Desert AIDS Project and Riverside University Health System-Public Health want to make sure the roughly 30,000 fun seekers who descend on Palm Springs for the 2018 White Party know their HIV and Hepatitis C status during the event. And this year, vaccinations for Hepatitis A will be offered to those interested.
Starting in 2017, Hepatitis A outbreaks in San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz have left California cities struggling to contain the spread of the virus, which primarily affects the homeless, drug users, and individuals involved in high-risk sexual behavior. But since the virus can be passed by consuming contaminated food, water or ice, it is possible for people outside these groups to contract it.
“We see offering HIV and HCV testing as integral to stomping out both epidemics,” said Bruce Weiss, director of Community Health at D.A.P. “The more people know their status, the less likely they will accidentally spread either virus, and we can link them to care.”
Desert AIDS Project’s Get Tested Coachella Valley team will be on hand to conduct HIV and HCV testing and to assist those affected to find treatment, all three days of the event. Riverside University Health System-Public Health will be offering vaccinations for the Hepatitis A virus on Friday and Saturday.
“The collaboration between Public Health and D.A.P. is one example of community partners coming together to tackle some critical health issues,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health. “We agree that getting tested and learning your status is empowering and a key to slowing the spread of illness.”
Please see below for the schedule of testing and vaccination information.
Friday, April 27 10:30a.m. to 6p.m.
Renaissance Hotel Mobile Van, Valet Parking Lot
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
Riverside University Health System-Public Health for Hep A vaccine
Friday, April 27 10p.m. to 2 a.m.
Renaissance Hotel- Pueblo Room
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
Saturday, April 28 10a.m. to 6p.m.
Renaissance Hotel- Pueblo Room
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
Riverside University Health System-Public Health for Hep A vaccine
Sunday, April 29 3p.m. to 6 p.m.
Inside T-Dance (next to Impulse tent)
D.A.P. for HIV and HCV
To learn more about hepatitis care at D.A.P., click here.
To learn more about STI screening at D.A.P., click here.