Click here to access the Patient Portal.
  • Sexual Wellness Services
Become a Client
Become a Patient

Call: (760) 323-2118

Locations and Hours

Become a Client
Become a Patient

Call: (760) 323-2118
8am to 5pm Mon - Fri

Uncategorized Posts

C.J. Tobe: Success of DAP Health’s …

by Dustin Gruber

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

DAP Health Insights – Monday, June 28, 2021, from David Brinkman, CEO 

Meet C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health & Sexual Wellness Services for DAP Health

Anytime C.J. Tobe, director of Community Health & Sexual Wellness Services for DAP Health, can break away from meetings and join DAP Health's mobile team in the community, he is reminded how vital the health clinic's services are. He said he's also reminded how much they are appreciated and how one conversation can change a life.

Tobe said he hopes the mobile clinic is one of many significant ways of addressing health inequities that have been going on for centuries. He also wants DAP Health's mobile clinics to represent the health center's commitment to its community and those who cannot seek medical services independently.

Revivals Stores bring mid-century modern treasures, resale value to desert

Revivals Stores has added a fourth location in Indio. Valley residents now have a new location to find that soon-to-be heirloom or rare piece of merchandise as they enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Revivals' unique mix of merchandise encourages shoppers to visit all store locations as they look for what they want.

Known for influencing the Coachella Valley resale industry by combining vintage and retail, Revivals is known for affordability, discoverability, and a commitment to the community. Revivals knows shoppers are looking for something unique at the right price point, and that's what it delivers.

Pride Month with Carl Baker and NBC Palm Springs

NBC Palm Springs featured pride stories throughout the month of June. Carl Baker, director of Legal and Legislative Affairs at DAP Health, was featured earlier this month. He talked about DAP Health’s history, the Les Dames du Soleil, the AIDS crisis and more.

Revivals Stores bring mid-century modern …

by Dustin Gruber

Revivals Stores bring mid-century modern treasures, resale to Coachella Valley

By Robert Hopwood

Revivals Stores has added another location in Indio, increasing the retail chain to four stores. The new store is located at Indio Plaza, a popular shopping center.

The 18,000-square-foot store will bring Revivals' unique mix of products to east valley consumers for the first time. And desert residents and visitors get another location to find that soon-to-be heirloom or rare piece of merchandise they didn't know they wanted.

Known for influencing the valley’s resale industry by blending and curating new items with resale items, Revivals has gained a reputation for discoverability and affordability, says Steve Henke, director of Brand Marketing for DAP Health.

About 70 percent of the merchandise at Revivals Stores is resale, and 30 percent is new. The chain's broad community of donors provides a steady supply of resale merchandise. Revivals also features the Mode Furniture brand of new furniture, lighting, and home decor.

"Revivals was early to innovate and is the only thrift store in America with its own brand of affordable new furniture," says Dane Koch, director of retail for DAP Health. "We buy a different assortment for each store location to reflect the communities we serve."

Revivals Stores serve Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio.

"We are a resale store with resale prices, but we operate like a regular retailer," Koch says. "Our stores are clean; they're organized, they're easy to shop."

That's important.

"Our philosophy is that resale doesn't need to be ugly," Koch says. "It doesn't need to be messy … it doesn't need to be dirty."

Revivals Stores tend to be cleaner and brighter than other thrift stores, Henke explains. They're merchandised more like department stores to have kind of an elevated shopping experience.

Revivals has a unique vibe that appeals to a disparate group of consumers, from the budget-conscious shopper to the valley's best interior designers to desert socialites. Even those in the film industry — costume designers and set designers — can be found at Revivals, Henke says.

"A lot of people come to Revivals because they want the real deal," Henke says. "You know, they want that lamp from a certain era, or they want that sofa with the original fabric, or they want that jacket from, you know, a specific decade."

Shoppers want to find something unique and get it at the right price. It's the thrill of the hunt, Henke explains. As they scour Revivals' shelves and clothing racks, they slowly make their way down Highway 111, stopping at each store.

They might be looking for the fourth glass to complete a collection that was missing that glass, Henke suggests. They may have found something that evokes a memory. Or maybe they see the perfect reading lamp for the living room. The hunt is different for each person.

Shoppers often shop at all four Revivals locations because each store is unique.

The Palm Springs shop focuses on all things midcentury modern, the Cathedral City branch trades on value, and the Palm Desert outlets' assortment is more traditional in style.

"The mix of product tends to be reflective of the communities closest to that store," Henke explains. "So every store has a different and unique mix of product and assortment."

Revivals Stores is part of DAP Health, an advocacy-based health center serving more than 9,700 patients. Both the store and health center have strong roots in the community. Revivals donates all its profits to DAP Health — more than $1,000,000 annually — so people who need healthcare can get it.

Revivals Stores are staffed by 180 volunteers who support the mission of DAP Health. They donate about 13,000 hours a year to staff all four stores, said Henke. And they're local, so they get to form relationships with each shopper.

"There is a magic sauce to Revivals that’s hard to define, said Henke. "You know, it's a lot of bits and pieces that come together to make it what it is, but there is no other retail store like it. In many ways, it’s retail the way retail used to be when shopping was an exciting experience and the stores employees knew their customers names."

Uniting for Public Health

by Dustin Gruber

Uniting for Public Health  

DAP Health Insights – Monday, April 26, 2021, from David Brinkman, CEO  

Our Health Clinicians Take an Active Role in Wellness  

Spending more time at home during the pandemic means many people are less active. That’s why we’re helping everyone get the message about fitness by spotlighting the personal wellness habits of our clinicians. Each one has a different way of staying active, and all of them want their patients to get the right amount of exercise.   

“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. Jill Gover, manager of Behavioral Health. Learn more here.   

Pulling Together to Fight Syphilis and HIV   

We were already battling syphilis and HIV epidemics, but pandemic life has caused so many people to avoid testing and treatment that the CDC doesn’t believe new cases will stop anytime soon.   

We offered mobile STI testing and mail-in self-HIV testing early in the pandemic. But it takes working with community partners to really make a difference.   

We are collaborating closely with our ally Planned Parenthood to bring more testing and treatment to everyone in the Coachella Valley, and to create new frameworks for serving our community better. You can read more about the syphilis epidemic and DAP Health’s work with Planned Parenthood in The Desert Sun here.  

 

Expanded Resource Navigation Offers Hope …

by Dustin Gruber
Two Men Reviewing Resources at a Table

Expanded Resource Navigation Offers Hope to More

More people face poverty daily because of this pandemic, and their own fear of seeking assistance threatens them and their communities. DAP Health is taking the stigma out of asking for help with our new Resources Navigator, a service for people who have been affected by COVID and who might not usually be seeking this kind of resource.  

Participants are required to meet just one of the following criteria:

  • Personal health affected by having COVID       
  • Spouse, significant other, or family affected by having COVID
  • Employment or income negatively impacted by COVID

DAP Health will connect participants to the best and most compatible services and programs according to their needs, with community partners that will render the service. For many who are suffering, the greatest barrier can be not knowing about the many services available to help them, offered from several nonprofits and government agencies.

Anyone who is interested should contact Michael Cohan by calling (760) 323-2118 ext. 480 or by e-mailing [email protected].

It is not necessary to be a patient or client of DAP Health to utilize this new service. Participants will also be able to register for ongoing medical services and behavioral health during their consultation.

“The idea is to be able to connect community members who have been impacted by COVID to services in the community,” said Zayda Weldon, DAP Social Services director. “We will let them know of the available medical and mental health care services we have if they are interested, but our main goal is to assist people impacted with COVID.”

Help accessing food, utilities, and Internet service can make a huge difference for many affected by COVID, who are also experiencing growing job losses. Assistance with unemployment insurance, legal advice and tax services are also resources that people in our community can connect to.

Resource Navigation Can Help Link to These Essentials:

  • Food
  • Utilities
  • Internet Service
  • Rent
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Tax services
  • Legal advice
  • Exercise programs
  • Health insurance or Medi-Cal (including through Covered California)
  • Ongoing medical and behavioral healthcare

About DAP Health

DAP Health (DAP) 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 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 clinic 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.     

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.     

Weekend Wrap Up June 26 2020

by Dustin Gruber

Advocating for Safety and Access

Weekend Wrap Message – Saturday, June 27 From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO

Our team has been preparing for this COVID-19 surge since the onset of the crisis in March, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch people suffer and sometimes die from this virus.

In the last week, we have seen more positive COVID-19 test results in our clinic than in the previous ten weeks combined. And unfortunately, we expect this to continue upwards.

All people in California are now required by law to wear face coverings in most public indoor settings, plus in other situations where exposure is likely. Read our Surge Warning here.

We know that wearing face coverings and social distancing work to prevent new transmissions, and we urge everyone in our community to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Coachella Valley.

Help Spread The Message Of Health Advocacy

We’ve created colorful digital graphics that we invite everyone to download and use on their social media channels, to remind everyone they know about COVID-19 safety. Download them here.

Antibody Testing At FIND’s Free Community Mobile Market food distribution

Many in our community face food insecurity, and it’s been made much worse by this health crisis. Partnering with FIND Food Bank has been a great way for us to make sure anyone in our community can have access to nutritious food to build resiliency.

Our Community Health team’s experience and data told us that providing COVID-19 antibody testing to people where they live would be adding another valuable option for managing their health and safety.

DAP’s Mobile Testing Van was offering AB testing at FIND’s free Community Mobile Market food distribution at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Thursday. The team also offered HIV and HCV testing, plus information on getting help with insurance and healthcare at DAP.

National HIV Testing Day is Today

HIV and STIs haven’t taken a break during this health crisis. As we mark National HIV Testing Day, we continue to engage our community about keeping up-to-date on sexual health in this new normal. 

HIV testing onsite at DAP continues in a safe and clean environment, and we also offer free at-home testing via mail. The syndemic nature of HIV and STIs means that testing for both is always a good idea. Our three-point STI testing gives reliable results without clients having to wait as long in the waiting area. Anyone can get more information by calling (760) 992-0492.

DAP Transgender Healthcare Is Here To Stay

Thanks to our own state’s insurance practices and civil rights law, transgender people are not facing any interruptions in services or care at DAP, and we are committed to keeping it that way.

Anthony Velasco, Co-Chair of DAP’s Transgender Health Program recently gave some insight on how we all have an opportunity to be better allies to our transgender siblings, including why pronouns matter. Read more here.

Advocating for Safety and Giving Back: Shop For A Cause

Palm Springs retailers pulled together to help DAP by sharing 10% of proceeds from Thursday and Friday sales. All of these businesses have something in common—all are committed to maintaining strict safety guidelines for customers and workers.

We must mitigate risks when it comes to avoidable exposure to COVID-19. We are thankful these businesses are innovating with approaches like contactless deliveries, curbside pickup, and physical distancing. Caring about each other this way is what makes the Coachella Valley such a special place.

Get Access To the Care You Need

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

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

Click to Connect to An Enrollment Specialist

Sexual Health Clinic - Palm Springs

1695 N. Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

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

Call 760-992-0492 to schedule an appointment.

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

Click Here to Call the Sexual Health Clinic

Safe Chiropractic Services Open Again at …

by Dustin Gruber

Safe Chiropractic Services Open Again at DAP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How safe is it to come see you at DAP? 

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

Will you be doing things differently in your practice? 

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

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

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

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

Urgent: Help Our Medical Team Get the Su …

by Dustin Gruber

Care Team

The Desert AIDS Project Care Team is staffed by astute, compassionate healthcare professionals who lovingly support the healing process of each unique patient.

PPE Donations

Urgent: Help Our Medical Team Get the Supplies They Need

Due to a shortage of market supply, Desert AIDS Project medical staff is seeking donations of the following PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) items:

  • Unused Gowns
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Masks and Hand Sewn Masks
  • Shoe Covers

For questions or to arrange drop off, please contact Shelia Barnett via the form below or call 760-992-0420.

Preguntas y Respuestas del Coronavirus

by Dustin Gruber

Preguntas y Respuestas del Coronavirus

La mejor manera de proteger a la comunidad de cualquier preocupación de salud que surja es a través de información útil. Aquí tenemos respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes que hemos recibido de nuestros clientes acerca del COVID-19, mejor conocido como el Coronavirus.

Estaremos actualizando esta información mientras siga surgiendo más datos a medida que se desarrolle este problema de salud pública.

Preguntas frecuentes

Estoy cuidando a alguien en casa- qué debo hacer? Haz clic aquí

Me estoy cuidando en casa - qué debo hacer? Haz clic aquí

Por qué estoy siendo revisado antes de que se me permita ingresar al campus de DAP?

Respuesta: Para DAP es prioridad la salud y seguridad de nuestros clientes, voluntarios y empleados. Para prevenir exposición innecesaria en el campus de DAP, las revisiones son obligatorias para todos los que ingresan al edificio de DAP. Quién no se le realice esta revisión y no siga las instrucciones ofrecidas por examinadores de DAP tendrán que abandonar el campus de DAP.

DAP ofrece exámenes?

Respuesta: No, DAP no ofrece exámenes a cualquier solicitud para el COVID-19. Sin embargo, si un médico de DAP determinará si usted tiene un alto riesgo, debido a 1) haber viajado a las áreas afectadas 2) exposición conocida, puede que le realicen exámenes para mantener a todos seguros.

Existe un plan en marcha en la clínica?

Respuesta: Si. Todo el personal clínico de DAP cuenta con la capacitación, las herramientas y las garantías necesarias para brindar atención de manera segura a cualquier cliente de DAP que experimente síntomas de enfermedad respiratoria.

DAP trabaja muy de cerca con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Riverside (RIVCO) y los centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) para determinar las mejores formas de servir a nuestra comunidad en esta pandemia.

Tengo VIH y estoy preocupado por el coronavirus. ¿Qué tengo que hacer?

Respuesta: Para las personas que viven con el VIH / SIDA, actualmente estamos recomendando un cumplimiento adicional de las recomendaciones de la CDC para protegerse contra COVID-19, que son lo mismo para protegerse de las enfermedades respiratorias. También sugerimos que se quede en casa tanto como sea posible, pero que mantengan una red social de forma remota para ayudarlo a mantenerse socialmente conectado y mentalmente saludable.

Además, eviten los viajes no esenciales y las grandes reuniones públicas.

Los pasos importantes a seguir incluyen:

  • Lavarse las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos.
  • Evite el contacto cercano con personas enfermas: mantenga una distancia de seis pies.
  • Evite tocarse la cara.
  • Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.
  • Estornude / tosa en el codo, no en la mano.

Y también,

  • Evite viajes no esenciales.
  • Evite grandes reuniones públicas.
  • Quédese en casa tanto como sea posible.

Haga clic aquí para conocer más.

También puede conversar con su médico de DAP en MyChart, que es una excelente herramienta para obtener la información personalizada específicamente para las necesidades que usted requiere. Podemos ayudarlo a realizar la configuración si aún no lo ha hecho.

Cómo pueden las personas contraer COVID-19 / Coronavirus?

Respuesta: COVID-19/ Coronavirus parece transmitirse por gotitas, y hasta el momento no hay evidencia de transmisión en el aire.

Se propaga:

  • Entre personas que están en contacto cercano entre sí (dentro de unos 6 pies).
  • A través de gotas respiratorias producidas cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda.

Estas gotas pueden caer en la boca o en la nariz de las personas cercanas o posiblemente ser inhaladas a los pulmones.

También es posible que una persona pueda contraer COVID-19 al tocar una superficie u objeto que tiene el virus y luego tocarse la boca, la nariz o boca posiblemente los ojos, pero no se cree que esta sea la forma principal en que el virus se propaga.

Si alguien tiene síntomas y está tratando de decidir si debe hacerse una prueba de detección de Coronavirus al ingresar, que debe hacer?

Respuesta:  Cualquier persona que piense que podría estar sufriendo del COVID-19 debe llamar al (760) 992- 0407 para obtener más información y la oportunidad de hablar con el médico de DAP sobre sus síntomas.

  • La clinica de triaje del COVID-19 no acepta personas sin cita.
  • Tienes que consultar tus síntomas con el médico llamando al (760) 992-0407 - ahí se tomará una decisión si puede ser visto en la clínica de triaje del COVID-19.
  • Si trata de ser examinado en la clínica de triaje del COVID-19 sin cita, se puede estar poniendo en riesgo usted y a otras personas. Por favor llame al (760) 992-0407 para hablar con alguien.
  • Si tiene una emergencia que pone en riesgo su vida llame al 911.

Soy un terapista o un sexo servidor y quiero mantener a mis clientes y a mi a salvo?- Que tengo que hacer ?

Respuesta: El Coronavirus se contagia por el contacto con un a persona que tiene el virus. Se transmite al momento de toser o por medio de saliva. Y puede permanecer en manijas, excusados, interruptor de luz, sinks, mesas de masaje, y materiales de látex y silicón.

El mantener tu entorno de trabajo limpio con toallas desinfectantes después de cada cliente es parte de tu rol en tu negocio. Pero el evaluar riesgos de tu cliente es también muy importante.

  • Tu cliente puede tenerlo en su piel si no se asean a fondo.
  • Un cliente te lo puede transmitir al toser o estornudar cerca de ti si no utiliza mascarilla.
  • El virus también está presente en las heces, lo que hace el contacto con el area anal otra forma de posible transmisión.
  • También lo puedes transmitir fácilmente a tu cliente si estas infectado.

Antes de que inicies una sesión con un cliente, te recomendamos que les realices una revisión para que puedas evaluar tus propios riesgos. Cuando negocies servicios, precios y reglas, también cubre el tema del Coronavirus. Así es como puedes realizar la pregunta:

“Solo quiero revisar contigo primero varias cosas para asegurarme que ambos estamos seguros por el Coronavirus.” Aclara lo siguiente:

  1. Sabes si has estado expuesto al Coronavirus
  2. Recientemente haz tenido temperatura de más de 100 grados u otros síntomas de enfermedades respiratorias como tos, fiebre o dificultad para respirar?
  3. Tú o alguien con quien vives ha viajado internacional últimamente?

Si tu cliente responde “Si” a una de esas preguntas, estarás tomando un riesgo si continuas con la sesión. Si decides continuar, estos son algunos consejos para tener menos riesgo:

  • Asegurate de lavarte las manos por 20 segundos con agua tibia. Utiliza desinfectante para manos cuando no te puedas lavar las manos.
  • Los guantes de látex, condones y protectores dentales son altamente recomendados para trabajos sexuales más que nunca.
  • Haga que su cliente utilice mascarillas de papel durante toda la sesión si tiene síntomas como tos o problemas para respirar. Si utiliza una mascarilla, solo use una vez y deseche inmediatamente. No reuse la mascarilla
  • Utilice un desinfectante de manos de manera generosa. Puede hacer su propio desinfectante mezclando 3 partes de alcohol isopropyl y  1 parte de gel de aloe vera. Es también aceptable incluir unas gotas de tu aceite favorito (como el té verde) para dar un aroma agradable.
  • No se toque la cara- ésta es una forma más segura de contraer cualquier virus.
  • Báñate después de cada cliente y cambia de ropa para minimizar un posible contagio de Coronavirus.

Cómo está ayudando DAP a la comunidad a mantenerse al tanto del Coronavirus?

Respuesta: DAP ha creado una línea directa COVID-19 (760)992- 0407 para obtener información y la oportunidad de hablar con el médico de DAP sobre los síntomas.

DAP también está ayudando a la comunidad a prepararse para el Coronavirus al comunicarse con ellos por medio de las redes sociales, su sitio web y literatura en inglés y español en sus clínicas.

También planeamos lanzar actualizaciones semanales a medida que esta situación continúa.

Cómo puedo mantenerme actualizado sobre la enfermedad de COVID-19 en el Condado de Riverside y los Estados Unidos?

Respuesta: si estás interesado en las actualizaciones diarias, visite los siguientes sitios web:

También puede obtener más información llamando a lo siguiente:

Línea de información de CDC:

800- CDC- INFO

(800) 232-4636

TTY (888)232- 6348

Línea de información pública del Condado de Riverside:

(951)358-5134

Desert AIDS Project Opens COVID-19 Clini …

by Dustin Gruber

Desert AIDS Project Opens COVID-19 Clinic

WHAT: COVID-19 Clinic Open at Desert AIDS Project

WHERE: 1695 North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs

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

WHY: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and alleviate suffering in our community.

WHEN: Clinic is open Mondays through Fridays from 8am – 4:30pm

Important Resources:

Palm Springs, CA -- March 16, 2020 -- Desert AIDS Project opened a COVID-19 Clinic today on its campus, created to treat and test clients struggling with significant symptoms of Coronavirus.

Before being seen at the clinic, clients must be screened and referred by a DAP clinician.

DAP is NOT offering on-demand testing for a-symptomatic clients or those with mild symptoms of illness. Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from COVID-19 should call (760) 992-0407 for information and the opportunity to talk to DAP clinician about their symptoms.

The CDC and DAP leadership are reminding people that for mild or moderate symptoms of respiratory illness, the best prescription is to stay home and use over-the-counter medications.

Only people with the following symptoms will be examined at DAP by a clinician for possible COVID-19:

1) greater than a 100.4 fever 2) cough 3) shortness of breath.

For the larger Coachella Valley community, DAP believes this move will equate to saving lives and providing some mitigation to an overwhelmed healthcare system, including emergency rooms and hospitals. By opening the clinic today as an emergency response to this dire health crisis, DAP stands to help halt new infections of COVID-19 in our area and prevent deaths.  

This measure, as well as heightened hygiene and social distancing, are important in fighting this epidemic, but the window is closing.

“How we act in the next two-to-three weeks are critical to flatten out the curve of this pandemic,” said David Brinkman, CEO.

DAP has launched its COVID-10 Clinic without the budget to do so, and has just started a campaign to raise funds. The anticipated cost at least $575,000 in the coming months to provide this service to the community.

Currently, 7,000 people in the Coachella Valley get primary and specialty care from DAP, plus other services like behavioral health, dentistry, wellness, and social services.

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.

###