Michael Jordan returns to Wilmington to celebrate clinic
On Tuesday, Michael Jordan came to Wilmington to cut the ribbon on the first of two medical clinics he’s helped fund in his hometown.
Novant Health announced in early 2021 that the Wilmington native and six-time NBA champion had donated $10 million to help open two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics in New Hanover County. Jordan has previously partnered with the health system to open two clinics in Charlotte.
The first clinic, at the corner of 15th and Greenfield streets, opened its doors in April, while site work has started on the second medical clinic near the corner of Princess Place Drive and North 30th Street, according to a Novant Health spokesperson.
More than 100 local leaders and other community members turned out Tuesday for the ribbon-cutting. Michael Jordan, his mother, Deloris Jordan, and other members of the Jordan family attended the event.
Ernie Bovio, president of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, kicked off the event by thanking Michael Jordan and his investment in the clinic and the broader community.
“As you will soon see, this clinic is impressive. The care team, the physicians practicing here are committed and dedicated to transforming the way health care is experienced through this new community resource,” Bovio said.
“And there’s no doubt that the clinic will be vital to the health of our friends and neighbors for many years to come, so thank you, Michael, for creating a healthier future, a brighter future for so many here in Wilmington.”
In addressing attendees, Michael Jordan said it was “good to be home.” He said he and his family want to continue giving back to the community, building on the clinic model established in Charlotte.
“We did it in Charlotte, and now we’re going to do it in Wilmington, which makes it even more special because this is home; this is where I came from,” he said. “No matter how you see Michael Jordan, this is where I started.”
Deloris Jordan reminded community members that they need to play an active role in supporting the new Wilmington clinic.
“With this building, you must contribute. He brought it, he established the partnership, but it’s for your benefit, not his,” she said. “One person can’t do it all, it has to be a team.”
Michael Jordan graduated from Laney High School in Wilmington in 1981, and in 1982, he helped lead UNC to a national championship. He went on to play 15 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
The first 7,800-square-foot medical office at 1423 Greenfield St. has 12 patient rooms and will offer comprehensive primary care services, including to those who are uninsured or underinsured, according to Novant Health.
Novant leaders worked with the local nonprofit Cape Fear Collective to identify locations with the greatest need for medical clinics. The clinics aim to make health care services more accessible, especially for underserved communities.
In July 2021, New Hanover County leaders transferred the two acres at the corner of 15th and Greenfield streets to Novant Health for the clinic’s construction. Crews broke ground on the project in October 2022.
Late last year, Michael Jordan and his family entered into discussions about plans to bring a Jordan museum to Project Grace in downtown Wilmington. New Hanover County leaders recently announced that the family had opted not to move forward with the museum plans.
