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Good mental health also vital in coronav …

by Dustin Gruber

Good mental health also vital in coronavirus pandemic. A therapist can help.

COVID-19 has triggered fear and grief for many as we grapple with multiple losses. The fear of getting sick, losing one’s job, paying the bills, not being able to protect or care for elderly parents, etc., is compounded by the loss of routine, familiarity, consistency, and confidence. Uncertainty and the disruption of daily norms only increases grief and anxiety. 

Now, more than usual, most of us could benefit from the expertise provided in therapy. People need support during this very challenging time, and mental health professionals are offering the tools necessary to help people cope.

The good news is that it's easier to access therapy now, because psychologists are using Virtual Visits and teleconferences to hold therapy sessions with their clients. Waiting lists are actually dwindling, and clients are getting help.

During this unprecedented time, therapy can help us distinguish the rational from the irrational. We may not even be consciously aware of own negative thoughts and how they make our situations worse. Therapists can help us identify the erroneous negative self-talk and faulty thinking that causes so much unnecessary emotional distress. 

We are able to increase awareness of this negative self-talk that causes stress, and develop a new, more accurate and positive perspective. Therapy provides a chance for people to think deeply about their emotional well-being, and prioritize their mental health. Collaboratively with the support of a therapist, we are able to face our fears and develop action plans that will move us through the paralysis of fear to empowerment. 

More than anything, psychotherapy is a reflective process that helps us better understand our experience so we can shape positive outcomes. Right now, we all need the opportunity to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted us. It is a global, collective trauma the world has never seen in this century. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of what we’re facing, and to slide into self-destructive behaviors. 

In therapy we learn how to engage positive coping skills instead of relying on destructive, negative strategies, such as overeating, or substance use. Therapists can assist us develop solutions to reduce stress. In the safety of a therapeutic alliance, we access internal and external resources and as a result, avoid negative consequences. 

Would you like to talk to a therapist in person or virtually? Desert AIDS Project offers essential therapy from wherever you are. Our therapists are here to care for you. Call (760) 992-0450 to find out more.

Se ofrecen pruebas gratuitas y confidenc …

by Dustin Gruber

Se ofrecen pruebas gratuitas y confidenciales de VIH y Hepatitis C en nueva unidad móvil

by Ruth Diaz De Leon, Community Health Educator 

En Desert AIDS Project, entendemos que nuestra comunidad tiene muchas preocupaciones por  la pandemia de la COVID19, pero podemos asegurarles que estamos tomando todas las precauciones necesarias para proteger la salud de nuestra comunidad. Todos los pacientes son evaluados previamente para detectar posibles síntomas de la COVID19 antes de ser atendidos para recibir servicios.

El Departamento de Community Health estará ofreciendo pruebas confidenciales en nuestra unidad móvil que se ubicará directamente al frente de las clínicas Verde y Azul.

Ofrecemos pruebas gratuitas de VIH y Hepatitis C, así como pruebas de Syphilis, Chlamydia y Gonorrea con un costo de $25 dólares, en Desert AIDS Project, no rechazamos a las personas por no poder pagar.

También ofrecemos información/educación sobre cualquiera de las pruebas que hacemos.

Estaremos disponibles Lunes a Viernes de 8am- 5pm con nuestra ultima cita a las 3:30pm.

Gracias por considerarnos para sus necesidades de salud sexual.

DAP Dental Services During COVID-19

by Dustin Gruber

To our valued dental patients:

Due to COVID-19, the government and the American Dental Association request our dental services be limited to urgent/emergency dental care. 

Routine procedures, including hygienist appointments and routine examinations, will be deferred until we can return to full operation.  

We remain available for Emergency Care if you are experiencing serious pain; signs of infection and or swelling; or if you require a temporary crown to replace one that has been lost or broken.

Should you have a dental emergency or other questions concerning your dental care, please do not hesitate to call our office at 760-992-0460, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm and someone will be happy to assist you. Your concern will be evaluated in consultation with the dentist, who will determine if an appointment is needed.  If you are unable to reach our staff, please leave a message and your call will be returned on the next business day.

A member of our dental team will contact you when the Dental Clinic resumes normal operations to schedule your return appointment.  

Should you have questions related to COVID-19, please call the DAP COVID-19 Hotline at 760-992-0407.

Most sincerely,

Carol A. Wood, BS, RN, NHA, CHA, CFN, Director of Clinical Operations                                 

Ryan Yamashiro, DDS, Dental Director

Drive-Up Services Expand COVID-19 Evalua …

by Dustin Gruber

Drive-Up Services Expand COVID-19 Evaluations at DAP

Palm Springs, CA -- April 7, 2020 -- The COVID-19 Triage Clinic at Desert AIDS Project (DAP) announced it has added Drive-Up service for people who qualify for testing to be evaluated and swabbed for COVID-19 in their vehicles. With this approach, DAP hopes to reduce exposures to Coronavirus and divert potentially infected patients who are not seriously ill from emergency departments and doctor’s offices.

Telephone screening is required for Drive-Up service before coming to DAP. Call our COVID-19 hotline at (760) 992-0407 for more information.

Drive-Up service is part of DAP’s commitment to keep fighting on behalf of our community against COVID-19. Parked in designated spaces, clients remain in their cars while clinicians conduct all necessary testing and evaluation at the driver or passenger window.

By seeing clients with less severe symptoms this way, we are conserving space inside the COVID-19 Triage Clinic for people who need it most.

Currently, the COVID-19 Triage Clinic at Desert AIDS Project can serve approximately 20 clients per day. By adding Drive-Up service, the total number of clients the clinic serves will increase to approximately 40-50.

While staying home remains the safest plan for most who are ill, getting respiratory illness symptoms checked by a clinician is important, especially a dry cough or a fever of 100.4 or higher. The clients who will be served by Drive-Up Triage at DAP currently might not feel sick enough to ask to see a healthcare clinician.

“These are the folks who have been told to stay home with their symptoms,” said Dr. Christopher Foltz, director of COVID-19 Triage Clinic at DAP. “We don’t want to miss anyone.”

Drive-up service is also a good alternative for people who feel anxious about entering an indoor healthcare setting currently, but who want to keep themselves well and others safe during this health crisis. It’s also useful for people who don’t have symptoms but have had direct exposure to someone confirmed with COVID-19.

DAP and Trenton Ducati announce a new co …

by Dustin Gruber

DAP and Trenton Ducati announce a new collaborative for sexual stigma busting in the age of COVID-19.

Contact: Jack Bunting
[email protected]
(760) 323-2118 

Media Alert:

Who: DAP and Trenton Ducati

What: Teaming up to talk about sex in the age of COVID-19

Where: Online and radio

When: Throughout spring 2020

Why: Despite social distancing in the age of COVID-19, people are putting themselves and others at risk by seeking in-person hookups, using social media apps.

How:  Coming to the community in a series of live online events, ads and blog posts

Palm Springs, CA March 30, 2020 -- Desert AIDS Project (DAP) and Trenton Ducati announce a new collaborative for sexual stigma busting in the age of COVID-19.  Exploring new ways of sexual expression that adhere to social distancing, both will bring their expertise in their fields in an effort to keep sexual wellness on the minds and lips of anyone who might be at risk.

DAP has been fighting sexual stigma in the Coachella Valley for 36 years and will provide fact-based, sex-positive information through leaders like C.J. Tobe, Director of Community Health at DAP.

Trenton Ducati is a leading gay adult film star who’s also established himself as a producer and promoter. He owns adult brands like Ducati Studios, Gentlemen’s Closet, Nasty Daddy, and TrentonDucati.com. He will share insights from trends he sees in the adult entertainment industry.

“COVID-19 has changed the world, including our sex lives,” said C.J. Tobe, Director of Community Health at DAP. “We want our community to continue talking openly and honestly about sexual health in this new era.”

Desert AIDS Project offers judgement free HIV testing, PrEP/PEP services, and STI testing and treatment regardless how you practice social distancing.

“I’m ecstatic to work with DAP to get the message out,” said Trenton Ducati. “Let’s save our community by turning on some porn and staying home.”

Click here to download a copy of Sex & COVID-19 in English
Haga clic aquí para descargar una copia de Sexo y COVID-19 en Español

For a look at DAP’s kick-off piece A Guide to Sex during COVID-19 click here.

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 STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

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

###

DAP Doubles Impact at COVID-19 Clinic wi …

by Dustin Gruber

Contact: Jack Bunting
(408) 323-2118
[email protected]

DAP Doubles Impact at COVID-19 Clinic with Treatment Plus Testing

Innovative approach creates model for other cities across U.S.

(Palm Springs, CA) March 20, 2020 -- DAP believes that offering treatment at the same site as screening and testing is essential to flatten the curve of any epidemic, and especially Coronavirus. With every visit to the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP, clients will be evaluated for multiple upper and lower respiratory diseases.

While screening and some testing for COVID-19 are starting to become more available throughout the Coachella Valley, the COVID-19 Clinic at DAP is the only clinic offering treatment for other respiratory illness that can present in a similar manner. The uninsured are never turned away.

DAP opened the COVID-19 Clinic to alleviate anticipated pressure on local emergency rooms and hospitals. As is the trend nationally, sick people needing emergency care for unchecked respiratory illness are expected to increase greatly in the Coachella Valley. Yesterday it was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the number of confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases surpassed 10,000, doubling over two days.

 “It’s in the very DNA of Desert AIDS Project to respond quickly to public health crisis using science and medicine to create a humanitarian response,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “We are using our tested roadmaps from the HIV and HCV epidemics to respond to COVID-19." Helping people survive epidemics is in the Coachella Valley has been the core specialty of DAP for 35 years. With the largest infectious disease team of clinicians in this region of California, DAP offers modern medical care, anchored by a deep understanding of Coachella Valley epidemiology.

Although largely due to increased testing, the numbers send a clear message that to mitigate calamity due to COVID-19 in our valley, we must act now to test, treat and monitor those who are suffering.

By linking those who need it to care immediately, we are able to stop the spread of respiratory illness and alleviate suffering.

DAP’s approach to COVID-19 in our valley is:

  1. Educating the public via 760-992-0407, desertaidsproject.org and all social media channels,
  2. Testing those who are screened and found to be at risk,
  3. And treating mild-to-moderate symptomatic patients.

Treatment provided for upper and lower respiratory infections at DAP’s COVID-19 Clinic includes:

  • Oxygen Therapy for patients who have lower than normal levels
  • Nebulizer treatments to open airways and address shortness of breath
  • IV Fluids for dehydration
  • Fever control with medication
  • Community Acquired Pneumonia Treatment – Injection of antibiotics and ability to prescribe medications to our DAP Walgreens (overnight home delivery available)
  • Influenza A & B testing and treatment
  • Strep Throat testing and treatment

Useful Links

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 twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

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

###

COVID-19: I’m a bodyworker or sex work …

by Dustin Gruber

COVID-19: I’m a bodyworker or sex worker and I want to keep my clients and me safe – what should I do?

Answer: Coronavirus is spread through close contact with a person who has the virus. It’s spread through droplets, such as from coughing or saliva. And it can stay behind on doorknobs, toilets, light switches, sinks, massage tables, and anything made of latex or silicone.

Keeping your environment wiped down with disinfectant wipes after each client is part of your role in your business. But assessing risks from your client is also very important.

  • Your client could have it on their skin if they have not washed thoroughly.
  • An infected client could transmit it to you by coughing or sneezing near you if they don’t wear a mask.
  • The virus is also present in feces, which makes touching the anal area another way of possibly transmitting.
  • You could also give it to your client easily if you are infected.

Before you begin any session with a client, we recommend you screen them so that you can assess your own risk. When negotiating services, prices, and laying ground rules, cover off on Coronavirus too. Here is how you might ask the question:

“I just want to check in with you first on a few things to make sure we’re both safe about Coronavirus.” Clarify the following:

  1. Do you know if you’ve been exposed to Coronavirus? 
  2. Have you recently had a temperature of more than 100 degrees or other symptoms of respiratory illness, like cough, fever, shortness of breath? 
  3. Have you or someone you live with traveled internationally lately?

If your client answers “yes” to one or more of these, you are taking a risk by continuing the session. If you choose to continue, here are some tips to help cut down the risks:

  • Make sure you are already washing your hands several times throughout the day for a full 20 seconds with warm water. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  • Latex gloves, condoms, and dental damns are highly recommended for sex work, now more than ever.
  • Have your client wear a paper mask during the entire session if they have symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, or wheezing. If wearing a mask, use it only once and then throw away immediately in a trash can. Do not reuse masks.
  • Use sanitizer gel generously. You can make your own by mixing 3 parts isopropyl alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel. It’s perfectly OK to also add a few drops of your favorite oil (like tea tree) to give it a nice smell.
  • Do not touch your own face – this is one of the surest ways to contract any virus.
  • Shower thoroughly after each client and change clothes to minimize possible spreading of Coronavirus.

Have questions about COVD-19?

Call our COVID-19 hotline at (760) 992-0407

Where You Get Your Rx Filled Can Make a …

by Dustin Gruber

When your DAP clinician sends your prescription order to a participating pharmacy, DAP receives valuable cost savings that translate into better health outcomes for you and our whole community.

Already picking up your medications from our onsite Walgreens pharmacy at DAP? Great–you’re doing your part!

Please consider getting your prescriptions filled at DAP or at any participating pharmacy throughout the Coachella Valley.

There are almost 50 participating walk-in and mail order pharmacies you can choose from.

In addition to all Coachella Valley Walgreens, here are some other popular 340B pharmacies nearby:

Desert Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy 1180 N Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262

Vons Pharmacy #2384 4733 E Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264

Albertsons / Sav-On Pharmacy #1569 1751 N Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Walgreens Store #01079 1700 E Vista Chino Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

CVS #01520 68010 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, CA 92234

CVS #09804 425 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262

White Cross Pharmacy 1717 E Vista Chino Road Suite B2, Palm Springs, CA 92262

For growing STI crisis, HIV, HCV and Pov …

by Desert AIDS

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

At a time when the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports a 30 year high in STIs in California —particularly syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia—Desert AIDS Project (DAP) affirms that in addition to HIV and HCV, these are among the most serious public health issues facing Californians today.

DAP is in a unique position to apply the lessons it has learned over 35 years in HIV prevention, testing and treatment. With the increasing prevalence of Californians suffering from two or more of these infections simultaneously, we must no longer approach HIV, HCV, and STIs as if they belong in separate silos. Nor can we continue to overlook the roles that poverty and social isolation play in this crisis.

To end these epidemics, Californians need:    
   • Routinized education, testing and treatment for all five infections: HIV, HCV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.       
   • Access to ongoing medical and behavioral healthcare, and stable housing.
   • Community and wellness services for psychosocial support to avoid isolation and poor medical treatment adherence.

We represent our community’s voice in state and federal discussions, and constantly looking at new developments, models and funding sources to deploy new efforts in the Coachella Valley. Regardless of access to funding, our commitment to outreach through our community health department enables us to reach at-risk populations.

DAP is also part of End The Epidemics, a statewide working group of approximately 160 public health and community organizations urging Governor Newsom and the California Legislature to empower key stakeholders as soon as possible to fund and implement California’s strategy to end the HIV, HCV, and STI epidemics.

“Funding is essential to fight the spread of newly acquired STIs in California, but it will not fix the entire problem,” said Carl Baker, director of legal and legislative affairs at DAP. “To test and link people to care, we have to meet them where they are; not where we wish they were.”

DAP staff provide testing and education in jails, prisons, drug rehabilitation centers and where our homeless neighbors live.

It also links clients to Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as key strategies to decrease new infections. We know that regular STI testing that is part of the PrEP protocol identifies people who are infected with STIs who would not have been tested otherwise. 

In the Coachella Valley, and Palm Springs in particular, STIs are historically higher than the rest of the county, and have been rising steadily. Higher poverty rates than in the rest of California, plus a thriving tourism industry create an atmosphere for STIs to spread.

In 2018, Riverside County reported syphilis cases ran about 12 per 100,000 people. In the Coachella Valley: 32 cases per 100,000.

The numbers sharply increase in Palm Springs, with over 100 cases per 100,000, and especially North Palm Springs, with 185 cases per 100,000 people. (Riverside University Health System)

To address this trend, in May 2018 DAP lowered the price for testing and treatment for STIs to just $25, and no charge in extreme cases of lack of funds. Access to these services at other organizations in the Coachella Valley cost about seven-to-ten times as much, and prevents many from accessing testing and treatment.

Currently we are noticing about 30 additional clients per week at The DOCK for STI testing and treatment.

“Who knows how many of our clients would wait longer to get screening and treatment if they had to pay as much as ten times what The DOCK charges?” said C.J. Tobe, interim director of community health. “If our clients test positive, we can get them on treatment which is vital to stop the epidemics, and we can even go further, offering them ongoing primary medical and behavioral healthcare and other services.”

DAP knows from experience, and the CDC agrees, that our clients experience better health outcomes when they can access stable housing, and when they receive support to fight drug abuse, poverty, and stigma.

Besides accessing primary and behavioral healthcare, nutritious food and fighting isolation by connecting to other humans is also essential. Wellness services like yoga and chiropractic, and re-entering the workforce have shown to be essential to our clients as they rebound from an array of health challenges.

What Is A Syndemic?

Together, HIV, HCV and STIs create a syndemic—a set of linked health problems that interact synergistically and exacerbate poor health outcomes.

For example, having an STD increases the likelihood of acquiring HIV.  Among people who are living with HCV and HIV, HCV progresses faster and more than triples the risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver related death. These epidemics are also driven by similar social and economic conditions and disproportionately impact many of the same disadvantaged communities.

About End The Epidemics

The California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers, together with HIV, viral hepatitis, and STD community-based organizations across California, have launched a community-driven effort to inform development of a statewide plan to end the HIV, HCV, and STD epidemics in California. What makes this initiative innovative and unique – in addition to community leadership – is its ambitious goal of addressing these health conditions as a syndemic – a set of linked health problems that interact synergistically and exacerbate poor health outcomes. The syndemic approach differs from the biomedical approach in that it treats diseases concurrently and also addresses the social determinants of health that drive these epidemics. To learn more, visit: www.chprc.org/end-the-epidemics/

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 for only $25 per visit, 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.org
www.thedockclinic.org
www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org
to learn more