 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
December 5, 2013
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Join the D.A.P. Float at the
Festival of Lights Parade This Weekend!
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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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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. Join us at 5:00 PM at the LGBT Center of the Desert for a pre-parade nosh and hot chocolate gathering.
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Tuesday, January 7, 6:00 PM
Positive Life Series: New HIV treatments
 The next Positive Life presentation will focus on the latest HIV/AIDS treatment options. Doctors Steve Scheibel and Lisa Capaldini will be our speakers. 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 program:
Feb. 4: The latest in Hepatitis C treatments with Dr. David Wyles/UCSD and Tracy Swan/TAG
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HO HO HO!! TIS THE SEASON!! - Drawing for Christmas trees for clients!
 There will be a drawing for 40 Christmas trees to be given away at noon on Monday, December 9. The free trees are sponsored by the Palm Desert High School Vocal Music Program, Dance Team and Wrestling Team! Get your entry in now at the entry box in the lobby at D.A.P or send Ray at the Community Center (see contact information below) an email with your name and phone number, or leave a message. One entry per client and get a head start on a Merry Christmas!!
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D.A.P. and Get Tested Coachella Valley: spread the word!
 Desert AIDS Program continues to support Get Tested Coachella Valley (GTCV), which encourages everyone in our area to get tested for HIV at a number of facilities. While most in the D.A.P. community are already living with HIV/AIDS, it's likely that we have people in our lives who ought to get tested, so pass along the GTCV message. Click here for the program's website and full information. (sb)
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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 Shelia 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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Tuesday, December 10, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
HYPNOMEDITATION (not a luncheon)
 Certified Consulting Hypnotist Michael Myers, MA, CH, CI, creator of HypnoMeditation, (pictured) will use his 15 years of experience in hypnosis, and 40 years in meditation to teach you his techniques. Registered D.A.P. clients only. Please RSVP to Ray to attend.Better health through education!
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First and third Fridays each month, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
TRANSFORMATIONAL BREATHING WORKSHOP
 This workshop with Moni on transformational breathing techniques will help you therapeutically open and clear your mind and spirit! Naturally improve how you feel! |
Every Thursday, 1:00 PM, Movie & Pizza
December 12 - Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker (2006)
 Orphaned teenager Alex Rider lives with his uncle, a quiet bank manager, or so it seems until the uncle disappears under mysterious circumstances. Alex finds himself thrust into extraordinary circumstances, discovering that his entire youth was part of an elaborate plan to create the perfect super spy. Special gadgets, spy missions and intrigue follow. Starring Alex Pettyfur, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry and Mickey Rourke. Directed by Geoffrey Sax.
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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
- 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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Dual-drug therapy of Kaletra/Epivir can equal some triple-drug treatments
 A dual drug regimen of lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) and lamivudine/ 3TC (Epivir) was found to work as well as a triple-drug also including Kaletra, according to study results presented at EACS 2013 in Brussels. The findings are unlikely to immediately influence clinical practice but do mark a "paradigm-shifter" since this is the first fully powered study to find that a two-drug regimen actually can potentially be better than a three-drug regimen. Click here to read more. (mr) |
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Excessive drinking a growing concern in young white people with HIV
 Drinking too much is an ongoing problem with young, Caucasian individuals living with HIV, whose situation may warrant targeted interventions. Drinking risks their adherence to antiviral therapy, according to study results presented at IDWeek 2013, in San Francisco. Alcohol abuse can also be a problem among older HIV-positive individuals, but this is the first major study showing a significant issue among younger people as well. Click here to read more. (mr)
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Research on supplements addresses HIV-driven gut inflammation
 Gastrointestinal (GI) health is proving a vital, though often ignored, component of HIV infection. Recent research presented at the 7th International AIDS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2013) in Kuala Lumpur showed that microbial translocation and damage done to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) during primary HIV infection has a dramatic effect on the pathogenesis of HIV, including the disruption of microflora, resulting in ongoing and damaging inflammation. Read more here. (mr)
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Latest on HIV and liver disease: overview of AASLD Liver Meeting 2013
 The annual conference of the American Association for Study of Liver Disease (casually known as "the Liver Meeting") recently concluded with encouraging news on new treatments for various liver conditions and for coinfection of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). We recently reported on new alternatives to traditional interferon therapy and the conference reports even more progress, with the usual caveats about access and effectiveness. Click here for an excellent summary article on the Liver Meeting. It's a bit long and a little complicated in places, but if you are living with coinfection or any liver issues, it's well worth a read. (sb)
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Our own local story: Desert Migration
by Dan Cardone
 I am making Desert Migration to tap into a conversation gathering in momentum across the world: the aging face of AIDS. But I'm focusing locally, on people around me and how they are dealing with the trauma of living with the disease long-term. Some have watched all their friends die; some were told they would die too. Yes, we now have meds and treatments and the death sentences have been stayed, but the damage is done. Most of these guys can never go back to a "normal" life. Every time they take pills, visit doctors, have a blood draw or wake up with another mystery ailment or pain, they're reminded of what they've lost and what they still must go through. Increasingly, they're confronted with more problems caused by the meds, the virus, aging and the sheer combined effects of it all. I want to help these men tell their stories in a visually compelling way that shows the extent of the true emotions and tough decisions involved. I'm not making a traditional documentary--there are no people talking directly to the camera, no professionals giving their educated opinions, no statistics. Instead, it's a relentlessly personal experience, told by the men who are living all this in their own words. Currently we're at crucial stage in the development of the film--fundraising! We've completed one round of interviews and filming, but have only about a third of the visual material necessary to complete the film. As such, we've launched a crowd-funding campaign on Indiegogo to help raise money for completion. If you can help, please click here to contribute and here to learn more on our Facebook page. And to see where we're headed, click here to view the first trailer.
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Stress, isolation take unexpected toll on younger people with HIV
 In a surprising twist, a new study out of Case Western University reveals that stress and isolation are more prominent in people living with HIV who are under age 50. The study had expected to confirm the opposite presumption. "The younger people felt more disconnected from family and friends and HIV stigma was a major contributor," noted lead researcher Allison Webel, PhD. "Younger people don't as easily identify with having to battle a chronic illness. They may also feel blamed by others for their illness and avoid people because they are sick." She added that the over-50 group was actually less stressed than expected and had developed social networks over the years that they could rely on for support. Click here to read more. Incidentally, studies on HIV and aging are increasing rapidly. Watch DAPCAN for news about new research to be conducted here in Palm Springs. (sb)
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New health insurance through Covered California
RCHC rolls into ACA
 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 and you will be able to use any pharmacy in the state to get your medications.
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On World AIDS Day, White House reviews progress, pledges new funds
 President Obama this week pledged up to $5 billion in U.S. money over the next three years to the pre-eminent global program to combat AIDS on the condition that the rest of the international community pitches in $10 billion. The White House also released an assessment/review of the Administration's progress on addressing HIV/AIDS issues. Click here and here for more. (sb)
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Cure for AIDS Act introduced in Congress
 Two Democratic congresspersons have introduced the Cure for AIDS Act in response to last week's World AIDS Day. Authored by Reps. Jim Himes of Connecticut and Barbara Lee of California (pictured), the bill would establish a five-year "$100 million research program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program managed by the Department of Defense for research targeted directly toward a cure for HIV/AIDS. This is actually a reintroduction of a 2012 bill, which under Republican House leadership, not surprisingly, got nowhere during the last Congress. Click here for the story and more links. And speaking of the most dismal Congress in history, click here at Real Clear Politics for balanced reports on where they stand on various issues. (sb)
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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
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
(DAPCAN will not be published during Christmas week)
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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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