Michael Jordan attended a ribbon cutting ceremony in Charlotte, N.C on Thursday to talk about two new health clinics he helped build. One opened three weeks ago, and the second will open up in the future.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the NBA legend gave $7.2 million for the two facilities, which are called The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinic. And both will be in sections of the city for those either uninsured or under-insured.
The two clinics are expected to serve 35,000 adults and children in the next five years, and some of the services include primary health care, dentistry and patients will be able to visit behavioral health therapists, physical therapists, as well as social workers, if they need to.
Jordan, who’s the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, partnered with Novant Health for the two clinics. And tears began to stReam down his face as he spoke behind a podium.
“I stand here before you as a proud parent, son, obviously a member of this community. My mother, my brothers, my daughter, my grandson, we all represent the name Michael Jordan,” said the Hall of Famer.
“You see my name, but yet you see a lot of people behind me and the commitment, especially from my mom, about caring for other people and being a part of a community that matters,” he added.
Jordan then spoke about why it was important to build the clinics in that particular area of Charlotte.
“As you can see, it’s a very emotional thing for me,” he stated. “To be able to give back to a community that’s supported me over the years when I was playing the game of basketball to now where I’m a part of this community. “
“I think the partnership goes a long way in providing needs to this community here, less than fortunate people,” he added. “The money doesn’t matter, the name really doesn’t matter, it’s the commitment that I partnered up with unbelievable partners to see a need within this community.”
Jordan then said the clinics are only the start of how he plans to help the area, because the need currently outweighs what’s already been done.
“This is just the start of a battle, of being able to touch as many as we can and grow this project,” explained the 56-year-old.
This is the second time in about a month and a half that Jordan made headlines for his altruism. In September he announced a $1 million donation to help those in the Bahamas who were victims of Hurricane Dorian.
