Silver Linings Found in the New Normal
Weekend Wrap Message- Saturday, April 25, From David Brinkman, Desert AIDS Project CEO
When a Unicorn arrives holding a sign of support for DAP’s healthcare workers, you know it's a signal to look for the silver linings in our 'new normal'.
Twice weekly, our Emergency Response Team reviews the accomplishments of each DAP department. Working as a unified response, we are innovating to find new ways to beat COVID-19.
- As isolation and loneliness increases for our home-bound clients, Zoom is being used by our Social Services, Health Center and Behavioral Health Teams to support and care for people.
- When we suspended the DAP Farmers Market, for safety reasons, we upped visits from the mobile pantry to provide fresh produce to our clients and any member of the community.
- Hundreds of people are coming to receive care at our COVID-19 Triage Clinic - for many it's their first time at DAP. For those who do not have a doctor and/or insurance, many, after experiencing our whole-person approach, are enrolling in DAP for their ongoing healthcare.
Expansion: Opening our Doors Wider
To increase access during this crisis, the DAP Behavioral Health Clinic opened up Virtual Visit counseling to anyone who is appropriate for outpatient therapy. People no longer need to be a current patient of DAP’s Health Center to receive this care.
Like nutrients for our bodies, therapy builds resiliency to cope with multiple stressors. By accessing therapy from DAP licensed clinical psychologists, clients develop tools for living that improve the quality of their lives.
Expansion: Essential Therapy from Wherever You Are
Our Behavioral Health Team and our IT Dept. developed new ways to deliver counseling by offering in-person psychological services, as well as, Virtual Visits and phone visits via a patient’s laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
“Therapy is a gift we give ourselves to promote our own well-being and wellness in times of stress,” Dr. Jill Gover, Manager of DAP Behavioral Health.
Rapid Antibody Test Added to DAP's Protocol at COVID-19 Clinic
We added rapid antibody testing at our COVID-19 Triage Clinic. Used in conjunction with swab diagnostic testing, the combination provides more thorough information to our clinicians to provide patients with the individualized care they need.
The rapid test can identify people with past infection, as well as those in the mid-to-late stages of the disease. Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from COVID-19 can call (760) 992-0407 for information and the opportunity to talk to a DAP clinician, who will determine if coming to DAP is the next best step.
“Speed is always important in a pandemic,” said Dr. Christopher Foltz, Director of the COVID-19 Clinic. “Rapid test results in 10 mins. are definitely beneficial.”
DAP In the News
DAP - We're Here For You
DAP believes access to healthcare is critical for every member of our community. And yet, we know many lack insurance, a primary care doctor, or the ability to schedule an appointment with a therapist.
This week DAP launched a new campaign leveraging low-cost tactics which include social media, our own digital billboard on the corner of Sunrise and Vista Chino, donated space in print publications, and radio PSA's courtesy of Alpha Media.
The campaign features our doctors and therapists delivering important messages for community members.
- We are Here for You
- We Care For You
- Welcoming New Primary and Behavioral Health Patients
- Therapy and Psychotherapy Available for Our Community
- Doctors Make Virtual House Calls
- The Future of Healthcare Has Arrived with Patient-Centered Model of Care and Virtual Visits.
If you or someone you know needs care. Call (760) 323-2118 to schedule your first appointment or email [email protected].
#GivingTuesdayNow Save The Date
We sent out our first save the date email for #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving, which is planned for May 5, 2020. It's a people-powered event that brings together organizations and individuals around the world for a day of action, giving and community building. Millions of us will be standing up, helping out, giving back, and healing.
Desert AIDS Project's Giving Tuesday Now efforts start right now. While DAP faces its own financial challenges related to COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring our community emerges from the pandemic stronger than ever.
FOOD is LOVE! Please help make a difference between now and May 5th!
Take Out. Give Back
The economic impact on our restaurant community has been especially harsh and the stimulus is not trickling down to many. Over the years, they have generated millions of dollars for our valley's causes, including DAP, so we ask you to TAKE OUT. GIVE BACK. You can help by choosing a restaurant for take-out/delivery. Let's turn the tables and support our restaurant community with breakfast, lunch, and dinner orders. 100% of your receipt goes to the restaurants. Contact them directly to place your order. For a full list of restaurants open, please visit: https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/stay-in-take-out/
Help DAP Feed Our Most Vulnerable Clients
Many of DAP's most vulnerable clients are over 65 and/or have fragile immune systems. We are keeping them safe by delivering packaged food, fresh produce, and toiletries to their homes.
For $40.00 per person, we are able to deliver this life-sustaining nutrition. If you’re in a position to help, please consider how many of our patients you can feed.
PPE Still Needed
DAP still needs support to keep our nurses and doctors safe with proper PPE as they test and treat those in our community exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus.
We would greatly appreciate your support for all of these efforts in our COVID-19 Emergency Response.
With gratitude and the hope that you too are finding your silver linings.
David Brinkman