The Flint Hills Observer
April 1997

Regional AIDS Project Enjoys Relationship with FHA
by Deb Taylor

The Regional AIDS Project’s (RAP) history is closely intertwined with the Flint Hills Alliance, stated RAP President Greg Eiselein. Eiselein spoke at the April 3 FHA meeting, along with fellow members Kim Morgan, Cindy Shuman, and Anna Wilkinson.

Eiselein said he would like to see the relationship between RAP and FHA become even more connected, particularly since RAP recently was awarded three Kansas Department of Health (KDH) grants. According to RAP Vice-President Kim Morgan, the grants will study: women at risk; IV drug users; and men who have sex with men, and their female partners. RAP’s current grant, Project REALITY, studies and educates African Americans at risk. These grants will aid RAP in its objectives to help people to engage in safer sex behaviors and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS issues in general.

Kim Morgan described RAP’s client services as a case management team which, with the help of volunteers, provides advocacy for clients who are HIV+ or have AIDS. The team offers options and available resources to the clients. Morgan stated that client services tries not to duplicate the services provided by area organizations (such as the Flint Hills Breadbasket), but it will help pay rent and purchase client consumables in emergency situations. RAP mostly offers support, stated Morgan, and strives to do whatever the client needs or wants.

Cindy Shuman, Volunteer Coordinator, stated that volunteers are needed to run the RAP offices in Manhattan (ECM building) and Junction City. Both offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm, M-F. Shuman stated that as the work created by the three grants get underway, more volunteers will be needed. A volunteer training session will take place in September.

Eiselein stated that RAP is becoming more professional as is evidenced by its two offices and its recent search for an Executive Director. Anyone who is interested in volunteering or serving on the RAP Board of Directors, or is interested in working with public relations for RAP, can call the RAP office at 587-1999.

Visit the RAP web site at http://www.flinthills.com/~rap!