Michael Jordan Opens First of 2 Clinics in North Carolina to Serve Patients With Little or No Health Insurance

Michael Jordan at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dec. 21, 2013. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

An emotional Michael Jordan this week unveiled a medical clinic he has funded in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will offer care to those who are uninsured and underinsured.

The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic—the first of two medical clinics funded by the NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner—will offer Charlotte residents primary and preventative care, as well as additional comprehensive care, including behavioral health and social support services, according to a news release.

Jordan gave an emotional speech at its grand opening on Oct. 17.

“As you can see, it’s a very emotional thing for me to be able to give back to a community that’s supported me over the years,” the six-time NBA champion said, reported CNN.

“This is just the start of a battle of being able to touch as many people as we can,” Jordan said, with tears streaming down his cheeks.

The clinic’s opening in west Charlotte came two years after the 56-year-old donated $7 million to Novant Health to build two facilities, the second of which has not yet opened.

In his speech, Jordan spoke of the “impact” he wishes to make to the lives of those in the region.

“The money is not an issue for me, it’s the commitment to be able to make a difference and make an impact,” he said.

The 6,800 square foot state-of-the-art clinic, operated by Novant Health, includes 12 patient exam rooms, an X-ray room, and space for physical therapy.

Carl Armato, CEO and president of Novant Health, 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. We are so grateful for Michael Jordan’s continued partnership and generous gift, which will transform thousands of lives in the west Charlotte community.”

According to the news release, Charlotte residents will be supported with resources “that range from bus passes to social support services.”

Jordan explained he based his decision to fund the two clinics on Novant Health’s plan to provide not only primary care to residents, but “other needed services” as well.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to give back in this way, because I believe that your ZIP code or neighborhood should not determine the quality of your health care—or whether or not you can even get care at all,” Jordan said.

To ensure the community’s needs were met, the clinic was constructed and designed with regular input from residents throughout the planning and development process.

“The community is embedded into the very foundation of these clinics,” Armato added. “I know how important that is both to Michael Jordan and to Novant Health. We want the community to know that we’re not just here when they’re in crisis or in need of urgent care. We’re here for the long haul.”