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News Posts

Finding Hope in Uncertainty

by Dustin Gruber

Finding Hope in Uncertainty

Weekend Wrap Message - Saturday, June 13, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Back on: VOICES OF HOPE -Together, We Thrive.

In solidarity with Black Lives Matter, we delayed the original Voices of Hope streaming date.

As we move forward together, we invite you to join us at its rescheduled date and time: Friday, June 19, at 7:00pm, livestreaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.  Co-produced and hosted by TV Personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins, VOICES OF HOPE features some of the biggest names from Broadway and Hollywood. Find out more here.

U=U = Freedom to love without shame over HIV

We all live with uncertainty, and when we can focus on fact, science and certainty it is very affirming. With a science-based message, Bruce Richman and Prevention Access Campaign have radically improved the way people living with HIV look at themselves, and this transformative campaign has gone global.

U=U, short for Undetectable = Untransmitable, is helping people unlearn decades of fear about people living with HIV, and it’s even helping lessen fear around getting tested. Bruce was interviewed by Steven Henke on DAP LIVE this week, and I urge you to watch it below, or read the excerpts that we’ll be sharing in our News section in the coming weeks.

Applying Prevention Access Campaign values locally

When we hear experts like Bruce Richman say that half of Americans with HIV are not accessing the type of treatment and services they need to thrive and prevent transmitting to others, I immediately think about the people of this valley who need our services.

Our Community Health Director C.J. Tobe wrote about the practical work he and others at DAP are doing to help Coachella Valley residents become undetectable if they have HIV, as well as other methods for preventing and treating HIV in our community. You can read that here.

Safe Chiropractic Services back on at DAP campus with Dr. Jim Cox

Hunkering down is the right thing to do for many, but our clients are developing back and shoulder pain because of the new normal. That’s why we were so happy to have Dr. Cox resume safe chiropractic services onsite at DAP. You can read more about hours and some tips on preserving your back from him by clicking here.

Clarifying how we charge for antibody testing

Our ability to offer rapid antibody testing to the uninsured and underinsured of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County was made possible because of a generous grant.

Our clients with commercial PPO coverage will notice we are billing their insurance company. This should not result in a direct bill to the client. There is no co-pay, and no additional expense to worry about.

Please call the hotline (760) 992-0407 if you’d like to talk to someone about your coverage and the cost of COVID-19 testing at DAP. We will always work to provide you the quickest and most reliable testing option possible. You can read more in our Coronavirus Q&A by clicking here.

More ways to shop at Revivals        

The new tag says it best—home means more now. Our team at Revivals has opened up all three stores for safe in-person shopping, and they’re also bringing the joy of the hunt to residents of our valley with a new online shopping site featuring its best-selling brand new Mode furniture items. Revivals is a significant financial contributor to DAP client services. You can see what the team has created by clicking here.

Safe Chiropractic Services Open Again at …

by Dustin Gruber

Safe Chiropractic Services Open Again at DAP

Clients can once again access safe chiropractic therapy on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Appointments can be requested on MyChart or by calling (760) 323-2118.

Dr. Jim Cox is noticing that his clients have new aches and pains that seem to go along with sheltering in place. Read more, including tips for keeping our backs healthier. 

Now that chiropractic services at DAP have resumed, what are some common problems your clients are noticing, and what can you tell us about the causes?  

Working from home: A LOT of sore and stiff necks and shoulders due to bad ergonomics, and not having a proper desk set up. 

Walking or hiking a lot more than ever before: Low back and hip pain from exercise their bodies aren’t used to. 

Getting to those projects that have been put off: Shoulder pain from lifting all those rocks or boxes.

Anxiety and stress over the whole situation: General aches and stiffness all over, a physical manifestation, which also can be from inactivity (REALLY staying in).

How safe is it to come see you at DAP? 

Very safe.  We’re screening at the door.  Everyone is masked and surfaces are wiped down thoroughly between patients.

Will you be doing things differently in your practice? 

Wiping down surfaces was always our protocol, so the screening and masks are the only thing new.  No modifications to treatment protocol. 

Any tips for folks to preserve their backs when hunkering down means they cannot see their favorite Dr. of Chiropractic? 

Move it or lose it!  Within tolerable levels of course. 

  • Stretch often. 
  • Yes, it’s a “stay at home” order but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a walk.  The heat now poses a challenge, so get up early and take a nap later. 
  • Maintain a healthy diet as much as possible.  Carb loading with inactivity is the perfect recipe for joint inflammation.

Birth of U=U = People losing fear over H …

by Dustin Gruber

Birth of U=U = People losing fear over HIV testing

This is the first in a series of four Q&A posts capturing founder Bruce Richman’s perspectives on our movement to end HIV stigma with U=U, Prevention Access Campaign, and all of us. Recently he talked with us on DAP LIVE.

Question: How did this all get started? I know for you, it was a very personal experience that brought the science behind this to the forefront. You've talked about it being your calling.

Answer: Absolutely. I learned that because I had an undetectable viral load, I couldn't transmit HIV through sex back in 2012, and that was nine years after my diagnosis. And it changed everything for me because I never thought that I could have sex or conceive children, or just even be intimate with someone without that fear of passing on HIV. And it just, it just rocked my world.

But then I found out that so many people weren't being told about it and they were being told that they were infectious--and they weren't infectious. And it was happening on a massive scale.

So that's kind of how this all started happening is they're talking to other people who also knew U=U is true. And I found some wonderful people in the field who were in leadership positions who would join with me. And in summer of 2016, we created a consensus statement with scientists to confirm that U=U is true. And then we took that statement and went out and got influential people and organizations like Desert AIDS Project to sign on and to join us endorsing that when you're undetectable and you're on treatment, you cannot transmit HIV through sex. U=U.

Find out more about Bruce Richman, U=U, and Prevention Access Campaign at preventionaccess.org

You can watch the 20 minute interview with Steven by clicking here.

Sexual Health Clinic - Palm Springs

1695 N. Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 AM (Closed for lunch from noon-1:00 PM)

Call 760-992-0492 to schedule an appointment.

To reach our after-hours answering service, please call (760) 323-2118.

Click to Call Our Sexual Health Clinic

Keeping our finger on the pulse of the H …

by Dustin Gruber

Keeping our finger on the pulse of the HIV epidemic

Talk to your friends, family, and sexual partners about U=U.

By C.J. Tobe, Director of Community Health

Over the last few months many colleagues have expressed concerns that HIV prevention could be turned back 5 years because of the current health crisis. Let’s discuss HIV prevention to keep our fingers on the pulse of this epidemic that we’ve been battling for 35 plus years. While I have the bullhorn, I also want to talk about an unlikely form of HIV prevention and how surprisingly long it’s taking to get noticed.

When I moved to Palm Springs in 2015, I was shocked to find out through conversations on Grindr that many people were still unaware of U=U. To reach the most people I decided to update my personal social media profiles stating, “Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U). If you are unsure what this is, please ask.” Now in 2020, 5 years later, I still have many people asking me “what is U=U”?

While significant progress has been made by HIV advocates across the world, stigma surrounding people living with HIV is still very much alive. It affects even those who are adherent to their HIV medications and who have a suppressed viral load, which means they cannot transmit HIV to another person through sex.

According to Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, NIAID, NIH when interviewed at the 2019 International AIDS Conference,

"The concept of U=U is the foundation of being able to end the epidemic."

If we know that people living with HIV are taking their medications and are virally suppressed will not transmit HIV, then why are we not screaming this from the rooftops? Well, we should. Talk to your friends, family, and sexual partners about U=U.

What is Desert AIDS Project doing to help support those living with HIV to become undetectable?

At Desert AIDS Project we learned through the AIDS crisis that becoming undetectable is more than taking daily medication. It is a combination of factors such as a roof over your head, food in your belly, staying on top of your mental health, and following through on routine oral health exams. DAP’s integrated model of services supports those people living with HIV on their journey to U=U.

Knowledge is Power

U=U may be the foundation to ending the HIV epidemic but what else can we do to combat the multifaceted HIV epidemic?

Access to HIV and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) testing and treatment. At DAP, we test more than 5,000 individuals for HIV in 1 year, and the HIV test is Free. The frequency of testing varies depending on your risks. You could be tested every 3 months, once a year, or once in your life depending on the risk assessment done by our Community Health Educators. Even during the current crisis, DAP is providing access to HIV testing in the form of supplying free at-home HIV test kits.

Knowing your HIV status is empowering. Also, important is knowing your STI status. Why?

People who have a STI are twice as likely in acquiring HIV, so routine STI testing and treatment if needed will reduce the number of new HIV infections in any community. Routine STI testing will help prevent someone from contracting HIV and decrease transmitting STIs to a sexual partner as many STIs people are asymptomatic (No symptoms)

Anytime I engage with someone in-person or via social media apps who may be a potential sex partner, I always follow up the HIV status discussion with an STI status discussion.

I ask, when were you last tested? How many sexual partners have you had since your last test? This is not meant to judge a potential sexual partner’s sexual history or scare one of from your past but to empower yourself in taking control of your sexual health by having a transparent conversation with someone you’re about to become intimate with.

At DAP, we provide STI testing and treatment.  People turn to sex for stress relief, to cope with isolation, to eat, to have shelter, and to survive. If you want an appointment today for HIV and STI testing please call 760-992-0492.

Put PrEP in your step

How can we talk about the pulse of the HIV epidemic without the game-changing medications to prevent HIV called PrEP and PEP? PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and is a pill (Truvada, or Descovy) that is taken to prevent someone who is HIV-negative from acquiring HIV. Similar to birth control, PrEP is a medication is taken once a day. If taken once a day PrEP has been shown to be 99% effective in preventing HIV infection.  PrEP dramatically changed the landscape of HIV prevention by giving us the first new tool to fight HIV since the beginning of the epidemic.

Similar to U=U, I was surprised to find out how many people today are still unaware of PrEP and its benefits. I updated my personal social media profiles to include “Do you know what PrEP is? If not, please ask me?” Every time I log on to an app there is always someone inquiring about PrEP. People also ask, who is PrEP for? PrEP is for anyone who is HIV negative and at risk for HIV infection

People express various concerns about PrEP including the cost, side effects and stigma.  PrEP was studied extensively before it gained FDA approval in 2012.  It’s been shown to be both safe and effective in preventing HIV. 

While the medication does carry a high price tag, there are many support programs to help offset the cost and most people can access PrEP with very little or no expense.  DAP is a provider of PrEP navigation services to help people look at PrEP for themselves and assist them with education, financial support and finding a medical provider.

Anyone using PrEP would first be tested for HIV and STIs.  This testing is repeated once every 3 months and is a great way to educate people about the value of routine HIV and STI Testing.  The more we normalize PrEP and routine testing the more comfortable people are with including these things as part of sound routine health care.

Between U=U and PrEP, we were starting to turn the tide on new infections, and HIV numbers across the country were going down for the first time in many years. As someone working in and committed to public health, it scares me when I consider that these game-changing HIV interventions might take a back seat during the current health crisis.

The responsibility for ending HIV falls to all of us. We have the tools to help end HIV in our community—but only if we resist the urge to forget just how deadly it has been in our community for decades.

Standing with Black Lives Matter

by Dustin Gruber

Standing with Black Lives Matter

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, June 6, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

As an acknowledgment of the protests that are occurring globally and in our Valley, we postponed our Voices of Hope: Together We Thrive streaming event.

The fight against AIDS has always been a fight against discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry. DAP stands in solidarity with black communities locally, nationally and around the world, including Black Lives Matter.

As a member of DAP, I have no doubt that you're aware of the racial and financial injustices that plague our community and our nation. Like me, you may be asking yourself, “How can I help end racism?” All human beings deserve equal opportunities and to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

DAP stands for quality and culturally competent care as a human right and as a critical component to building a fair and just society. The COVID-19 pandemic brings the impact of systemic racism front and center, and DAP recommits to addressing barriers that prevent individuals and communities from reaching their full potential.

Weekend Wrap Up – May 30, 2020

by Dustin Gruber

Milestones Of Hope and Celebration

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 30, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

COVID-19 Triage Clinic Update

Since it opened on March 16, we’ve now marked our first 1,000 patients receiving care for their symptoms at our COVID-19 Clinic, including testing if needed. As we’ve added antibody testing, interest is skyrocketing—in just one day, we had 400 phone calls requesting appointments for this testing. We are in this for the long haul to offer relief to our area hospitals and prevent needless suffering.

Revivals is safely reopening on June 1

We can now return to one of our favorite pastimes—treasure hunting! We’ve prepared our three Revivals stores to make sure that our customers, employees, and volunteers are set up for a safe and pleasant experience, starting this weekend. 

We are requiring all who enter Revivals to wear masks to show support for everyone’s health. Stores will be sanitized every two hours, and there will be sneeze guards at registers. Hand sanitizer and social distancing reminders will be prominent throughout the stores as well. You can find out more if you watch Dane Koch, our director of retail, talk with Steve Henke below.

DAP LIVE

We’re increasing the ways we reach our neighbors throughout the Coachella Valley, to inform them about all the ways DAP can help them build resiliency and community, and to inspire them to remain engaged in their health. 

We launched DAP LIVE, a weekly three-interview online show streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. 

With Steven Henke as host, we’ll bring you conversations with people who are making a difference in our community. We think you’ll be inspired as they share some of their motivations for getting involved to make life better for others.  

In this episode we heard conversations with TV Personality Scott Nevins, DAP Director of Retail Dane Koch, and DAP Behavioral Health Manager Dr. Jill Gover.

Voices of Hope Countdown

Scott Nevins is going to help us all shake off the doldrums when he hosts “Voices of Hope: Together We Thrive”, a free, one-hour entertainment special that will broadcast across DAP’s social channels on Friday, June 5 at 7pm PT.

 “No more Debbie Downer-this is all about feeling good and celebrating life.”

We’re so thankful that when Scott asked stars like Betty Buckley and Kristen Chenoweth to be featured in the online broadcast, they committed to helping support our COVID-19 Triage Clinic immediately. You can watch Scott Nevins tell Steven Henke more in the DAP LIVE clip above. 

To learn more about the show and restaurant ideas, click here.

Revivals Volunteers Needed 

Our volunteers make up 80 percent of our Revivals workforce, but some will not be able to return during this health crisis. We support and cherish all of our volunteers, including when their safety or comfort requires them to remain home.

We are looking for volunteers to help run Revivals. The minimum time requirement is just four hours per week for the chance to help support the community we all want to create. It’s easy to find out more by clicking here.

DAP In the News

Winston Gieseke for The Desert Sun covered Voices of Hope, plus the exciting news about Revivals opening on June 1. Read more here. 

Larry Buhl for The Body covered DAP offering HIV self-testing, access to PrEP and PEP, and continuous operations throughout this health crisis. Read more here.

Get Access To the Care You Need

One Call is a service that can enroll callers in health insurance or Medi-Cal through Covered California, register them for medical and behavioral healthcare, and schedule their first appointment at DAP — all in approximately 45 minutes. This is a significant reduction in the amount of time this would normally take, thanks to a DAP Healthcare Navigator who will work one-on-one with each caller.

Callers can access One Call service by calling 760-992-0426, Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm PDT.

Click to Connect to An Enrollment Specialist

Sexual Health Clinic - Palm Springs

1695 N. Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 AM (Closed for lunch from noon-1:00 PM)

Call 760-992-0492 to schedule an appointment.

To reach our after-hours answering service, please call (760) 323-2118.

Click Here to Call the Sexual Health Clinic

Broadway and Hollywood come together for …

by Dustin Gruber

Broadway and Hollywood come together for Voices of Hope: Together, We Thrive Benefitting Desert AIDS Project

Palm Springs, CA May 22, 2020  Desert AIDS Project will present ‘Voices of Hope: Together, We Thrive’  - a star-studded live streaming event for the community on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 pm. 

The event will be co-produced and hosted by TV Personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins, and feature some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry. The one-hour entertainment special will broadcast across Desert AIDS Project’s social channels including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The event is free, but registration is encouraged, and proceeds support DAP’s COVID-19 response.  Viewers are encouraged to enhance their viewing by ordering take-out or delivery before the show, a move to support local restaurants. Learn more at DesertAIDSProject.org/Hope

“We want to bring people together around a message of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “We also want to support local restaurants with this entertainment experience. We thank our patrons who support them by ordering takeout or delivery on that day.”

DAP has provided continuous primary healthcare to its patients throughout this health crisis and embraced the new normal to open its doors wider. Telehealth is making everyone safer by giving patients the power to choose between an in-person doctor visit or a Virtual Visit. The technology rollout is also helping DAP clients access therapy more than ever, from California licensed clinical psychologists. 

The fight to end HIV in the Coachella Valley hasn’t taken a break, either. DAP has made free HIV home-testing by mail available for anyone who can’t come to the DAP campus for testing. And counselors quickly turned to Virtual Visits when it became clear they could continue offering access to HIV and STI prevention, testing, and treatment in the face of a crisis.

A full list of restaurants providing take-out can be found at the DiningOutForLife/PalmSprings website.

Top Talent Will Dazzle

Performers scheduled to appear include; Emmy and TONY Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, TONY Award Winner Betty Buckley, EMMY, Golden Globe and Tony Award Nominee Matthew Morrison, Tony Award Nominee Megan Hilty & Brian Gallagher, TONY Award Nominee Ann Hampton Callaway, TONY Award Nominee Max von Essen, TONY Award Nominee Saycon Sengbloh, Television and Film stars Erich Bergen, Carla Jimenez, Emerson Collins, and Blake McIver, plus celebrity vocal impressionist and YouTube sensation, Christina Bianco.

Click here To Register Now To Watch on June 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Complete Star Bios

TONY® and EMMY® Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage. Stage, (“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “Wicked”, “On the Twentieth Century”), film (“Rio 2”, “My Little Pony: The Movie”, “Four Christmases”) and television (“Trial & Error”, “The West Wing”, “Pushing Daisies”, “Glee”, “Descendants”, “Hairspray” and “American Gods”). Her latest album “For The Girls,” was released in September 2019 and was a heartfelt tribute to the great female singers throughout history. To celebrate the release of her new album “For The Girls,” Chenoweth returned to the Broadway stage this past November in an eight-performance concert engagement at the Nederlander Theatre. Recently, Chenoweth starred alongside Scott Wolf in the holiday film “A Christmas Love Story,” which premiered on Hallmark Channel in December 2019.  Along with the holiday season, Chenoweth released her latest stand-alone Holiday e-single titled “White Christmas.” Upcoming, Chenoweth will star in the film “Holidate,” which will premiere on Netflix in 2020. In addition to starring in, Chenoweth will also executively produce the upcoming comedy series “The Biggest Star in Appleton,” which is currently in the works at Disney Plus. Last December, Chenoweth performed with iconic The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra in their annual Christmas concert, which aired this past December. Previously in 2009, Chenoweth wrote an upliftingly candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked,” which debuted on the New York Times Hardcover Non-Fiction Best Seller List. Chenoweth received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Live Performance, Stage/Theatre in 2015. Chenoweth is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Master’s degree in Opera Performance. She formed a charity partnership with the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (BAPAC) Foundation in her home state of Oklahoma. Chenoweth's accomplishments were honored by her hometown with BAPAC naming "The Kristin Chenoweth Theatre" in 2012. Partnering with the BAPAC, she launched an annual Broadway Bootcamp in 2015. Chenoweth is an inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, as well as the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Betty Buckley is known as a legendary, multi-award-winning Actress/Singer whose multi-faceted career spans theater, film, television, and concert halls around the world.   She won a Tony Award for her performance in “Cats,” is a 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee and the 2017 recipient of the Julie Harris Award for Artistic Achievement from The Actor’s Fund.  She received her second Tony Nomination for “Triumph of Love.”  Most recently she starred in the National Tour of the new Broadway production of  “Hello, Dolly!”  She co-starred with James McAvoy in M. Night Shyamalan’s International Box Office hit “Split” and guest-starred in Season 3 of the AMC hit show “Preacher”. She has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work in television.  A two time Grammy Nominee, she has recorded 18 solo CDs. She has received two Honorary Doctorates and has been a teacher for over 40 years of Scene Study and Song Interpretation.  

Matthew Morrison is a versatile actor who is recognized for his work on-stage and on-screen. He has been nominated for Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. 

Morrison studied musical theater, vocal performance and dance at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He made his debut on Broadway in “Footloose” but his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit “Hairspray.” Morrison was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “The Light in the Piazza,” and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for “10 Million Miles.” He also starred in the Tony-winning revival of “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center Theater in New York. 
In 2010, Morrison became a true household name when he was cast as a series regular in FOX’s musical comedy television series “Glee,” where he starred as the director of the glee club, “Mr. Schuester.”  The show was created by Ryan Murphy and received the Golden Globe award for “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical” in 2010 and 2011.  The series wrapped in 2015 after six successful seasons.

Morrison’s most recent Broadway credit is starring as “J.M Barrie” in the musical “Finding Neverland” from March, 2015 through January, 2016.  The Broadway production is an adaptation of the 2004 film written by David Magee. The story follows the relationship between Barrie and the Davies family, who became the author’s inspiration for the creation of Peter Pan. Morrison received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of Favorite Actor in a Musical in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.

Morrison has teamed up with Disney Music Group to release a carefully curated album of Disney classics, set for release in March 2020.  The album, whose songs were personally picked from Morrison’s fondest Disney memories, will cover several eras of classic films.  The album is available for pre-order now. The first single, “Go The Distance” was released on January 10, along with its official music video.

Megan Hilty rose to prominence for her roles in Broadway musicals, including her performance as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 the Musical, and her Tony-nominated role as Brooke Ashton in Noises Off. She also received rave reviews for her portrayal of Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun as part of the Encores! staged concert series at City Center. Last year she fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She's probably best known for starring as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama series, Smash. Megan has released three full-length albums, It Happens All The Time, Megan Hilty: Live At The Cafe Carlyle, and A Merry Little Christmas. Megan's voice can be heard as KC the Koala on the Disney Jr series, T.O.T.S., the garden fairy, Rosetta, in the animated Tinkerbell series, the singing voice of Snow White in Shrek the Third, and on several other Disney, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks series. She has performed with renowned symphonies all over the world including the New York Pops, the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops, and just recently headlined her own show at the Sydney Opera House.

Brian Gallagher is a singer/songwriter, musician, and occasional actor whose album All That's Ahead debuted at #1 on the iTunes blues charts to rave reviews. Just last year, he released his second LP, BROWNSTONE, a gritty, bluesy, horror-inspired concept record about a haunted, four "story" brownstone in Manhattan's East Village. He's co-written several songs that have been released over the last several years with partner, Matt Cusson, and is currently putting the finishing touches on his next two full-length concept records, The Grind Show and XIV. Recent theater credits include the Broadway revival of Jekyll & Hyde and the NYC premiere of the rock musical, Chix 6.

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Performer of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is born entertainer.  She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.”  She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd", performing the standard "Come Rain or Come Shine" and recorded "Isn't It Romantic?" and "The Nearness of You" for Wayne Wong's “Last Holiday", starring Queen Latifah. Ann also wrote songs for the upcoming movie musical “The Man Who Saved Paris" starring Stanley Tucci and can be heard singing her original song “Pourquoi” in the soundtrack of “Blind” starring Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. Callaway is a Platinum Award-winning writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland, Amanda McBroom and Shelby Lynn to name a few.  Ann has recorded over 50 CDs as a soloist and guest and her new CD Jazz Goes to the Movies debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Chart and has been in high rotation on Siriusly Sinatra.  Callaway’s performances and recordings have garnered her The Theater World Award, 15 MAC Awards, several Bistro Awards, The Mabel Mercer Award, The Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriting and The Blanton Peale Award for Positive Thinking. 

Max von Essen recently starred on Broadway as Gleb Vaganov in Anastasia and then toured the country as Marvin in the Lincoln Center production of Falsettos. His debut album, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, was released on April 5th, 2019.

In 2016, Max completed his run in An American in Paris at The Palace Theater as Henri Baurel, a performance which earned him a nomination for the 2015 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award. He also performed in the revival of Evita, playing the role of Agustin Magaldi and frequently stepping in for Ricky Martin in the role of Che. Other broadway appearances include Enjolras in the first revival of Les Misérables, Alfred in the ill-fated Dance of the Vampires, starring alongside Michael Crawford, Jean Prouvaire in the closing company of the original Les Misérables, and as a disciple in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. In that production, Max understudied the role of Jesus and performed it many times.

Among his numerous New York appearances are Yours Unfaithfully at The Mint Theater, Alfred Dreyfus in The Dreyfus Affair at BAM, Maury Yeston’s Death Takes a Holiday at the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Transport Group’s revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hello Again (Drama League nomination), Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall, Finian’s Rainbow at the Irish Repertory Theatre, and The Fantasticks at the Sullivan Street Playhouse.  Max has also found himself roller skating across the country in the first national tour of Xanadu as Sonny Malone, as Mary Sunshine in the national tour of Chicago, as Tony in West Side Story throughout Europe and as a backup singer for the legendary Liza Minnelli.

Tony-nominated actress, Saycon Sengbloh can be currently seen as Jules, a tough, no-nonsense homicide detective in the CW series, “In the Dark.”She recurred on ABC/Shonda Rhimes’ drama “Scandal” as FBI Director Angela Webster. And co-stars in the Upcoming Aretha Franklin Biopic, RESPECT! Recent Drama Desk award nominee for The Secret Life of Bees musical and fave Broadway credits include Eclipsed (Drama Desk Award, Tony Award nomination), Holler If Ya Hear Me, Motown: The Musical, FELA!; Wicked and more! Saycon is the Host of podcast SayconTalks podcast AND YouTube channel!

Actor, Singer, Writer, and Producer, Erich Bergen is best known as the trusty assistant Blake Moran on the hit television show Madam Secretary, which recently completed 6 seasons on CBS. He is also well known for his critically acclaimed performance as Bob Gaudio in the film Jersey Boys, a role he previously played on stage in the National Tour and Las Vegas casts of the Tony Award-winning musical. 

In 2018, Erich made his Broadway debut playing Dr. Pomatter in the hit musical Waitress, written by Sara Bareilles.
In concert, Erich has performed everywhere from Shreveport to Singapore. His original music is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and all other major digital music outlets. Follow Erich on Instagram/Twitter: @erichbergen 

Carla Jimenez was a series regular on THE MICK, playing Alba. Her recent credits include recurring roles on “Single Parents”, “Life in Pieces”,  and lending her voice to the newly released Animated Feature Film “Spies In Disguise” starring Will Smith.  Upcoming projects include the feature film “Friendsgiving”.  Her additional television credits include recurring roles on the comedies “Raising Hope” “Last Man Standing,” “Growing Up Fisher,” “Better Off Ted” and “Desperate Housewives,” as well as guest-starring roles on BONES, “The Mindy Project,” “My Name Is Earl” and “Little Britain USA.”

Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed ’The Girl Of A Thousand Voices,’ she’s performed on major television programs including, The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Today Show in the US, and The Paul O’Grady Show and This Morning, in the UK. 

A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut in Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre. Most recently, Christina played the iconic role of Fanny Brice at the Theatre Marigny’s celebrated production of Funny Girl in Paris, earning unanimous rave reviews. 
Television credits include iTV’s The Imitation Game, the POPtv’s Impress Me, Hallmark’s Signed Sealed, Delivered, and frequent voice work for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Christina has performed her critically acclaimed concerts across the U.S. and abroad, including two UK tours and extended runs in London, Scotland, South Africa and Australia at the Sydney Opera House. Christina frequently performs with US and Canadian symphonies. Her live album, Life Of The Party was released last year.

Emerson Collins is an actor/producer/director known for four seasons of BRAVO’s “The People’s Couch” and “RENT” on FOX.  He produced and starred in the films “A Very Sordid Wedding” and “Southern Baptist Sissies.” He produced and starred in the national tour of Sissies and Sordid Lives. Emerson won the Desert Theatre League Award for Best Actor in a Comedy for the regional premiere of the one-man show Buyer & Cellar with Coyote Stageworks. Collins co-produced and recurred in LOGO’s “Sordid Lives: The Series” and produced “Blues For Willadean.”  He directed Del Shores’ one-man play “Six Characters In Search Of a Play” on stage and for film.

Blake McIver has been performing since the age of six when he won Star Search as Junior Vocalist Champion and he has been working as a professional singer, actor and entertainer ever since in film, television and theatre.  His film work began with a breakout performance as “Waldo” in The Little Rascals.  In television, he starred as a series regular for three seasons as “Derek” on Full House opposite Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and went on to guest star on The Drew Carey Show, Clueless, Home Improvement, and The Nanny.

Blake played “Edgar” in the United States Premiere of the musical Ragtime with the original production team including composer Steven Flaherty, lyricist Lynn Ahrens and librettist Terrence McNally.  He was the youngest person to ever be nominated for a Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Award for his performance.  Other theatre highlights include Freddie in Chess, Fabrizio in The Light In The Piazza, Radames in AIDA and Link in Hairspray.

Blake has also worked extensively in voiceover and animation including Tarzan, The Little Mermaid II, Anastasia, Recess, and as the beloved “Eugene” on Hey Arnold.  Blake has also worked extensively as a session vocalist, backup singer and featured soloist for recording artists such as Michael Jackson, David Foster, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, and Barry Manilow. 

Blake recently starred on 4 seasons of BRAVO’s hit social series The People’s Couch, toured nationally as director and choreographer for recording artist Ariana Savalas, and made his Off-Broadway debut with his critically acclaimed one-man show, Blake Sings Barbra: The 1994 Concert.

Scott Nevins is an award-winning TV/Radio personality, host, producer, writer, comedian, news pundit, and LGBTQ/HIV awareness activist. Best known for being one of the breakout stars and original cast members of Bravo TV’s series “The People’s Couch”, and formally from truTV’s hit show “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…”, he has hosted hundreds of live events, performed his acclaimed solo shows to sold-out audience around the country, and has worked with some of the industries biggest names, both on stage and on camera. He has appeared on national TV on NBC, FOX, Bravo, CNN, CNN International, HLN, truTV, The Style Network, Fuse TV, LOGO, and MNN Television. He has hosted several red carpet events for TVLand.com, received high praise for his work as the co-host of “The Ann Walker Show with Scott Nevins” (Universal Broadcasting Network), as a fill-in host on Sirius Satellite Radio and KNews Radio, and most recently as a regular contributor for NewNowNext.com. By the age of 24, Scott headlined his own shows at the famed Carolines on Broadway in NYC, and went on to win critical and audience raves for his solo comedy tours. Scott also Produces and Hosts the hugely successful yearly fundraiser “SPARKLE: An All-Star Holiday Concert”, benefiting The Actors Fund. In addition, Scott has proudly donated his talents to numerous organizations like HRC; PFLAG; God’s Love We Deliver; Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids; The Matthew Shepard Foundation; Desert AIDS Project and many more. Scott was chosen as an honoree for OUT Magazine's prestigious OUT100 list and is the recipient of the Out There Award and the Silver ADDY Award (from the American Advertising Federation) for his work as an LGBTQ and HIV Awareness Activist. He was chosen by New York Magazine in their ‘Best of New York’ issue and has appeared as the cover story for INSTINCT magazine.

Click here To Register Now To Watch on June 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM

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

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

Hearing messages of hope all around us

by Dustin Gruber

Hearing messages of hope all around us

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 23, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Voices of Hope on June 5, 7pm PT

We’re bringing our community together around a message of hope with the help of Broadway and Hollywood stars while we continue supporting our local restaurants. “Voices of Hope: Together We Thrive” is a free, one-hour entertainment special that will broadcast across DAP’s social channels on Friday, June 5 at 7pm PT.

Let Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley and about a dozen other stars entertain you in your home. Complete your experience by ordering take-out or delivery from local eateries before the show, and you’ll know you’re preserving one of this area’s finest gems—its restaurant scene.  

To learn more about the show and restaurant ideas, click here.

DAP Talks – Hearing the message of hope

You can hear this DAP Talks by clicking here.

Anxiety and depression are getting in the way of many people’s health and resiliency, especially with isolation from social distancing and sheltering in place. We started the audio series DAP Talks to give people one more way to receive the message of transformation from healers like Dr. Jill Gover. Her first audio installment is “Taking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19” and more are coming.

COVID-19 Triage Clinic Update

We saw almost 200 clients this week for antibody and diagnostic testing for COVID-19 and treatment for respiratory symptoms.

We are taking what we’ve learned so far on the frontlines fighting COVID-19, and we are sharing it with the County of Riverside as we continue partnering in this health crisis. As the County looks at an antibody program and contract tracing, the hard work from Dr. Foltz and his team will help others avoid suffering. Through this tragedy, we are working to be part of a solution.

The Coachella Valley Weekly featured our COVID-19 Triage Clinic as its cover story. You can read it here.

Gratitude for Drop-Off Donations Resuming at Revivals

It felt great being reminded of how much this community cares after the first week of contact-free donation drop-offs at all three Revivals. We put the safety of our volunteers, clients, and staff first, and changing the way we accept donations was the first step.

We’re changing the way we work so Revivals can outlive COVID-19 and carry on as this community’s favorite place to find treasures new and old. We’re looking at new ways that you will be able to ‘Find Yourself at Revivals’, whether that’s online or through contact-free curbside services like order pickup.

We’re preparing for when the city of Palm Springs and the state of California clear us to re-open. That includes being armed with effective sanitization measures and protocols, and only opening if we have confidence we can ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers, and customers.

Antibody and diagnostic testing availabl …

by Dustin Gruber

Antibody and diagnostic testing available   

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 16, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Dr. Foltz In-Depth on NBC Palm Springs

Dr. Christopher Foltz talked with Gino LaMont  of NBC Palm Springs about his own journey with COVID-19 and the current race to develop treatments to save lives, harkening back to the worst days of the AIDS crisis.

Also remembered from that terrible time was the outdated U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation that still prevents gay men from donating blood.

Dr. Foltz shared his story about being turned down for donating blood to a potentially lifesaving plasma study. Gino said he cannot believe the ban is still in effect, and neither can we.

DAP In the News

Clients Increase at COVID-19 Triage Clinic

The rise in people seeking services from our COVID-19 Triage Clinic isn’t stopping. We saw about 40 clients daily this week, as testing was given to asymptomatic patients and those displaying symptoms. Our staff continues to make sure each patient knows about the behavioral and primary care they can access at DAP, not to mention more.

We’ve moved testing inside the COVID-19 Triage Clinic so that we can protect our patients and staff from the desert heat as temperatures begin to rise.

Donation trucks rolling again, drop-offs resume at all Revivals

We're getting ready to roll again - Schedule your curbside donation pick-up or enjoy contact-free donation drop-off at one of our three stores.

We opened our donation drop-off location in Palm Springs last week and will open donation drop-off sites at our Cathedral City and Palm Desert stores on May 18.

DONATE THIS WEEKEND IN PALM SPRINGS: Donation drop-off hours are Monday thru Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm -and we'll see you at our donation centers in Palm Desert and Cathedral City starting Monday.

Schedule A Pick-Up

You have a unique opportunity during this pandemic to help fund comprehensive care at Desert AIDS Project.  Just by donating the things you no longer need.  Your gently used housewares, clothing, and furniture will fund comprehensive care at DAP - care that includes primary care, therapy, COVID-19 testing, STI testing, HIV specialty care, and so much more. 

We provide a contact-free drop or pick-up off allowing safe social distancing and our driver and staff continue to wear masks. 

If you are dropping donations off at our stores;

Receipts will be available should you need one for your records.

Voices of Hope – June 5 at 7pm

We’ve always believed in joining people together for entertainment and community, and bringing it online is part of the new normal. On June 5 we’re reminding everyone that Together, We Thrive, with a one-hour star-studded streaming event that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats with top entertainment. Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley are among the show’s stars. Voices of Hope will be hosted by Scott Nevins.

Advocacy at home for the chance to defea …

by Dustin Gruber

Advocacy at home for the chance to defeat a pandemic

Weekend Wrap Message-Saturday, May 9, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

DAP to FDA: Let Gay Men Donate Blood Now

This week we called upon the FDA to drop its archaic ban on gay blood donation. Recently Dr. Christopher Foltz fully recovered from COVID-19 himself, only to be blocked from participating in a groundbreaking plasma study that could help save his patients.

Since this crisis began, national supplies of blood are dangerously low and we need everyone to be able to donate. DAP views this ban as a human rights violation. No one should be denied from contributing to the wellbeing of their community in a time of crisis, including gay men.

Those suffering from COVID-19 whose lives could be saved from convalescent plasma transfusion therapy and others needing regular blood transfusions deserve to have supplies ready. Lifting this ban will save lives.

Read more about Dr. Foltz’s journey with COVID-19 and the plasma study here.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing

We announced even greater access to health by opening up asymptomatic testing to our community for COVID-19, and the response has been incredible. In just one day, our Patient Registration team scheduled 140 appointments, and more than half of them are newly enrolled patients at DAP now, able to access primary and behavioral healthcare plus much more.

Our order for 2,500 additional asymptomatic COVID-19 testing kits might be delayed due to supply chain issues. We have plenty of tests to accommodate appointments we’ve already set through May 15 for asymptomatic testing.  We are keeping in close contact with our supplier and will keep the community updated.

One Call services brought clients into care

Callers accessed One Call services by calling 760-992-0426, and they cut the amount of time it took to get enrolled in insurance or Medi-Cal through Covered California and into care at DAP by about two-thirds.

“When accessing services becomes difficult, people are more likely to give up on participating in their own health,” said C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health. “We’re not going to lose people in this community because we failed to keep them connected.” 

We also made sure that our Spanish speaking residents of the valley got this important information by working with Univision. 

Outreaching about therapy in a pandemic

Dr. Jill Gover wrote a Valley Voice column for The Desert Sun yesterday about how much your mental health matters during this health crisis, and she offered hope for building ways of coping.  You can read the column in its entirety by clicking here.

Because of you ... Desert AIDS Project's homebound and immunosuppressed patients will continue receiving care packages of nutritious meals and toiletries, DAP's frontline clinicians remain safe with proper PPE, and neighbors will be tested and treated for symptoms of COVID-19.

Together, we raised $40,000 matched by Mark Hamilton & Juan Francisco for a total of $60,000. You ordered breakfast, lunch, and dinner from local restaurants. You rallied with others all across the Valley, and the world, to ensure we all rally back stronger from the challenges of the pandemic.
WE ARE GRATEFUL.