Nov. 7, 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the date that Earvin "Magic" Johnson stunned the world with the announcement that he was HIV+. It was also the day that he created the foundation that bears his name. During the last 20 years, it has served to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS and fostered education and self-empowerment among the nation's youth. The Magic Johnson Foundation has created a national day of health and service called "Point Forward Day" and will be supporting programs across the country. We will be commemorating that day with "Point Forward Day" in Chicago.
From 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Nov. 7, in partnership with Beyond Care and South Side Health Center, Walgreens will be providing 12 straight hours of free HIV screenings at their new flagship store at 75th and State.
People who stop by during the day will be able to receive testing, counseling and will be entered into a raffle for valuable prizes, including Jay-Z tickets, Walgreens gift cards and a basketball signed by Magic Johnson to mark the occasion. Power 92 will be broadcasting from the Walgreens from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and the Soul 106.3 Van will be on hand from 3pm-5pm providing music and raffles.
We would be honored if you stopped by during the day to lend your support and help us foster health .
"Magic" Johnson celebrates "Point Forward Day" in Chicago on Nov. 7
Initiative Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of His Historic HIV Status Announcement and Creation of Magic Johnson Foundation
Events taking place simultaneously in 17 cities across United States
Chicago — Until twenty years ago the world had never seen a 6'9" point guard. Possessing the skill sets of two positions, Earvin "Magic" Johnson changed the game of basketball forever, coining the term "Point Forward." Now, what Magic did for the game of basketball he is willing to do for philanthropy, creating a new way of thinking and a position for the rest of the country.
The Point Forward Day will feature activity around three Magic Johnson Foundation pillars:
1. HIV/AIDS Education, Awareness & Prevention — Testing & awareness events to be held at 18 sites
2. Community Empowerment Centers ( CECs ) — community events will occur at ten of the centers nationwide.
3. Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program ( TMSP ) - Beneficiaries of the program will support the community events executed at the CEC's and on several college campuses
Events in Chicago will focus on the importance of testing and education around the harrowing statistics that point to a growing epidemic of HIV and other STIs, especially affecting those in disadvantaged and under-served areas.
In partnership with the Magic Johnson Foundation, on November 7th, 2011, Walgreens will be providing 12 straight hours of free HIV screenings from 10am-10pm at their new flagship store at 75th and State.
Walgreens Director of Community Affairs John Gremer initiated the Chicago component of the Point Forward Day program this year after hearing wife of NBA great Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Cookie Johnson speak at an event where she talked about her life 20 years after her husband's announcement that he had tested positive for HIV. Gremer says the initiative took on a very personal meaning for him and has inspired his department and the local Chicago Pharmacist team at 75th Street to take action.
"It's been my pleasure to work with the community to encourage people to get screened for preventable illnesses," states Gremer. "Not only will the participants be able to take advantage of free HIV screenings, but our medical experts will also be available to provide immediate information on treatments and overall healthy living. We look forward to partnering with the Magic Johnson Foundation to create more Walgreens Community Empowerment Centers in our own backyard."
Activities for the day include free screenings at the Walgreens on 75th Street & State and live radio remotes and special recorded messages from the Foundation. Johnson has donated a signed basketball that will be raffled off to all participants who are screened that day. Other prizes will be awarded during the day including concert tickets and Walgreens $100 cash cards.
About the Magic Johnson Foundation
The Magic Johnson Foundation, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization was established in 1991 to raise funds for community-based organizations focused on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. To date, the foundation has donated over $15 Million to underserved communities. MJF has evolved from an HIV grant making organization to one that advocates for community based organizations, and supports educational empowerment through HIV/AIDS education/testing/awareness work, minority college access, and digital literacy. Additionally, the Magic Johnson Foundation provides inner city youth access to social activities and outings such as professional sports events and holiday parties otherwise unavailable to them.
About Walgreens
Walgreens ( www.walgreens.com ) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,760 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
