Michael Jordan just opened a second hospital for uninsured folks: 'This is so important to me'

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has opened another hospital for uninsured individuals through Novant Health, an integrated network of physician clinics serving four states in the country. He has provided $7 million as a donation, which covers both the clinic's building as well as the land it will be built on, The Charlotte Observer reports. The clinic will be located in Jordan's hometown, Charlotte, North Carolina, and will offer primary care, behavioral health, and social support services. In a press release, the Charlotte Hornets owner said he was "so proud of the positive impact" of the first hospital he was able to build. The second hospital is bound to bring even greater benefits to the local community.

Carl Armato, CEO and President of Novant Health, stated in a press release, "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. 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."

The Novant Health family celebrated the new hospital through a Zoom call, during which Jordan made a guest appearance. In just one year, the first clinic was able to bridge many gaps in healthcare services, particularly to those who are uninsured or underinsured. These gaps have only widened due to the ongoing public health crisis, so the second clinic is a welcome move. "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 new hospital will be 6,800 square feet and have 12 patient exam rooms, an X-ray room, and physical therapy space. In addition to this, a full-time medical social worker will also be on the site in order to "address social determinants of health." Armato added, "The first clinic enabled us to better respond to the [pandemic]. It gave us the infrastructure to set up walk-up testing, no referral needed. It gave us a platform to educate and treat patients, close to home. It even gave us a distribution point for our universal masking initiative, where we provided free masks to anyone who needed them. This second location is critical, as it expands our impact and reach."