Michael Jordan’s relationship with the state of North Carolina dates back to his youth. (As a toddler, the Brooklyn-born Jordan moved there with his family.) In addition, as owner of the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA legend has built a close relationship with the city through the years. Now, Jordan is once again giving back to the community by helping fund two medical clinics for uninsured and underinsured patients, according to a press release from Novant Health.
In 2017, Jordan donated $7.2 million to open two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics. The first one, which recently opened and includes 12 examination rooms for patients, an X-ray room and space for physical therapy, has already served more than 300 people, reports the Charlotte Observer. The second one is expected to be built on Statesville Avenue.
Novant Health says it plans to use a “unique integrated services model designed to identify, treat and support social determinants of health.” For example, a full-time licensed clinical social worker will help to connect patients with resources such as bus passes and behavioral health and social support services.
“When I heard Novant Health’s plan to bring not only primary care but other needed services to the community, there was no doubt in my mind that this is where I wanted to help make an impact,” Jordan said in a statement. “I feel very fortunate to be able to give back in this way because I believe that your ZIP code or neighborhood should not determine the quality of your health care—or whether or not you can even get care at all.”
The two clinics are supposed to serve at least 35,000 children and adults during the next five years, according to the newspaper.
“We are committed to this community,” Jordan said on October 17 at a celebration for the clinic’s opening. “Not from a financial [standpoint] but from [the] heart—a passion for what this city, this state has given back to me. I can never repay what you have given to me. But this is a start.”
For related coverage, read “Ex-NFL Player DeAngelo Williams Sponsors More Than 500 Mammograms.”
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