Magic's Message: Get Tested Now

More than 300 people turned out last night at Greater Bethel AME Church in Miami to hear Earvin “Magic” Johnson call for an end to AIDS stigma and an increase in HIV testing.

“In life you go through ups and downs, highs and lows,” said the former NBA great. “The lowest point was when my doctor called me home and he told me I had HIV.”

Sixteen years have passed since Johnson learned of his diagnosis. His appearances at the church and Miami Jackson High School are part of his “I Stand with Magic” program, whose five-year goal is to reduce by half the number of new HIV infections occurring in the black community.

“Now I need your help. We need to urge people to get tested,” Johnson said. Outside the church, two mobile units offered rapid-result HIV testing.

“Particularly in the African-American community, we’re stressing testing,” said Florence Greer, a minority AIDS coordinator with the Florida Department of Health. “If you look at four people who are HIV-positive, only three people know.”

Many audience members came forward to snap Johnson’s photo as he spoke. Christy Turnquist traveled from West Palm Beach, bringing her 10-year-old son, Kacy Wilson. “I wanted to hear from him,” Kacy said. “It’s very inspiring to see how he’s here.”

Johnson’s campaign is a partnership between his foundation and drug-maker Abbott Laboratories.

Back to other news for February 2008