risk." Let's hope his message gets wide readership. To read the letter, click here. (ej)
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World AIDS Day and revising messages for a new generation
 One of the most alarming statistics about HIV/AIDS today is that young men between 18 and 25 currently have the highest rate of infection. As we've reported before, many young people have only the vaguest notion of what AIDS is or was, and even less about its transmission and how they may protect themselves. Composer Stephen Schalchin (left), who has lived with AIDS for 20 years and was one of the first to write and blog about living with the disease, recently made this video to help stress the need for ongoing outreach and education. We know all about it, but other people in our lives (especially younger ones!) may not. Click here for the video and pass it on. (sb)
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More on Movember at D.A.P.
 Since it's still November, we MUSTACHE you to join Nick Offerman and the Movember movement. Click here for his fun history of the mustache and how men have used facial hair in various historical accomplishments (such as Mark Spitz' winning seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics; right). Movember started with a single conversation back in 2003. Now, ten years later, the conversation has grown into millions that take place about men's health during this month. The talk is important to us at D.A.P. because it helps both to raise funds for and awareness about men's health issues, and that can ultimately save lives. Thanks to Events Manager Brett Klein for this update.
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Meds donations a big help at Programa Amigo in Mexicali
 Our friend and colleague Jeff Taylor, who help launched the meds donation program facilitated by D.A.P., received this note recently: "This is just to inform you that I have received several packages of medicine from the people of Desert AIDS Project, and I want you to thank them for sending the medicines, and at this time to thank Shella Barnett.  The medicines have helped a lot and I hope you receive a big hug from all the patients from Programa Amigo. Thank you!" The email is from Enrique Gomez, Director of Programa Amigo in Mexicali, which provides badly needed HIV meds donated through D.A.P. and other organizations to his patients. Thanks to Jeff for working on this so long and to all who have donated their unneeded meds. The need continues; see the Donate Meds article below on how to contribute when you can. (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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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The DHD Room is closed today, Thursday and tomorrow, Friday. The PC Lab will still be open. The State Office of AIDS is doing a training session here so please be aware of the need for quiet in this wing.
There will be no movie and pizza this week or next, but back to normal the first week of December. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
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Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza....however....
November 21 and 28: no movie this week or next...but we'll have a great movie for you on Thursday, December 5!
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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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Slow Food, quality food
 "You are what you eat," and "Food is medicine." So go the sayings, and many people with HIV have discovered that eating well is crucial to maintaining their health. Enter Slow Food, a global organization dedicated to the idea that good food is a fundamental right, and that  we are responsible for maintaining that right. Slow Food works to preserve and share local foods and food cultures and is dedicated to the idea that eating more consciously is a long-term benefit to ourselves and our communities. Sometimes in life there has to be a burrito, but the meals that we make ourselves and share provide sustenance on a more profound level than anything out of a box. To learn more, check out this link. (ej)
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Creative advancements in medication delivery
 A new intravaginal ring delivers both tenofovir for HIV prevention and levonorgestrel for contraception for three months, researchers have reported. Other studies looked at a novel gel for both vaginal and rectal use containing the antiviral IQP-0528, and a bio-adhesive vaginal gel combining tenofovir and the anti-herpes drug acyclovir. Users expect these to be way more fun than swallowing pills. Tickle your mouse here to disgorge the report. (ej)
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Desert Migration to preview at D.A.P. on World AIDS Day
 On World AIDS Day, December 1, D.A.P. will preview Desert Migration, a new documentary currently being filmed in Palm Springs by director Dan Cardone, creator of Still Around and Incident. "As 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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Dallas Buyers Club opens locally
 This story of a straight Texas cowboy who improbably finds himself infected with HIV in the bleak 1980s, and then becomes an unlikely activist and meds smuggler, opens in two area theatres this weekend, specifically at Palm D'Or in Palm Desert, and Camelot Theatre in Palm Springs. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, the film has received mostly positive reviews, even Oscar buzz. But some early gay and AIDS-era activists have issues with how accurately they are represented. Click here for that dissent. Click here for show times. McConaughey will be honored at the Palm Springs Film Festival in January for his performance. Click here for a local interview. By the way, we can't help wonder why an apparently significant film with a major star like McConaughey is not getting shown at larger mainstream theatres in the area.... (sb)
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Feeling photogenic?
 On World AIDS Day, December 1, consider taking a picture of yourself for the Facing AIDS gallery. The article and downloadable app can be found here. The basic idea is to write a message, then take a picture of yourself holding your own message, and publish it onto whatever social media you like. It can be fun, cool and surprisingly empowering--your editor even got feedback from lurkers from the first time a few years back. Turns out we are all human. Message at left is "Poz, HIV+, AIDS, 25 years and counting." (ej)
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Wear your sunscreen already
 The sun is wonderful, and we have lots of it here in the desert. Which is why the population seems to have quadrupled lately. But even winter sun can burn and cause damage which will prematurely age skin. And sunburn is anything but a hot look. So while it's fun to be desert rats, if you don't want folks to know that from across a football field, wear a hat and some sunscreen. You've survived this long with HIV; do you really want to go from skin cancer? (ej)
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President delays cancellation of existing insurance policies
 Addressing complaints about implementation of the ACA, President Obama this week announced that existing policies which are considered substandard under the ACA (and therefore cancelled) may be renewed for an additional year. The announcement does not assure the renewal of those policies--that remains at the discretion of insurers. Nor are the policies available to new purchasers--all new policies must comply with the minimum standards described by the ACA. (ej)
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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. Greater than AIDS covers each state's handling of the ACA and how it fits with Medicare, Medicaid, Ryan White funds, and ADAP. The site is simple to navigate and understand. Click here to check it out.
 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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For first time, Navy allows sailors with HIV, HCV, to deploy overseas
 The US Navy has begun assigning HIV-positive and HCV-positive sailors and Marines to overseas positions. This decision, an encouraging move by the Secretary of the Navy, is made possible by increasingly manageable treatments. The Armed Forces are traditionally conservative and this policy change could help to reduce stigma associated with the illnesses. "In the case of HIV-positive service members, these personnel and the services have put a lot of time and effort into their careers, and there is no medical reason for them not to be able to continue serving with pride," said a Navy spokesperson. The policy is unique to the Navy--the other service branches still have restrictive policies, and prospective recruits are precluded from joining if they are HIV-positive. Click here to read more. (ej)
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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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Remember that D.A.P. has new phone numbers. The main number--