Basketball legend and billionaire business mogul Michael Jordan opened a second, fully-funded, medical clinic in Charlotte earlier this week to provide healthcare to patients with limited or no health insurance, CNN reports.
The opening of the new Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in the state the six-time NBA champion grew up and nurtured his talent comes three years after he pledged $7 million to Novant Health, and a year after the first of the two health facilities dedicated to the underprivileged was open.
“To see how this has evolved over the last year is to gratifying. It makes me want to continue doing more so that we can keep answering the bell when the bell is ringing,” Jordan, 57, said about the opening of the clinic via video.
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Located in the city’s North End community, the 6,800-square-foot facility is equipped with amenities including an x-ray and physical therapy department as well as 12 patient exam rooms, according to CNN.
“When we came together to mark the first clinic’s opening last fall, no one could have predicted we would be facing a global pandemic just five months later,” Jordan said. “I’m so proud of the positive impact our clinic has had on the community so far, especially during COVID-19. Our second clinic will provide critical services to improve the health and lives of more Charlotteans, which is so important to me and to Novant Health.”
The opening of the first facility in 2019 was an emotional one for the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets as he was in tears while delivering his speech. Upon opening, the first clinic has served over 3,000 patients and was also used as a screening and testing center for COVID-19 early in the year, conducting over 13,000 tests.
“We are thrilled the North End community of Charlotte will have access to the same comprehensive care that is transforming lives at the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in west Charlotte,” Carl Armato, CEO and president of Novant Health, said during the opening of the second clinic, WBTV reports.
“The impact of the first clinic has been measurable and if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is the importance of having accessible, safe and quality care in communities that need it most. Michael Jordan’s commitment to improving the health of our communities, and society, is deep-rooted. We’re so grateful to be his partner in bringing care and resources to those who would otherwise be without.”
