What can $7 million get you in 2019? If you happen to be uninsured or underinsured in the city of Charlotte, it can get you a new lease on life. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic was just unveiled, the first of two clinics that Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan will help to fund with his generous gift of $7 million. The new facility is 6,800-square-feet and will offer a range of medical services. In addition, it will feature a full time social worker to offer support services to patients. Jordan’s gift was tied to a pledge to offer care to communities with little to no health care.
Healthcare has always been a fight in this country and that battle rages on. A 2009 study found that 45,000 die annually because they lack health insurance. This new clinic was intentionally located in a low income neighborhood to serve people who disproportionately lack access to basic heath services and as a result, risk such perilous outcomes. The clinic will enable local residents to access annual wellness visits, immunizations, women’s health services, hearing and vision screenings, along with a wide range of other services. “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,” said Michael Jordan, in a statement.
A 2014 Harvard University/UC Berkley study found that Charlotte ranked 50th out of 50 in economic mobility for children born into poverty. The integrated care approach of this clinic will seek to offer hope in reversing that trend. Jordan, who is not poor, is hopeful that change can happen. Michael Jordan began building his fortune as a professional basketball player. His business acumen off the court, however, has carried him all the way to being a billionaire. In fact, Jordan has made the overwhelming majority of his money after retiring — he made less than $100 million during his NBA playing career. Having made his fortune, Jordan is giving back in meaningful ways, to those most in need.
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