Michael Jordan has made the charitable decision to contribute millions of dollars to develop medical clinics in Wilmington, North Carolina. The NBA icon’s hometown will receive $10 million towards two new clinics that will open in 2022.
The donation will aid regional health system Novant Health in providing an “integrated care model to more rural and rural-adjacent communities” in the area, “offering much-needed services to those who are uninsured or underinsured,” according to Novant Health’s press release.
Previously, Jordan pledged $7 million in 2017 to open two Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, which offered complete primary care, containing behavioral health and social support services, to the region’s more at-risk communities.
The health centers also have also recently provided essential COVID-19 care, seeing more than 4,500 patients, and giving nearly 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines.
Jordan released a statement, saying, “I am very proud to once again partner with Novant Health to expand the Family Clinic model to bring better access to critical medical services in my hometown. Everyone should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live, or whether or not they have insurance. Wilmington holds a special place in my heart and it’s truly gratifying to be able to give back to the community that supported me throughout my life.”
Jordan’s $10 million contribution was made to the Novant Health Foundation, which, according to the press release, has now obtained a total of $17 million in funds from the basketball star committed to establishing clinics.
“We are so appreciative of Michael’s unwavering commitment to help us bring affordable care to our communities that need it most,” said president and CEO of Novant Health, Carl Armato. “It’s not only an investment in us as a partner, but it’s an investment in each and every person that our clinics can reach.”
“With Michael’s gift, we’ll be able to more quickly, and directly, have an impact,” Armato added. “The establishment of these two new clinics reinforces our true commitment to improving the health of the southeast region.”
This is far from the first time Jordan has displayed his philanthropic influence, with the Charlotte Hornets owner donating $2 million to Feeding America as recently as November 2020, according to the official NBA website. The proceeds for the gift originated from the popular ESPN documentary about the 1997-98 season of Jordan and his Chicago Bulls team, “The Last Dance.”
“In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks,” Jordan said in a tweet released by Feeding America. “I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from ‘The Last Dance’ to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America’s hungry.”
