The Rapids AIDS Project (RAP) has been part of the American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter since 1986. RAP serves as an integral part of the Red Cross mission to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies by educating the community on HIV and AIDS.
 
Catch up on what's happening at the Rapids AIDS Project by downloading the most recent copy of our newsletter, The RAP Line. 
 
Client Outreach
RAP provides support services to HIV positive individuals and their friends and families. These services can include financial assistance for housing or medical needs, or simply the availability of another network of support for people living with HIV and AIDS. RAP also offers a buddy program that matches volunteers with HIV positive individuals for support, advocacy and friendship.
 
Education
RAP is dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS through education efforts, and offers presentations to Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities to inform the community on HIV/AIDS. RAP also trains high school students as peer educators, and sends these students to various schools and meetings in the community to educate other young people about HIV and AIDS.

Visit our health, safety and preparedness training page for information about our Basic HIV/AIDS Course and Basic HIV/AIDS Presentation. Or contact RAP at (319) 393-3500.

 
“I was diagnosed with AIDS in 2000 when I was in the hospital with pneumonia. I first talked to someone from the Rapids AIDS Project that first year I was sick. At the time, they provided me with rent assistance. Now they have an emergency fund which helps pay for my telephone, which is a necessity in case I have a reaction to my meds - I take about twenty pills a day.

I also volunteer for RAP. I go out and speak in the public. I also serve on the advisory committee for RAP, because there are certain things that go on that someone that isn't living with HIV may not realize.

RAP has not only supported me financially, it has supported me emotionally. When I go out and speak I basically have no support from my family for doing that, so it's nice for the people at RAP to give me encouragement.”
 
- Cat Simon, Cedar Rapids
 

Learn how the Rapids AIDS Project promotes AIDS awareness in our community, or learn what your school or community group can do to increase awareness yourselves!

 
RAP works closely with state and federal agencies, local groups and other organizations that address issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Financial support for RAP's programs comes from the United Way, the federally-funded Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act and the Iowa Community AIDS Partnership. Because government funds don't always keep pace with local circumstances, RAP also relies on private donations.
RAP also relies on the generous gift of time from our volunteers, who serve in many capacities within RAP. Volunteers are the foundation of our Advisory Committee, guiding the direction of our programs and services. Volunteers also help organize and implement several events, including the World AIDS Day Benefit, Serving Up Hope, Candlelight Memorial, and the Annual Youth Leadership Lock-in. Direct client service volunteers are also needed, primarily to assist RAP clients with transportation to doctor’s visits. If you are interested in joining RAP’s group of dedicated volunteers contact us by phone at (319) 393-3500, or sign up to volunteer online.
 

Helping people to understand HIV, to encourage its prevention and to foster a feeling of compassion toward those affected by the disease is part of the mission of the Red Cross and the goal of the Rapids AIDS Project.