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.

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.