Summer 2012 Progress Report
Board of Directors Curtis Ringness Jr., Chair Hon. Steve Lachs, Vice Chair Tammy Fox, Secretary Fred Drewette, Treasurer Kevin Bass Ted Briggs Jim Casey Robert Karl Jr. DDS Steve Kaufer Barbara Keller Teri Ketover Garry Kief Bruce Purdy Lanny Seese, MD Gregory Seller Sheila Williams Stephen Winters
Letter from David
D.A.P. Directors
David Brinkman, MBA CEO Barry Dayton Director of Marketing and Communications Robin Johnson Director of Social Services Sue Knollenberg, CFRE Director of Resource Development Brande Orr, MBA Director of Grants and Quality Assurance Mary Park, CPA Chief Financial Officer Sheri Saenz Director of Human Resources Mike Scarff Director of Retail
Contact
info@desertaidsproject.org (760) 323-2118
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Desert AIDS Project
After 31 years, are we really “Turning the Tide” on AIDS? “Turning the Tide” is the theme of the 2012 International AIDS Conference, to be held July 22-27 in Washington, D.C. If recent claims by key U.S. government officials – including the President and the Secretary of State – can be counted on, there will be a renewed commitment to the eradication of HIV and care for those with HIV or AIDS. Are we winning the battle against HIV? One thing we know for certain … it’s no longer a question of treatment vs. prevention. A large clinical trial, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and completed in 2011, found that people with HIV are 96% less likely to pass on the infection if they are taking antiretroviral drugs. But the California Department of Public Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, Office of AIDS, estimates that 5,000 to 7,000 new infections occur in California each year. Of those, it’s estimated that there are 2,000 people living with HIV who don’t know it, right here in the Coachella Valley. In fact, it was recently reported that the Palm Springs area has the fourth-highest prevalence of HIV in all of California. Whatever an individual’s reason for not being tested and knowing their HIV status, it can become a literal life-or-death decision: almost 40% of people who test positive for HIV are diagnosed within just one year of developing full-blown AIDS, which often leads to a significant decline in health and qualityof-life. The majority of those who get an HIV test late in the
course of their infection do so because they are already ill. Fortunately, there is strong evidence that people who test HIV-positive take steps to keep others from being exposed to the virus. But studies show that people who do not know they are HIV-positive are more likely to engage in risky behaviors associated with HIV transmission. A 2006 study found the average lifetime cost of care from diagnosis for an HIV-infected adult is $618,900 over 24 years. Because HIV testing linked to treatment can help to drastically reduce transmission of the virus, there is no question that routine testing is a highly costeffective strategy. If the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act continues to remain intact – after the U.S. Supreme Court recently affirmed its constitutionality – it will prohibit insurers from denying coverage, dropping coverage when people get sick, or imposing limits on coverage. After 28 years, D.A.P. is still committed to the fight As I head off to Washington, DC with other senior staffers from Desert AIDS Project to attend “AIDS 2012,” we are hopeful for a brighter future – even for the beginning of the end of AIDS. The continued support we get from our incredible donors and volunteers, who are so generous with their time, talents, and money, inspires us every day. Knowing they have our backs, we continue to be inspired by the strength of those we serve in what we hope will be the final chapter of this devastating epidemic. Until there’s a cure,
David Brinkman Desert AIDS Project CEO -3-
Summer 2012 Progress Report
News & Updates Dental Clinic This past month, the Desert AIDS Project Dental Clinic held an open house to say goodbye to beloved dentist, Dr. Christina Chung and introduce clients to the new dental provider, Dr. Margaret Soh. Dr. Chung added warmth and kindness to the dental clinic team and she will be sorely missed. We wish her and her husband all the best in their new home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the weeks prior to the open house and Dr. Chung’s departure,
the dental clinic introduced Dr. Margaret Soh, to patients. Dr. Soh originally hails from the East Coast and spent some time in Korea before coming to California more than a decade ago. Like Dr. Chung, Dr. Soh is an graduate of Loma Linda University. In fact, Dr. Soh once previously temped for Dr. Chung at D.A.P. a couple of years ago. Dr. Soh describes the dental clinc as a “family” and she’s excited to join their close-knit team. We’re happy to welcome Dr. Soh on board! -4-
HIV Health Center The HIV Health Center is pleased to welcome two new additions to staff this summer: Dr. Michael Somero, who will serve as Medical Director, and Nurse Practitioner Matt Moran, whose duties will include anoscopies and patient care.
D.A.P. would also like to send out warm farewells to Dr. Joy Hamilton and Dee Delacruz. Joy Hamilton, Director of Client Services and 100 WOMEN member, left
Desert AIDS Project
the Palm Springs area earlier this past spring for a job opportunity in her native New York City. We wish Joy the best of luck!
The Health Center’s main receptionist, Dee Delacruz was with D.A.P. for many years, and her husband Jose DeLaCruz is a communtiy health educator for D.A.P. Her presence will be sorely missed!
Cancer Screening Tobacco-free
The new Desert Outlook recently featured a piece on an increasingly common cancer known as anal dysplasia, feauturing our very own, Candace Green, NP, touting the importance of screening tests like anal pap smears and anoscopies. With the upcoming Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center in development, Desert AIDS Project is committed to performing cancer screenings for our clients. Read it on page 66.
In our ongoing committment to the healthiest outcomes for our or use of tobacco products will be in the bench area between clients and patients, Desert AIDS Project will become completely D.A.P. and the Vista Sunrise Apartments. D.A.P. has had great smoke-free on September 1. The only designated area for smoking success so far with smoking cessation classes for clients! -5-
Summer 2012 Progress Report
Employee Spotlight Robin Johnson, CADC -6-
Desert AIDS Project
“Well… I have two lives.” That’s the response from Director of Social Services, Robin Johnson, when she’s asked about her past for this bio. More than 28 years ago, after a stint as a dental technician in the Navy, Robin Johnson found herself in the corporate world, processing insurance for large insurance companies like Blue Cross. She calls this her first life, her life before recovery from substance abuse. After recovery - her second life - Robin returned to school to get the training necessary to empower people to live the life they’ve always imagined. For 10 years, Robin worked as the Program Director at the Ranch Recovery Center, a residential addiction treatment program where she was instrumental in its growth and expansion to five facilities and over 120 beds. Following her decade at the Ranch, Robin began at D.A.P. as an Addictions Specialist. For the next 15 years, Robin’s set of responsibilities grew, eventually coming into her current role. It has been under her leadership that Desert AIDS Project has established high-quality services and programs under the tenet of holistic care for HIV-positive clients. “A function of health is participation” Some of the notches of success on Robin’s belt include a focus on combating stigma and social isolation that comes hand-in-hand with HIV/AIDS. While it’s generally understood that medical care is critical for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), programs and services addressing psycho-social issues are not as readily Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
implemented or supported. Robin recognized the importance of treating the whole individual in an effort to curb HIV infection rates and keep clients connected to care. Robin will often say, “ a function of health is participation”. The success of the D.A.P. Community Center, additional programs and services like meditation, Reiki, yoga, and Riverside County’s first HIV-specialty Dental Clinic are just some of Robin’s major achievements that speak to this mantra. Goals for the year After the State of California cut all funds for HIV prevention and education in 2009, Robin has increased her department’s attention to testing, education, and prevention. In the coming year, Robin and her team of health educators and volunteers hope to increase HIV testing in our service area. While D.A.P. maintains a robust outreach and testing strategy, Robin is convinced we can do even more by continuing to grow community efforts, partner with more facilities, and get more people tested. “The sage helps the ten thousand things find their own nature.” – Tao Te Ching, Chinese Philospher It’s clear that Robin’s passion for program development – to think outside the box and be on the leading edge of care that treats the entire individual in a holistic way – has been a cornerstone for the success of Desert AIDS Project. Her leadership has truly made her a sage for thousands of individuals to find and maintain their own well-being, despite living with HIV/AIDS.
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Summer 2012 Progress Report
Policy& Advocacy
State Budget
Governor Brown signed the California State Budget last Thursday, June 28, and we’re happy to point out that the budget did not include the cost-sharing proposal from previous versions of the budget earlier this year. These cost-sharing proposals would have made ADAP inaccessible to the very people who need it the most - low-income
The Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act almost entirely in a 5-4 ruling, to the relief of many people, health organizations and professionals across the country. The controversial individual mandate was left in its entirety, which serves as a slight tax on individuals who don’t purchase insurance - necessary to keep insurance pools large enough so that premiums will stay affordable - and goes into effect in 2014. Slightly worrisome, however, is the court’s position that states can opt out of the Medicaid expansion, which could leave some HIV+ people (most likely in the South) in the dust. Remember last year’s ADAP waiting lists in Georgia and Floria?
HIV+ people who need assistance paying for their medications. Still, the signed budget contains cuts to curtail the $15 billion deficit. Come this November, voters will have to choose if they’re willing to take on more taxes or make even deeper cuts.
As for our clients and other people living with HIV/AIDS in California, the decision maintains the current implementation of ACA in the state. With the November elections looming, we will all have to ensure healthcare reform is here to stay for the most vulnerable in our community.
Affordable Care Act
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Desert AIDS Project
National HIV Testing Day
Desert AIDS Project marked this awareness day with a bang. In addition to our partnership at the Pathways to Health and Well-Being HIV Conference, D.A.P. testing staff offered $10 gift cards to anyone tested at our Indio Satellite Site. And just a week prior to NHTD, our staff tested 45 people in one single day at the First Baptist Church’s free health clinic in Desert Hot Springs! To further our commitment to testing, we recently had a three-day comprehensive training and certification done by the State Office of AIDS, increasing the number of our availble HIV Rapid Test Counselors!
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Summer 2012 Progress Report
Positive Examples Last World AIDS Day, Desert AIDS Project was lucky enough to host the film Still Around: 30 years of AIDS, 15 stories of hope for attendees. The film showcased short films by, for, and about people living with HIV/ AIDS to mark the 30th anniversary of the first report of AIDS in the country. One of these short works was directed by D.A.P. volunteer Daniel Cardone, who became involved in the film through the nonprofit, The HIV Story Project. The HIV Story Project aims to share stories of HIV-positive lives through multiple media platforms, including web, film, public installations, and trainings. Based in San Francisco, the HIV Story Project will be one of many HIV/AIDS organizations across the country to gather at the upcoming 19th Annual International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. Supported with a $1000 donation from D.A.P., the HIV Story Project will present the Generations HIV storytelling booth inside the Global Village at the IAC, giving attendees a chance to record questions, answers, and unheard stories as a sort of new media AIDS quilt. D.A.P. is proud to support the efforts of organizations like the HIV Story Project in spreading the messages of hope, raw emotion, resilience, and strength from people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Desert AIDS Project
Woven Voices Frank This past April, three Desert AIDS Project clients made their voices known during the a live public reading of “Woven Voices” at the Frank Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center. Born out of “The Poz Effect” writers group, Woven Voices strived to connect with a broader audience based on the three personal stories of HIV+ survivors: Frank Culberson, Ted Christian, and founder Skip Warren. Skip first organized The Poz Effect creative writing group with the help of D.A.P. Community Center staff to help participants creatively express their personal stories of living with HIV. It was through these workshops that the universal themes of love, fear, and identity arose. The development of Woven Voices led to mini live-reading sessions for small groups, like D.A.P. staff members and clients. The positive reaction from these sessions made the writers realize their creation had the potential to affect people in powerful ways. With the assistance of Desert Regional Medical Center, and key D.A.P. staff, Skip and his co-writers were able to secure the space at the Frank Sinatra Auditorium, to help change the perception of HIV/ AIDS.
Ted
Since the live public reading in April, “The Poz Effect” has taken a summer hiatus, but stay tuned for their return and more on “Woven Voices”, including video clips and photos from the live reading.
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Summer 2012 Progress Report
Nicholas Snow, Brian Wanzek, and other Dining Out for Life Ambassadors represent at AZUL
At El Mirasol for Lunch! Longtime D.A.P. volunteer Julian DiCiurcio at TRIO Restauant (‘11)
Thanks for Dining Out for Life A heartfelt thanks to all the particpating resturants, and the top restaurant for the third consecutive year, TRIO! - 12 -
Events Celebrity Doodles
Desert AIDS Project
Upcoming 25th AIDS Walk
Join us for our anniversary AIDS Walk which is being honored as the 2012 Spirit of Stonewall Advocate of the Year Award during Palm Springs Pride
Les Dames du Soleil Last Dance: World Farewell Tour Sunday, October 21, 2012 Renaissance Palm Springs 6:00 PM Cocktails, 7:00 PM Showtime
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Sunday, November 4, 2012 Palm Canyon, Downtown Palm Springs 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Summer 2012 Progress Report
Community June 27th marked the 19th annual National HIV Testing Day – a day when health and state officials nationwide encourage everyone to get tested and know your HIV status. Here in the Coachella Valley, where HIV positivity rates reach three times as much as the national average, and where thousands of people living with HIV access healthcare and services through D.A.P., we partnered with the Riverside County Departments of Public Health and Mental Health and Bienestar to hold a day-long conference on HIV/AIDS. Over 200 people infected and affected by HIV/ AIDS attended the Pathways to Health and WellBeing HIV Conference, held at the Palm Springs Conference Center, wanting to learn more about current research and topics ranging from HIV and cancer, depression, aging, substance abuse, and more. Following some quick words from Riverside County Department of Public Health Director Susan Harrington, Deputy Director Michael Osur, and D.A.P. CEO David Brinkman, Keynote Speaker Dr. Neva Chauppette stressed personal change and living “an authentic full life that you define”. With a background in substance abuse, Dr. Chauppette focused on how to change behaviors with regard to
health and substances, but gave universal advice to attendees to be the architects of their own life. Lunch and three rounds of breakout sessions followed the morning’s welcome. Some key takeaways from the breakout sessions include a focus on overall health to address HIV-related issues, including changes in diet, increased exercise, smoking cessation, and an emphasis on being one’s own advocate when it comes to healthcare and well-being. Most the presentations can be viewed and downloaded on the conference website at pathwayshiv.org. Overall, the conference was a great success, engaging many HIV+ people in their own healthcare. Our hope is that in the future there will be enough funding to make this conference happen again. If you’d like to get in touch with committee members further, please email info@pathwayshiv.org.
Dane Luna, Tim Bri - 14 -
The Tool Shed The Tool Shed is a favorite local gay bar. But outside of the nightlife scene, The Tool Shed has hosted community events and fundraisers to benefit essential local services, including programs at Desert AIDS Project.
necessary funding to Desert AIDS Tool Shed staff and Chris Bates Project’s Dental Clinic, the first HIV- poses with Dental Clinic Staff (April ‘10) specialty dental The Erotic Art Auction , first organized by Mr. Tool Shed 2003, Dennis clinic in the county. Cramer, is an annual art showcase attracting hundreds of gay art The Stud Auction lovers, and has raised more than $35,000 for local charities. This past raised a whopping $12000! That funding is even more significant in spring, in its 10th year, the Erotic Art Auction raised $4200 for free hindsight considering the Dental Clinic now has expanded hours and and confidential HIV testing at D.A.P. Furthermore, Palm Springs sees more clients than ever before thanks to the genorosity of the Leather Order of the Desert raised another $2000 with the assistance community and events like the Stud Auction. of CLAW (Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend) in conjunction with the event! We were pleased to welcome the gentlemen who We can’t thank these community partners and the other Erotic Art organized the Erotic Art Auction to our offices during the check Auction organizers enough for their dedication to fighting HIV/AIDS presentation earlier this spring (below). locally. Their support has been instrumental in maintaining crucial programs like free and confidential HIV testing and HIV-specialty In 2010, Chris Bates, that year’s Mr. Tool Shed, organized the firstmedical care. ever Stud Auction. The Stud Auction was instrumental in bringing
idges, George Puddephatt, Dennis Cramer, D.A.P. CEO David Brinkman, Christopher Rees, Leo Newcomb
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