 DAPCAN 
Desert AIDS Project Community Action Newsletter
December 12, 2013
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Winter Comes Early to Coachella Valley
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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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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. Sponsored by Jewish Family Service of the Desert. Email positivelifeseries@gmail.com with any questions. You need not RSVP.
Future programs:
February 4: Latest in HCV treatments: Dr. David Wyles/UCSD and Tracy Swan/TAG
March 4: HIV Drug Resistance in Treatment Experienced Patients: Dr. David Shamblaw
April 1: Update from CROI on latest in HIV & HCV therapies, and HIV Cure: Clayton Barbour and Jeff Taylor
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Client Advocacy Committee - call for new members
 If you are interested in creating positive change in the client experience at D.A.P., consider joining the Client Advocacy Committee (CAC). Meetings are second Tuesdays each month at 2:00 PM in the Community Center conference room. Clients are invited to voice their interests and concerns at the beginning of each meeting. This month's topics included living conditions in D.A.P.-sponsored housing and a call for assistance with veterinary bills for clients' companion animals. This is your chance to be heard directly--please step up! Elections of new members will be held next month. In particular, CAC will need a new secretary, so if you have those skills and can volunteer the time, please attend! (ej)
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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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First and third Fridays each month, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
TWO BARBERS NOW! HAIRCUTS BY ROBERT AND GREG!
 Community Center offers free haircuts for clients on the first and third Friday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Sign up outside the Walgreen's room in the Community Center. Twelve slots are available, first come, first served. NO appointments or reservations taken by phone ahead of time. Please show up with clean hair. Look your best with a good clip 'n snip!
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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 19 - Elizabeth (1998)
 This sumptuous film about the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England got good-to-mixed reviews, mostly for taking some license with historical facts. But its great production values and the performance of always-wonderful Cate Blanchett make it a worthwhile movie. Cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes and Richard Attenborough. Directed by Shekhar Kapur. 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
- 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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Major but expensive breakthrough in treatment for Hepatitis C
 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Gilead Sciences' greatly anticipated Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), a once-daily treatment expected to help those coinfected with hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. It may also benefit those with liver cancer or awaiting a liver transplant. The drug is an oral nucleotide analog polymerase. This is the first treatment for HCV that does not require Interferon, which is a long and difficult regimen. There are caveats however; those with HCV genotypes 1 and 4 will likely still require injectable Interferon, which causes flu-like side effects. And most alarmingly, the new drug is hugely expensive. Co-chair of The Fair Pricing Coalition (FPC--a treatment activist group that negotiates prices for HIV and hepatitis drugs), Lynda Dee called Gilead's pricing "unconscionable," adding that "treatment is just too costly for the majority of people living with chronic HCV....and Gilead has set the bar dangerously high" regarding other companies pricing for similar drugs. Still, it's good news as HCV-HIV coinfection affects so many. Pricing battles, as always, will continue. Click here and here for more and here for the FPC press release. (sb)
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Bone marrow transplants disappoint; no cure
 While nobody was excited by the prospect of getting a bone marrow transplant, the world of HIV researchers, poz folks and their friends were hoping that two marrow transplants performed in Boston earlier this year would cure the subjects. The patients were able to remain off their HIV medications without a return of virus for longer than would ordinarily be expected, but eventualy the virus did reappear in each of them. These results confirm that even the best available tests cannot find all of the HIV in our bodies nor is any treatment yet effective in neutralizing virus hidden in various "reservoirs" in the body. To read a brief report, click here. To read about how bone marrow is transplanted, a primer is here. (ej)
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Syphilis and HIV: dangerous for long-termers, increasing among young men
 New data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that primary and secondary syphilis rates are increasing among gay and bisexual men, who now account for more than 70% of all infections. Like HIV, the highest infection rates are among young gay men in their twenties. There is an estimated two- to five-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV when syphilis is present in a positive sex partner, and it's long been known that syphilis will increase viral load in anyone HIV-infected. Whatever your age, it's time to increase awareness of these risks if you are at all sexually active. Primary syphilis can go into the secondary stage very quickly in those with HIV. Click here for the latest information and always have frank discussions with your doctor about this. Make sure an RPR test is part of your regular bloodwork. (sb)
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Internet porn searches used to estimate gay male population nationwide
 Unsurprisingly, gay men living in less tolerant states are more likely to deny their sexuality. They're less likely to indicate interest in men on Facebook, to be out to close friends or out to their wives! They are every bit as likely to search m4m porn sites. And their wives might be on to them: women are much more likely to ask, "Is my husband gay?" in less tolerant states. The researcher compared data from a broad selection of sources, including Facebook, Craigslist, Match.com, various porn sites, and Google searches. He reports on his ingenious study here. (ej)
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Hope for repeal of systematic HIV legal paranoia
The U.S. House is considering a Repeal HIV Discrimination Act. The second version of the bill presented to this Congress, it would require inter-agency review of federal laws and those in 32 states that make otherwise legal acts, such as having sex, even when there is no measurable risk of HIV transmission, criminal when engaged in by HIV-positive persons. Catherine Hanssens, executive director at the Center for HIV Law & Policy said, "There is little doubt that current HIV-specific criminal laws do not reflect current knowledge about actual routes, risks and consequences of HIV transmission. Something is terribly wrong when individuals serve less time for vehicular manslaughter and rape convictions than for consensual sex while HIV positive." The gun in your pocket is cool, so long as that's not a metaphor. To read more, click here or here to read more. (ej)
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Mixed reviews for Dallas Buyers Club
 The unlikely story of a straight, homophobic cowboy/electrician who became an AIDS victim, activist and meds smuggler, Dallas Buyers Club, is currently playing at Camelot Theatre in Palm Springs. The film has received generally good reviews, but also some criticism on the accuracy of its portrayal of AIDS activism of the 1980s. Click here for reviews via Huffington Post Gay Voices and here for a recent Washington Post review. And while it's admirable that Camelot is showing this film, this editor feels that one should be aware of the recent controversy regarding its owner's contributions to right-wing causes, then subsequent apology. In case you missed it, click here, here and here for the sequence and both sides of that controversy as reported in the Desert Sun and draw your own conclusions. (sb)
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Comparing notes: what are greatest concerns about aging with HIV?
 If you have been reading DAPCAN at all in the past couple of years, you know that we try to provide regular, updated information on how to deal with the unprecedented challenges of growing old while HIV-positive. But it isn't just older long-termers who lie awake worrying. Anyone with HIV living anywhere in the country of any age has qualms. Click here for some interesting comments from various people living with HIV and/or working in HIV/AIDS areas and activism. (sb)
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New health insurance through Covered California
 You may sign up for new health insurance at the state's site, Covered California, until March 31, 2014. The site has been among the best functioning website in the country for access to ACA. Visit CoveredCA or call 1.800.300.1506 for plans available in the state. And if for some reason you or someone you know needs to use the federal site, heathcare.gov, recent fixes and upgrades have greatly improved its functionality. Click here to read the latest.
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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Keep your change: Salvation Army's long anti-LGBT history
 The bell-ringers and red kettles have been a familiar holiday sight for decades. But in the last few years, more information has come to light about the dubious history and policies of the Salvation Army, which despite its reputation for great charity, is still a quasi-religious and, as it turns out, a highly homophobic organization. Click here to read some disturbing and well-documented instances of extreme and religiously based anti-LGBTQ actions and statements by the Salvation Army, including one senior "officer" endorsing biblical language calling for homosexuals to be put to death. Supporting this organization, ether by tossing change in the pots or donating goods means you are assisting an aggressively anti-gay and discriminatory church. There are plenty of deserving local charities right here in our community. We suggest Revivals, Mizell Center, area hospitals and food banks and just about anyone else. (sb)
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Government releases National HIV Progress Report
 The CDC recently published online its National HIV Prevention Progress Report on prevention goals and challenges that remain. Although achieving these goals fully is proving difficult, the report shows some encouraging signs: 62% of current targets were met or exceeded; from 2008 to 2010, new HIV infections decreased 15% among heterosexuals, 21% among African-American women and 22% among injection drug users. However, as we've reported, new infections are still increasing among younger gay men. Still, testing efforts are increasing the number of people with HIV who know their serostatus from 80.9% to 84.2%. Click here to read the government update. (sb)
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In case you're ever thought of voting Republican....
 Yet another Republican in a position of party leadership has made outrageous and insulting statements about gay and HIV-positive people. In a speech bashing marriage equality, Dave Ageman, a Michigan member of the Republican National Committee said last week that "gays want free healthcare because they are dying of AIDS." Fortunately, Equality Michigan (EM) is on top of this: "It is unconscionable that in 2013 a political figure in a prominent position would feel so comfortable spewing lies about real people in a pathetic attempt to deny fundamental rights to families in Michigan," said Emily Dievendorf, Managing Director of EM. There is an unbelievable amount of such commentary rocketing around among right-wingers and we can only expect more as the election cycles of 2014 and '16 draw nearer. Click here to read the full repellent story and stay aware...very aware. (sb)
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On bloodwork and lab orders
 Always ask to review your lab orders--in hand--before a blood draw and make sure everything you've discussed with your doctor is there. It's not unusual for a particular test to have fallen off the list or been forgotten. If something is missing, the lab can usually clear it up with a phone call to your doctor. Besides, it's your legal right (and responsibility) to do so. Always check first and save yourself the trouble of another stick later. (sb)
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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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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
Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Wednesday, January 1 - New Year's Day
(DAPCAN will not be published during
Christmas or New Year's 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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