FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 7, 2007

Celebrity basketball game to benefit new HIV testing partnership

The Clay Johnson Foundation attracts ‘Magic’ Johnson to the event

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department has formed a partnership with former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player and Kansas City native Clay Johnson to encourage HIV testing. Those who are tested at designated times and locations from Sept. 6-20 will receive a free ticket to the “Kansas City ‘Magic’ All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game” on Sept. 22 at Municipal Auditorium.

The celebrity game will feature the National Basketball Association’s Entertainment League, including Clay Johnson’s friend and former teammate Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and actors Morris Chestnut and James Lesure. Proceeds of the game will benefit The Clay Johnson Foundation.

“Having my colleagues stand up and support my passion is a feeling I find hard to express,” said Johnson, who established the foundation to give back to the community and youth of the city. “I am really looking forward to having Magic Johnson in Kansas City. I know he wants to spread the word about getting tested for HIV, and I want to help him in this effort.”

The Health Department regularly provides free, confidential testing but is working with other local agencies and county health departments in Kansas and Missouri to participate in this program. For a list of participating HIV testing locations and times, visit the Health Department Web site, www.kcmo.org/health.

For interview opportunities with Clay Johnson, contact Francine Marseille for a schedule and media pass at (818) 881-1301; or (310) 738-0340 (cell phone); or fmarseille@socal.rr.com. 

Media inquiries for the Health Department should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, (816) 840-2548 (pager).