Magic Johnson HIV testing unit stops in Jackson
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation's Magic Johnson Mobile HIV Testing Unit is on a 14-city tour and will stop in Jackson from 2-6 p.m. today at the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center's main clinic, 3502 W. Northside Drive.
Building Bridges, a community-based HIV/AIDS organization in Jackson, has partnered with AHF to provide the free, rapid testing. Charlotte Norwood, prevention intervention coordinator at Building Bridges, is hoping for huge turnout and stresses everyone needs to know their status. "There's a window period (of infection). It takes three weeks to three months for antibodies to buildup in the bloodstream," Norwood said.
AHF, is the nation's largest nonprofit AIDS organization and operates the largest community-based, HIV-testing program in California. The tour kicked off June 8 in Los Angeles and will end in Washington D.C. on June 27 - National HIV Testing Day. It will stop in some of the hardest hit regions of the United States.
"While making initial plans to transport our brand new, state-of-the-art AHF/Magic Johnson Mobile Testing Unit from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., we hit upon the idea that this cross-country road trip presented a unique opportunity to raise awareness about HIV testing, prevention and treatment through specific testing events and community outreach in cities and states along the way," said Michael Weinstein, AHF president. "As a result, AHF partnered with respected local AIDS and community groups in Phoenix; Albuquerque; Houston; New Orleans; Jackson, Mississippi; Pensacola, Florida; Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville; Atlanta; Columbia, South Carolina; Charlotte; Norfolk; and Washington, D.C., to host free HIV testing and media events in each of these communities."
"It is important that people learn how to avoid becoming infected with HIV; or if they are infected, know their HIV status, and seek medical treatment, if needed. People really need to know their HIV status today. These free HIV testing vans provide that opportunity in a friendly, no hassle way," said Blair Underwood, actor and AIDS activist who is also featured in AHF's popular 'Man Up' HIV testing ad campaign running in greater Los Angeles.
During the testing tour, AHF will present $5,000 grants to each of the local partners AHF is collaborating with.
A fully outfitted 34-foot HIV/AIDS mobile medical treatment clinic operated by AHF's Positive Healthcare in rural areas of north Florida and in the Panhandle joined the HIV testing caravan in New Orleans on Monday.
- Jackson Clarion-Ledger
