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Dustin Gruber Posts

DAP and Trenton Ducati announce a new co …

by Dustin Gruber

DAP and Trenton Ducati announce a new collaborative for sexual stigma busting in the age of COVID-19.

Contact: Jack Bunting
[email protected]
(760) 323-2118 

Media Alert:

Who: DAP and Trenton Ducati

What: Teaming up to talk about sex in the age of COVID-19

Where: Online and radio

When: Throughout spring 2020

Why: Despite social distancing in the age of COVID-19, people are putting themselves and others at risk by seeking in-person hookups, using social media apps.

How:  Coming to the community in a series of live online events, ads and blog posts

Palm Springs, CA March 30, 2020 -- Desert AIDS Project (DAP) and Trenton Ducati announce a new collaborative for sexual stigma busting in the age of COVID-19.  Exploring new ways of sexual expression that adhere to social distancing, both will bring their expertise in their fields in an effort to keep sexual wellness on the minds and lips of anyone who might be at risk.

DAP has been fighting sexual stigma in the Coachella Valley for 36 years and will provide fact-based, sex-positive information through leaders like C.J. Tobe, Director of Community Health at DAP.

Trenton Ducati is a leading gay adult film star who’s also established himself as a producer and promoter. He owns adult brands like Ducati Studios, Gentlemen’s Closet, Nasty Daddy, and TrentonDucati.com. He will share insights from trends he sees in the adult entertainment industry.

“COVID-19 has changed the world, including our sex lives,” said C.J. Tobe, Director of Community Health at DAP. “We want our community to continue talking openly and honestly about sexual health in this new era.”

Desert AIDS Project offers judgement free HIV testing, PrEP/PEP services, and STI testing and treatment regardless how you practice social distancing.

“I’m ecstatic to work with DAP to get the message out,” said Trenton Ducati. “Let’s save our community by turning on some porn and staying home.”

Click here to download a copy of Sex & COVID-19 in English
Haga clic aquí para descargar una copia de Sexo y COVID-19 en Español

For a look at DAP’s kick-off piece A Guide to Sex during COVID-19 click here.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

###

This Weekend Wrap for March 28th feature …

by Dustin Gruber
DAP Logo Weekend Wrap

This Weekend Wrap for March 28th features updates from Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Executive Officer, David Brinkman

We are living in unprecedented times. It’s been two weeks since DAP opened its COVID-19 Triage clinic and put out the first call for community support to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In that time, we've seen over 90 patients in the urgent clinic, screening and treating each one, and testing only those who were sickest.

All week long, we've been sharing updates on our website, Facebook and Instagram pages but in case you missed it, here are some of our top stories.

Clinical & Programming Updates

  • DAP launched Tele-Health services for patients and clients who are not able to come to our campus for care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Monday, patients can access their medical, psychotherapy, and psychiatry healthcare through their smartphones, iPads, or desktop computers.
  • DAP is still welcoming new clients during the COVID-19 health crisis. Services available include:

    • Primary Care

    • Specialty Care for HIV and Hep C

    • Behavioral Healthcare

    • Sexual Health at The DOCK

    • Social Services like case management, food assistance, transportation, housing and home care.

    • COVID-19 Triage Clinic

  • The DOCK, temporarily housed in DAP’s Green Clinic, continued to see patients who have questions about their sexual health, testing for STI's and HIV while our PrEP navigators continued to work with those who want access to the prevention technique.
  • DAP's Social Service and Community Health teams launched home delivery of essential supplies, including food for our most vulnerable home-bound clients ensuring they don't need to leave their home to go to the grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • DAP created a series of Spanish language videos and blog content to ensure everyone has access to the same life-saving information.
  • DAP's Client Wellness team launched a series of ZOOM meetings to connect clients in recovery to the groups that met at DAP before the COVID-19 pandemic.  Yoga sessions and guest speakers will roll-out next week.
  • DAP has had to re-adjust its operations in the wake of COVID-19. It has meant:

    • Making Telemedicine available to our clients through our MyChart client portal, which will enable them to continue in care if they are required to stay at home.

    • Suspending non-urgent dental appointments at our Dental Clinic, in accordance with the American Dental Association recommended guidelines.

    • Halting housecleaning, cooking and laundry for our Home Health clients, after the California Department of Public Health and other regulatory organizations issued strict guidelines protecting workers.

DAP in the News

Community Updates

Through email and phone calls, we’ve continued to share with you updates from the frontline of our clinical work, having tested our first positive cases and the stories from grateful patients. In response to all of these, nearly 300 of you have answered our call. THANK YOU!  We could not be more grateful. With $300,000 raised we have $1,150,000 left to raise.

Through these calls for your support, I have also received responses of concern asking, “why such a financial emergency?” And “How could a healthcare organization lay off staff in the middle of an emergency?”.

  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DAP was forced to close our three Revivals stores and our Dental Clinic foregoing the revenue from each.

  • We've had to cancel our Dining Out for Life fundraiser which raised $360,000, last year alone.

  • With many of our patients being in a high-risk group due to their age, our paid clinical visits and behavioral health clinic visits are down as well.

  • We responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by opening a Triage Clinic to screen, test, and treat respiratory illness.

  • Altogether, we anticipate revenue losses from now through June 30, 2020, of $2.5 million. Hence, we took swift action to stabilize the organization financially so that our core work of serving the 7,000 community members who call DAP their healthcare home remains uninterrupted during and after this crisis is over.

Be assured, our frontline clinical teams remain intact to provide daily care as well as COVID-19 triage services.

If you questions about COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 FAQ's for information in both English and Spanish. If you believe you might be symptomatic or need information about testing, please call our COVID-19 hotline at (760) 992-0407.

David Brinkman
Chief Executive Officer

Sex and COVID-19

by Dustin Gruber

Sexual Health Clinic

Our sexual health clinic offers $25 STI testing & treatment. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), & free HIV and Hep C testing.

Sex and COVID-19

I'm CJ Tobe, The Director of Community Health at Desert AIDS Project. The COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt caused stress around the world. When we are stressed we don't think about the potential consequences. We subconsciously take action to reduce stress and escape reality by overeating, change in exercise, and have more sex.

COVID-19 has changed the world including our sex life. We now live in a world where we are told to adapt social distancing. This new concept is difficult for many of us to follow since many of us use sex as a stress relief.

I utilize gay social media apps like many of you. (Grindr, Scruff, BBRT, ADAM4ADAM, Etc.) I'm still getting invites to group sex, to party n Play, like COVID-19 is a not real. COVID-19 is real. COVID-19 is as real as HIV, and as real as a STD.

What does sex look like, knowing social distancing is not a realistic 'all or nothing' concept for many of us living amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

The best sex is with yourself: Open up your favorite porn site, select your favorite scene, and masturbate. Choke the chicken as much as you want. Maybe, it's time to subscribe to the hottie's Only Fans account you have been fantasizing about. 

Be creative (Use your imagination) use technology: FaceTime, Cam, Sext, or go vintage and have phone sex. 

Pre-screen your sexual partners: Ask them if they have a fever over 100 degrees, or a cough. Anyone with symptoms, including yourself should stay home and avoid people for at least 2 weeks. But what if it's someone you have been eyeing for months, and can't pass up the opportunity to meet? Then maybe it's time to role play the doctor/patient fantasy you've had and wear a mask while you have sex.

Foreplay: You and your partner washing hands for 20 seconds before and after sex. Maybe you can start foreplay in the bathroom with some booty slaps or massaging while washing your hands.

Play with one partner: Now is the time to limit your sexual partners. More is not the merrier when living in a COVID-19 pandemic.  Pick out that one sexual partner that is most available and gives you the best orgasm. Entice them to become your regular sex partner during this pandemic to lower both of your risk of acquiring COVID-19. 

Last but not least condoms: Condoms not only help prevent HIV, STDs, but also lower the risk of acquiring COVID-19. Condoms are recommended for oral sex too. Wrap it before you tap it.

Please utilize any of the above techniques that will fulfill your sexual needs during the new world of social distancing. 

Desert AIDS Project offers judgement free HIV testing, PrEP/PEP services, and STD testing and treatment regardless how you practice social distancing. Learn more at www.thedockclinic.org.

Click here to download a copy of Sex & COVID-19 in English
Haga clic aquí para descargar una copia de Sexo y COVID-19 en Español

Urgent: Help Our Medical Team Get the Su …

by Dustin Gruber

Care Team

The Desert AIDS Project Care Team is staffed by astute, compassionate healthcare professionals who lovingly support the healing process of each unique patient.

PPE Donations

Urgent: Help Our Medical Team Get the Supplies They Need

Due to a shortage of market supply, Desert AIDS Project medical staff is seeking donations of the following PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) items:

  • Unused Gowns
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Masks and Hand Sewn Masks
  • Shoe Covers

For questions or to arrange drop off, please contact Shelia Barnett via the form below or call 760-992-0420.

DAP Announces First Three Positive Test …

by Dustin Gruber

MEDIA ALERT
Contact: Steven Henke
[email protected]
(760) 656-8401

DAP Announces First Three Positive Test Results at COVID-19 Triage Clinic 

(Palm Springs, CA) March 20, 2020-- Desert AIDS Project (DAP) announced tonight that three patients at its COVID-19 Clinic have tested positive for the virus. The patients visited the clinic after it was determined in a telephone screening with DAP medical staff that they met certain symptom criteria and should come in for testing.  Two patients are greater than age 55 and are believed to be community spread without travel or direct known exposure to a confirmed case. A third patient greater than age  30 also tested positive after coming to the clinic with a minor cough and recent international travel.  All three cases are mild and the patients are choosing to self-quarantine at home.

DAP clinicians will continue to care for the patients via telemedicine.  DAP case managers will deliver food, household supplies, and any needed medications.

DAP has put safeguards in place to protect non-infected people from COVID-19 while they are on the DAP campus. This includes heavily restricting exits and entrances to the COVID-19 Clinic and controlling pedestrian flow.  Clients receiving care are monitored by staff while they are onsite, and anyone entering DAP buildings is screened for symptoms and given masks when appropriate. 

DAP believes that offering treatment at the same site as screening and testing is essential to flatten the curve of an epidemic and especially Coronavirus. With every visit to the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP, clients will be evaluated for multiple upper and lower respiratory diseases.

While screening and some testing for COVID-19 are starting to become more available throughout the Coachella Valley, the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP is the only clinic offering treatment for other respiratory illnesses that can present in a similar manner. The uninsured are never turned away.

For more information about Desert AIDS Project's COVID-19 triage clinic and  how the innovative approach creates a model for other cities across U.S, click here.

Call (760) 992-0407 Before Visiting COVID-19 Clinic

Before being seen at the COVID-19 Clinic, patients must be screened and referred by a DAP clinician after calling the COVID-19 hotline: (760) 992-0407.

DAP is NOT offering on-demand testing for a-symptomatic clients. Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from COVID-19 should call (760) 992-0407 for information and the opportunity to talk to DAP clinicians about their symptoms.

Raising Funds for COVID-19 Clinic

DAP has launched its COVID-10 Clinic without the budget to do so and has just started a campaign to raise funds. The anticipated cost is at least $575,000 in the coming months to provide this service to the community. Please click here to learn more. 

Keeping up on COVID-19 

For DAP’s regularly updated Questions and Answers on Coronavirus page, click here.  
Preguntas y Respuestas del Coronavirus 

For The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) COVID-19 page, click here.

DAP Staff Ready for Coronoavirus

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

Preguntas y Respuestas del Coronavirus

by Dustin Gruber

Preguntas y Respuestas del Coronavirus

La mejor manera de proteger a la comunidad de cualquier preocupación de salud que surja es a través de información útil. Aquí tenemos respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes que hemos recibido de nuestros clientes acerca del COVID-19, mejor conocido como el Coronavirus.

Estaremos actualizando esta información mientras siga surgiendo más datos a medida que se desarrolle este problema de salud pública.

Preguntas frecuentes

Estoy cuidando a alguien en casa- qué debo hacer? Haz clic aquí

Me estoy cuidando en casa - qué debo hacer? Haz clic aquí

Por qué estoy siendo revisado antes de que se me permita ingresar al campus de DAP?

Respuesta: Para DAP es prioridad la salud y seguridad de nuestros clientes, voluntarios y empleados. Para prevenir exposición innecesaria en el campus de DAP, las revisiones son obligatorias para todos los que ingresan al edificio de DAP. Quién no se le realice esta revisión y no siga las instrucciones ofrecidas por examinadores de DAP tendrán que abandonar el campus de DAP.

DAP ofrece exámenes?

Respuesta: No, DAP no ofrece exámenes a cualquier solicitud para el COVID-19. Sin embargo, si un médico de DAP determinará si usted tiene un alto riesgo, debido a 1) haber viajado a las áreas afectadas 2) exposición conocida, puede que le realicen exámenes para mantener a todos seguros.

Existe un plan en marcha en la clínica?

Respuesta: Si. Todo el personal clínico de DAP cuenta con la capacitación, las herramientas y las garantías necesarias para brindar atención de manera segura a cualquier cliente de DAP que experimente síntomas de enfermedad respiratoria.

DAP trabaja muy de cerca con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Riverside (RIVCO) y los centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) para determinar las mejores formas de servir a nuestra comunidad en esta pandemia.

Tengo VIH y estoy preocupado por el coronavirus. ¿Qué tengo que hacer?

Respuesta: Para las personas que viven con el VIH / SIDA, actualmente estamos recomendando un cumplimiento adicional de las recomendaciones de la CDC para protegerse contra COVID-19, que son lo mismo para protegerse de las enfermedades respiratorias. También sugerimos que se quede en casa tanto como sea posible, pero que mantengan una red social de forma remota para ayudarlo a mantenerse socialmente conectado y mentalmente saludable.

Además, eviten los viajes no esenciales y las grandes reuniones públicas.

Los pasos importantes a seguir incluyen:

  • Lavarse las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos.
  • Evite el contacto cercano con personas enfermas: mantenga una distancia de seis pies.
  • Evite tocarse la cara.
  • Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.
  • Estornude / tosa en el codo, no en la mano.

Y también,

  • Evite viajes no esenciales.
  • Evite grandes reuniones públicas.
  • Quédese en casa tanto como sea posible.

Haga clic aquí para conocer más.

También puede conversar con su médico de DAP en MyChart, que es una excelente herramienta para obtener la información personalizada específicamente para las necesidades que usted requiere. Podemos ayudarlo a realizar la configuración si aún no lo ha hecho.

Cómo pueden las personas contraer COVID-19 / Coronavirus?

Respuesta: COVID-19/ Coronavirus parece transmitirse por gotitas, y hasta el momento no hay evidencia de transmisión en el aire.

Se propaga:

  • Entre personas que están en contacto cercano entre sí (dentro de unos 6 pies).
  • A través de gotas respiratorias producidas cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda.

Estas gotas pueden caer en la boca o en la nariz de las personas cercanas o posiblemente ser inhaladas a los pulmones.

También es posible que una persona pueda contraer COVID-19 al tocar una superficie u objeto que tiene el virus y luego tocarse la boca, la nariz o boca posiblemente los ojos, pero no se cree que esta sea la forma principal en que el virus se propaga.

Si alguien tiene síntomas y está tratando de decidir si debe hacerse una prueba de detección de Coronavirus al ingresar, que debe hacer?

Respuesta:  Cualquier persona que piense que podría estar sufriendo del COVID-19 debe llamar al (760) 992- 0407 para obtener más información y la oportunidad de hablar con el médico de DAP sobre sus síntomas.

  • La clinica de triaje del COVID-19 no acepta personas sin cita.
  • Tienes que consultar tus síntomas con el médico llamando al (760) 992-0407 - ahí se tomará una decisión si puede ser visto en la clínica de triaje del COVID-19.
  • Si trata de ser examinado en la clínica de triaje del COVID-19 sin cita, se puede estar poniendo en riesgo usted y a otras personas. Por favor llame al (760) 992-0407 para hablar con alguien.
  • Si tiene una emergencia que pone en riesgo su vida llame al 911.

Soy un terapista o un sexo servidor y quiero mantener a mis clientes y a mi a salvo?- Que tengo que hacer ?

Respuesta: El Coronavirus se contagia por el contacto con un a persona que tiene el virus. Se transmite al momento de toser o por medio de saliva. Y puede permanecer en manijas, excusados, interruptor de luz, sinks, mesas de masaje, y materiales de látex y silicón.

El mantener tu entorno de trabajo limpio con toallas desinfectantes después de cada cliente es parte de tu rol en tu negocio. Pero el evaluar riesgos de tu cliente es también muy importante.

  • Tu cliente puede tenerlo en su piel si no se asean a fondo.
  • Un cliente te lo puede transmitir al toser o estornudar cerca de ti si no utiliza mascarilla.
  • El virus también está presente en las heces, lo que hace el contacto con el area anal otra forma de posible transmisión.
  • También lo puedes transmitir fácilmente a tu cliente si estas infectado.

Antes de que inicies una sesión con un cliente, te recomendamos que les realices una revisión para que puedas evaluar tus propios riesgos. Cuando negocies servicios, precios y reglas, también cubre el tema del Coronavirus. Así es como puedes realizar la pregunta:

“Solo quiero revisar contigo primero varias cosas para asegurarme que ambos estamos seguros por el Coronavirus.” Aclara lo siguiente:

  1. Sabes si has estado expuesto al Coronavirus
  2. Recientemente haz tenido temperatura de más de 100 grados u otros síntomas de enfermedades respiratorias como tos, fiebre o dificultad para respirar?
  3. Tú o alguien con quien vives ha viajado internacional últimamente?

Si tu cliente responde “Si” a una de esas preguntas, estarás tomando un riesgo si continuas con la sesión. Si decides continuar, estos son algunos consejos para tener menos riesgo:

  • Asegurate de lavarte las manos por 20 segundos con agua tibia. Utiliza desinfectante para manos cuando no te puedas lavar las manos.
  • Los guantes de látex, condones y protectores dentales son altamente recomendados para trabajos sexuales más que nunca.
  • Haga que su cliente utilice mascarillas de papel durante toda la sesión si tiene síntomas como tos o problemas para respirar. Si utiliza una mascarilla, solo use una vez y deseche inmediatamente. No reuse la mascarilla
  • Utilice un desinfectante de manos de manera generosa. Puede hacer su propio desinfectante mezclando 3 partes de alcohol isopropyl y  1 parte de gel de aloe vera. Es también aceptable incluir unas gotas de tu aceite favorito (como el té verde) para dar un aroma agradable.
  • No se toque la cara- ésta es una forma más segura de contraer cualquier virus.
  • Báñate después de cada cliente y cambia de ropa para minimizar un posible contagio de Coronavirus.

Cómo está ayudando DAP a la comunidad a mantenerse al tanto del Coronavirus?

Respuesta: DAP ha creado una línea directa COVID-19 (760)992- 0407 para obtener información y la oportunidad de hablar con el médico de DAP sobre los síntomas.

DAP también está ayudando a la comunidad a prepararse para el Coronavirus al comunicarse con ellos por medio de las redes sociales, su sitio web y literatura en inglés y español en sus clínicas.

También planeamos lanzar actualizaciones semanales a medida que esta situación continúa.

Cómo puedo mantenerme actualizado sobre la enfermedad de COVID-19 en el Condado de Riverside y los Estados Unidos?

Respuesta: si estás interesado en las actualizaciones diarias, visite los siguientes sitios web:

También puede obtener más información llamando a lo siguiente:

Línea de información de CDC:

800- CDC- INFO

(800) 232-4636

TTY (888)232- 6348

Línea de información pública del Condado de Riverside:

(951)358-5134

DAP Doubles Impact at COVID-19 Clinic wi …

by Dustin Gruber

Contact: Jack Bunting
(408) 323-2118
[email protected]

DAP Doubles Impact at COVID-19 Clinic with Treatment Plus Testing

Innovative approach creates model for other cities across U.S.

(Palm Springs, CA) March 20, 2020 -- DAP believes that offering treatment at the same site as screening and testing is essential to flatten the curve of any epidemic, and especially Coronavirus. With every visit to the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP, clients will be evaluated for multiple upper and lower respiratory diseases.

While screening and some testing for COVID-19 are starting to become more available throughout the Coachella Valley, the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP is the only clinic offering treatment for other respiratory illness that can present in a similar manner. The uninsured are never turned away.

DAP opened the COVID-19 Clinic to alleviate anticipated pressure on local emergency rooms and hospitals. As is the trend nationally, sick people needing emergency care for unchecked respiratory illness are expected to increase greatly in the Coachella Valley. Yesterday it was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the number of confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases surpassed 10,000, doubling over two days.

 “It’s in the very DNA of Desert AIDS Project to respond quickly to public health crisis using science and medicine to create a humanitarian response,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “We are using our tested roadmaps from the HIV and HCV epidemics to respond to COVID-19." Helping people survive epidemics is in the Coachella Valley has been the core specialty of DAP for 35 years. With the largest infectious disease team of clinicians in this region of California, DAP offers modern medical care, anchored by a deep understanding of Coachella Valley epidemiology.

Although largely due to increased testing, the numbers send a clear message that to mitigate calamity due to COVID-19 in our valley, we must act now to test, treat and monitor those who are suffering.

By linking those who need it to care immediately, we are able to stop the spread of respiratory illness and alleviate suffering.

DAP’s approach to COVID-19 in our valley is:

  1. Educating the public via 760-992-0407, desertaidsproject.org and all social media channels,
  2. Testing those who are screened and found to be at risk,
  3. And treating mild-to-moderate symptomatic patients.

Treatment provided for upper and lower respiratory infections at DAP’s COVID-19 Clinic includes:

  • Oxygen Therapy for patients who have lower than normal levels
  • Nebulizer treatments to open airways and address shortness of breath
  • IV Fluids for dehydration
  • Fever control with medication
  • Community Acquired Pneumonia Treatment – Injection of antibiotics and ability to prescribe medications to our DAP Walgreens (overnight home delivery available)
  • Influenza A & B testing and treatment
  • Strep Throat testing and treatment

Useful Links

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

###

COVID-19: I’m a bodyworker or sex work …

by Dustin Gruber

COVID-19: I’m a bodyworker or sex worker and I want to keep my clients and me safe – what should I do?

Answer: Coronavirus is spread through close contact with a person who has the virus. It’s spread through droplets, such as from coughing or saliva. And it can stay behind on doorknobs, toilets, light switches, sinks, massage tables, and anything made of latex or silicone.

Keeping your environment wiped down with disinfectant wipes after each client is part of your role in your business. But assessing risks from your client is also very important.

  • Your client could have it on their skin if they have not washed thoroughly.
  • An infected client could transmit it to you by coughing or sneezing near you if they don’t wear a mask.
  • The virus is also present in feces, which makes touching the anal area another way of possibly transmitting.
  • You could also give it to your client easily if you are infected.

Before you begin any session with a client, we recommend you screen them so that you can assess your own risk. When negotiating services, prices, and laying ground rules, cover off on Coronavirus too. Here is how you might ask the question:

“I just want to check in with you first on a few things to make sure we’re both safe about Coronavirus.” Clarify the following:

  1. Do you know if you’ve been exposed to Coronavirus? 
  2. Have you recently had a temperature of more than 100 degrees or other symptoms of respiratory illness, like cough, fever, shortness of breath? 
  3. Have you or someone you live with traveled internationally lately?

If your client answers “yes” to one or more of these, you are taking a risk by continuing the session. If you choose to continue, here are some tips to help cut down the risks:

  • Make sure you are already washing your hands several times throughout the day for a full 20 seconds with warm water. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  • Latex gloves, condoms, and dental damns are highly recommended for sex work, now more than ever.
  • Have your client wear a paper mask during the entire session if they have symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, or wheezing. If wearing a mask, use it only once and then throw away immediately in a trash can. Do not reuse masks.
  • Use sanitizer gel generously. You can make your own by mixing 3 parts isopropyl alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel. It’s perfectly OK to also add a few drops of your favorite oil (like tea tree) to give it a nice smell.
  • Do not touch your own face – this is one of the surest ways to contract any virus.
  • Shower thoroughly after each client and change clothes to minimize possible spreading of Coronavirus.

Have questions about COVD-19?

Call our COVID-19 hotline at (760) 992-0407

Desert AIDS Project Opens COVID-19 Clini …

by Dustin Gruber

Desert AIDS Project Opens COVID-19 Clinic

WHAT: COVID-19 Clinic Open at Desert AIDS Project

WHERE: 1695 North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs

CONTACT: Jack Bunting (760) 656-8472 [email protected]

WHY: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and alleviate suffering in our community.

WHEN: Clinic is open Mondays through Fridays from 8am – 4:30pm

Important Resources:

Palm Springs, CA -- March 16, 2020 -- Desert AIDS Project opened a COVID-19 Clinic today on its campus, created to treat and test clients struggling with significant symptoms of Coronavirus.

Before being seen at the clinic, clients must be screened and referred by a DAP clinician.

DAP is NOT offering on-demand testing for a-symptomatic clients or those with mild symptoms of illness. Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from COVID-19 should call (760) 992-0407 for information and the opportunity to talk to DAP clinician about their symptoms.

The CDC and DAP leadership are reminding people that for mild or moderate symptoms of respiratory illness, the best prescription is to stay home and use over-the-counter medications.

Only people with the following symptoms will be examined at DAP by a clinician for possible COVID-19:

1) greater than a 100.4 fever 2) cough 3) shortness of breath.

For the larger Coachella Valley community, DAP believes this move will equate to saving lives and providing some mitigation to an overwhelmed healthcare system, including emergency rooms and hospitals. By opening the clinic today as an emergency response to this dire health crisis, DAP stands to help halt new infections of COVID-19 in our area and prevent deaths.  

This measure, as well as heightened hygiene and social distancing, are important in fighting this epidemic, but the window is closing.

“How we act in the next two-to-three weeks are critical to flatten out the curve of this pandemic,” said David Brinkman, CEO.

DAP has launched its COVID-10 Clinic without the budget to do so, and has just started a campaign to raise funds. The anticipated cost at least $575,000 in the coming months to provide this service to the community.

Currently, 7,000 people in the Coachella Valley get primary and specialty care from DAP, plus other services like behavioral health, dentistry, wellness, and social services.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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DAP Statement on Coronavirus for Friday, …

by Dustin Gruber

For updated information, please visit https://www.daphealth.org/questions-and-answers-on-coronavirus/

Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is committed to providing useful information for our clients concerning COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus.

As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Riverside County of locally acquired COVID-19 disease.

DAP is working closely with the County of Riverside Department of Public Health (RIVCO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track the epidemic of COVID-19 disease.

Fortify yourself from respiratory illness

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

Stay updated on COVID-19 disease in Riverside County and the U.S.

If you are interested in daily updates, please visit the following websites:

RUHS-PH COVID-19 page: http://rivcoph.org/coronavirus/

CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Current CDC travel advisories: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

You can also find out more by calling the following:

CDC Information Line:
800-CDC-INFO
(800) 232-4636
TTY 888-232-6348

Riverside County Public Information Line: (951) 358-5134

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