Michael Jordan is a world-class athlete and one of the best basketball players of all time (if not THE greatest), but he’s also a generous philanthropist who gives his money to some great causes. This week, it was revealed that he donated $7 million to open a health clinic for the uninsured, proving just what an amazing guy he is.
- The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic opened on Thursday. Jordan himself was on hand to give a speech for the opening, which took place in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s been two years in the making, so seeing the center come to life had to be incredibly rewarding not only for Jordan but for the local community.
- Jordan described it as a “very emotional” experience. “This is a very emotional thing for me to be able to give back to a community that has supported me over the years,” Jordan told the crowd at the opening, according to the Daily Mail. “I stand here before you as a proud parent, son, obviously a member of this community.”
- He credited his family with helping get the project off the ground. “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 told the crowd.
- The center will provide important healthcare benefits. According to the Novant Health website, the center will “provide vital access to primary and preventive care to individuals in the community, including those who are uninsured or underinsured.” It will also “offer additional comprehensive care, including behavioral health and social support services, to more directly address health equity gaps and social determinants of health in our communities.”
- The clinic couldn’t have happened without Jordan’s generous donation. Novant Health CEO and president Carl Armato said in a statement, “At Novant Health, we are deeply committed to caring for patients beyond our walls. This clinic will not only provide access to medical care for those who need it most, but it will connect them to resources to ensure their health extends beyond the doctor’s office.” He added, “We are so grateful for Michael Jordan’s continued partnership and generous gift, which will transform thousands of lives in the west Charlotte community.”
- More than 300 people have already been treated. The center itself has only been open for about three weeks, but already, more than 300 people have received the healthcare they need. What an incredible achievement!
Thanks to a generous $7 million donation from @NBA legend Michael Jordan low-income Charlotte residents of all ages now have access to get the affordable medical care they need, with or without insurance. pic.twitter.com/dpJHVwCpmU
— Novant Health (@NovantHealth) October 17, 2019
The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic is open for business!📍3149 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28202 pic.twitter.com/gbS2AzZInA
— Novant Health (@NovantHealth) October 17, 2019