Michael Jordan opens new medical clinic in his hometown

Always involved in social work, the basketball player inaugurated the third medical clinic in Wilmington which offers medical services to uninsured or underinsured people

Michael Jordan, the NBA basketball legend, has inaugurated the third medical clinic of his family in Wilmington, North Carolina, the city where he grew up. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, a partnership with Novant Health, provides medical services to uninsured or underinsured people, addressing a critical need in the local community.

During the opening ceremony, an emotional Jordan shared his deep connection with Wilmington and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that raised him. He stated, reiterating his commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare regardless of patients’ financial situations:

“It’s great to be home first of all. This is the purpose of this clinic: when families are unable to support themselves, we are there to support them. This clinic is here for that, to support those who can’t afford it. We are here to help you and money does not matter. We will do whatever it takes to help you, because this is exactly what happened to me, I come from here.”

Choosing Wilmington as the location for the clinic holds particular emotional value for Jordan, as the city reminds him of his father, James R. Jordan Sr., who was murdered in 1993. The bond with his father has always been strong, and the inauguration of this clinic was also a moment to honor his memory.

Jordan’s ongoing commitment to North Carolina

Jordan has donated $10 million to operate the three clinics in North Carolina. His generosity extends beyond Wilmington, as he has already opened two similar clinics in Charlotte in 2019 and 2020, with a donation of $7 million for each facility, showing a steady commitment to improving medical care access for economically challenged individuals. He commented:

“Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where you live or whether you have insurance. I am truly inspired by the many powerful stories of people who are now thriving thanks to the support from our Charlotte medical clinics. I am confident that the new Novant Health clinic will have a positive impact on individuals and families throughout Wilmington. I am deeply grateful to have helped make this day happen for my hometown.”

Before these clinics, many Charlotte residents lacked a primary care provider. The facilities offer comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, and other support services, with patients welcomed every day from Monday to Friday.

Jordan’s contribution to the North Carolina community is significant even in sports. Until 2023, he was the majority owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, later selling his majority share for $3 billion but retaining a minority stake in the team.

Jordan’s dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate reflects his desire to leave a lasting impact beyond the sports achievements for which he is known. His clinics symbolize his determination to make a difference, starting with the community that shaped him and holds a place in his heart.

Source: Novant Health