Last week, Michael Jordan, the 61-year-old, six-time NBA champion, shed a few tears as he delivered an emotional speech during the grand opening of his family’s third medical clinic in partnership with Novant Health in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The new Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic is designed to provide essential medical services to local residents who are either uninsured or underinsured. Moved by the impact this clinic will have on the community where he grew up, Jordan expressed his deep personal connection to the project.
“It’s good to be home first and foremost,” Jordan said. “That’s what this clinic is about – when the families aren’t able to support themselves, we’re there to support them. Don’t have any money? Doesn’t matter. We’re going to do everything we can to support you, because that’s what happened to me. That’s where I got it from.”
Jordan went on to reflect on the significance of expanding this initiative to Wilmington, the place where his journey began. “We did it in Charlotte, now we’re going to do it here in Wilmington, which makes it even more special because this is home. This is where I came from and no matter how you see Michael Jordan, this is where I started, this is where I’m always going to be a part of.”
The emotional speech underscored Jordan’s deep-seated commitment to using his platform and resources to uplift the communities that have shaped him, ensuring that those in need have access to essential healthcare services.
Michael Jordan opened a third clinic in Wilmington, NC, to serve uninsured and underinsured residents
In addition to the new medical clinic in Wilmington, Michael Jordan already owns two other Novant Health clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina. To get all three centers up and running in his childhood hometown, Jordan donated $10 million.
In a press release shared with People, Jordan emphasized his belief that “everyone is worthy of access to quality health care, no matter where you live or if you have insurance.” He expressed feeling “truly inspired by the many powerful stories of people who are now thriving thanks to the support of our Charlotte medical clinics.”
With an estimated net worth of around $3.2 billion, the basketball legend was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Wilmington, North Carolina at the age of 5. His deep personal connection to the local community has driven his commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services to those who might otherwise struggle to access it.
Through this latest initiative in Wilmington, Jordan continues to leverage his resources and platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people and places that shaped his own journey. The medical clinics stand as a testament to his enduring dedication to uplifting underserved communities and ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare.