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Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2020

The 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will honor Hank Plante, Garry Kief, and Ambassador Deborah L. Birx M.D.

The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards is attended by more than 2,000 of the Coachella Valley’s most fashionable humanitarians making red carpet arrivals and the after-party events unto themselves. This year marks the 26th year for Desert AIDS Project’s largest fundraising event which is named for one of DAP’s earliest financial supporters, the designer Steve Chase.  

Watch the NBC Palm Springs Special – Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2019

For 26 years, The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards has been honoring Humanitarians from all corners of the globe. They are people who radiate compassion – who seem to have been born for a higher purpose. Their ex­ample reminds us that everyone can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Since our very beginning, over 35 years ago, DAP has listened to the community we serve and taken its lead in solving tomorrows chal­lenges. This year’s honorees share DAP’s vision of health equity and justice. They are men and women who’ve led and continue to inspire others.

Your presence at the 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, be­yond supporting our honorees, also signals your continued support for DAP’s patients and clients. Attendees are humanitarians helping remove roadblocks to access for quality care and supportive services that allow our clients, who are your neighbors and friends, to live their fullest poten­tial. And the impact of your support is very tangible.

DAP serves 7,000 clients today. Last year alone we helped 426 clients with housing, tested 2,784 individuals for HIV, and over 1,300 for Hepatitis C. Our on-site medical teams provided 5,354 dental visits, and 7,160 be­havioral health sessions. Every month, 82 new patients walk thru the doors of DAP seeking quality and comprehensive health care. Because of YOU, those doors are always open.

2020 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Sponsors

PRODUCING: Harold Matzner, Walgreens

MAJOR: Elgart Aster & Paul Swerdlove, Desert Care Network, Desert Sun, Eisenhower Health, El Paseo Jewelers, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Living Out

STAR: Mark Adams, Steven Anders/The Elizabeth Firth Wade Endowment, Annette Bloch, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Jean-Daniel Kermelly, NBC Palm Springs, Saks Fifth Avenue

SUPPORTING: Blackbook, Jim Burba & Bob Hayes, Diageo, Lynn Hammond, Jerry Keller, Lauri & Charles Kibby, Garry Kief, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs / GRIT Development, Neil Lane Jewelers, Edward & Marie Lewis, LULU California Bistro, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Marc Walters & Richard Cassar, Wells Fargo

BENEFACTOR: Anthem, Carolyn & Daniel Caldwell, Colleen Crowley & Jack Martin, Coachella Valley Health Personnel, Freehold Communities, Gilead Sciences, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Image360, Patrick Jordan, Kaiser Permanente Foundation, Koffi, Frank Kurland, Laboratory Corporation of America, Perry McKay, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Revive Wellness, Ann Sheffer & Bill Scheffler, Sysco Riverside, White Cross Pharmacy

MEDIA: CV Independent, Gay Desert Guide, LOCALE Magazine, Palm Springs Life, PromoHomo.TV, Rage Monthly, The Hollywood Times, The Standard Magazine

Sponsorship Opportunities

Please click below to download this year’s sponsorship packet to learn more about how you can activate your companies brand at this annual event while supporting the mission of Desert AIDS Project.

Long-Term Behavioral Health Advocate Dr. …

Contact: Jack Bunting

[email protected]

(760) 656-8472

Palm Springs, CA – (September 18, 2019) — Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is proud to welcome Dr. Jill Gover as Behavioral Health Manager. In this role, she will enrich the department and the agency with her expertise and proven commitment to putting clients first. Affectionately known in the community as “Dr. G”, she brings decades of expertise and compassion in helping people living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA).

At DAP, she will steer operations of the department and the Behavioral Health clinic, supervise staff, and see clients in a therapeutic capacity.

Most recently, Dr. Gover served as a clinical psychologist and director of the Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic @ The Center in Palm Springs, providing eight years of tireless service to clients.

She has emerged in the Coachella Valley as a steady voice calling for more resources and vigilance around mental health issues facing the LGBTQ community, especially PLWHA.

“We feel immense gratitude to have Dr. Gover join the Behavioral Health staff at DAP,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “Living with HIV is overwhelming for many of our clients, but she has mastered the understanding required to give them the vigilance and support they deserve.”

In particular, Dr. Gover is one of this community’s loudest voices calling for heightened awareness around suicide prevention, and there is a compelling reason.

  • In the 2014 Riverside County Public Health LGBT Health and Wellness Profile study, LGBTQ+ adults reported having two-to-four times as many suicidal thoughts as heterosexual peers, with bisexuals at highest risk. 
  • In the 2015 Inland Empire Transgender Health and Wellness Profile Report, transgender adults were asked, “Have you ever seriously considered committing suicide?”  Seventy-five percent of the participants responded, “Yes” compared to six percent of the general population. 

These are truly shocking statistics, according to Dr. Gover. But by choosing to join DAP, she plans to continue her lifelong work to help humankind.

“I have been assisting people living with HIV / AIDS, both personally and professionally, since the early days of the epidemic as a gay rights and AIDS activist,” said Dr. Gover.  “This is my community and I cannot think of an agency that is a better fit for the work I love to do.”

Experience From Decades Of Treating People Living With HIV / AIDS

Dr. Gover completed schooling and started her psychology practice in the earliest years of the AIDS crisis in California. She has practiced in the Bay Area, Northern California, and the Inland Empire. 

By spending decades treating her clients living with HIV / AIDS, she understands their suffering, and offers approaches for them to find hope and wellness.

As she explains, for PLWHA, the AIDS epidemic has been a series of traumatic events. Sustained trauma can present as a myriad of symptoms, such as anger, hypervigilance and anxiety, depression, insomnia and nightmares, survivors’ guilt, substance abuse, sexual risk-taking, low self-esteem, hopelessness, emotional numbness and social withdrawal. 

According to Dr. Gover, behavioral health strategies that develop a new, positive “internal narrative” of self-talk are crucial to combating the challenges and fears that overwhelm so many people living with HIV.

“I want to establish a safe environment in therapy where patients can learn and practice the tools and skills needed to make the changes they want to make in their life.” 

Her Therapeutic Approach

Dr. Gover believes that the story we tell ourselves can often be distorted, and because of that, we experience unnecessary emotional distress.  As a cognitive behavioral therapist, she is interested in exploring the mistaken beliefs, unhelpful schemas (rules we live by), and faulty thinking that causes problems in our lives. 

With curiosity and without judgment, she invites the patient into a collaborative approach to investigate the evidence and efficacy of particular thought patterns, and helps patients reconstruct a “new narrative” of self-talk that improves quality of life.

More about Dr. Gover

Jill Gover, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, specializing in addiction, anxiety, depression, aging, chronic pain, HIV, and LGBT+ issues. For 15 years she was the Coordinator of Student Assistance Programs for the Vallejo USD, responsible for developing a large internship program and bringing mental health services into the schools. For the next 13 years, she was the Director of Mental Health Services for an FQHC community health center, responsible for integrating behavioral health into a primary care setting. In 2011 she joined the staff at The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, where she created a clinical internship program for mental health professionals and established The Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic to provide low cost mental health services to the community. Dr. Gover oversaw clinical internship training and several treatment programs for the LGBT community, including a Long-term Survivors (LTS) therapy group for gay men living with HIV. She has been an active member of HARP-PS (HIV and Aging Research Project) for the past five years. 

Dr. Gover has published numerous articles and developed psycho-educational curricula on anger management, suicide prevention, adult children of alcoholics, HIV, and healthy aging. She is a well-respected presenter on various issues related to mental health, and has delivered numerous workshops and trainings throughout California.

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth 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.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Molly Bondhus and Wil Stiles Honor Barba …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steven Henke

[email protected]

(760)656-8401

PALM SPRINGS, CA- September 17, 2019 – Designers and fashion boutique owners Molly Bondhus and Wil Stiles will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the WIL STILES store with an ‘Awesome Anniversary Sale!’ exclusively at Revivals Stores (www.RevivalsStores.com). Bondhus and Stiles are donating to Revivals Stores new men’s and women’s clothing valued at over $500,000. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Desert AIDS Project (DAP), honoring the late Barbara Keller’s selfless dedication to the organization. Beginning October 16, 2019, customers can shop for the collection exclusively at all three Revivals Stores locations. A special preview event is planned for media and invited guests the evening of October 15, at the Palm Springs Revivals location.

Bondhus and Stiles were part-time Palm Springs residents for five years beginning in 2004 and in 2009 made the desert their official home. WIL STILES first opened its doors the morning of the 2009 Desert AIDS Walk. As Carol Channing sang with a band across the street, crowds of energetic and cheerful walkers made their way down Palm Canyon and past the new store. Simultaneously smiling and teary-eyed as they watched from the doorway of their shop, Bondhus and Stiles knew that they had made the right decision to relocate to Palm Springs. During the past ten years, the store has enjoyed tremendous community support and become a favorite of locals and tourists, alike.

Dane Koch, Director of Retail for Revivals Stores explains the impact of the donation. Molly and Wil have supported us for many years, checking in with us regularly and reacting to our merchandise needs. We have sold thousands of dollars of their product and made a lot of shoppers happy as they have been able to buy upscale clothing at Revivals prices.  We believe this most recent gift will inspire others in the community to donate to Revivals and support the life-changing work at Desert AIDS Project.”

Desert AIDS Project lost one of its most important advocates and strong voices when Barbara Keller passed this year. Bondhus and Stiles hope to honor the legacy of Keller’s philanthropy with this special anniversary sales event. “When Wil and I were initially approached about being featured for our donations to Revivals, we hesitated.  The goal of our philanthropy is not recognition or seeing our names projected on a wall. We give and support because we believe in our community and giving back,” commented Bondhus, who went on to say, “It is up to all of us, not just the wealthiest, to do as much as we can to contribute. While direct donations get attention, the countless hard-working volunteers in the desert do the bulk of the heavy lifting to support the work of our great charitable organization.”

Bondhus and Stiles shared the impact Barbara Keller made in their lives and how she inspires them to continue giving back to the community. “For those of us who knew Barbara, her exceptional combination of intelligence, strength, and fearlessness got your attention from the moment you met her.  Combine those qualities with her innate glamour and charisma and you had the unstoppable Barbara Keller. Barbara’s commitment to social justice issues, and her ability to reach across the political spectrum to gather support for a worthy cause, was unmatched in the desert. All of us need to take Barbara’s passing as a personal call to step up and take action to improve the lives of others in our community.”

Bondhus and Stiles have been active in volunteering and fundraising for LGBTQ and AIDS-related charities in both Minneapolis and Palm Springs for over 23 years. Past efforts included several years of coordinating fashion shows at major fundraising events for Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS(DIFFA) in Minneapolis. Since the WIL STILES Store opened ten years ago, all excess inventory has been donated to Revivals Stores in support of Desert AIDS Project, as well as cruiser bicycles and gift certificates to various Palm Springs charitable auctions. Bondhus previously served on the board of AIDS Assistance Program(AAP). The couple provides direct financial support to: Sanctuary Palm Springs and NCLR, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Planned Parenthood, Southern Poverty Law Center, RAICES and the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund.

About Revivals Stores and Desert AIDS Project

(Revivals Stores) Greater Palm Springs residents know and love Revivals Stores and have voted it as Best Resale \ Thrift \ Furniture \ Consignment\ or Vintage Clothing Store in four local reader contests this year.   Revivals Stores won Best Furniture Store and Best Consignment / Resale Store in Desert Sun’s 2019 Ultimate Pride Contest, Best Consignment / Resale Store in Desert Magazine’s 2019 Best of the Valley, Best Thrift Store in CV Independents 2019 Best of Coachella Valley Contest, Best Thrift Store in GED Magazines 2019 Out Awards Contest, and Best Consignment / Best Thrift Store and Best Vintage Clothing Store in Palm Springs Life’s 2018 Best of the Best Contest

Revivals Stores are reinventing today’s thrift store experience, offering selections of new furniture and accessories under their owned brand, Mode at Revivals while featuring national brands such as Scott Living and Ashley Furniture at affordable price-points. Shoppers at Revivals can choose from brand new furniture and accessories while mixing their new style with thrift store finds from the decade of their choice.

Revivals has three locations: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert.  The stores are staffed by 180 volunteers who support the mission of Desert AIDS Project (DAP), enabling Revivals to make an annual $1 million contribution to DAP. DAP has earned a national reputation as one of the most comprehensive HIV/AIDS service providers in the United States. 

Revivals employees and dedicated volunteers create a unique retail experience for the 29,000 people who shop the stores each month looking for a unique thrift store find while shopping brand new furniture and accessories. “There’s an excitement in our stores that you don’t feel at traditional retailers.  Part of that is the thrill of the hunt, but there’s something else happening and I think that is connection to community.  Our volunteers have created a unique community of neighbors helping neighbors inside Revivals three store locations.  They know we are selling product with a purpose,” says Director of Community Development, Steven Henke.

Visit revivalsstores.com and desertaidsproject.org to learn more.

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2019 Desert AIDS Walk ‘Walk a Day …

On Saturday, October 19 over 2,000 community members will unite in Ruth Hardy Park to walk in the Desert AIDS Walk in support of Desert AIDS Project, presented by Desert Care Network. This year’s walk, with the theme of ‘Walk A Day in Our Shoes’, will follow a 2.5-mile route through the new downtown Palm Springs and is notable for the diversity of community members who come together as teams each year to support Desert AIDS Project and our community partners.

Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci on this year’s walk: “Desert AIDS Project has a long history as a leader in community healthcare and is unique in its approach to providing comprehensive services to underserved communities. We are, at our core, a non-profit health care center, specializing in HIV and infectious disease, supported in large part by the communities we serve.

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Desert AIDS Walk News

Desert AIDS Walk News.

Posted by Facebook on Friday, December 5, 2014

Desert AIDS Walk 2019 begins at 8 a.m. and will feature live entertainment, a Health & Wellness Festival featuring over 40 vendor booths, and a kid’s activity zone.

Desert AIDS Project CEO, David Brinkman is expected to update the community on the progress D.A.P. has made in eliminating HIV/AIDS and the work that remains to be done to ensure community health becomes a reality for every resident of the Coachella Valley. 

The walk kicks off at 9 a.m. and will be led by six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Hank Plante who was featured in the documentary 5B about the first AIDS ward at San Francisco General Hospital.  He will be joined by other health care providers who continue to lead the work being done to care for our community.  Register today!

Click here for Sponsor Opportunities!

Visit Desert AIDS Walk 2019

Aging Positively – 4th Annual HIV  …

Event Contact: JP Allen
(760) 992-0440
Desert AIDS Project
[email protected]

Press Contact: Jack Bunting
Desert AIDS Project
(760) 656-8472
[email protected]

When: Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Joslyn Senior Center 73750 Catalina Way Palm Desert, CA 92260

Complimentary beverages, snacks and lunch provided.

Please RSVP your attendance to J.P. Allen phone: (760) 992-0440 or email: [email protected]. Please also RSVP for FREE Shuttle service from Desert AIDS Project Campus to/from Joslyn Senior Center as well as for ASL services. Thank you!

Palm Desert, CA — Aging Positively, the annual Coachella Valley conference aimed at providing practical information as well as inspiration for those aging with HIV, will explore Self-Care, Sexual Isolation, Loneliness and Medicare/Prescription Drug Coverage. And this year, the 4x Gold Medal Olympic Champion Greg Louganis will provide an uplifting and inspirational keynote address.

People with HIV are living longer lives, thanks to advancements in scientific research and medical treatments; about half of HIV positive individuals in the US are age 50 and above. This is in stark contrast to the days when Desert AIDS Project was founded (1984), when HIV was a death sentence.

Speaker line-up

  • Moderator: Brad Fuhr, California Oasis Marketing Group and Gay Desert Guide
  • Keynote: Olympic Champion Greg Louganis
  • “Own Your Future: Essential Conversations You Must Have Now” by LKAPS Social Committee Co-Chair Richard Bass and Dr. Brian De Vries, ProfessorEmeritus of Gerontology, SFSU.
  • “Sexual Isolation & Loneliness” by Jill Hingston, PhD, The LGBT Center Palm Springs
  • “Medicare & Prescription Drug Coverage” by Brian Bilhartz, Bilhartz Desert Insurance

About Greg Louganis

Greg Louganis is simply the greatest diver in history. You would be hard pressed to find a person who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics who was not enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world. 2016 marked the 40th Anniversary of Greg’s first Olympic win- a silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, in platform diving, at the tender age of 16. Eight years later he became the first male diver to get double gold in springboard and platform in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and again in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He has earned a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles — more than any person in U.S. history. His records remain unbroken.

In 1988 Greg Louganis also tested positive for HIV. Coming out as a gay athlete in a time when it simply was not done, his 1995 autobiography, Breaking the Surface, spent five weeks at Number One on the New York Times bestseller list and his PGA and Emmy nominated Documentary Back on Board is receiving rave reviews nationwide and can now be seen on HBO. In 2016 General Mills announced that Greg would receive a Wheaties Box for his achievements, and that development was so significant it warranted a New York Times exclusive. He had the honor of being included in ESPN’s 2016 annual Body Issue, and in 2017 was the first openly gay Grand Marshal of The Rose Parade. In 2019, he continues to serve as Sports Director for Red Bull Cliff Diving, a division of Red Bull, one of the world’s best known brands.

The story of Greg’s life, is a story that has inspired millions, and he regularly speaks to the most significant organizations and companies in the world to share that story. Today, as a speaker, author, actor, activist, humanitarian and designer, he continues his tradition of excellence in every field he touches.

About The Aging Positively Conference

The Aging Positively Conference is conceived and sponsored by medical and service providers, researchers, community groups, and media groups from the Coachella Valley:

Borrego Health

Desert Arc

Desert AIDS Project

Desert Care Network

Desert Oasis Healthcare

Eisenhower Health

Gay Desert Guide

HIV + Aging Project – Palm Springs

Jewish Family Service of the Desert

Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (LKAPS)

PromoHomo.TV

The DOCK

The LGBTQ Community Center (AKA The Center)

The Joslyn Center

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com.

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

Desert AIDS Project earns “LGBTQ Healt …

Nationwide 147 health care providers earned “Top Performer” designation in the Healthcare Equality Index

WASHINGTON — Desert AIDS Project announced its “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released mid-month. A record 680 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at 1000 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 147 earned a “LGBTQ health care Equality Top Performer” designation.

“The fight for LGBTQ equality and access has come a long way, but not enough for us to be satisfied,” said DAP CEO David Brinkman. “DAP knows from experience that stigma prevents people from seeking medical care when they need it most.”

DAP started offering palliative care to people dying of AIDS 35 years ago. It evolved to offer medical, behavioral and holistic healthcare for people once HIV became treatable. Today DAP offers care to residents of the Coachella Valley regardless of HIV status. It also is active in LGBTQ advocacy.

“Our transgender and non-binary siblings throughout the Coachella Valley face extreme difficulty accessing competent and compassionate healthcare,” said Mr. Brinkman. “We see their struggle as our own, which is why we are humbled and thankful for this designation from HRC.”

HRC President Alphonso David raised concerns for LGBTQ protections at the national level.

“As the Trump-Pence administration continues to attack the most fundamental rights of LGBTQ people, including rolling back non-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act and promoting a license to discriminate in health care, it is more important than ever that health care institutions stand with the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Alphonso David.

“The health care facilities that participate in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index are making clear that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients. Going beyond inclusive non-discrimination policies, these health care facilities are adopting best practices in the areas of LGBTQ patient care and support, employee policies and benefits, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

The 12th edition of the HEI assesses participants on four criteria: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement.

In the 2019 report, an impressive 406 facilities earned HRC’s “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation,receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100. Another 148 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 81% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.

The remarkable progress reflected in the 2019 HEI includes:

  • Over half of HEI participants now have written gender transition guidelines;
  • 75% of hospitals surveyed offer trans-inclusive benefits — an impressive eight percentage point increase over last year, and numbers that bring them on par with their corporate counterparts, as measured by HRC’s 2019 CEI;
  • A 35% increase in training hours recorded — clocking in at more than 94,000 hours of LGBTQ care training provided;
  • A 60% increase in the number of HEI participants whose electronic health records capture a patient’s sexual orientation, and a 40% increase in the number of HEI participants whose electronic health records capture a patient’s gender identity.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, complementary therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth 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.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley 201 …

A powerful story about the impact of a community in action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steven Henke

[email protected]

(760)656-8401

Palm Springs, CA – Eighty-three local restaurants, bars, bakeries and coffee shops participated in Dining Out for Life on April 25 donating 33% or more of their food, beverage, and liquor gross sales to support Desert AIDS Project. Setting a record this year, fifteen participants donated 50% or more. The local event, which raised $307,000, was part of the larger Dining Out for Life program which occurs on the last Thursday of April each year.  In 2019, there were 49 Dining Out For Life events throughout North America. 2,459 restaurants participated, and with the support of 4,000 volunteers and 400,000 diners, more than $4 million was raised to support local HIV services.

Harold Matzner donated 100% of Spencer’s gross revenue in honor of his friend, Barbara Keller who championed the mission of DAP and for whom DAP’s main building will be renamed ‘The Barbara Keller LOVE Building’.  Matzner’s restaurant was the top fundraising location in North America for the second year in a row joined by Lulu California Bistro and Trio Restaurant as the top three fundraising locations.  Jointly, the three locations raised over $74,000.

Locally, the event generates great community pride of place.  Greater Palm Springs raised more funds than cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, and San Francisco.   “This is a powerful story about the impact of generous restaurants and our local community.” Said Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Development Officer, Darrel Tucci who credits the generosity of Great Palm Springs business owners for raising a record amount this year for client services at Desert AIDS Project (DAP).  “Palm Springs is the smallest participating market, but because of their commitment to DAP, we were second in overall fundraising again this year.  No other market can boast the level of commitment shown in Greater Palm Springs.”

Beyond fundraising to support DAP’s clients and services, the event generates community awareness of HIV/AIDS and supports Desert AIDS Project’s mission to enhance health and well-being of its community. Desert AIDS Project provides compassionate care for 6,500 patients and clients.  Desert AIDS Project’s goal and specialty is helping people achieve overall health. DAP is in the midst of a capital campaign, D.A.P. Vision 2020, which when fully funded, will enable it to double the number of patients and clients served.  Desert AIDS Project CEO, David Brinkman explains why the expansion is so important.  “There are 27,000 transgender individuals in our service area that need culturally competent care.  40,000 low income residents near DAP are still without healthcare and our neighbors facing a mental health crisis often wait weeks or months for an appointment.  Treatment for addiction, is often out of reach and affordable housing is almost non-existent in Palm Springs.  The future of DAP is humanitarian, moving individuals into care and onward toward a life of wellness.

Brinkman reflected on the impact of Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs. “Few other events bring DAP closer to our tap root of community action. DAP was founded on unconditional love and guided by community members who defined and funded solutions to help those in need. I hope the community shares our great sense of pride in being home to the top three fundraising restaurants in North America for the third year in a row.”  Over 10,000 residents ‘made one meal matter’ at participating locations throughout the day sporting their ‘I Dined’ badges of honor. 

Sponsors of Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs included Sysco Riverside, Nonstop Wellness, NBC Palm Springs, The Desert Sun, CV Independent, Standard Magazine, Gay Desert Guide.  The date for Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs 2020 is Thursday, April 26.

Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs

Donated 100%

Donated 69%

Donated 60%

Donated 50%

Donated 33%

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’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.  D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability,  and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Desert AIDS Project is 2019 California N …

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

Palm Springs, CA (June 5, 2019) – Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a 2019 California Nonprofit of the Year by California State Senator Jeff Stone, serving the 28th district.

Carl Baker, director of legal and legislative affairs, and Zayda Weldon, director of social services, will join with one hundred other nonprofit leaders being honored by their state senators and assembly members during a celebration luncheon as part of California Nonprofits Day today in Sacramento.

DAP is a federally qualified health center in Palm Springs, CA that has been nurturing the community since 1984. Founded with love and compassion during the worst years of the AIDS crisis, DAP has created a roadmap for offering competent care to all members of the community, regardless of HIV status.

Approximately 6,500 Coachella Valley residents are receiving primary, dental and behavioral healthcare today, in addition to other vital services. That number will almost double, as the organization is in the midst of its largest expansion ever. To find out more, please visit: dapvision2020.org.

“Nonprofits are often hidden in plain sight,” explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “California Nonprofits Day is an opportunity for our elected officials to celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and for everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”

Additional Background

California Nonprofits Day, now in its fourth year, was formally recognized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 62, authored by the chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, Assemblywoman Monique Limón (Santa Barbara), who will speak at the celebration luncheon. Senator Holly Mitchell will keynote the luncheon. The day is organized by Assemblymember Limón and CalNonprofits.

According to “Causes Count,” a 2016 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in the state, employing nearly one million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate over $200 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 450,000 full-time jobs every year.

More About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth 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.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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RAP Foundation Grant Strengthens D.A.P. …

Contact:
Sanctuary Palm Springs
Tim O’Bayley
[email protected]
(760) 788-3525

Desert AIDS Project
Jack Bunting
[email protected]
(760) 656-8472

Palm Springs, CA – (May 13, 2019) Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) and LGBT Sanctuary Palm Springs (Sanctuary) have received a $25,000 grant from The Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation in Palm Desert. This funding will fortify the collaboration between Sanctuary and D.A.P. to provide care and services for vulnerable LGBT transitional-aged youth (TAY) placed in Sanctuary’s extended foster care program for TAY ages 18-21.

This collaboration will ensure that Sanctuary residents are referred for and obtain continuous access to health care, behavioral health care, medications, and other supportive services, mitigating the high risk of poor health outcomes among LGBT TAY. Sanctuary provides single home residential placement, case management and services to assist LGBT TAY to transition to independent living.

“We are so thankful for this much needed support,” said Rob Woronoff, Sanctuary Executive Director. “The RAP Foundation has made a huge difference in our work to ensure these vibrant young people have the resources and support they need to live healthy and happy lives once they leave foster care.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with D.A.P. where our residents receive the expert healthcare that all young people deserve,” Woronoff said.

TAY is a specialized area of foster care under the California Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB 12). This legislation provided a continuum of support for transitional aged youth while they begin their journey to independence. To be eligible for extended foster care, youth must be working or in school, or both.

LGBT youth in foster care are subject to bias, discrimination, rejection and bullying as a result of their LGBT status, compounding their exposure to trauma. They are less likely than their straight peers to find a permanent home and are especially vulnerable to abuse even within the child welfare system that is supposed to protect them.

“Working with Sanctuary as it breaks barriers to bridge foster youth to independent living as adults is in line with our mission,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “This gift from the RAP Foundation will make a huge difference in our work to address the unmet needs of this vulnerable population.”

D.A.P. has been providing residents of Sanctuary with healthcare, behavioral healthcare, clinic case management, HIV/STI prevention education, support groups, job placement and transportation to D.A.P. for services since spring 2018.

About Sanctuary Palm Springs
Sanctuary Palm Springs (SPS) is a Transitional Housing Program specifically designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community of foster youth transitioning to adulthood. If you are 18 – 21 and are – or have been in – foster care and you would like to have a safe, welcoming home in which to successfully transition to adulthood, Sanctuary Palm Springs is the place for you.

Call us today to begin the application process at (760)766-3500. If you know someone who needs the additional support available through the THP+FC program, please share this site with them.

To find out more about Sanctuary Palm Springs, visit www.facebook.com/LGBTSanctuaryPalmSpringswww.twitter.com/sanctuaryps, and www.sanctuarypalmsprings.org to learn more.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’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. D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. 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.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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American Psychological Association Names …

American Psychological Association Names Dr. Daniel Parker As 2019 Psychology and AIDS Distinguished Leader Award Recipient

Palm Springs, CA – (March 8, 2019) Desert AIDS Project with great pride announces that its own Daniel Parker, Ph.D., has received the 2019 Psychology and AIDS Distinguished Leadership Award. The American Psychological Association (APA) Ad Hoc Committee on Psychology and AIDS (COPA) bestowed the honor after reviewing nominations by his colleagues, and by leaders in the public interest community. This distinction is awarded to just one psychologist yearly, chosen among leaders in the field across the U.S.

According to APA COPA, Dr. Parker was chosen for this accolade after years of compassionate service to improve the lives of people living with HIV through clinical work, research, policy and advocacy efforts, and teaching and mentoring the next generation of HIV researchers and service providers.

At Desert AIDS Project, this has resulted in an elevated level of expertise offered to clients seeking therapeutic counseling in individual and group sessions. Dr. Parker’s career became focused on HIV / AIDS nearly thirty years ago, soon after D.A.P. was founded in 1984, and has included clinical practice, advocacy and training in Australia and the U.S.

“We deeply value the empathetic, evidence-based and collaborative approach Dr. Parker brings to the 700 clients living with and at-risk for HIV who rely on D.A.P. for behavioral healthcare,” said David Brinkman, D.A.P. CEO. “He is removing once seemingly impenetrable roadblocks from their journeys to health and wellness, despite HIV.”

Dr. Parker is known as D.A.P.’s longest-tenured psychologist and recently as Director of Behavioral Health during record-breaking growth; 26% growth in clinicians and 59% growth in visits. His partnership extends back two decades while employed elsewhere. For many years he was one of the few clinical psychologists in several counties who could deliver culturally competent care for people living with HIV in a stigma-free, compassionate setting.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the APA, and to be part of a national community of psychologists and mental health providers who have worked over many years to improve the health and lives of those living with HIV”, said Dr. Parker.

Today, Dr. Parker influences resource allocation, recruitment priorities and strategic planning by highlighting emerging needs in the HIV community. Over 80% of clients are living at or below the County’s threshold for Extremely Low or Very Low income and 63% are over the age of 50 years – most facing accelerated effects of getting older attributed to long term use of antiretroviral therapies and opportunistic health conditions.

According to colleague Dr. David Morris, Chief Medical Officer, Desert AIDS Project: “Personally, I have observed how patients under my personal care are benefitting from individual therapy, support groups and collaborative partnerships with peers led by Dr. Parker,” said Morris. “His influence is ensuring a rightful place for approaches to memory function and cognitive health, cognitive behavioral therapy for pain management, integrated diet management programs, strategies to combat social isolation and trauma-informed care.”

Policy and Advocacy Leadership

Dr. Parker’s guidance in three influential bodies—the APA’s Gerodiversity Committee, the LGBT Aging Issues Network Council of the American Society on Aging and the HIV & Aging Research Project—Palm Springs (a local consortium of researchers and clinicians)—is resulting in momentum and legitimacy for research grants and wider community participation. Past examples of his impact include obtaining funding to launch an innovative CBT for Late Life Depression program and chairing the Older Adult Working Group of the Reducing Disparities Project which resulted in a state-wide survey measuring mental health service access and treatment for the LGBT community.  In Australia, he has been part of state and national working groups advancing issues in LGBT and HIV aging.

According to Professor Nancy Pachana, Ph.D., Co-Director, UQ Ageing Mind Initiative, at the University of Queensland (Australia):

“Dr. Parker has sought out jobs that utilize his considerable skills with vulnerable populations,” she said. “These are patients not only battling co-occurring disorders and negative social determinants of health, but decades of destructive experiences with stigma in the behavioral health profession.”

“With Dr. Parker, they find themselves establishing trust in a judgment-free environment,” Pachana said.

Additionally, Dr. Parker is motivating D.A.P. leadership to address affordable pain management alternatives and embrace new approaches to long-term survivors and older adults. Also, his expertise is making it possible for the Federally Qualified Health Center to pursue recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home and a leader in providing transgender care.

According to colleague Jill Gover, Ph.D., Clinic Director, Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic at The Center:

“Dr. Parker is aware that aging can compound the challenges facing those living with HIV,” she said. “He understands that specific therapeutic approaches are needed to address these problems, and works both in his practice and in the larger community to promote awareness of these issues.”

Teaching and Mentoring Leadership

Dr. Parker never stops sharing what he learns. Frequent lectures and trainings on issues relevant to mental health among people living with HIV promote excellence worldwide.

“Those of us who were once new to acknowledge the complexities that sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV infection played in our practice have found in Dr. Parker a guidepost and a mentor,” said Dr. Nancy Pachana, a psychology colleague in Australia. “I’ve watched clinicians in all stages of their career who were initially anxious or intimidated to tackle these emerging realities become culturally competent under his tutelage.”

In 2018 he engaged Pauline Crameri from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia to offer a training to D.A.P.’s 230 staff members on addressing health and psychosocial needs of LGBT older adults, drawing upon research and best practices from her country.

This fall he served as the mentor to D.A.P. clinicians attending the Global Education Initiative by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). As the co-chair of D.A.P.’s Transgender Health Program, Dr. Parker works closely with fellow co-chair and nurse practitioner, Anthony Velasco, MS, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, AAHIVS.

“Dr. Parker has illustrated leadership to open our doors wider so we can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all people – regardless of their HIV status, sexual orientation, and gender identity,” said Velasco. “Dr. Parker has inspired all of us to do better and be better for the community we serve.”

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’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.  D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. 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.orgwww.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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