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Daniel Vaillancourt Posts

DAP Health Unveils Details of Its 2024 S …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP HEALTH UNVEILS DETAILS OF ITS 2024 STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

Legendary entertainer Barry Manilow donates his performance. Nine local honorees jointly receive the Community Legacy Award. Desert Care Network is presenting sponsor.

 

Humanitarians of all stripes are in for an electrifying evening indoors at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 30 as DAP Health celebrates its 40th anniversary at its biggest fundraiser of the year, the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase), presented by Desert Care Network.

Internationally heralded solid gold hitmaker Barry Manilow — the Grammy-, Emmy-, and Tony-winning longtime Palm Springs resident who celebrates his seventh decade in show business in 2024 — will donate his performance to the internationally heralded DAP Health in honor of the organization’s four decades of lifesaving work.

This year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards not only pay tribute to DAP Health’s long legacy of protecting and expanding health care access for the most vulnerable among us but recognize nine honorees who represent every community member who has helped fulfill DAP Health’s mission since it was founded as Desert AIDS Project by Palm Springs volunteers in 1984.

The joint recipients of the 2024 Community Legacy Award are:

  • Mark Adams
  • Frank Figueroa
  • Keisha Halverson (AKA Keisha D.)
  • Patrick Jordan
  • Terri Ketover
  • Michael Kiner
  • Andy Linsky
  • Tori St. Johns
  • Susan Unger

Gala Chair Kevin Bass promises that this year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be bigger and better than ever — a memorable, inspiring evening that will boldly underline DAP Health’s remarkable past, present, and future as it takes its unique place on the Southern California health care landscape.

Also of note will be the live auction, with longtime DAP Health supporters El Paseo Jewelers and Hot Purple Energy both donating packages worth $40,000 in honor of DAP Health’s 40 years of service.

Tickets can be purchased at daphealth.org/thechase

ABOUT

DAP Health’s goal is to protect and expand health care access for all people regardless of who or where they are, their health status, or whether they have health insurance. In 2023, the nonprofit (founded by community volunteers in 1984 as Desert AIDS Project) made a successful bid to absorb the Borrego Health system, enabling 1,000 health care professionals to serve a total of more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages — from newborns to seniors — at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast.

Barry Manilow is a world-renowned, award-winning singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with his timeless music for the last seven decades. Beyond his considerable show business achievements, the Grammy-, Emmy-, and Tony-winning Manilow is actively involved in philanthropy, having supported various charitable causes throughout his career. Time and time again, he has stepped up as a major benefactor on behalf of DAP Health. His charitable endeavors are proof positive of a commitment to making a profound impact beyond the stage, further solidifying his legacy as both a musical icon and a compassionate humanitarian.

Mark Adams has been a central figure at The Chase, having chaired the event in 2001 and 2002. His commitment to DAP Health extends beyond the gala, as evidenced by his generous donation toward the acquisition of the Barbara Keller LOVE Building on the organization’s Sunrise campus in Palm Springs. Adams is deeply involved in cultural boards, including that of the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Society. His involvement with DAP Health dates to the mid-1990s, showcasing a longstanding commitment to community well-being.

Dr. Frank Figueroa, the first openly gay elected official in the city of Coachella, has emerged as a trailblazer and advocate for inclusivity, making a profound impact in the eastern Coachella Valley. Previously having served on the Borrego Health board of trustees, Dr. Figueroa is a current DAP Health board member with a decade of experience in higher education administration. His history of prioritizing equal access to educational opportunities embodies values of integrity and compassion as he strives for positive change and serves as a beacon of hope in building an inclusive community.

Keisha Halverson (AKA Keisha D.) — a multifaceted figure in the Coachella Valley — has not only captivated audiences with her soulful voice but has also become an example of strength and resilience. In the face of personal challenges, including a health journey with lupus, she has continued her philanthropic efforts, creating the Keisha D. Music Scholarship to support high school seniors pursuing their passion. Her unwavering commitment to education and community well-being reflects her enduring impact as a singer, philanthropist, and beacon of strength.

Patrick Jordan is a dedicated AIDS activist, having contributed significantly to organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Treatment Action Group, and notably, Desert AIDS Project/DAP Health. With a decade-long service on the DAP Health board of directors, including four years as chair, Jordan is a tireless advocate for health causes.

Terri Ketover, the founder of the “Do the Right Thing” program, which spans 65 cities globally, has been recognized by the White House. Her philanthropic journey includes nine years on the DAP Health board of directors, chairing the organization’s 100 Women major donor program, receiving the 2014 Steve Chase Humanitarian Award, and earning the 2023 JFK "Person of Valor" Award. Her unwavering commitment to giving back extends to roles with Palm Springs Art Museum, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Boys & Girls Club, and more.

Michael Kiner is a prominent figure in the Coachella Valley, showcasing not only his award-winning expertise in commercial and residential architecture but his compassion for giving back by contributing his leadership to organizations such as The Living Desert, Desert Cancer Foundation, and DAP Health, where he served as a board member in the ’80s.  He chaired the inaugural Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in 1994 and the inaugural Desert AIDS Walk, further solidifying his commitment to community involvement.

Andy Linsky’s commitment to community service in Palm Springs spans over three decades, beginning in 1989 when he volunteered at DAP's front desk before joining its board of directors in 1990. Leading the board for five years, Linsky played a pivotal role in significant achievements, including the purchase of the building at 1695 North Sunrise Way, and the development of affordable housing complex Vista Sunrise I. His visionary leadership also led to the creation of the Partners For Life major donor program.

Tori St. Johns, a licensed therapist with 32 years at the Desert Sands Unified School District, is a dedicated advocate for the community, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ students. Her service extends beyond education, with longstanding contributions to DAP Health and various boards, emphasizing her commitment to community health and well-being. She volunteered her services to HIV/AIDS patients at the height of the epidemic, demonstrating her history of dedication to providing vital support to those she serves.

Susan Unger, a key figure in DAP Health's success, served on its board of directors from 2003 to 2008, contributing significantly to crucial initiatives. Notably, in 2008, she founded the groundbreaking 100 Women major donor program, engaging women in supporting DAP Health’s work. Susan’s diverse contributions include leading client focus groups, introducing the Building Connections initiative, and directing the successful Get Tested Coachella Valley public health initiative.

SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Desert Care Network

PRODUCING SPONSORS

Amazon

Harold Matzner

MAJOR SPONSORS

Kevin Bass and Brent Bloesser

Jim Burba and Bob Hayes

Patrick Jordan

Scot and Lance Karp

Barry Manilow and Garry Kief

Steve Tobin and the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation

STAR SPONSORS

The Hammond Family Foundation

Walgreens

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Carolyn and Daniel Caldwell

Anthony Colantino and Craig Grantham

Bruce W. Finch and Keith Reimann

Eve E. Fromberg-Edelstein, Esq.

Gilead

Living Out

Steven Anders

The Stonewall Group/Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Trina Turk

David Zippel and Michael Johnston

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

Coachella Valley Health Personnel

Diageo

Perry S. McKay

PATRON SPONSORS

Inland Empire Health Plan

Low Income Investment Fund

Palm Springs Disposal Services

Personal Stories Project

Henry Schein

UPS Stores

MEDIA SPONSORS  

Alpha Media

CV Independent

Desert Charities News

Gay Desert Guide

GED Magazine

Joey English Radio

Palm Springs Life

The Desert Sun/Local IQ

The Standard Magazine

THE CHASE GALA COMMITTEE

Kevin Bass (Chair)

Michael Brennan

Ron Davis

Grant Elder

Bruce W. Finch

Lynn Hammond

Cary Lowe

Rick Moran

Kasey Scott-Brown

David Sperber

 

Lonely No More

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Lonely No More

Words by Ron Blake

 

According to an advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on May 3, 2023, loneliness and isolation are a public health crisis — one causing devastating consequences for approximately half of the adults in this country.  

Evidence shows that increased social connectivity can combat this emergency, effectively reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death for all Americans, including DAP Health patients. Surgeon General Murthy is therefore encouraging folks to cultivate a culture of connection, using no-cost medicine that’s all around us: people. He wants us to go out and engage with each other. 

And I’m here to be that loving nudge — to tell you it can be done, to get you moving in the right direction — by sharing a heartwarming success story that will hopefully inspire you to achieve a healthier life with no more seclusion.   

A 27-minute, Emmy-nominated documentary — The Blake Project on YouTube — was produced about my story. It highlights the significance of developing social connections.

But let me back up. I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression following a brutal rape and beating I experienced at the hands of three men. I isolated badly after that trauma. But an unexpected moment of laughter from “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” stopped me from dying by suicide at 10:44 p.m. on November 2, 2015. That heaven-sent disruption was the spark that ignited my very own Hero’s Journey, a particular kind of expedition and familiar literary theme that’s used in classic movies like “Star Wars,” “The Color Purple,” and “The Lord of the Rings.” It’s about answering a call to action, heading out on an adventure, facing down your fears, overcoming challenges, and then coming back home transformed and triumphant.  

I answered that comedic call to action from “The Late Show,” deciding to no longer isolate, and going out on my riveting adventure each day to engage strangers. By my being vulnerable with them about my trauma, something wonderful happened. People began opening up to me about their own personal ordeals and achievements, and we connected through our shared stories of heartbreak and happiness. 

Those strangers also got behind my mission to guest on “The Late Show” someday, where I will share the healing power of laughter and of making social connections. Through these new friends, I found a purpose in life.

Going out for 2,984 consecutive days on this ongoing cross-country hero’s journey, I have so far engaged 32,777 strangers, one by one. I also gave them a canvas to express themselves, and they contributed their words and images of support — in 94 languages on 502 giant foam boards via 27 colored Sharpie markers.  

Fingers crossed that someday soon I will be invited to deliver this massive, collective story of hope to Stephen Colbert on the air. To inform, entertain, and inspire millions of individuals to see that no one walks alone. 

I’ve come to realize that so many people in our DAP Health neighborhoods and communities care about one another. You are not alone. You are only one person and one conversation away from changing your life.  

So, this is your call to action. Answer it! Head out on your very own Hero’s Journey. You too can come back home transformed and triumphant over loneliness and isolation.  

Thankful Community Members Attend DAP He …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Thankful Community Members Attend DAP Health’s Third Annual Winterfest

Free food and entertainment were on offer alongside photos with Santa and gifts of toys, blankets, and bicycles for the children.

Almost 1,000 grateful community members from the East Valley — representing both current and future DAP Health patients — took part in Winterfest: The Third Annual Oasis Charitable Holiday Celebration, which was held on Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Centro Medico Oasis in Thermal.

In addition to featuring free food and entertainment, parents had their children take pictures with Santa before the kids received gifts of toys and blankets.

For the moms and dads in attendance — many of whom are migrant agricultural workers who may also be single and therefore the sole breadwinners in the family — the holidays are a joyful time, but also one of frustration and stress brought on by their inability to shower their children with treasures under the Christmas tree. Winterfest takes a very real burden off them, bringing smiles to every member of the family.

The open house, which took place predominantly outside, was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners, volunteers, and DAP Health employees, many of whom helped raise the funds necessary to pull off the affair in grand style.

Taking care of emcee duties was Centro Medico Oasis Clinic Manager Israel Ochoa, who shared the stage with DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, DAP Health Board Member Dr. Frank Figueroa, patient Antonio Galara of the Coachella Unified School District, and Samuel Lopez of Iglesia Visión Del Reino.

In addition to mobile clinic vans providing free testing plus flu and COVID-19 immunizations, community partners such as TODEC Legal Center, ER Funeral, Visión 7 Copromiso, FIND Food Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association, DPSS Adult Services, and California Rural Legal Assistance set up booths and answered attendees’ questions.

Entertainment was provided by the Oasis Elementary ACES and the Iglesia Visión Del Reino band. At a total of five raffles held throughout the afternoon, some 65 bicycles were given away to lucky winners.

“Do you know what’s better than seeing the beautiful face of a happy child receiving a toy, a blanket, and a bike at the holidays?” asked Brinkman of the 457 adults and 471 children in attendance. “Seeing hundreds of beautiful faces of happy children receiving a toy, a blanket, and a bike at the holidays! Look around you! And bask in the warmth of those smiles. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make Winterfest a smashing success.”

DAP Health Opens Third Free Sexual Welln …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP Health Opens Third Free

Sexual Wellness Clinic

 

Joining existing clinics in Palm Springs and Indio, the latest facility — headquartered at Stonewall Medical Center in Cathedral City — will emphasize services for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those seeking gender-affirming navigation and care.

 

On Tuesday, December 12, DAP Health will officially open the doors to its third free sexual wellness clinic, this latest outpost to be headquartered at Stonewall Medical Center, located at 68555 Ramon Road in Cathedral City.

Thanks to the nonprofit’s absorption of the Borrego Health system almost six months ago, its capacity to provide sexual health services to women and to LGBTQ+ people (including those seeking gender-affirming navigation and care) has vastly increased.

DAP Health’s first such clinic was originally known as The Dock when it debuted within the Barbara Keller LOVE Building on the organization’s Sunrise campus in Palm Springs in 2015.

The Dock was renamed the Orange Clinic in January 2023, when it relocated to the newly renovated, former county structure now known as the Annette Bloch CARE Building, across the way from the LOVE Building.

A second sexual wellness clinic, in Indio, was unveiled in July 2022. The two present clinics currently serve almost 1,100 patients per month.

Sexual health is of prime import to DAP Health. Just some of the organization’s achievements in this area include:

  • The Dock initially charging a flat fee of $125 for those without insurance, a significant step in increasing access. All sexual wellness clinics now offer most HIV and STI testing, and related services, at no cost.
  • Its June 2020 licensing of a mobile medical unit for STI testing.
  • Its July 2021 establishment of free sexual wellness services.
  • Its 2023 Creativity & Innovation Award, from the Inland Empire Health Plan, for its 2022 mpox response.
  • Its 2023 Center for Quality Improvement & Innovation Quality Award for Leadership in Quality Improvement of its Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
  • A partnership with gay dating app Mistr to provide statewide virtual PrEP and virtual HIV care.
  • The reduction in wait times so that anyone with HIV — or anyone wanting to start PrEP — can obtain medication within 72 hours.
  • The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) recent announcement of the recipients of its 2023 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, which recognize outstanding health center performance in a variety of clinical areas, including behavioral health, maternal health, cancer screening, and HIV prevention and care, as well as overall quality performance. DAP Health was one of eight health centers recognized, in the HIV prevention and care category. 

In the nine months since its opening, the Orange Clinic has had:

  • 6,403 patient visits.
  • Almost 500 people started on PrEP for the prevention of HIV.
  • Almost 1,500 people treated for one or more STIs.

“With DAP Health’s free sexual wellness clinics in Palm Springs and Indio at capacity, there clearly was sufficient patient demand to support a third location,” says DAP Health Chief of Community Health C.J. Tobe. “When we factor in the continued rise of sexually transmitted infections, duplicating our Orange Clinic model — where a free sexual health clinic is located at the same site at which DAP Health provides ongoing general clinical services — simply makes sense.”

Formerly part of the Borrego Health system, Stonewall Medical Center has long provided quality and compassionate health care to both the LGBTQ+ community and members of the general population. Its infectious disease specialists focus on patients with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and STIs. Stonewall also provides transgender health care, PrEP and PEP HIV prevention, behavioral health, and dental services.

As is the case in Palm Springs and Indio, Cathedral City’s sexual wellness clinic at Stonewall will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break closure for staff between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

All services will be free, and will include:

  • HIV / hepatitis C / STI testing.
  • STI treatment.
  • Pregnancy testing.
  • Birth control.
  • PrEP & PEP for HIV prevention.
  • Doxy PrEP and PEP for STI prevention.
  • A patient’s first two RapidStART visits once diagnosed with a new HIV infection.
  • The JYNNEOS vaccine to prevent mpox.

Serving on staff will be:

  • Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin, whose focus will be on gender-affirming care as well as on those living with, or at risk of, contracting HIV.
  • Director of Gender Health and Wellness Jacob Rostovsky.
  • Gender Health and Wellness Manager Mita Beach.
  • Gender Health and Wellness Navigator Mateo Williamson, who will provide linkage to gender-affirming care, and assistance with transportation, insurance, medication coverage, housing/wellness/food referrals, and other support.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Brandi Teegarden.
  • Sexual Wellness Registered Nurse Jody Cap.
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse/Prescription Coordinator Tiffany Burdett.
  • Early Intervention and PrEP Specialist Alexis Rocha, who will provide linkage to care and support for HIV and hepatitis C patients, and assistance with transportation, insurance, medication coverage, housing/wellness/food referrals, and other support.
  • PrEP navigators who can provide help with transportation, insurance, medication coverage, housing/wellness/food referrals, and other support.
  • Patient Service Representative Jadira Hernandez, who will help with scheduling, take incoming phone calls, and facilitate patient check-in and checkout.

“It’s always all about access,” continues Tobe. “Having a new free sexual wellness clinic provides folks in and around the Cathedral City area a place closer to home where they can access no-barrier, no-red-tape, no-shame, and no-stigma sexual wellness care.”

He adds: “While the sheer existence of this new sexual wellness clinic makes me very happy, I think I’m most excited to be able to offer a gender health and wellness team at Stonewall, whose lifesaving gender-affirming care navigation services will be entirely free and accessed through the new sexual wellness clinic as well.”

“Trans health care isn’t typical health care,” says Gender Health and Wellness Manager Mita Beach, who identifies as nonbinary and queer, in the just-released fall issue of DAP Health magazine. “Typically, when people go to the clinic, it’s because they’re sick or because they have to go once a year for a check-up.” But trans people often need to see a provider more frequently, especially if they are receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy, which needs to be monitored.

“People of trans experience and nonbinary communities have increased rates of HIV acquisition, especially those of color,” says Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin, in the same article. “We know that racism and stigma play the greatest role in driving these increased rates. Furthermore, when structures of power such as the police — or increasingly, legislatures — target and stigmatize communities, we will inevitably see worsening health outcomes due to exclusion.”

Halperin goes on to stress that DAP Health “must commit even more to this work. We must shine our light bright and far. Our clinics need to ensure easy and supportive accessibility to gender-affirming care. We must also continue to work in solidarity with those across our country.”

Those interested in making an appointment at Cathedral City’s new Stonewall sexual wellness clinic may call 760.969.5740.

DAP Health Continues to Fight for LGBTQ+ …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP Health Continues to Fight for LGBTQ+ Health Equity

 At the 2023 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival, the organization will celebrate its long history of championing health care access for the queer community.

As it has done since the first Greater Palm Springs Pride in 1986, DAP Health will raise its rainbow flags high in the air and proudly participate in the 37th annual iteration of the event, to be held November 2 to 5.

With the recent integration of Borrego Health, DAP Health’s team now consists of 850 dedicated health care professionals serving 100,000 diverse patients in 240 of Southern California’s rural and urban zip codes, from the Salton Sea to San Diego.

In addition to hosting its DAP Health Wellness Pavilion along Palm Canyon Drive (directly across the street from Lulu California Bistro) — from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 and from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5 — more than a hundred of the organization’s employees, patients, donors, volunteers, board members, and other supporters are expected to march shoulder to shoulder in the Sunday morning Pride Parade.

“Participating in Greater Palm Springs Pride is always a personal highlight of the fall season, not just for me, but for everyone who calls DAP Health home in one fashion or another,” says longtime CEO David Brinkman. “At DAP Health, we have always fought for the LGBTQ+ community, championing health care access for nearly four decades. Our acquisition of Borrego Health hasn’t weakened our commitment; it’s fortified our resolve.

“With our expanded size and reach, we pack a mightier punch in our quest for health care justice. Our unified voice, advocating for our communities alongside elected officials, is now louder than ever, and our team of dedicated care providers has grown threefold. We believe health care should know no boundaries. Our goal is to continue to honor the memory of those lost to HIV/AIDS by removing barriers, and by creating a more just world through equitable access.”

Employees from the nonprofit’s 25 clinics will carry signs emblazoned with the name of their home location. Others will carry placards sporting such slogans as “Mental Health is Health Care,” “LGBTQ+ Care is Health Care,” and “Drag is Love” (the catchphrase printed on DAP Health’s official 2023 Pride Parade T-shirt).

Riding in a vehicle just ahead of the group will be Donald Beck, one of the founders of Desert AIDS Project (as the nonprofit was originally known) who is this year’s recipient of Greater Palm Springs Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award.

Loudly announcing DAP Health’s presence will be a large assortment of blue/robin’s egg, purple/lavender, and orange/red balloons respectively spelling out the D-A-P of the organization’s acronym and hoisted high above a banner that will read “Together for Better Health,” a nod to DAP Health recently absorbing the Borrego Health system.

Also part of the DAP Health delegation, riding in a vintage convertible in glorious full drag, will be Les Dames du Soleil Dottie & Maude (AKA Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy). The tribute is designed to honor the longtime married couple of entertainers — who were at the forefront of early HIV/AIDS efforts, raising much-needed funds for DAP at the dawn of the epidemic, when other resources and supporters were scarce — for their vital role in DAP Health’s history of LGBTQ+ activism.

“Long before our community had the economic and political strength we now proudly possess, before the emergence of LGBTQ+ advocacy or health care organizations, drag queens were tirelessly raising funds for our cause, one dollar at a time,” says DAP Health Chief of Brand Marketing Steven Henke. “They courageously championed our rights and well-being until we found the strength to fight for ourselves. We should never forget the legacy they forged in high heels.”

As for the Wellness Pavilion, it will be staffed with employees and volunteers from DAP Health’s community health department, who will be providing full, free sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, harm reduction services, and general outreach. Representatives will also be talking with attendees about the free pregnancy testing and birth control consultations now available at its sexual wellness clinics.

The Pavilion will also be home to a Recovery Oasis, where revelers can pick up information about DAP Health’s host of recovery services, including various meetings and its Outpatient Drug-Free (ODF ) program.

DAP Health Receives $1 Million from Cali …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP HEALTH TO RECEIVE $1 MILLION FROM GOVERNOR’S 2023-2024 STATE BUDGET 

 
The appropriation spearheaded by Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia is earmarked for the expansion of the nonprofit’s Sunrise campus in Palm Springs, and for the hiring and training of much-needed additional providers in various disciplines.

At 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23 at DAP Health’s main Sunrise campus at 1695 N. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs, California State Assemblymembers Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) and Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) will present the nonprofit with a check for $1 million. This generous contribution, secured through Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 state budget, underscores the elected officials’ commitment to DAP Health’s goal of providing comprehensive, judgment-free health care to more than 100,000 residents at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego. At the ceremony, DAP Health Chief Operating Officer Corina Velasquez will welcome guests and reiterate the organization’s innovative, patient-centered, whole-person approach, which includes the offering of a host of wraparound services. Velasquez will then introduce longtime DAP Health CEO David Brinkman and the esteemed assemblymembers. “I look forward to expressing my deep gratitude to Assemblymembers Wallis and Garcia in person,” says Brinkman. “During this unprecedented period of growth for DAP Health, this funding will be instrumental as we hire more than two dozen new physicians and train them at our Sunrise campus so that our unique model of care can become the standard across all 25 of our sites. This show of faith from the assemblymembers — as well as from Governor Newsom and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting — means the world to us as we continue to seek financing for our growth in health markets both within and beyond the Coachella Valley.” Last July, Assemblymembers Wallis and Garcia announced the $1 million appropriation for DAP Health in the 2023-24 state budget, and earlier this year, Assemblymember Wallis recognized DAP Health as the 47th Assembly District’s Nonprofit of the Year, highlighting its outstanding contributions to the community. “I am truly inspired by the efforts of the dedicated professionals and over 400 volunteers associated with DAP Health,” says Assemblymember Wallis in a statement. “The funds we were able to secure from the state will support their endeavors to serve a diverse range of patients across various fields, encompassing HIV care, primary care, women’s health, and essential social programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in improving the well-being of some of the desert’s most medically underserved residents.” “The well-being of our medically underserved community relies on health centers like DAP Health,” adds Assemblymember Garcia in a statement. “Delivering this $1 million state budget investment will help DAP Health to expand health care services and support our region’s urgent workforce training needs.” 

The 2023 DAP Health Equity Walk Funds Ca …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

The 2023 DAP Health Equity Walk Funds Care for Those Living with HIV

 

The Desert AIDS Walk may have been renamed the Health Equity Walk this year, but the fight against HIV/AIDS will forever be at the heart of the nonprofit’s work. On National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, DAP Health reaffirms its commitment to all those living with the virus.

Earlier this year, the internationally renowned humanitarian health care organization and federally qualified health center (FQHC) whose goal it is to protect and expand health care access for all people — especially the marginalized, regardless of who or where they are, their health status, or whether they have health insurance — made a successful bid to acquire the Borrego Health System, enabling it to now serve more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages (from newborns to seniors) at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego.

To some, this expansion signals that the organization — founded as Desert AIDS Project in 1984 by a group of community volunteers determined to provide support, care, and treatment options to gay men with HIV who had been ostracized by the mainstream and abandoned by their government — is drifting from its initial mission.

In truth, HIV prevention, testing, and treatment remains as central to DAP Health’s work as it ever has been, and will forever remain so.

Indeed, it is precisely thanks to the nonprofit’s nearly 40 years of experience and proven success in the field of HIV/AIDS that it has been able to thrive and grow as it has. The agency’s hard-won expertise in providing health care to one marginalized community has permitted it to transfer its unique, patient-centered model of care to a vast array of other such groups, including women, people of color, the poor, the undocumented, those with substance use disorder, and more.

By standing on the shoulders of all those lost to HIV/AIDS, and all those living and aging well with the virus today, DAP Health’s broadened mission remains perfectly in line with that of its founders, whose singular goal was to provide for those dismissed by the mainstream. Expanding health care access is just one of the ways DAP Health honors the memory of those lost to HIV/AIDS.

“While I may consider myself to be somewhat of an open book, I realize most people don’t know I once experienced the stigma and shame of being gay, that I live today with HIV, that I once was unhoused, and that I long ago faced mental health issues,” says DAP Health Chief of Community Health C.J. Tobe. “I am a survivor who is as thankful as I am excited about the tremendous impending expansion of our community health department. I believe it is my and my team’s duty and privilege to advocate and fight daily on behalf of every member of our diverse communities — but especially for those who are LGBTQ+ and/or living with HIV — so that they may get the second, third, and fourth chances I received, which enabled me to see my bright future and to live my happiest and healthiest life.”

Just some of the ways in which DAP Health daily confirms its commitment to those living with HIV — while honoring the memory of the millions who have succumbed to the disease in the last four decades — include:

  • Providing free HIV testing and treatment (such as Rapid StART antiretroviral therapy) plus free access to preventive measures (such as PrEP and PEP) not only at its sexual wellness clinics in Palm Springs and Indio (and soon at the Stonewall Medical Center in Cathedral City) but via its mobile clinic’s presence throughout the Coachella Valley.
  • Delivering primary, mental health, and HIV care to people living with the virus.
  • Offering a host of client wellness initiatives and other social services — including affordable housing at our 81-unit, on-campus Vista Sunrise complex at DAP Health Sunrise — to clients with HIV/AIDS.
  • Serving as the co-presenting sponsor of the Positively Aging Project, the eighth annual Coachella Valley conference on HIV and aging presented as a hybrid gathering (in person at the Mizell Center and virtually via Zoom) on September 23, 2023.
  • Donating $50,000 to the AIDS Memorial Sculpture created by acclaimed artist Phillip K. Smith III, which will be prominently displayed at Palm Springs’ Downtown Park located at Belardo Road and Museum Way.

At its 2023 Health Equity Walk — which kicks off at 9:00 a.m. at Palm Springs’ Ruth Hardy Park on Saturday, October 28, 2023 — DAP Health will honor long-term HIV survivors and those lost to AIDS via:

  • A special tribute performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.
  • The observance of a minute of silence.
  • A memorial pavilion where Health Equity Walk participants and supporters can display photos of loved ones living with, or lost to, HIV/AIDS.
  • The display, at the pavilion, of two AIDS quilts, one of which is made of 20 vintage Desert AIDS Walk T-shirts.
  • A keynote address by DAP Health CEO David Brinkman about what loss has taught us. 
  • A ribbon-cutting by DAP Health’s Community Advisory Board, made up of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors.

“The mission, vision, and purpose of DAP Health’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) is to advocate for its clients and patients while considering diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says CAB Co-Chair Michael O’Neill. “We CAB members congratulate the organization’s staff and leadership on its 2023 Health Equity Walk, which continues the commitment to existing and identified needs while expanding the lens throughout Southern California. This act of ‘paying it forward’ includes those often ignored or forgotten, giving everyone a place to be honored and embraced. We stand completely by this greater care and respect for all, marching alongside DAP Health with pride.”

For more information about DAP Health’s efforts on behalf of all those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, please contact Chief of Brand Marketing Steven Henke at 760.656.8401 or [email protected].

Behavioral Health Resources for the Lake …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Behavioral Health Resources for the Lake Arrowhead and Surrounding Mountain LGBTQ+ Community

At DAP Health, we recognize the profound impact trauma can have on individuals. Whether it’s the aftermath of a hate crime, perceived threats, or other distressing experiences, we understand that the effects of such events can be long-lasting.

It’s crucial to remember that healing begins with sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone who understands and cares. Even in a virtual setting, DAP Health’s dedicated professionals are here to support you every step of the way and provide a safe and empathetic space for you to process, heal, and reclaim your mental and emotional well-being.

We will continue to reach out to partner organizations to update this list of mental health resources that can be accessed in person or virtually. If you are a partner organization that can support the community, please use the form below to submit your organization’s information, and a DAP Health team member will contact you to validate your information before adding it to this list.

Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ (lakearrowheadlgbtq.org)

From the nonprofit’s website, its mission: We will create an all-inclusive, safe community for everyone. Our goal is to raise funds to create a LGBTQ+ Center for resources, recreation, learning, counseling, and health care. Our building will be available to anyone who needs it.

Furthermore: Lauri Carleton was not only a beloved mother, wife, and friend but a founding member of our Mountain Provisions Co-op community and a fierce advocate for love, equality, and human rights. Her tragic death has left a void in our hearts, but her vision for a more caring, inclusive, and engaged community lives on.

Lauri’s vision for a better world: Lauri was a pillar in our community, an unwavering champion of values that sought to break down barriers and build bridges. Her dedication to equality and her courage in flying the LGBTQ+ flag exemplify her commitment to creating a world where love knows no boundaries. The Lauri Carleton Memorial Fund aims to keep her spirit alive, by supporting local and inclusive community-building initiatives that reflect these same values.

SAC Health (sachealth.org)

A dedicated Lake Arrowhead support line was established at 909.219.6880 on 9.14.23 and will be available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for as long as needed. After-hours, the line accepts messages. Behavioral health offerings include individual in-person counseling for adults and youth (IEHP, Molina, Risk Management, Medicare, Medical). Virtual options are available (except for Medicare). Group counseling is available, with coverage requirements. Appointments for one-on-one counseling are available at the end of the month. Group sessions will be held virtually once a roster is developed.

DAP Health (daphealth.org)

DAP Health’s department of behavioral health provides services focusing on treating mental health and substance use with individual therapy or medication management, as necessary, and specializes in serving the LGBTQ+ community. Appointments are in person or virtual via phone, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Call 760.992.0450 to schedule.

 

Queer Works Therapy (queerworks.org/freetherapy)

Appointments can be requested online, with intake within 48 hours and the first appointment within a week. Behavioral health services include LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy (virtual sessions open to all California residents, with fees based on income level), LGBTQ+ trauma-informed therapy (specializing in care for victims of hate crimes or perceived threats), trans-affirmative therapy (focused on transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex care).

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (thecentercv.org)

Affirmative, virtual, low-cost therapy is available to all California residents. For more information, or to be added to the waitlist, call 760.416.7790, Ext. 3.

 

Photo courtesy of Mountain Provisions Cooperative, Lake Arrowhead.

DAP Health Co-Presenting Sponsor of 8th …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP Health Co-Presenting Sponsor of 8th Annual Conference on HIV & Aging 

Positively Aging Project, the annual Coachella Valley conference aimed at providing practical information and inspiration for those living long-term with HIV, will bring together community leaders to improve the lives of older adults living with HIV for a hybrid in-person and virtual conference on September 23, 2023. 

The conference will feature top experts in HIV research on a panel discussing HIV and aging issues in our community with a focus on “Mind, Body & Soul” and the integration and importance of each in thriving with HIV.  

Historically, the conference is held on or around National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day on September 18th — a day to call attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV, and to aging-related challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.  

The virtual conference is free to attendees and open to the public. Co-presented by DAP Health and Mr. Bruce Purdy & Mr. Barrett Shepard, this year’s event is a result of a unique collaboration among local service providers and organizations focused on improving the shared experience of older adults living with HIV.

People with HIV are living longer lives, thanks to advancements in scientific research and medical treatments: Today, 50% of people living with HIV in the U.S. are age 50 and above. That number is expected to rise to 75% by 2030.

Individuals aging with HIV have experienced tremendous loss, stigma, and discrimination throughout their lifetime and within the health care system. In comparison to similar HIV- negative populations, individuals aging with HIV may experience an early onset of aging complications, such as neurocognitive decline, impaired physical function, frailty, and psychosocial challenges like isolation, depression, and PTSD from living through the early HIV pandemic.

Keynote Speaker: Peter Staley

Peter Staley has been a long-term AIDS and gay rights activist, first as a member of ACT UP New York, then as the founding director of the Treatment Action Group (TAG). He was a 2016 fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics, and is a leading subject in the Oscar-nominated documentary “How to Survive a Plague.” More recently, Staley co-founded the PrEP4All Collaboration and the COVID-19 Working Group-New York, and is the lead named plaintiff in Staley v. Gilead, a major federal antitrust case against big pharma set for trial next year. Staley recently published his memoirs, titled “Never Silent: ACT UP and My Life in Activism.”

Other Speakers Include: 

HIV Research Update Panel

▪           Bios Clinical: Golkoo Morcos, PharmD

▪           Desert Oasis: Brook Yates

▪           Eisenhower Health: Ann Stapleton, MD

▪           Palmtree Clinical Research: Carlos Martinez, MD

▪           HIV+ Aging Research Project: Jeff Taylor, Executive Director

Ted Guice, personal trainer focusing on HIV & fitness after fifty

Jack Newby, presenting the Brain Game Program offered at the Joslyn Center

David Grelotti, MD, UC San Diego Medical Cannabis Research, and Ruth Hill, RN, speaking on the use of medical cannabis

Thomas Roth, certified instructor, Transcendental Meditation, and director of the David Lynch Foundation HIV Wellness Initiative

The Roundtable - Conversations that build friendships and communities

 

What: 

The Positively Aging Project 8th Annual HIV Conference is a collaboration between the HIV+ Aging Research Project and other nonprofit community partners. It is a hybrid (in-person and virtual) conference consisting of a mix of facilitated discussions, panels, and presentations led by key researchers, advocates, and long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS.

Date:

September 23, 2023

Time:

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where:

The Mizell Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 ... and online via Zoom 

How:

Registration is free and now open here ... or through the HIV+Aging Research Project site.

Participants may also attend via Zoom by using this link.

 

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Mr. Bruce Purdy & Mr. Barrett Shepard

This is the second year in a row that Mr. Purdy and Mr. Shepard are presenting sponsors for the Positively Aging Project. Together for 38 years, they actively support and serve organizations that focus on gay health and the gay community. They reside in both Maryland and Palm Springs.

DAP Health

DAP Health is an internationally renowned humanitarian health care organization and federally qualified health center (FQHC) whose goal is to protect and expand health care access for all people — especially the disenfranchised — regardless of who or where they are, their health status, or whether they have health insurance.

In 2023, the nonprofit made a successful bid to acquire the Borrego Health System, enabling it to serve a total of more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages — from newborns to seniors — at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego.

Founded as Desert AIDS Project in 1984 by a group of volunteers, and thanks to nearly 40 years of experience caring for those affected not only by the HIV epidemic but by various other public health emergencies (COVID-19, mpox), DAP Health has the physical and intellectual resources, the drive, and — most importantly — the vision to effect even greater change by positively impacting its diverse patient populations’ social determinants of health (SDOH).

According to the World Health Organization, SDOH are “the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.”

The next epidemic hasn’t surfaced — yet. But just as DAP Health met earlier community health crises decisively and successfully, its experts stand at the ready. (daphealth.org)

 

HOST SPONSOR

Eisenhower Health 

Eisenhower HIV Clinic: Recognizing the complex health care needs of the LGBTQ patient population, Eisenhower Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of clinical, research and education resources — starting with a team of dedicated primary care doctors and infectious disease specialists who have exceptional experience and expertise.

Eisenhower HIV Clinic Primary Care Services: Providing state-of-the-art care for HIV patients requires knowledge of the latest treatments and best practices in the detection and treatment of HIV. Eisenhower’s HIV primary care program is focused on the overall health of each patient, including:

  • Appropriate utilization of advances in HIV care to sustain the best possible quality of life, including appropriate STD and cancer screening as well as healthy aging.
  • Best practices to prevent the spread of HIV.
  • Compassionate access to new medicines for highly drug-resistant patients.

Our team includes HIV primary care doctors board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, with an additional certification as an HIV specialist with the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM).

Eisenhower Health is proud to collaborate with many nonprofit organizations here in the Coachella Valley providing HIV and related health care services, through partnership connectivity of services, referrals, and education. (eisenhowerhealth.org)

 

CONFERENCE SPONSOR

Desert Oasis Healthcare

Formed in 1981 as one of the first medical groups in the desert communities of Southern California, Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) continues to advance with changes in the health care market. DOHC provides primary and immediate care, home health, palliative care, clinical research studies, and other services to more than 60,000 members/patients living in the Greater Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The multidisciplinary and comprehensive care programs of DOHC are committed to educating individuals on preventive health care in their daily lives, reflected in the DOHC motto, “Your Health. Your Life. Our Passion.” (mydohc.com)

 

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPONSORS

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association has been serving the Coachella Valley for 24 years and works to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. We are here to help. We provide caregivers and families with comprehensive resources and information, including care and support services, education, and social engagement opportunities. Our office is located at 74020 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert. Reach us at 760-996-0006. We conduct face-to-face and virtual support groups and education programs throughout the Coachella Valley, and work to ensure that these services reach diverse and underserved populations. All programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association are completely free of charge to our desert community. (alz.org)

Brad Fuhr - Moderator

As owner of KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV Music radio, as well as “The Gay Desert Guide,” all of which are media sponsors of The Positively Aging Project, Brad will be moderating our event for the fifth year in a row. Brad also operates OMGPSP (Oasis Marketing Group), a digital and social media agency.

GayDesertGuide.com is a top digital destination for locals and visitors alike, with a robust online events calendar; attractions, bar, and dining guide; and tips for travelers. Brad’s weekly blog and newsletter is read by thousands as they plan their Palm Springs weekend.

KGAY 106.5 is one of the top radio stations in the Palm Springs market, with award-winning personalities, dance hits, and community service elements, including the “KGAY Cares” program, which donates airtime to local nonprofits.

MeTV Music radio 103.1 is a soft rock radio station featuring timeless and memorable music spanning the decades from the ’60s through the ’80s. 

Brad was recognized by the Desert Business Association as 2015 Business of the Year, and in 2018 as Businessperson of the Year. The city of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission honored him with its Community Service Award for “Promoting Universal Human Rights Closer to Home” in February 2018. He used the award to springboard into starting a Gay4Good community service organization chapter in Greater Palm Springs. He serves on the board of the LGBTQ+ Archives Project and the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast committee (GayDesertGuide.com)

Brothers of the Desert

Brothers of the Desert (BOD) is a nonprofit organization formed in 2017 that provides a growing network of support for Black gay men and allies in the Coachella Valley. Its mission is to “Nurture and support Black gay men and allies through philanthropy, volunteerism, mentorship, education, advocacy, and social networking.” Some relevant activities include:

  • Annual Wellness Summit meetings focused on physical and mental health issues affecting Black gay men, including HIV/AIDS.
  • A Black HIV/AIDS Awareness broadcast program providing testimonies on HIV in the Black gay men’s community.
  • Participation in and fundraising for the DAP Health Equity Walk. (brothersofthedesert.org)

HIV+Aging Research Project-Palm Springs

The HIV+Aging Research Project-Palm Springs is a community nonprofit that conducts research and provides education to improve the quality of life for long-term HIV survivors here in the Coachella Valley.

We collaborate with academic partners throughout Southern California and nationally to conduct socio-behavioral research on issues like resiliency & COVID affecting HIV survivors.

HARP-PS was the first organization to take the lead on the mpox (MPX) epidemic by conducting biweekly town hall meetings with community members, state, county, and city public health officials and providers, as well as a weekly task force meeting with the state, county, and city.

We provide the monthly Positive Life HIV Education Series, with topics and speakers tailored to the unique needs of our HIV survivor community.

HARP-PS conducts monthly provider/clinician education programs to educate them on advances in HIV treatment and relevant care topics for our unique aging HIV+ population. This is the only cross-institutional program for clinicians in the valley, and they value this opportunity to meet and interact with their peers.

We created the annual Positively Aging Project (formerly the Aging Positively Reunion Project) daylong regional seminar to bring together the HIV and aging community in Southern California which is held each year on or around HIV & Aging Awareness Day. (HARP-PS.org)

Jewish Family Service of the Desert

JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit, social service agency serving the needs of Coachella Valley residents. JFS offers services for all, in the areas of mental health counseling, case management and community programs.

Since its inception as part of the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area in 1982, JFS has grown, not just in size, but in its ability to serve the people of the Coachella Valley.

Beginning as a small group of volunteers who checked in on seniors and disabled people who lived alone, JFS Desert has evolved into an organization of professionals and volunteers who provide a broad range of support and services to thousands of Coachella Valley residents each year.

Our experienced case managers can assist in exploring potential resources. They will assess clients’ eligibility for services and programs and can help facilitate the application process to obtain benefits and support. 

Our case managers are a resource for the Coachella Valley, providing emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness. JFS also works with local and county organizations to advocate for the rights of seniors in the valley. 

The JFS case management team takes a holistic service approach, collaborating with internal departments to ensure clients’ needs are addressed. 

We are dedicated to making sure that mental health issues and affordable housing stay front and center for our valley citizens (JFSDesert.org)

Joslyn Center

The Joslyn Center is dedicated to leading the way in enhancing the well-being of adults 50+ through innovative programs and services. We help older adults and seniors live healthy and fulfilling lives through a variety of classes, activities, social services, and counseling. Join us and take a look at our calendar with over 65 classes and activities to keep you active and engaged. (JoslynCenter.org)

Let’s Kick Ass

Let’s Kick Ass Palm Springs is an inclusive social group seeking to reduce the stresses of AIDS  Survivor Syndrome. We welcome members regardless of HIV status, race, gender, age, or sexuality, believing that the individual is the best judge of the impact of HIV on their life. 

We organize social functions providing opportunities to develop friendships and community.

We support education and advocacy to raise awareness of AIDS Survivor Syndrome, long-term survivors, and the challenges they face. 

People feel better when engaged in social activity. LKA Palm Springs helps long-term survivors overcome isolation by creating social opportunities — from our popular monthly potlucks, twice-monthly coffee socials, the bowling team, and our movie nights, to now establishing annual events such as our June 5 Long-Term Survivors Day reception and our Thanksgiving Day feast. 

LKAPS benefits its members through engagement with our local community of HIV survivors. (Lkaps.org) 

PALS 

PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) is a volunteer-led community initiative based in Palm Springs that helps LGBTQ+ adults and friends to plan ahead before a health or other life-altering situation arises. Having a plan in place mitigates stress and anxiety, ensures that you are in control of your future care and legacy, and relieves the burden on family and friends.(palsinthedesert.com) 

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert

At the Center, our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our vibrant LGBTQ community.

Our vision is to create a vibrant community of love and support that stretches beyond our Center’s doors, where we strive to meet all members of the LGBTQ community where they are and provide them the services they need to thrive.

Our mission is to provide an open and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ family. Through the use of our individual lived experiences and collective power, we host community events, assistance programs, and various other forms of support in our efforts to create a loving community where everyone belongs.

Come join us at The Center, a space where you can belong and be unconditionally you (thecentercv.org)

DAP Health Announces Date For Its 2023 H …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

DAP Health Announces Date For Its 2023 Health Equity Walk

 

The popular event, formerly known as the Desert AIDS Walk, kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28

at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs.

 

Consistent with DAP Health’s almost 40-year history of protecting and expanding access to health care, the organization has renamed its perennially popular Desert AIDS Walk the DAP Health Equity Walk as an affirmation of its mission to remove all barriers to care.

Presented by Desert Care Network, the event will take place throughout Palm Springs — kicking off from Ruth Hardy Park at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28 — and will feature a Health & Wellness Village sponsored by Walgreens.

The pet- and kid-friendly affair is an opportunity for all residents across the Coachella Valley to walk out loud so that every member of the community — regardless of who or where they are — can achieve optimal health in a more just system.

“When we were founded as Desert AIDS Project almost 40 years ago, there were no HIV medications, advocacy was in its infancy, and the prognosis for those sickened by the disease was inevitably grim,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “Four decades later, our work to end HIV continues through prevention and education, but our measurable successes have enabled us to also create a unique patient-centered model of care we can replicate in other marginalized communities, removing barriers for those who need it most. Honoring our past to create health equity is part of our history and how we plan to continue making history for decades to come.”

With the recent acquisition of the Borrego Health system, a total of more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages — from newborns to seniors — at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego now fall under DAP Health’s protective umbrella of care.

“Because DAP Health now works on behalf of such a large swath of individuals, it makes sense to broaden our walk’s mission to reflect the totality of our patient population,” continues Brinkman. “While compassionate, state-of-the-art HIV care and prevention is in our organization’s DNA, and will forever be at the heart of our work, the truth is that today, our lifesaving efforts are carried out on behalf of everyone in disciplines that include primary care, OB-GYN, pediatrics, gender affirmation, mental health, harm reduction, and recovery, to name but seven. The walk, one of our biggest annual fundraisers, is now representative of the incredible diversity of services we offer.”

Participants and supporters of the 2023 DAP Health Equity Walk are being asked to do the following:

Walk Out Loud to End HIV. HIV/AIDS care, testing, and prevention have always been at the heart of DAP Health’s mission, and that simple fact will never change. The organization’s clinical expertise has been hard-won from its vast experience, and is what has enabled it to expand as it has. 

Walk Out Loud For LGBTQ+ Care. Every stripe of the rainbow, including those seeking gender-affirming care, have continually found a safe haven here, free of shame and stigma.

Walk Out Loud For Women’s Health. The recent acquisition of the Borrego Health system has brought a multitude of clinics that serve women (and their children) into the DAP Health fold. The nonprofit is very proud to now boast robust OB-GYN and pediatric services, among many others.

Walk Out Loud to End Epidemics. This has forever been DAP Health’s superpower, with the organization swiftly and successfully addressing a number of community health crises. For instance, its on-campus COVID-19 clinic was the first to open in the Coachella Valley, and the agency successfully lobbied the powers that be for the community’s fair share of the much-needed mpox vaccine.

Walk Out Loud For Mental Health. Thanks to the 2022 opening of the Marc Byrd Behavioral Health Clinic — which offers in-person and telehealth individual psychotherapy, as well as medication management — this long-held DAP Health dream is now a reality.  

Walk Out Loud to Care For Everyone. Health equity means all people have the same access to health care, no matter what social determinants of health negatively impact them. At DAP Health, everyone is welcome, with no one ever turned away due to their lack of health insurance.

Of note, the Ryan White Western Regions Provider Meeting — which brings together nearly 50 peers who specialize in HIV care, and who receive the Ryan White Western Regions Provider Meeting — which brings together nearly 50 peers who specialize in HIV care, and who receive Ryan White Part C and Part D funding — will take place October 26 and 27 in Palm Springs. At the event, these like-minded colleagues, from Denver to Hawaii, will share best practices to improve the quality of care and services they provide to their patients.

healthequitywalk.org