Basketball legend Michael Jordan is once again partnering with Novant Health to extend vital healthcare services to underserved communities, this time with a significant $10 million donation aimed at establishing two new medical clinics in the Wilmington, North Carolina area. This generous gift, announced on February 15th, marks the latest chapter in the ongoing collaboration between Jordan and the Novant Health Foundation, reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health equity.
Michael Jordan speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinic in Charlotte, NC, October 2019
The partnership between Michael Jordan and Novant Health began in 2017, fueled by an initial $7 million donation from Jordan. This initial contribution was instrumental in establishing two successful healthcare clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, specifically designed to serve the city’s most vulnerable and at-risk populations. These Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte have become vital resources, offering comprehensive primary care, encompassing behavioral health services and crucial social support.
Building upon the proven success of the Charlotte clinics, Michael Jordan’s family-focused philanthropy is now extending its reach to his hometown of Wilmington. The new clinics will replicate the integrated care model that has thrived in Charlotte, bringing much-needed medical services to rural and rural-adjacent communities in and around Wilmington. These clinics are specifically designed to provide affordable care to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring that financial constraints do not become barriers to accessing quality healthcare. The anticipated opening for these two new facilities is early 2022.
“I am incredibly proud to once again collaborate with Novant Health to broaden the Family Clinic model and bring enhanced access to essential medical services to Wilmington, a community that means so much to me,” stated Michael Jordan. “It is my firm belief that quality healthcare should be a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their location or insurance status. Wilmington holds a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my life is truly fulfilling.”
Michael Jordan shakes hands with Carl Armato, chief executive officer of Novant Health, surrounded by Novant Health and foundation leadership at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinic in Charlotte, NC, October 2019.
The impact of the existing Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte is undeniable. To date, these clinics have served over 4,500 patients, demonstrating the significant need for accessible healthcare in the region. Furthermore, they have played a crucial role in the COVID-19 response efforts, administering nearly 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines across their Freedom Drive and North End locations. Plans are in place to further scale up vaccination efforts as vaccine supply becomes more readily available, highlighting the clinics’ adaptability and commitment to community health during a public health crisis.
Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health, emphasized the urgency of addressing health equity gaps, particularly in light of the pandemic. “The pandemic has unfortunately amplified existing health disparities across our state, making our mission to bridge these gaps even more critical. We are eager to establish these new clinics as quickly as possible to guarantee that all community members have access to the necessary medical care they deserve,” Armato stated. “We are deeply grateful for Michael’s unwavering dedication to helping us deliver affordable care to the communities that need it most. His contribution is not only an investment in our partnership, but a profound investment in the well-being of every individual our clinics will serve.”
This announcement follows Novant Health’s recent acquisition of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), which includes a partnership with UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine. Novant Health underscored its commitment to expanding services to underserved communities as a core principle of its proposal during the acquisition process.
“When we embarked on the partnership with New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a primary commitment was to improve health outcomes in southeastern North Carolina, ensuring access to affordable care for all,” Armato added. “Michael’s generous gift empowers us to accelerate and directly impact this commitment. The establishment of these two new clinics unequivocally reinforces our dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of the entire southeast region.”
The $10 million donation from Michael Jordan to the Novant Health Foundation brings his total contributions to $17 million, all dedicated to the development of these vital clinics, which are owned and operated by Novant Health. Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of Novant Health and president of Novant Health Foundation, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “Novant Health is steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive, equitable, and affordable healthcare to all the communities we serve. Gifts like the incredibly generous donation we are announcing today are essential in making that commitment a reality, and we are immensely thankful to Michael Jordan for his continued support and unwavering belief in our ability to deliver innovative, holistic care to everyone.”
