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DAP Health Honors Annette Bloch

by Dustin Gruber
Annette Bloch at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

DAP Health Honors Annette Bloch 

DAP Health honors the passing of philanthropist and beloved community leader Annette Bloch. Bloch will be remembered for meeting her personal goal of "improving the lives of others.” The philanthropist found joy in seeing her generous gifts change lives in Kansas City and Palm Springs, the communities she called home. 

Bloch became part of DAP Health’s (formerly Desert AIDS Project) response to the HIV/AIDS crisis after her friend Barbara Keller gave her a tour of the organization's campus. She commented afterward, “It took my breath away—there’s not another facility like it.”  

In 2012, Bloch donated $1 million to establish the Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center at DAP Health. Her gift enabled DAP Health to diagnose and treat dysplasia and to offer services to clients susceptible to cancer due to their HIV infection. At the time, DAP Health CEO David Brinkman explained the impact, “The extraordinary gift from Annette Bloch to DAP will allow us to broaden our base of medical care in a way that we could have only dreamed about before.” 

Bloch used her philanthropy to help DAP Health fulfill its mission of enhancing community health and well-being. She received its 100 Women Award at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in 2013 for her support of programs helping women and children. And her endorsement invited countless others to fund the organization. 

In 2016, Bloch announced a $3 million gift during the 22nd Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards to fund the expansion of DAP Health's medical facilities. Brinkman, who counted Bloch as a close friend and an ally in the organization's advocacy-based healthcare work that today serves 9,700 individuals annually, recalls her passion for the organization's mission. “She was energized by her intention to make life better for anyone suffering. She often said, everyone, regardless of income, should have access to world-class healthcare. I remember showing her the plans for our new medical building and her saying, ‘I want to be the first one to get this building built. I’m going to give $3 million to start it.’” 

With the support of Bloch, DAP Health purchased the former Riverside County Health building on its campus and is in the process of renovating it. The building will be renamed the Annette Bloch Care Building to honor her legacy and impact. “Her investment enabled us to double our capacity, ensuring our doors to compassionate care remain open to everyone who walks through them seeking wellness.” Brinkman explains, “I will always remember her positive attitude, gratitude for life’s blessings, the value she placed on friendship and family, and as a woman who made a difference in the lives of others moving DAP Health boldly into the future in the process.”

‘Mental health is health’: D …

by Dustin Gruber

'Mental health is health': Dr. Gover talks about behavioral health care in the Coachella Valley

By Robert Hopwood

Mental health care is a significant need across the Coachella Valley.

In fact, according to a past community assessment, mental health services were identified as the greatest need for the Coachella Valley's LGBTQ+ community, says Dr. Jill Gover, known as "Dr. G," a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of Behavioral Health at DAP Health.

“Anxiety, depression and mood disorders are the major issues facing the LGBTQ+ and underserved communities currently.  It has been a very difficult and challenging time," Dr. G says, referring to the recent pandemic.

For too many, COVID-19 painfully exposed how important it is to have competent mental health care available.

To have true wellness, a person needs to have both mental health and physical health, Dr. G says. They are integrated. Someone can't have one without the other.

"Mental health is health," Dr. G says.

“If someone breaks their arm, they go to the doctor,” she explains. “If they've got something going on emotionally, they also need to go to the doctor. It’s what you need to do to stay healthy," Dr. G says.

She strongly advises people to seek out mental health services if they need them. People should not let any stigma around mental health keep them from getting the help they need.

"It's so important for people to reach out and get the help they need when they need it," she says.

Don't let excuses get in the way of competent mental health care.

Clinicians and patients have many options available to help them overcome barriers and make treatment more accessible, Dr. G says. For example, people without reliable transportation can use telehealth for virtual visits.

"Wherever patients are, whatever they need, we're here to provide care and to help them," Dr. G says.

Dr. G likes to say that therapy is a gift people give themselves to promote their own wellbeing during times of stress. She describes it as a journey patients take with their therapist.

“Patients may start therapy with a lot of negative core beliefs that say, ‘I’m not good enough.’ Through the therapeutic process, they develop a new way of looking at the world and themselves,” she says.

"It is such a rewarding thing to witness," Dr. G says. "And therapy is truly transformational for many people, truly transformational."

According to Dr. G, DAP Health has a wonderful staff of well-trained clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers who provide compassionate, affirmative LGBTQ+ affirmative care. 

She also is excited to announce the opening of the new Behavioral Health Clinic scheduled for September 2021.  The new clinic will allow for additional staffing and expanded psychotherapy services.  In addition, a partnership with UCR is bringing psychiatric services back to DAP Health,  starting in July.   

Sometimes it's difficult for people to reach out for help, Dr. G explains, especially when they are in a deep depression, highly anxious, or struggling with multiple life issues. Some people may not think they are worthy of help or know where to turn to get it.

"It's really important to recognize that DAP Health is just one phone call away," Dr. G says. "Pick up that phone and make that first call. And once you get to the services and start on this wonderful journey that I call therapy, great things will happen."

DAP Health can be reached at (760) 323-2118.

Protect yourself from the sun to avoid s …

by Dustin Gruber

Protect yourself from the sun to avoid skin cancer, premature aging; blindness

By Robert Hopwood

The sun, which draws so many to the desert to relax by the pool and work on their tans, also is a big health hazard. The desert is known for very sunny days and blue skies, which keeps companies like Airbnb happy. But at this time of year, when the mercury heads for the stratosphere, it's essential to protect our bodies from the sun's harmful rays.

The ultraviolet radiation coming from our favorite star can seriously harm us. The sun gives off three types of UV radiation, UVA, UVB and UVC. It's UVA radiation that causes the most harm. Earth's ozone layer completely absorbs UVC radiation, it absorbs most of the UVB radiation, but it doesn't absorb UVA radiation at all.

"We need to worry about it," says Dr. David Morris, chief medical officer of DAP Health.

We evolved on this planet, bathed in UV radiation. We need it. UVA radiation penetrates our skin and creates vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also helps our bones develop, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Too much sunshine can cause more than a nasty sunburn. According to the CDC, UV exposure can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and eye diseases that can lead to blindness.

The CDC says skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and the most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. But melanoma is the worst, says Morris. It kills thousands every year. Another hazard is actinic keratosis, which is a rough, scaly skin patch. It's slow to develop but can become cancerous.

"The big ones are actinic keratosis and melanoma," says Dr. Morris. "Those are the ones that we worry about."

How much sun is safe? "What we say is 30 minutes a day will give you all the vitamin D you need," says Morris.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. And summer is the best time to think about UV radiation and how to protect ourselves. Below are ways to avoid getting too much sun and cut your risk of developing skin cancer.

Wear sunscreen

If you will be in the sun — even when the UV index is low — remember the sunscreen. Apply, reapply and apply again. Use sunscreen on every part of the body exposed to the sun, which includes your ears. Morris says in the desert, you should look for a sunscreen that's at least 30 SPF.

Dress properly

It's hot here but resist the urge to remove layers to stay cool. Instead, put them on. Watch people who work outside in the intense sunlight. They wear pants, long sleeve shirts and wide brim hats. Morris says they are doing it right.

Wear sunglasses

Wear sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection to avoid damaging your eyes. This is important because UV radiation can burn the cornea; increase your odds of getting cataracts; cause pterygium, in which a flesh membrane covers the eye; and lead to macular degeneration, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Stay in the shade

When you go outside, stay in the shade. Remember clouds aren't shade. "UV rays go through the clouds," says Morris. "People say, 'Oh, it's a cloudy day, and I don't have to worry.' Well, that's not true." You can get a nasty sunburn even on cloudy days.

Avoid going outside when the UV index is high

UV radiation levels fluctuate during the day. Go outside when the UV index is low, and avoid the sun when radiation is highest, usually after 11 a.m. You can download apps for your phone — Android or iPhone — that will tell you the UV index for your location. You also can find the UV index online.

Do a body check

Skin cancer can form anywhere on, or even in, your body. Check your skin regularly. If you see something that isn't right, see your clinician. Ask your partner to look at the areas of your skin that you cannot see, like your back and scalp. Morris advises people to have their clinician check them once a year.

Don't use indoor tanning beds

Indoor tanning beds can damage your skin as much as the sun can. They are just as dangerous. Other sources of UV radiation are mercury vapor lights, often found in stadiums and school gyms; some types of halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lights; sunlamps; and some types of lasers, according to the CDC.

DAP Health removes barriers and improves …

by Dustin Gruber

Contact: Steven Henke, Director of Brand Marketing

Phone: (612) 310-3047

Email: [email protected]

 

DAP Health removes barriers and improves health equity by offering free PrEP, PEP, HIV and Hep C testing as well as STI testing and treatment


For the first time, all services provided by the DAP Health sexual wellness clinic will be offered to everyone for free. This change begins July 6, 2021.

DAP Health anticipates a surge in sexual activity as the COVID-19 pandemic slowly fades away, resulting in a potential rise in STIs and HIV infections.

“In fact, the health clinic saw an increase in STIs and HIV throughout the pandemic,” said C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health and Sexual Wellness Services for DAP Health. “We are proactively protecting the community’s health if these trends should continue.”

"To best respond to a potential public health crisis such as a surge in STIs or HIV, we are offer- ing all sexual wellness services for free for at least the next six months,” said Dustin Gruber, senior marketing manager at DAP Health.

Free services will include STI testing — gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis — and treatment; pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP; post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP; and HIV and hepatitis C testing.

If anyone tests positive for HIV, the sexual wellness clinic will provide that person with rapid start medication and linkage to care, an essential step in reducing new HIV infections and improving the health outcomes of the person living with HIV. While the cost of ongoing HIV treatment is not part of the free services, DAP Health is offering financial assistance.

DAP Health continues to make sexual wellness a priority by providing more people with more access to health services. It also continues to expand its ability to treat more people.

DAP Health's sexual wellness clinic will have its own space, named the Orange Clinic. The name continues the health center's tradition of naming its clinics after Chakra colors.

The Orange Clinic opens July 6, 2021.

"The Orange Clinic will prioritize the need for sexual wellness services," said Tobe. "We are setting up an entire clinic including staffing to meet the demand."

The sexual wellness clinic will offer patients a judgment-free space where they can get routine sexual health testing and treatment, said Gruber.

"We welcome all people, period. And now we are eliminating more barriers to access sexual wellness services that have been ongoing for decades," Tobe said while explaining why DAP Health has decided to offer free sexual wellness services.

One of those barriers is cost. DAP Health learned many of the people testing positive for STIs and HIV tended to be those with limited incomes, Tobe says. For them, the prior $25 fee for STI testing and PrEP was an impediment to care. DAP Health decided to remove that cost barrier to improve health equity.

"Ending the syndemic in the region is about improving access to these services and not leong cost be a barrier to prevent people from coming in our doors," says Tobe.

How often should a person seek out sexual health services? That depends on their sexual activity, says Trent Broadus, a nurse practitioner at DAP Health.

If a person is monogamous but may have sex infrequently with another partner, for example, then that person may want to get tested twice a year, Broadus says. Conversely, those who have frequent sexual encounters with multiple partners should get tested frequently.

"Whether they get tested once a month, once every three months or only annually, I encourage them to think of it based on their sexual activity and where they find themselves on the scale," advises Broadus.

He also says a person with symptoms related to a sexual encounter should "definitely come in."

DAP Health provides sexual wellness services in the Orange Clinic, located at 1695 N. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (760) 323-2118 to schedule an appointment.

 

C.J. Tobe: Success of DAP Health’s mob …

by Dustin Gruber

C.J. Tobe: Success of DAP Health’s mobile clinic occurs every time it is in the community

By Robert Hopwood

A homeless man showed up at DAP Health’s mobile clinic to get clothes and other services. The gentleman came for winter clothes, STI and HIV testing, and hygiene kits.

C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health for DAP Health, watched as he created a jumble with the winter clothes donated by Revivals Stores, DAP Health’s retail partner. Tobe then asked if he could help.

“I am so sorry to bother you if I am making a mess and taking a long time,” he said. “My eyes are bad, and I can’t see the size.”

“You can take as much time as you need, and I’ll gladly help you find your size if you can tell it to me,” Tobe said. “I have a hearing disability and can’t hear well, so please speak up if you wish.”

“I can’t see, and you can’t hear, looks like we will make a good team,” he said. “I am a large and size 36.”

“We are in this together,” Tobe said as he searched for the man’s sizes.

This story is about one of the many encounters Tobe has had with DAP Health’s mobile team.

“Any time I am able to break away from meetings and join our mobile team in the community, I am reminded how much our services are needed, how much they are appreciated, and how one conversation can change a life,” Tobe said.

We talked with C.J. Tobe about the mobile clinic and its future. Here are his answers.

Question: How long have you been working with the mobile clinic?

Answer: I have been working with the mobile clinic for almost three years. However, the mobile clinic has been with DAP Health since the onset of the Get Tested Coachella Valley Campaign that launched in 2014.

Q: Where do you take the mobile clinic?

A: To homeless encampments throughout the Coachella Valley; organizations that support our homeless neighbors, like Well in the Desert, Martha’s Village and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission; The James O Jessie Unity Center; treatment facilities and recovery centers; health fairs; food distribution sites; and more.

Q. Who do you meet when you go out with the mobile clinic?

A: We see everyone through the mobile clinic because DAP Health accepts all people. Period. Typically, the people we see are unable to come to us because one of the many social determinants of health prevents them from seeking services.

Q. What is one of the biggest misconceptions about the mobile clinic?

A: That it only provides HIV testing. The mobile clinic now offers many more services.

Q: What do you hope to achieve with the mobile clinic(s)?

A: I hope the mobile clinic is one of many significant ways of addressing health inequities that have been going on for centuries. I hope the mobile clinics represent our commitment to the community who cannot seek medical services on their own. I hope our compassionate mobile staff re-establish trust in communities that may have been mistreated, stigmatized, or not heard from for far too long.

Q: How would you like to see the mobile clinic evolve?

I’d also like to see the mobile clinic evolve into a robust, stigma-free, compassionate sexual wellness clinic providing testing, treatment, community resources, insurance enrollment, and linkage to ongoing healthcare services at the place of the client’s choosing. I want to see the mobile clinic save more lives than it already has by coming to where people are located. I want the community to know that we know you are struggling even though we may not fully understand, so talk to us, let us support you on your journey.

Q: How did the pandemic impact the work of Community Health?

A: The biggest regret I have is not being able to provide mobile services on a larger scale to the community quicker than we have. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how vital mobile services are and how quickly they may be needed. My impatience may be a flaw, but it drives me to continue improving access to vital services to the community.

Q. How do you measure success?

To me, outside of achieving grant deliverables and internal programmatic goals, the success of the mobile clinic occurs every time it is out in the community because people are receiving food, drinks and hygiene kits; getting tested; learning their status; getting treated; and connecting to community resources they wouldn’t have before..

Dr. Tulika Singh co-authors major HIV cl …

by Dustin Gruber

Dr. Tulika Singh co-authors major HIV clinical research study

By Robert Hopwood

Published: June 18, 2021

DAP Health is gaining recognition from the clinical research trials underway at the health center.

The results from a clinical research trial that DAP Health conducted were published online in early June by the medical journal AIDS. Additionally, the results will be published in the printed journal.

Dr. Tulika Singh, associate chief medical officer and director of research at DAP Health, co-authored the published manuscript that reports the study's findings.

The ViiV Healthcare STAT Study researched if the antiretroviral drug Dovato could be used in a rapid start setting, said Greg Jackson, the clinical research manager at DAP Health. Study participants began the medication within 14 days of their HIV diagnosis.

ViiV Healthcare is a London-based pharmaceutical company. Its U.S. headquarters is located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park.

"We've now become a preferred site for ViiV Healthcare's research because of our successes," Jackson said.

The FDA will look at the data from the STAT study and decide if doctors can prescribe Dovato to people within days of an HIV diagnosis.

DAP Health recruited 14 adults for the STAT study, Jackson said. That was the third-highest number of participants recruited among the organizations conducting the study. In total, the study had 131 participants.

"It has been an exciting honor to be part of the STAT study and being able to contribute to the science and the success of the rapid start treatment regimen for Dovato," Singh said.

The STAT study, which concluded in 2020, will be presented at the 11th IAS Conference on HIV Science in July. It was one of several studies underway at DAP Health.

Currently, there are three active clinical research trials at the health center. DAP Health is studying whether patients can switch their current antiretroviral therapy drug for another, if a long-lasting injectable treatment for HIV can supplant a daily pill, and if screening and treatment of precancerous cells can prevent anal cancer.

The most recent study launched by DAP Health was the Biktarvy SWITCH Study, which began in May 2021. Singh and Jackson co-authored the study.

Participants in the study, which is open to HIV-positive patients aged 65 or older, will be switched from their current antiretroviral therapy to Biktarvy, which combines three HIV medicines into one pill.

"With the advent of successful treatment regimens, more than 25% of people with HIV will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030," Singh said. "We are studying HIV regimens, such as Biktarvy, to determine the benefits to quality of life in patients 65 and older."

Gilead Sciences Inc., a Bay Area biopharmaceutical company, is collaborating with DAP Health in the SWITCH study.

DAP Health wants to enroll 50 patients in the study. So far, the health center has enrolled two people in the clinical research trial.

"It is a lot of work to find these patients," Jackson said.

DAP Health also is in the course of the GSK/ViiV SOLAR Study and the ANCHOR Study.

The SOLAR study, a global clinical research trial, also is being done in collaboration with ViiV Healthcare. Recruitment for the study ended in June 2021.

Patients in the SOLAR study will switch their HIV medication for a long-acting injection, according to ViiV Healthcare. The goal is to develop an HIV treatment that offers patients more convenience; a treatment that is easier to adhere to; and an increased quality of life.

"The treatment of HIV has evolved tremendously over the past three decades to a point where patients can now get long-acting treatments rather than take a pill once a day," Singh said. "We are evaluating exciting regimens at DAP for safety and efficacy in where patients can get an injection once every two months to control their HIV."

The ANCHOR study, which is still accepting patients, is probing the best way to prevent anal cancer among people living with HIV. The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health is funding the collaborative study.

More clinical research studies are in the planning process, but unfortunately, Jackson could not go into details.

Anyone who wants more information about any of DAP Health's research should contact Greg Jackson at (760) 992-0445 or [email protected]. 

Celebrating the Life of Marvin Sholl

by Dustin Gruber

Celebrating the Life of Marvin Sholl

Marvin Sholl, 93, of Rancho Mirage, CA, died peacefully on June 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on June 21, 1927 to Louis and Jeanette Sholl in Chicago, IL, where he met and married his first love and wife of 56 years, Carol Phyllis Halper.  Carol preceded him in death, as did their beloved sons Scott and Barry Sholl. 

A lifelong car enthusiast, Marv turned his passion into his profession, running dealerships from a young age.  He was especially proud of being one of the youngest Jewish men to manage a Pontiac franchise in Chicago in the 1950s.  After moving to the Desert in 1976, Marv continued his long love affair with cars, and in 1981 opened Exotic Motor Cars in Palm Springs, where he never met a Rolls-Royce he didn’t like.  He was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, serving during WWII, and always drove one of his signature cars in the Palm Springs parade.

After their youngest son, Barry, died from complications of HIV/AIDs, he and his late wife Carol became active volunteers with Desert AIDS Project (now DAP Health).  They both received recognition for their humanitarian efforts in the fight against AIDS, including the Warner Engdahl Community Service Award presented at the 2006 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. On World AIDS Day in 2016, the Marv Sholl Red Ribbon of Hope Award was established to honor his then 30-year commitment and presented at the Everyday Heroes ceremony, which Marv certainly was. 

   

In 2007 Marv met the second love of his life, his adoring wife, Ruth Ruffner.  Their late life love affair brought incredible joy to Marv as well as a whole new family that adored him.

Marv always had a twinkle in his eye, was quick with a joke, and was a generous friend.  When his grand children were young, they thought he must be the Mayor of Palm Springs, since wherever they went, he seemed to know everyone.  He loved and was loved by the many friends he made in the Coachella Valley. 

He is survived and will be forever missed by his beloved family: wife Ruth Ruffner; daughter Leslie Sholl Jaffe her husband David Jaffe, his grandchildren Dara and Gary Jaffe, and nephew Rick Sholl; as well as step-children, Sue Sherman and her wife, Pam Juhos; Richard Sherman and his children David, Greg and Jade. 

There will be a private Memorial Service at a later date.  However, to honor Marv’s memory, we request donations be made to DAPHealth.org.

 

8 reasons why it’s time to get the COV …

by Dustin Gruber

8 reasons why it’s time to get the COVID-19 vaccine 

Have you gotten the jab? 

More than half of Californians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the California Department of Public Health. 

Many of those who haven’t been vaccinated have reservations about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, which is understandable. The good news, however, is these vaccines have been thoroughly tested, and they’ve proven to be safe and effective.  

The CDC recommends that people should get a vaccine as soon as possible. Unlike a few months ago, the state now has millions of doses available and has opened eligibility to those aged 12 and above. 

DAP Health offers two different COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen). All eligible community members are now able to get one of these vaccines at our health clinic. 

Here are eight reasons why now is the best time to get vaccinated. 

  • Community matters. Be part of the solution. 
  • All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19. 
  • Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps keep you from getting seriously ill if you get COVID-19. 
  • Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 
  • After you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you may be able to start doing some things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic. For example, you can gather indoors without masks with other people who are fully vaccinated. 
  • None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. Learn more facts about COVID-19 vaccines. 
  • Getting COVID-19 may offer some protection, known as natural immunity. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the months after initial infection but may increase with time. The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness. 
  • Hugs feel good. Everyone loves a hug from someone they love, especially if they’re vaccinated.  

If you or someone you know needs to be vaccinated, please make an appointment today at DAPHealth.org/vaccine-request. 

 

Five tips for staying active in the summ …

by Dustin Gruber

Five tips for staying active in the summer

By Robert Hopwood

Exercise is one of the pillars of good health, and the Coachella Valley offers us a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Unfortunately, during the summer, as the daytime high shoots well past 100, too many of us sit at home in the air conditioning and stream Netflix. Workouts get forgotten, and our health suffers.

With a bit of planning and creativity, that doesn’t have to happen.

There are options for people who step outside. Below are ways to add activity to your life and make the summer a little more enjoyable.

Take a hike

  • The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs) takes people up Mount San Jacinto, where you will find much cooler temperatures and more than 50 miles of hiking trails. More: pstramway.com or (888) 515-8726.
  • The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650 mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. It crosses the San Jacinto Mountains, where it’s much cooler than the desert, before dropping into the valley and cutting through a corner of Palm Springs. There is a trailhead along State Route 74, just west of Pinyon Pines. More: pcta.org.
  • Idyllwild is a resort community nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains. It’s known for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding. 
  • Oak Glen, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, is known for its apple orchards, family picnics and hiking. 

Go for a walk 

  • Take an early morning walk around your neighborhood before it gets too hot. Late evenings are another option.
  • The Westfield Palm Desert mall (72-840 California 111, Palm Desert) has two floors where walkers can exercise during mall hours. More: westfield.com/palmdesert or (760) 346-2121. 

Jump in a pool

  • The Palm Springs Swim Center (405 S. Pavilion Way) features an Olympic-sized swimming pool for lap swimming. Reservations are required. More: bit.ly/swim-center or (760) 323-8278 and (760) 323-8279.
  • The Palm Desert Aquatic Center (730751 Magnesia Falls Drive) has three swimming pools, including one for lap swimming. Water exercise classes also are offered. Reservations are required. More: pdpool.com or (760) 565-7467.
  • Some local resorts offer residents the use of their pools. Rules and entry fees vary. Call to confirm the rules before you visit.

Practice yoga

  • The Urban Yoga Center, located at DAP Health (1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs), offers group classes, including at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. DAP Health patients and clients can exercise for free, but there is a fee for the general public. More: urbanyoga.org or (760) 320-7702.
  • Everyone can practice yoga. It can be done alone or in groups, inside or outside. You can find videos on YouTube or download apps to guide you through a workout.

Shake a leg

  • Step onto the dance floor at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Sunday Latin Nights kicks off weekly at 9 p.m. Nacho Bustillos and Quinto Menguante play salsa, cumbia, banda, bachata, reggaeton and pop. More: sparesortcasino.com or (888) 999-1995.
  • Dance workouts, which can be done indoors, are popular. You can find salsa dance workouts or Zumba classes online and on DVDs. More: To find a Zumba class, go to zumba.com.

Health Equity Won at The Steve Chase Hum …

by Dustin Gruber

 

Health Equity Won at The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2021 

The 27th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards was a testament to the healing power of hope, inspired by mothers, as well as all DAP Health frontline workers and their tireless commitment to HIV care, COVID relief, and access to ongoing medical and mental healthcare. 

Mother’s Day 2021 was a perfect day to celebrate and raise awareness about increasing health equity and improving the public health at a time when our community needs it the most. 

Host Scott Nevins kicked off the show with aerial views of the DAP Health campus, and by wishing all moms a happy Mother’s Day. 

"Whether you're a long-time supporter or hearing our story for the first time tonight, we'll give you a glimpse into the comprehensive quality and preventive care we provide to the entire community.” 

By sharing incredible stories of DAP Health’s impact from donors, patients, and volunteers from around the Coachella Valley, Mr. Nevins made good on his promise.  

Viewers were treated to uplifting performances by activist and legend, Shirley Lee Ralph and beloved recording artist Shoshana Bean. 

This year’s program was a celebration of the Hope Begins with Health campaign — a $2 million fundraising initiative to propel DAP Health’s frontline work. Its ever-expanding patient population needs it to focus on: HIV care, COVID relief, and access to ongoing medical and mental healthcare.  

After a brief introduction, Mr. Nevins started the show by chatting with CEO David Brinkman in front of a mural in the new Les Dames du Soleil Lounge, created to honor the comedy drag troupe. For years, Les Dames du Soleil helped fund health access in The Coachella Valley for people with HIV (PWH) through ticket sales and donations from their performances. 

“Tireless humanitarians in high heels represent the story of DAP Health,” Mr. Brinkman said.  “It's grassroots, it’s the LGBTQ community and our allies combatting stigma and discrimination, fighting for health equity with love and fearlessness.” 

Mr. Nevins was quick to note, DAP Health’s wisdom and learning from the worst years of the AIDS crisis is driving new ways of increasing health equity today. 

With COVID, “I felt like yet, once again, history was repeating itself and DAP Health was there for the community,” Mr. Nevins said, “Stepping up during a pandemic to take care of their own.”  

The lounge was recently created as part of a promise to never forget DAP Health’s history. 

DAP Health Brand Emerged to Fight COVID 

A recent brand refresh and logo change took years of development and input from all stakeholders, and its 2021 launch came just in time for a community in distress. Mr. Brinkman was candid about why DAP Health’s approach to health equity is so essential today, and he included a challenge for everyone listening. 

“It’s COVID. It’s racism. It’s poverty,” Mr. Brinkman said. “Our country needs all partners of all human rights movements to come together, including the LGBTQ community, to step up, leverage all our knowledge, our assets, and to create health equity—period.”  

“It's our evolution,” he said. 

Providing healthcare based on patient needs rather than their ability to pay is necessary for health equity, and DAP Health’s new logo conveys its commitment to helping more people. 

“Our new logo conveys modernity, strength, freshness, and an innovative approach to healthcare--that it should be there for everyone,” Mr. Brinkman said. 

This year’s Steve Chase event was a celebration of survival and perseverance. An entire community worked through its fear to ensure medical services remained continuous for patients. After 15 months of weathering a pandemic that has killed more than 580,000 people in the U.S. alone, DAP Health has added even more patients for ongoing medical care. 

"Thousands of people in the last 12 months have come here seeking our help,” said Mr. Brinkman. "The response of our donors and volunteers and our staff have been to band together to treat the medical and mental health impacts of the last year.” 

"The response has been challenging, but beautiful,” he said.  

Mr. Brinkman remained focused on addressing what it will take to deliver on health equity, COVID care, ending HIV, and mental health services.   

“While great progress has been made, we’re not out of the woods yet.” 

This year’s Chase amplified the Hope Begins with Health campaign, aimed at addressing four areas of need greatly affecting people over the last year, and expected to get worse. DAP Health will: 

  • Increase our reach with HIV prevention, care and advocacy. 
  • Double the amount of mental healthcare services with more clinicians and a new Behavioral Health Clinic. 
  • Increase new medical healthcare patients, and offering them services to help with joblessness, food insecurity, and homelessness. 
  • Continue our COVID Clinic and hotline to ensure everyone can access prevention, information and treatment. 

Board Chair Patrick Jordan helped everyone remember that funding care is still critical, even if things are different this year. He thanked everyone who donated. 

“Tonight's Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards might be a little different from years past, but the spirit of giving continues to honor the legacy of our event’s namesake, Steve Chase,” he said. “To everyone who's donated so far, thank you.” 

Mr. Jordan acknowledged his event co-chairs Laurie Kibby and Kevin Bass, and he thanked DAP Health board member Scott Nevins for hosting the show. 

Board member Laurie Kibby explained how more people can be served since the brand evolution, supported by Hope Begins with Health. 

“The rebranding of DAP Health takes us out of one lane and puts us in multiple lanes and allows us to broaden our reach across the community,” Ms. Kibby said. “And Hope Begins with Health is a message for the entire Coachella Valley.”  

Kibby went on to cover an important topic many people don’t talk about; women living with HIV in our valley. Although local numbers skew towards white men who are middle age, this is hardly a complete picture of everyone. Her message?  

"There's a whole community of women throughout the entire Coachella Valley who are need of the same services that the men are,” Ms. Kibby said. “Those with HIV need help in finding support services. They need mental health support services. They need healthcare, they need dental care, and DAP Health provides all of that.” 

Health equity also means giving women with HIV opportunities to overcome and avoid isolation, a health risk for PWH, especially women. For DAP patient Lawanda Manigo, it has made all the difference. 

“When I came up into DAP Health, the support and the love and the community of not just women, also men, transgender people--just the whole community--was so welcoming, and so loving, and so supportive, and so ready to help to see me succeed,” Ms. Manigo said. “Which helped me to believe that I could succeed and helped me to feel like even though I may be by myself a lot of times, I'm never alone.” 

“It was through DAP Health that I was able to get connected with other women who are experiencing some of the same issues that I'm going through. And that we're able to surround me with a community that I was able to discuss these issues with and that I can feel safe and secure with to discuss these issues.” 

Women Brought Activism Through Art and Heart 

This year’s entertainers tugged at our heartstrings with moving vocal renditions of the classics, and powerful sentiments spoken from the heart. 

Sheryl Lee Ralph shared about how losing a third of her fellow cast members to AIDS as she became the first Deena Jones in Dreamgirls on Broadway, galvanized her to become an activist for ending HIV. She delivered an inspiring combination of “When I First Saw You” and “Listen”. 

Shoshana Bean captivated the audience with renditions of "With A Little Help From My Friends” and “This Is Me”. 

Messages of Love to Mom 

DAP Health frontline workers were featured giving video messages to their moms, and gratitude was the common thread.  

Dining Out For Life 

Palm Springs Dining Out For Life ranks in the top three fundraising markets in North America for the event. Thanks to more than 80 desert restaurants participating, every year DOFL brings in about $300,000 for client services at DAP Health. Mr. Nevins encouraged everyone to help these eateries bounce back by remembering to eat local. 

"As a way to give back to them for their contributions, we're toasting all of them this evening and asking you our viewers to support these local eateries.” 

Board member Kevin Bass explained why Dining Out For Life is so popular in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. 

“Dining Out For Life has become an event into itself where the community can come together, have fun, eat, drink, and enjoy themselves,” he said. “At the same time, supporting the amazing work of DAP Health.” 

Board member Athalie LaPamuk called on everyone to take a cue from the tourists. 

“We already have so many businesses that are skewed towards travelers,” she said.  “So, the best way to ensure that Palm Springs continues to thrive as a city is to do as the tourists do--as locals--and dine and drink out, and shop local, and support our own businesses.” 

A Special Appearance by Hometown Gem 

Keisha Howardson is known on stage as Keisha D. Her kids just call her mom, but her grandkids call her 'Punky’. Besides her family, singing is everything to her. When COVID hit, one of Palm Springs’ most popular cabaret singers became so sick that she had been given a year to live.  

That was before she became a patient of Dr. Morris, DAP Health’s chief medical officer. He had a different message for Ms. Howardson.  

“Let's, let's talk about this, Keisha,” said Dr. Morris. “I'm here to help you live.” 

From there, the journey of care began, helped along with a lot of encouragement.   

“From walking in to see Dr. Morris, and hardly being able to even talk,” Ms. Howardson said, “to Dr. Morris saying, ‘trust me, you're going to be back on stage. I'm going to watch you on stage. I'm going to applaud you. I'm going to be there and applaud that day when you take that stage at the Purple Room again.’” 

Keisha is singing again these days.  

"I'm really thrilled and happy to be able to find that fighter inside of me, through the nurses and through the doctors at DAP Health,” she said. “Without their help, I probably would have been in a hospice situation, or maybe not even having this conversation with you today.” 

New Behavioral Health Clinic Serving Double in 2021 

Al Jones is a donor and on the Partners For Life leadership team, and he is in support of efforts to double capacity for mental health services at DAP Health with a new clinic. For him, this is personal.  

Al’s partner and husband of 26 years, Mark Bird, passed away after keeping his depression a secret. Help was all around them, but Mr. Bird’s depression led him to cease his HIV treatment without telling anyone.  

“Had we known we would have been able to get him the assistance that he needed,” said Mr. Jones. "DAP had the assistance, but we didn't know.” 

Debilitating depression in some long-term HIV survivors leads them to stop taking their medication, and the results are often fatal. The condition is being studied currently. Mr. Jones also believes that the COVID pandemic is placing many other people at risk because of depression and isolation, and he wants to make a difference.  

In the Mark Bird Behavioral Health Clinic, people who need to be met where they are at in their mental and emotional health journey will be given the competent care they deserve, thanks to Mr. Jones. 

He also was eager to share his excitement about DAP Health’s mental health program leader, Dr. Jill Gover.  

“There's somebody at DAP Health that you need to be aware of, and that's Dr. Jill Gover.  She's absolutely amazing. She's very sensitive, but moreover, she's very intuitive,” Mr. Jones said. “And that intuitive nature is what's so important in a therapist. To be able to match a client with the appropriate therapist is really an art that you can't replicate, unless it's really innate.” 

Dr. Gover explained why DAP Health is doubling its mental health capacity in 2021 with a new behavioral health clinic, and the new role everyday technology in connecting people. 

“We’ve seen tremendous demand as stress surges across the nation and across the world, and it’s no different here in Coachella Valley.” 

“This pandemic has been very triggering for many, because it reminds all of us who went through those harder years, the early days of the AIDS epidemic, there's been a lot that has been brought up emotionally for long-term survivors, remembering those, those painful memories.” 

Other causes include needing to isolate and needing to be extra careful during COVID, because of the increased vulnerability and co-morbidities that long term survivors worry about. 

“I think one thing that we learned from this pandemic is it's very important that we use the technology that we have available to us,” Dr. Gover said. “We were able to pivot quickly in this pandemic to telehealth and I don't see us going back.  

“I think accessing technology in a way that increases availability is going to be increasingly important as we move forward,” she said. “Because we know the need for mental health services will only increase as time goes on.” 

Dr. Gover was brimming with gratitude as she thanked Mr. Jones, Partners for Life, and everyone who contributes to DAP Health. 

“It's all of these contributions that make it possible for us to do our work here at DAP Health,” Dr. Gover said. “And for that, I'm just enormously grateful.” 

Health Equity Through Access to Healthcare 

DAP Health believes health equity takes the work of our entire community. Advocating for each other is improving health outcomes for everyone. A few of our allies joined us this year to talk about synergy with DAP Health. 

Western Wind Foundation 

Helping people who are overlooked by traditional philanthropy is driving Jeremy Hobbs, founder of Western Wind Foundation. When he thinks of the potential locally, he wants to focus on what he calls building the ‘human infrastructure’ of the Coachella Valley. 

“I want to work with organizations to help them get better, be able to better serve the people who are in need and who are working in the community. That makes the whole community better and makes all of us better.” 

Questions he wants to answer are “How do we develop social strength? How do we develop economic strength? And how do we really let these communities be heard, make their own decisions about how they want to move forward and help them to do that?” 

Alianza Coachella Valley 

Health equity near the Salton Sea is priority one for Silvia Paz, founder and executive director of Alianza Coachella Valley.  

“When you're talking about health, I like to think about access to food, access, to recreational spaces, to safe living conditions,” Ms. Paz said. “On top of having access to see a doctor, there are very few of those options offered for the people who live surrounding the Salton Sea. Alianza Coachella Valley and DAP Health have a shared value of creating safe spaces for our communities.” 

"We want to see the community surrounding the Salton Sea access health in all of its forms. Not just going to the doctor, but also having the built infrastructure. That's going to allow them to exercise, to eat healthy and to even have better mental health,” she said.  

Help From Our Friends: Desert Regional Medical Center and Desert Care Network 

“DAP health, your team members are heroes. We're honored to be partnered with you,” said Michelle Finney, CEO, Desert Care Network. 

“Tonight, we commend DAP Health for its immediate and thorough pandemic response its experience with HIV AIDS allowed it to quickly transition to serve our community during the pandemic DAP provided not only additional healthcare services, but testing vaccinations, its counseling, tele-health and much more.”  

“Desert Regional Medical Center and Desert Care Network have enjoyed a long working partnership with DAP Health,” Ms. Finney said. “We share not only a history of caring for persons living with HIV, but also a commitment to serving the community.”  

How COVID Hotline Made A Difference 

When COVID hit, Dr. Ann Dew came out of retirement to volunteer her time and expertise for the response effort at DAP Health’s COVID Clinic, one of the first of its kind in California. 

“Originally, we were just taking calls to take care of the people, get them scheduled for testing,” said Dr. Dew. “But then as more people became COVID positive and were discharged from the hospital, we also started keeping in touch with those people to make sure that they were doing well at home.” 

The DAP Health COVID Hotline has been one of the only easily available sources for COVID information in the throughout the pandemic and continues serving callers today. 

“Sometimes at the end of the day, when we get home, we were exhausted because so many of these people had questions about the virus,” Dr. Dew said. “And they had friends who didn't believe it and were in denial.” 

Other callers had family members with COVID, and others were exposed to somebody at work. No matter what, Dr. Dew and her team were available with information and if necessary, an appointment. 

"It was good that DAP Health had the COVID Clinic because there were not any information posts throughout the Valley,” said Dr. Dew. “Everybody else just set folks up for the testing.” 

“The COVID Clinic could not have moved as swiftly as it did to help protect Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and the whole Valley,” said Dr. Dew. “If it hadn't been for all of the donors.”  

“All we can say is you have saved lives. You have touched hearts. And because of you, we were able to help people find peace in this quarantine that they may not have been able to find otherwise.” 

HIV Expertise Prepared Us for COVID Fight  

Mike Fedderson and Thomas McClay are donors and Partners for Life Members. To them, offering a COVID Clinic, plus expanding healthcare access for more people, is possible while working to end HIV. 

“The mission of providing help for HIV and AIDS is still a core principle, but not having universal healthcare means a lot of people go without healthcare and basic health needs,” said Mr. Fedderson. “In order to have a really healthy thriving community, everybody needs to have access to quality health care.” 

“DAP Health really fills that gap in the Coachella Valley,” he said. “It's critically important to the community, and therefore to me and my husband.” 

At Show’s Ending, Focus Remained on Mission  

Scott Nevins closed the show from a mountain hilltop and reminded viewers about DAP Health’s behavioral health expansion, its response to the COVID 19 pandemic, and its groundbreaking work in HIV care. He thanked viewers and donors, and once again wished a happy Mother’s Day to the audience. 

You can watch the The 27th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards at: Welcome to the 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards! 

About DAP Health 

DAP Health is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, CA serving over 9,700 patients, offering medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab. A variety of services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area. 

DAP Health opened one of California’s first COVID clinics and hotlines to offer screening, testing, and treatment. DAP Health is also working to improve social determinants of health to prevent negative health outcomes during this pandemic, like food and housing insecurity, joblessness, isolation, and access to ongoing healthcare. 

DAP Health’s sexual health clinic offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that DAP exceeds industry standards in terms of financial health, accountability, and transparency. 

The DAP Health Research Program is a leader in research that supports better health outcomes for people with HIV (PWH). The Program offers The ANCHOR Study at DAP Health, and research studies exploring antiretroviral medication and the effects of wellness on health. 

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.