Michael Jordan opens second health clinic for uninsured people in his hometown of Charlotte to provide ‘critical care’ during the pandemic as more than 14,000 COVID-19 test have been given at the first facility
- Michael Jordan appeared on a Zoom call with patients as he announced the launch of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in North End
- Launch comes a year after the west Charlotte location
- Both were created thanks to a $7million grant Jordan gave
- The clinics are aimed at providing adequate, accessible health care to those who are uninsured
- More than 3,350 patients – of which more than 450 are children – have been seen at the west Charlotte locatin
- That location turned into a center for COVID-19 screening and testing in April
- ‘Our second clinic will provide critical services to improve the health and lives of more Charlotteans,’ Jordan said
Basketball great Michael Jordan has opened a second health clinic for the uninsured in his hometown of Charlotte, aimed at providing ‘critical services’ during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 57-year-old sports icon praised the success of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in west Charlotte, which opened last year, as he announced the launch of the new North End location.
Both locations were made possible by a massive $7million grant given by Michael Jordan, three years ago. They work to address health equity gaps, offering comprehensive primary care – something made even more apparent by COVID-19.
Michael Jordan appeared on a Zoom call with patients as he announced the launch of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in North End
An outside look of the new North End location, which will come stocked with 12 patient exam rooms and an X-ray room
‘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 in a release of the launch.
‘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.’
At 6,800sq-ft, the North End clinic – located on Statesville Avenue – will come stocked with 12 patient exam rooms, an X-ray room and space for physical therapy. A full-time clinical social worker will also be on-site to help ‘address those social determinants of health.’
Novant Health has high expectations for their second location, as the first has done extremely well in its first year of existence.
Inside the North End location. A full-time clinical social worker will also be on-site to help ‘address those social determinants of health’
‘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,’ said Carl Armato, CEO and president of Novant Health.
‘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.’
More than 3,350 patients – of which more than 450 are children – have been seen at the Freedom Drive location. Close to 700 patients have been assisted by the clinic’s social worker, with nearly 80 patients being referred for additional behavioral health care.
‘We’ve been dealt with some very difficult cards in 2020,’ Jordan said during a Zoom call announcing the launch. ‘I hope 2021 is going to be much better’
The Freedom Drive clinic transitioned into a respiratory assessment center in April to assist in providing ‘accessible COVID-19 screening, testing, treatment and education.’
‘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 said last year when opening the first center
The clinic has performed more than 14,000 COVID-19 tests and conducted close to 12,600 mobile health appointments. Those needing primary care were redirected to a nearby clinic.
‘We’ve been dealt with some very difficult cards in 2020,’ Jordan said during a Zoom call announcing the launch. ‘I hope 2021 is going to be much better.’
He later added: ‘The energy is just too strong for us to stop now and I have chill bumps just sitting here talking about it. I feel very proud that the relationship has evolved and we will continue to do great things with Charlotte and the community.’
During last year’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the Freedom Drive location, Jordan was overcome with emotion as he stressed the importance of adequate, accessible health care.
‘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 said during the ceremony.