MAGIC UNVEILS HIV-AIDS PLAN.Byline: RICK ORLOV Staff Writer BALDWIN HILLS -- Marking the observance of World AIDS Day World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38. , Magic Johnson “Earvin Johnson” redirects here. For the Milwaukee Bucks center, see Ervin Johnson. Earvin Effay Johnson, Jr. (born August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan), nicknamed Magic announced Friday that his foundation has launched a nationwide campaign to promote awareness of and testing for the disease, particularly in the African-American community. During a news conference at his Crenshaw cren·shaw also cran·shaw n. A variety of winter melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) having a greenish-yellow rind and sweet, usually salmon-pink flesh. [Origin unknown.] Plaza movie theaters, Johnson announced the ``I Stand With Magic'' project, which is designed to provide information and get people tested for HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. . ``I feel blessed to be here today, 15 years since I learned I had this disease,'' said Johnson, who was at the height of his career with the Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Lakers when he announced in 1991 that he'd contracted HIV. ``This is a time when we can help people change their lives. It's a goal in my life to raise awareness and speak out on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome .'' The effort by the Magic Johnson Foundation, with help from Abbott Laboratories and other corporate sponsors, will provide free testing at sites throughout the nation. The foundation also will provide information about ways to prevent and treat the disease, which has no known cure. Friday was World Aids Day, part of a series of events planned across the nation as part of AIDS Awareness Month. rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com (213) 978-0390 CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (ran in Valley edition only) Fifteen years after disclosing his HIV-positive status, charismatic former basketball star Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson, seen here with boxer Laila Ali, marked World AIDS day on Friday by unveiling a campaign to curb the disease within the black community. Nick Ut/Associated Press |
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