Philanthropist Michael Jordan’s $10 Million Donation Urges New Investment Due to North Carolina’s Heart-Wrenching Demand

About seven years ago, Michael Jordan contributed to making healthcare more affordable in North Carolina. Since the pandemic, the need has grown and the efforts haven’t stopped. Novant Health’s Michael Jordan clinics are expanding to more areas and addressing more healthcare needs with continued support from the Jordan Family. Following the success of two clinics, the next one is set to open in Wilmington, MJ’s hometown, soon.

The Jordan Family initiative with Novant Health began with a $7 million donation to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation in 2017 when His Airness was still an owner of the Charlotte Hornets. The contribution went towards two clinics in Charlotte named after the NBA icon. The first opened its door on Freedom Drive in 2019. The other came on time during the pandemic surge in 2020 at Charlotte’s North End. To date, these clinics have helped over 4,500 people, including providing critical COVID-19 care.

In the post-pandemic situation, Novant Health is in a state to open more locations with an additional $10 million gift from the Jordan Family. Construction crews broke ground in October 2022 at 1410 S. 15th Street, on the corner shared with Greenfield Street. Plans are to open this clinic in early 2024. The second clinic is in development at 3009 Princess Place Drive. It’s also recruiting specialists in cardiology and pediatrics to visit its existing location weekly.

These clinics provide affordable healthcare to those with or without insurance. Since its establishment, the Jordan Clinics have been a part of the local community with so many heartwarming stories. Dr. David Baker, who’s been in charge of the North End location, said that most of their patients have not been to doctors in years and have undiagnosed medical issues. When they do receive a diagnosis and care at these clinics, their lives are completely transformed. With the new clinic in Wilmington, Jordan’s hometown will have its life-changing stories to tell, like that of Daryl Little.

From the Jordan Clinics Archives

Local Charlotte outlets have followed the story of Darryl Little since about 2022 when he walked into the North End Jordan Clinic on a recommendation. Little was a college basketball athlete, towering at 6’9″ and played center, dreaming of playing in the NBA, perhaps inspired by UNC alum Michael Jordan. However, circumstances were different. Now in his sixties, Little lives in a homeless shelter and works at Goodwill, with a life on track thanks to the team at Novant Health’s Jordan Clinic.

He had no insurance but the clinic took care of his needs. The doctors here found a clot in his lung after an accident on time and provided affordable medication most people can’t get without insurance. He was diagnosed with diabetes here and got the medication he needed to keep it under control. “It meant the world to me because it was the first time ever having someone help take care of me,” he told WCNC. To Little, these clinics sponsored by the Jordan Family address a need that very few have done.

Like him, there was Gary Warwick, who couldn’t work due to a disability. A volunteer at the shelter he lived in directed him to the Jordan Clinics, where he finally got a COPD diagnosis for his lingering symptoms.

Little still visits the clinic and Dr. Baker. Now he’s the one directing those in need to Novant Health’s Jordan Clinics to get the help they need.