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DAP Health sees large uptick in HIV and …

DAP Health sees large uptick in HIV and STI testing since offering free service  

Eliminating cost barrier has drawn more people to get tested and care in past four months 

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Since eliminating the cost barriers in its Sexual Wellness Clinic/Orange Clinic, DAP Health has seen an ongoing STI increases while HIV has remained the same, according to CJ Tobe, the Director of Community Health and Sexual Wellness.  

DAP Health knew access to these services would be vital while social activities increased 

In the first four months:  

  • The Orange Clinic saw over 2,000 patients. 
  • On average, DAP Health is seeing 170 more patients per month than when patients were being charged for services.  
  • The clinic started the same amount of people on PrEP during the four months than they did in the prior 12 months.  
  • There were over 50 appointments for rapid start to ensure people newly diagnosed with HIV, or returning to care, have access to HIV medications within 7 days.  

“We are proactively protecting the community’s health,” Tobe said. “Eliminating the cost barrier has proven to increase access to folks in our community for PrEP and STI services.” 

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

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

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

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

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

About DAP Health 

DAP Health is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, Calif., serving more than 10,000 patients, offering medical and mental health care, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab services. A variety of wraparound services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area.     

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.    

 

 

Revivals Online Artist Spotlight Feature …

Revivals Online Artist Spotlight Features DAP Health Clients

When words fail him, Robert Coughlin’s art speaks for him.

“I don’t know if I do too well in language, I feel a bit lacking in being able to communicate. I really think that painting for me is my voice.” Coughlin says. “I had a pretty rough childhood, so my images have always been really bright and colorful. I’ve always wanted anybody who sees them to feel lifted up.”

Coughlin, along with nine other DAP Health clients, will have his art for sale during the holiday season in an artist spotlight on Revival’s website (revivalsstores.com).

Corina Lujan, DAP Health Wellness Center Manager, says selling the art is an extension of a career development program at DAP Health that helps clients become productive. Through the program, it was apparent there were a number of talented artists. “A lot of them are really skilled with no place to sell their art,” Lujan explains.

“Selling their art is a way for them to make a little bit of extra money, especially since some of them are on disability. Their fixed income doesn’t allow for a lot.”

Normally, client art is displayed in the lobby of the Barbara Keller Love Building at DAP Health. But construction and COVID reduced the traffic flow through the hallway.

“We launched e-commerce at Revivals during the pandemic and felt the timing was right to use the online site to spotlight DAP Health clients,” says Director of Retail, Dane Koch. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the artist. The timing of the online sale makes giving a gift for the greater good easier than ever before. The limited-timed event begins on November 25, 2021, and will end on January 2, 2022.

Coughlin says he is excited that he will be able to sell his watercolor and acrylic paintings. His paintings are a form of communication for him and one of the messages he wants to portray is his gratitude for DAP Health providing the care he needed.

“I wept the first time I went to the dentist there,” Coughlin says. “All my dental work was so necessary.

The dentists and everybody in the front office treated me with such compassion. It was very emotional for me that I wasn’t treated like a leper. I’m just so grateful for them, for Dr. (Tulika) Singh on the medical side and Josie (Pimentel) her assistant. They’ve just been so compassionate and kind and really supportive.”

Click here to meet the artists 

About Revivals

Giving Back Never Goes Out of Style. Shopping at Revivals funds hope and health for the 10,000 individuals who call DAP Health their healthcare home. Revivals Stores donate 100% of its profits, totaling over $1 million a year, to support comprehensive medical and mental healthcare at DAP Health.

Find Yourself at Revivals and support the community you want to create. Revivals has four locations throughout the Coachella Valley - Palm Springs, Indio, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert. Customers are also able to shop a broad collection of brand-new Mode furniture alongside vintage finds on its website.

DAP Health (DAP) is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, CA offering medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab. A variety of wraparound services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area. Visit Revivals Stores at www.revivalsstores.com.

Together Again, a community comes togeth …

Contact: Leighton Ginn
Public Relations Specialist
(760) 567-2983
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2021

Together Again, a community comes together to end HIV and fund comprehensive care at DAP Health

IN-PERSON EVENT RETURNS TO RUTH HARDY PARK ON OCTOBER 30

PALM SPRINGS, CA –   More than 2,000 local humanitarians will come together to end the HIV epidemic, expand healthcare access, and remember those friends and family members who we lost because of AIDS.

The 2021 Desert AIDS Walk, presented by Desert Care Network, will be an in-person event Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, beginning at Ruth Hardy Park and following a route through downtown Palm Springs. The family and pet-friendly event includes a Health and Wellness Village presented by Walgreens.

WHO: DAP Health

WHAT: Desert AIDS Walk 2021 ’Together Again'

WHEN: Saturday, October 30

  • Registration and Health & Wellness Village Opens 7:00 am
  • Main Stage Entertainment and Presentations 8:00 am
  • Walk Kick-Off 9:00 am
  • Walkers Return to Park 10:30 am

WHERE: Ruth Hardy Park - Route through Downtown Palm Springs

WHY: End HIV/Fund Comprehensive Health Care

HOW: Register Today www.desertaidswalk.org

The annual Desert AIDS Walk helps fund the vital work of DAP Health, previously Desert AIDS Project, an advocacy-based health care organization that provides service to more than 10,000 individuals. DAP Health CEO David Brinkman says, "We remain committed to ending the epidemic and caring for people living with HIV. That work includes the vital services we offer, including HIV prevention and specialty care, STI screening, and treatment, housing support, benefits navigation, medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare.”

The goal for this year’s event is to raise $350,000. With 5 days to go, fundraising is already at a record pace.

This year marks 40 years of HIV with the first reported cases about what would become known as HIV and AIDS published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Brinkman says, “AIDS taught us a community response is the most effective response. It taught us that we cannot turn our backs when communities are in need and in fear, that we must remember our humanity and the gift of giving back and be there to help. And as we have learned through our recent human rights and health equity movements, equality cannot be experienced by one until it is experienced by all.”

Since 1984, residents of the Coachella Valley have been coming together as a community in action caring for those living with and now aging with HIV. DAP Health Chief Development and Strategy Officer Darrell Tucci says, “Desert AIDS Walk brings together the collective power of community and our shared vision of a future where everyone has the comprehensive care they need to live their best lives.”

Revivals Stores has been donating 100% of their profits to DAP Health each year since it first opened in 1994. Director of Retail, Dane Koch will join leaders from each of the four Revivals stores for a special check presentation before the walk. “Our team of volunteers and employees came together this year to make an impact.  Over 6,500 customers donated an average of three dollars as they were checking out of our stores.  The collective impact of their generosity resulted in $20,000 being raised at our stores for this year's walk. To me, it’s a great reminder that every person's effort matters when we come together with a shared purpose.”

The presenting sponsor of the walk’s Health & Wellness Village, Walgreens, got its team members and customers involved in the fundraising effort again this year setting a new fundraising record. Walgreens will present DAP Health with a check for $17,000 when they take the stage before the walk.

Health and Wellness Village presented by Walgreens

  • Over 40 Booths including DAP Health, Desert Care Network, Eisenhower Health, Desert Oasis Healthcare, The Center, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, and IEHP.,
  • Urban Yoga, G-Force Workout, Club Pilates,
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Breakfast and Coffee by Koffi starting at 7 AM
  • Lunch provided by Sysco at 10:30 am (sandwiches, chips, fruit, granola bars)
  • Hot Purple Energy will be powering the main stage with their solar truck – a first for the walk!
  • The Memorial Wall is where walkers can write notes to loved ones that have passed or are currently living with HIV.

This year’s walk will be kicked off by Ted Guice, who created the G-Force Workout Crew, a grass-roots fitness group that began during the darkest times of the pandemic, and now boasts 585 members on its Facebook page. His free workouts at Ruth Hardy Park kept the community active and connected during COVID-19 attracting anywhere from 60-100 participants each morning. “I’ve been teaching the class at World Gym for 11 years, but when COVID hit, we moved outdoors into someone's back yard.  As the class grew, we transitioned into Ruth Hardy Park.  I don’t think anyone imagined how important the daily workout and the sense of community it created would become when we began.” 

Jase Nagaia is one of the people who participate in the G-Force work-out and looks forward to the warmup. “Ted has that energy to warm people up. It’s going to be exciting to be upfront helping get people pumped up for the walk. I'm hoping that we have a good turnout because DAP is a wonderful organization and I really love what they do for the community. I really think the energy we bring to class is great energy to bring to the walk.

Guice promises to bring that G-Force level of fun and fitness to the pre-walk warm-up “It's going to be a fun time. We promise them that they'll be ready to walk.”

DAP Health Director of Development, James Lindquist remembers his first Desert AIDS Walk.  He moved to Palm Springs from Oregon in 2016, and the first thing he did was volunteer for the Desert AIDS Walk. He helped register volunteers and handed out ice cream.

“By the end of the day, I was covered in ice cream. It was a lot of fun,” Lindquist says. “I told my friends when I moved to Palm Springs, my goal was one day to be the Director of Development for DAP Health. I just knew it was something I wanted to do.

Ending HIV stigma is a passion for Lindquist who lives with HIV. “It’s the stigma that was associated with it and just the feeling of being lesser when you would talk to people about it,” Lindquist says. “It took a while for me to find my voice and it was not until I started working for an AIDS organization that I found that. And so, for me doing this job, is helping somebody else find their voice and knowing that they are important and cared about. We are people living with HIV, but it doesn't define us. It's not going to dictate how I'm treated.”

“I just think it's such a great inclusive, fun event that raises money for the bottom line, because it's underwritten by some very generous sponsors,” says DAP Health Board Chairman Patrick Jordan. “So, every cent actually goes directly to client care. And to me, that's the most important part.”

Desert AIDS Walk 2021 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: Desert Care Network

Health & Wellness Village Sponsor: Walgreen’s

Major Sponsors: Avita Pharmacy, Desert Sun, Gilead Sciences, Inc., NBC Palm Springs, Steve Tobin, Johnny Krupa and the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Revivals, The Chandi Group, The City of Palm Springs

Sponsors:  Abbvie, Heffernan Financial Services HR Simplistic, Inland Empire Health Plan, Janssen Therapeutic, Lovitt – Touche’, Palm Springs Disposal, Palm Springs Motors, SBEMP, SoCalGas, The City of Cathedral City, The Stonewall Group at Morgan Stanley

Breakfast Sponsor: Koffi

Lunch Sponsor: Sysco Riverside

Media Sponsors: Alpha Media, Channel Q, Desert Health, Gay Desert Guide, GED Magazine, KGAY Radio, Metrosource, Promo Homo TV, Radio 111, The CV Independent, and The Standard Magazine.

About DAP Health

DAP Health is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, Calif., serving more than 10,000 patients, offering medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab services. A variety of wraparound services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area.

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Secur …

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Secures Funding for Special Needs Housing Development on DAP Health Campus

October  6, 2021 (Indio, CA) – The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) in partnership with  DAP Health, announced today the successful award of $10,809,380 in federal tax credits and $8,107,033 in State tax credits from the California Debit Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. The successful award of financing is needed to begin construction of the 61-unit special needs affordable housing development known as Vista Sunrise II.  The Vista Sunrise II development will be constructed on the DAP Health campus at Sunrise and Vista Chino in Palm Springs.  This new development consists of studios and one-bedroom units for individuals and families who experience chronical illnesses, physical or mental disabilities, or those who are homeless.

The award comes just weeks after the announcement by the Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) that the development would be awarded $6,769,577 in No Place Like Home Funds (NPLH). One million dollars of this award was allocated directly through the NPLH Riverside County allocation for RUHS-BH, the remaining funds were awarded through a competitive state application where the project was one of the highest scoring applications in this funding round. In late June, the Federal Home Loan Bank announced that the project was awarded $900,000 in Affordable Housing Program funds. Earlier this year the City of Palm Springs committed $3,600,000 in Housing Homeless Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds along with a 100% reduction in development impact fees. 

Vista Sunrise II was also awarded 35 project-based section 8 vouchers from the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside; the award of these vouchers will allow individuals who might otherwise not have any resources to pay rent, even at rates which are lower than fair market rents, to obtain an apartment. The Vista Sunrise II development will cost just over $30M to construct and would not be possible without the collaboration of numerous funding sources and the partnerships of CVHC and DAP.

The City of Palm Springs is making major efforts to address the housing crisis as well as the mental and physical health disparities that are often linked to inadequate housing. Partnerships with the CVHC (the largest provider of affordable housing in the Inland Empire) and DAP Health (a premier Federal Qualified Health Center serving over 10,000 patients annually) are perfect as it relates to reducing homelessness and increasing decent and safe housing. Residents of the development will live only steps away from many of the critical services they need on the campus of DAP Health. In conjunction with RUHS-BH, DAP will provide wrap-around supportive services for residents and their families.

This project benefits the community in multiple ways beyond providing affordable housing. It also:

  • Brings jobs to the community: the project provides prevailing wage construction jobs to locals
  • Energy Efficient: This community also meets energy standards through the Energy Star Program, Build It® Green—Green Point Rated Program and Green Property Management. It will also offer the same energy-efficient standards through its refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves/ovens, and other appliances.
  • Outdoor recreation: A dog park and green space which will offer seating for Vista Sunrise II residents, Vista Sunrise I residents, and DAP Health staff and visitors will be constructed as part of the development.
  • Computer Center: All residents will have access to the computer center located in the community room.
  • Demonstration Kitchen: Residents will learn to prepare healthy meals through free classes and workshops offered at the demonstration kitchen located within the community room.

 “For our community to achieve health equity, affordable housing must be a part of the healthcare continuum.  Partnering with CVHC allows us to strengthen the housing stability safety net for residents in Palm Springs.  We are fortunate to have a strong and like-minded partner in CVHC,” says David Brinkman, CEO of DAP Health.  

“It takes a village to be able to build high quality affordable housing development for a well-deserved special needs population.  CVHC is extremely grateful to all the funding agencies that are financially supporting this much needed development in the city of Palm Springs.  Thank you to DAP Health for choosing to partner with CVHC to develop this much needed affordable housing project and to provide supportive services to the residents. We look forward to begin construction of this development in the coming months” says Pedro S. G. Rodriguez, Interim Executive Director of CVHC.

####

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) is a nonprofit community development corporation serving farmworkers, veterans, families, seniors, and other low-income residents.  Founded in 1982, CVHC's mission is to improve low-income individuals and families' living conditions by constructing and operating affordable housing infused with community services programs and other opportunities that enrich, build, and grow their lives. 

For more than 39 years, CVHC has been providing affordable housing and community development programs to hundreds of individuals and families.  To date, CVHC has developed close to 5,000 homes and apartments throughout Riverside and Imperial counties. In addition, CVHC provides its residents access to a variety of programs, including early childhood education centers, after-school and recreational programming, medical clinics, cultural music, art and dance classes, computer technology instruction, STEM-blended Lego Robotics, an Alternative High School and GED Diploma program, Financial Literacy, English as a Second Language courses, homeownership counseling and other opportunities that improve their lives and livelihoods.  For more information, please visit www.cvhc.org.

DAP Health (DAP) is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, CA serving over  10,000 patients, offering medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab. A variety of wraparound services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area.     

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

DAP’s sexual health clinic offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing.

DAP has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that DAP exceeds industry standards in terms of financial health, accountability, and transparency.  

DAP Health Works to Stop COVID-19 Pandem …

Contact: Steven Henke                               
Director of Brand Marketing
(612) 310-3047
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2021

DAP Health Works to Stop COVID-19 Pandemic Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Employees

Due to the recent COVID-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, DAP Health announced today that it will require its 229 employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. David Morris, DAP Health chief medical officer, explains, “universal mask wearing is not sufficient to prevent transmission of the Delta variant, which is more transmissible and causes more severe disease. COVID-19 vaccinations are the most effective means of preventing disease transmission.”

The new requirement includes the organization's health care campus in Palm Springs and its four Revivals stores across the Coachella Valley. The announcement comes as hospitalizations and deaths are rising throughout the United States due to the substantial number of unvaccinated people and the highly contagious Delta variant. Vaccination is the primary way to put the pandemic to rest and avoid the return of restrictive public health measures.

Morris explains, “As DAP Health and the health care community lead the way in requiring vaccines for our team members, DAP Health hopes all employers across the valley will follow our lead and implement policies to encourage vaccination. The health and safety of individuals, families, and the Coachella Valley depend on it.”

 “We are proud 95% of our employees have already been vaccinated. DAP Health team members made an ethical commitment to ensure the health and well-being of our patients, colleagues and community. This is essential to protect those who are vulnerable, including the immunocompromised,” says David Brinkman, CEO of DAP Health. “As members of the health care community, we need to have the courage of our convictions.” 

“Ending epidemics, whether HIV or COVID-19, is the charge of DAP Health. In mid-June, California had about 900 COVID cases severe enough to require hospitalization versus nearly 3,000 now. It is critical the entire health care workforce gets vaccinated against COVID to ensure patient safety,” Morris says. “With nearly 4 billion doses administered worldwide, we know the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Vaccinations reduce the spread of COVID and the harmful toll this virus is taking within the health care workforce and those we serve.”

“As specialists in HIV and LGBTQ+ care, DAP Health recognizes the historical mistrust of health care institutions. DAP Health is committed to addressing team members’ concerns, engage with marginalized populations, and work with trusted messengers to improve vaccine acceptance,” Brinkman says.

DAP Health recognizes some workers may not receive the vaccine because of medical or religious reasons. They will be exempt from this mandate, will wear N95 masks, and be tested weekly for COVID-19. 

About DAP Health

DAP Health is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, serving more than 10,000 patients. The health center offers medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy and lab services. A variety of wraparound services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area.    

DAP Health opened one of California’s first COVID-19 clinics and hotlines to offer screening, testing and treatment. DAP Health also is working to address the social determinants of health that are causing negative health outcomes during this pandemic, like food and housing insecurity, joblessness, isolation and access to ongoing healthcare.

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

Visit daphealth.org to learn more.

DAP Health removes barriers and improves …

Contact: Steven Henke, Director of Brand Marketing

Phone: (612) 310-3047

Email: [email protected]

 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Orange Clinic opens July 6, 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Health Equity Won at The Steve Chase Hum …

 

Health Equity Won at The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2021 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAP Health Brand Emerged to Fight COVID 

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

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

“It's our evolution,” he said. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women Brought Activism Through Art and Heart 

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

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

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

Messages of Love to Mom 

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

Dining Out For Life 

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Special Appearance by Hometown Gem 

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

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

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

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

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

Keisha is singing again these days.  

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

New Behavioral Health Clinic Serving Double in 2021 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Equity Through Access to Healthcare 

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

Western Wind Foundation 

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

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

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

Alianza Coachella Valley 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How COVID Hotline Made A Difference 

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

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

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

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

Other callers had family members with COVIDand others were exposed to somebody at workNo matter what, Dr. Dew and her team were available with information and if necessary, an appointment. 

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

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

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

HIV Expertise Prepared Us for COVID Fight  

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

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

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

At Show’s Ending, Focus Remained on Mission  

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

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

About DAP Health 

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

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

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more. 

Get Rental and Utilities Assistance Now …

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

Get Rental and Utilities Assistance Now at DAP Health

Open to all eligible County residents

DAP Health is now a full-time application site for rental assistance from United Lift. The service is available to any eligible Riverside County resident, despite immigration status. It is not necessary to be a patient or client of DAP Health to receive this assistance.

This service will be offered at DAP Health through June 30, 2021.

The program will cover up to 12 months of back rent and three months of future rent. Help with utilities is also offered.

The United Lift Rental Assistance Program is a coordinated effort between Riverside County, Inland SoCal United Way and Lift To Rise to keep Riverside County families and residents financially impacted by COVID housed by providing direct rental and utility assistance.

DAP Health is bringing its expertise with intake services, welcoming new participants daily.

The application process requires uploading forms online and providing supporting documents. This can be time consuming, but Mike Cohan, resources navigator, is adept at getting this done quickly for participants who work with him.

“We don’t want anyone getting lost in the shuffle,” says Michael.

Once at DAP Health, Michael completes their application online for them while they are with him. This includes scanning all of their documents and then routing them appropriately.

“I ensure that they're qualified before I send them in,” Michael says. “It’s been busy here, but it's been really, really good.”

That’s because of the impact this program is making in people’s lives daily, he says.

One participant lost her income because she is a house cleaner, and pandemic life has made customers cancel the service everywhere. The pressure to support her household of three has resulted in keeping long hours to stay active in job searching.

“She's actively looking for work in the middle of the night because she doesn't like not working,” he says.

While also caring for a sick loved one during the daytime, it was not long before bills had piled up.

Since meeting with Michael, she is getting 12 months of back rent covered, plus the utility bills.

Meeting with Michael also means being offered access to all of the other things DAP Health offers.

These include COVID testing and resources, plus ongoing medical and mental healthcare.

“It’s been a forum where they can come in and I was able to educate them on the services that we provide here for better health,” Michael says.

Having a partner in this work like Lift To Rise also helping DAP Health do more for the community, he says.

“It's made a world of difference because the team has provided so much training for us” says Michael. “They've been so supportive to make sure that we have the resources we need.”

Bi-lingual team members at DAP Health help make it easy for Spanish speakers to apply for the program when calling and visiting the campus.

“I have a lot of people that have come in who are Spanish speaking only,” says Michael.

Think you don’t deserve help? Guess again.

“The ripple effect that it's causing from having no job or reduction in hours, is definitely taking a toll on people,” he says.

Asking for help is hard for a lot of people. He works hard to put people at ease when they work with him.

“I explain that uncertainty from this pandemic is out of our control, and it’s happened to the best of us,” Michael says. “If you qualify and you need it, don't be embarrassed to take it.”

That the fear goes away before they leave, he says.

About Lift to Rise

Lift to Rise is a cross-sector, community-driven movement to improve life in Southern California’s Coachella Valley for the majority of residents who do not experience the opulence and luxury for which the area is known. With input from more than 50 collaborative partners and countless community members Lift to Rise created a 2020-2022 Action Plan—a roadmap to radically increase housing stability and advance economic opportunity for all Coachella Valley residents. We envision a future where all Coachella Valley families are healthy, stable, and thriving.

About DAP Health

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

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

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.

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

Get Rental and Utilities Assistance Now at DAP Health

Open to all eligible County residents

DAP Health is now a full-time application site for rental assistance from United Lift. The service is available to any eligible Riverside County resident, despite immigration status. It is not necessary to be a patient or client of DAP Health to receive this assistance.

This service will be offered at DAP Health through June 30, 2021.

The program will cover up to 12 months of back rent and three months of future rent. Help with utilities is also offered.

The United Lift Rental Assistance Program is a coordinated effort between Riverside County, Inland SoCal United Way and Lift To Rise to keep Riverside County families and residents financially impacted by COVID housed by providing direct rental and utility assistance.

DAP Health is bringing its expertise with intake services, welcoming new participants daily.

The application process requires uploading forms online and providing supporting documents. This can be time consuming, but Mike Cohan, resources navigator, is adept at getting this done quickly for participants who work with him.

“We don’t want anyone getting lost in the shuffle,” says Michael.

Once at DAP Health, Michael completes their application online for them while they are with him. This includes scanning all of their documents and then routing them appropriately.

“I ensure that they're qualified before I send them in,” Michael says. “It’s been busy here, but it's been really, really good.”

That’s because of the impact this program is making in people’s lives daily, he says.

One participant lost her income because she is a house cleaner, and pandemic life has made customers cancel the service everywhere. The pressure to support her household of three has resulted in keeping long hours to stay active in job searching.

“She's actively looking for work in the middle of the night because she doesn't like not working,” he says.

While also caring for a sick loved one during the daytime, it was not long before bills had piled up.

Since meeting with Michael, she is getting 12 months of back rent covered, plus the utility bills.

Meeting with Michael also means being offered access to all of the other things DAP Health offers.

These include COVID testing and resources, plus ongoing medical and mental healthcare.

“It’s been a forum where they can come in and I was able to educate them on the services that we provide here for better health,” Michael says.

Having a partner in this work like Lift To Rise also helping DAP Health do more for the community, he says.

“It's made a world of difference because the team has provided so much training for us” says Michael. “They've been so supportive to make sure that we have the resources we need.”

Bi-lingual team members at DAP Health help make it easy for Spanish speakers to apply for the program when calling and visiting the campus.

“I have a lot of people that have come in who are Spanish speaking only,” says Michael.

Think you don’t deserve help? Guess again.

“The ripple effect that it's causing from having no job or reduction in hours, is definitely taking a toll on people,” he says.

Asking for help is hard for a lot of people. He works hard to put people at ease when they work with him.

“I explain that uncertainty from this pandemic is out of our control, and it’s happened to the best of us,” Michael says. “If you qualify and you need it, don't be embarrassed to take it.”

That the fear goes away before they leave, he says.

About Lift to Rise

Lift to Rise is a cross-sector, community-driven movement to improve life in Southern California’s Coachella Valley for the majority of residents who do not experience the opulence and luxury for which the area is known. With input from more than 50 collaborative partners and countless community members Lift to Rise created a 2020-2022 Action Plan—a roadmap to radically increase housing stability and advance economic opportunity for all Coachella Valley residents. We envision a future where all Coachella Valley families are healthy, stable, and thriving.

About DAP Health

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

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

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.

By Example, DAP Health Clinicians Take A …

By Example, DAP Health Clinicians Take Active Role In Self Care

Contact:
Robert Hopwood
[email protected]
(619) 339-6817

PALM SPRINGS, CA (4/20/2021) — DAP Health is excited to announce the launch of our Healthy Desert Living campaign that encourages everyone in the Coachella Valley to join us in taking an active role in their health.

Spending more time at home during the pandemic means many people are less active. However, there are easy ways to get outside and get active.

DAP Health is encouraging our community to be more active because being sedentary can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.

The Healthy Desert Living campaign features DAP Health team members exercising in local places with the message, “We take an active role in your health.” The featured clinicians are:

  • Dr. Christopher Foltz, an internist and infectious disease specialist, pictured cycling at North Lykken Trail;
  • Dr. Jill “Dr. G” Gover, a licensed clinical psychologist who leads DAP Health’s Behavioral Health department, pictured practicing yoga at Ruth Hardy Park’s Wellness Park;
  • Dr. Ryan Halquist, a licensed clinical psychologist, pictured swimming at the Palm Springs Swim Center;
  • Dr. Tulika Singh, director of research at DAP Health, pictured running at North Lykken Trail; and
  • Anthony Velasco, a nurse practitioner who heads the Transgender Care Program at DAP Health, pictured hiking at North Lykken Trail.

“Exercise is one of the best ways to combat and limit some serious health conditions ranging from heart disease and high blood pressure to anxiety and depression,” says Dr. Tulika Singh.

Every day, the doctors and clinicians at DAP Health actively partner with our patients to help them achieve their full potential. We welcome all adults, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status to join us and experience the holistic, patient-centered care we provide.

“Even though it might take some effort to change your lifestyle, especially if you’re living with physical limitations or you've been sedentary for a long time, it is so worth the effort because the quality of your life will improve dramatically,” says Dr. G.

We want to remind our patients that they are getting their healthcare through a local health center whose doctors and clinicians work, live and play in the same community as they do.

For people who haven’t thought about getting their healthcare through DAP Health, we want them to consider joining us because our doctors and clinicians care about them. We are committed to taking an active role in the health of our community and providing the best care to everyone.

We also hope to inspire our community to get active and consider doing things they may not have done recently, like bicycling, hiking, swimming, running and meditating. Everyone, regardless of age and physical ability, can find ways to become more active. We want the Coachella Valley to be a healthier community.

“At DAP Health, we work together with our patients. We invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to partner with us and take an active role in their health because a healthier community is better for everyone,” says Dustin Gruber, DAP Health marketing manager.

The campaign will be featured on billboards, bus shelters, local television and print outlets, radio ads and online ad networks. It will run through mid-July.

We want to hear back from community members about how they are becoming more active. Follow DAP Health on our social media channels (FacebookYouTube and Twitter) and sign up for our newsletters at www.daphealth.org, because we are always sharing ways we can all take an active role in our collective health.

About DAP Health 

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

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

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.     

Entertainment Announced for 2021 Steve C …

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

Entertainment Announced for 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards  

Honoring the art of caring on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 9, 2021 starting at 5:30 p.m. PT 

DAP Health is pleased to announce that this year’s entertainment lineup for the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will feature wickedly talented vocalists, known to be dreams to work with. Broadway will hit a high note for health equity in our Valley as it honors community in action on Mother’s Day 2021. 

Broadway Entertainers We Know and Love

This year’s entertainers celebrate the spirit to step forward, even during a pandemic:

Shoshana Bean is a veteran of the Broadway stage having debuted in the original cast of “Hairspray” and starred as first replacement for Elphaba, the green-skinned witch, in “Wicked”. She also played Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress”. She has performed alongside Brian McKnight, Bebe Winans, and she sang back up for Michael Jackson.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a triple-threat. Her award-winning work includes creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical “Dreamgirls”. Sheryl returned to Broadway as Madame Morrible in “Wicked” making her the first African American actress to take on the classic role on Broadway.  Ms. Ralph has been a tireless advocate for people with HIV for decades.

A Special Appearance by Hometown Gem

Keisha D is a cabaret chanteuse and local humanitarian icon. Her roles have included the Acid Queen in "Tommy," the fairy godmother in "Cinderella" and Motor Mouth Mabel in "Hairspray". She established the Keisha D Music Scholarship, an endowment through the Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation that grants scholarships to minority students interested in pursuing an education in music and performing arts.

Keisha D is celebrated for her work with the Black and LGBTQ communities in Palm Springs. 

“This year we are honoring women, mothers, and all of our frontline workers,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “Their tireless work for HIV care, COVID relief, and access to ongoing healthcare is improving the public health at a time when we need it the most.”

Scott Nevins Repeats Role as Host 

The event will be hosted by TV personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins. He co-produced and hosted DAP’s Voices of Hope in 2020. He is best known or being one of the original cast members and breakout stars of Bravo TV’s series “The People’s Couch”, and truTV’s hit show “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…” Mr. Nevins is also a DAP Health Board member.

Great Dining Still Part of Experience

This year we invite everyone to enhance their Steve Chase experience while supporting our local restaurant community. On May 9, we hope you will order take-out or to dine in at one of the following 10 eateries before the show begins broadcast on NBC Palm Springs at 5:30 PM PT. DAP Health’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube or Twitter) will also broadcast the event at that time.

Are you a past Dining Out For Life participating restaurant? If you would like to be included in this listing, please call James Lindquist at (760) 656-8413.

More about 27th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

Find Out Why Hope Begins with Health 

The economic impact of COVID on our community is not just a change in financial circumstances. The implications have far-reaching consequences on medical and mental health. Click here to explore our Hope Begins with Health campaign and find out how DAP Health is meeting the needs of our patients and clients during this pandemic, and how you can help. 

Registration is open: The 27th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards is May 9, 2021.  Click here to register and keep up to date on all the details, celebrity entertainment, online auction opportunities and more. 

You can participate by tuning into NBC Palm Springs or by joining us on any of DAP Health’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube or Twitter).   

DAP Health and community sponsors reimagined the 27th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards as a digital experience that will honor this community’s legacy of giving and the compassion of its namesake, all in a format that made safe and accessible for everyone.   

“Making health equity a priority in this Valley through this pandemic calls for us to remember the spirit and lessons we learned from Steve Chase,” says David Brinkman, CEO. “DAP Health continues to be guided by his example of activism and giving, which saves and changes lives today.” 

Themes in 2021 Serve the Greater Good 

This year’s awards are a celebration of the Hope Begins with Health campaign — a $2 million fundraising initiative to propel DAP Health’s frontline work. 

Our ever-expanding patient population needs us to focus on: health equity, COVID, mental health, and ending HIV.  

Health Equity Means Access  

Experts warn us that too many people are falling out of essential medical and mental healthcare, but throughout 2021 DAP Health is offering them solutions tailored for these times.  

  • Public health outreach to isolated patients will connect them to care based on need and not wealth, 
  • Added resource navigators will help more people access care with insurance, plus help with everyday living essentials,  
  • Mobile medical services will serve a wider patient population, 
  • Added home services will keep more patients feeling self-sufficient.  

RELATED: Health Equity Drives the 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

RELATED: The 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

Increasing Access Takes a Commitment to Cultural Humility  

We understand that cultural humility calls for us to be more curious, and much less set in our ways. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to accessing and engaging in healthcare, DAP Health believes that each person deserves a connection that works for them.   

To do this, we constantly examine our approaches. We lean in and get to know the cultural and social realities of our patients and clients by actively listening, so that we can offer them care and services that meet their unique needs.  

DAP Health has been bringing people in the Coachella Valley health and inclusion since 1984 by identifying new and emerging public health needs of people who face disparities in accessing care, especially due to race, class and economic circumstance. 

Especially now, the intersection of race and health equity is one of the most important public health challenges facing this Valley and this nation.  

Meeting the diverse needs or our community takes a lifelong commitment to question our own approaches, and the willingness to evolve.  

DAP Health was born out desperate need for innovation, which is why our history is one worth remembering and emulating. It calls for us to always be ready to embrace change, to continue making everyone feel welcome and wanted at DAP Health. 

COVID Response 

DAP Health opened one of California’s first COVID Clinics and over 9,700 patients have been seen. These services will continue, and in 2021 DAP is working to improve many social determinants of health that are preventing so many from better health outcomes during this pandemic. 

Food and housing insecurity, joblessness, isolation, and access to healthcare can have a considerable effect on COVID outcomes, compounded by factors like race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ status. (CDC) 

DAP Health joins with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to declare that beating COVID will require solutions that promote health equity. 

Behavioral Health Expansion 

Building health equity has always included restoring the sense of belonging that many people lose because they are different. Homophobia, racism, and COVID fatigue are top challenges causing isolation for many people. Health experts warn that this is a serious health risk.  

Throughout 2021 the DAP Health Behavioral Health department is doubling its capacity to see patients for individual and group therapy by California licensed clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers.  

Thriving with HIV and Ending the Epidemic 

DAP has the region’s largest team of HIV-specialized doctors with expertise in aging and thriving with HIV, and although the word “AIDS” no longer appears in the DAP Health logo, providing care to people with HIV (PWH), and ending the HIV epidemic, remain core to DAP Health.  

Despite COVID, providing more HIV testing and better treatment for PWH remains essential to ending the HIV pandemic. We will continue offering free self HIV-test kits to anyone who requests one.  

We are cutting the time between diagnoses of HIV and entry into care for patients in 2021, and are making medication available quicker, a move to prevent people from falling out of care. We know this will also help decrease HIV transmission rates. 

Patients can count on us to help them stay healthy and untransmittable to others. They become part of the DAP Health family beginning with testing, to linkage into care, and then being enrolled in medical and mental healthcare, dentistry, social services, and prescription access.  

About Scott Nevins

Scott Nevins Scott is also an award-winning host, TV/Radio personality, writer, comedian, entertainment/political news contributor, LGBTQ & HIV awareness activist and producer. You can follow Scott on Twitter and instagram (@ScottNevins), and on Facebook (facebook.com/OfficialScottNevins)

About DAP Health  

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

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

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

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

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.