Michael Jordan Launches Fourth Free Clinic to Serve Underserved North Carolinians
Michael Jordan may be best known for his dominance on the basketball court, but in recent years, he’s been making equally impressive moves off the hardwood—this time in the realm of healthcare.
The six-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer recently opened his fourth free medical clinic in North Carolina, expanding access to vital healthcare services for uninsured and underserved individuals in his home state.
Located at 416 N. 30th St. in East Wilmington, the newest Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic spans 7,300 square feet and includes twelve patient rooms. It officially opened on February 19 and operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Full-Circle Moment for Jordan
Although Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, his family relocated to Wilmington, NC, in 1968. He spent his formative years there and went on to lead North Carolina’s Tar Heels to an NCAA Championship in 1982. To this day, Jordan maintains strong ties to the state—owning property in Charlotte and formerly holding majority ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.
“It’s truly gratifying to know that in less than a year, our first Novant clinic in Wilmington has already made a meaningful impact,” Jordan shared in a statement.
“Visiting Wilmington last year was incredibly moving, and it reinforced just how important access to quality health care is for the community.”
More Than Just a Building
This latest clinic is part of Jordan’s ongoing partnership with Novant Health, which began with a $7 million donation in 2019 to establish two free clinics in Charlotte. Those clinics have since served thousands of patients, and Jordan has continued the momentum with an additional $10 million gift to bring two more clinics to Wilmington.
“Thanks to his philanthropic partnership, our Greenfield Street clinic served nearly 1,800 patients in just nine months,” said Ernie Bovio, president of Novant Health’s Coastal Region.
“Already, our dedicated teams are building strong relationships and advancing vital medical care in our community.”
Beyond Basketball: A Lasting Legacy
Jordan’s commitment to health equity shows that his post-basketball legacy is about more than championships and accolades. Though he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, his philanthropic efforts are helping ensure that his impact goes well beyond sports.
From six NBA titles and five MVP awards to a career average of 30.1 points per game, Jordan’s accomplishments on the court are unmatched. But his investments in community health may be just as valuable in the long run.
Unbiased Perspective: A Win for the Community, But the Work Isn’t Over
Jordan’s clinic initiative is a powerful example of how wealth and influence can be channeled for meaningful change. By funding these clinics, he’s addressing a critical need—access to affordable healthcare—in areas where systemic disparities have long existed.
However, while this private investment is commendable, it also underscores a broader issue: Why are communities still so reliant on philanthropy to access basic medical care? These clinics serve as a lifeline, but ideally, they wouldn’t be necessary if healthcare access were more equitable at the policy level.
Still, it’s clear that Michael Jordan is using his platform in a way that inspires hope and creates opportunity, especially for people who need it most.
