Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
Basketball legend Michael Jordan has officially opened a second clinic for the uninsured in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.
On Monday, Novant Health opened the second facility, one year after the opening of the first Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic.
The Charlotte Hornets owner provided a $7 million grant in 2017 to make the clinics possible.
The six-time champion told the Observer, “It gives my family great pride to know that we are making a difference in Charlotte.”
The clinics were developed to serve underprivileged communities who may not have access to insurance or primary care. The facilities provide physical, dental, and behavioral health based on the “integrated care model.” This care model means that patients are connected to social workers and various other services
“One of the things we’ve learned over time is that a patient’s ability to access food, housing, clothing, transportation, has a huge impact on their ability to achieve high-quality health care,” Novant’s Dr. Michael Hoben said in a statement.
“If we’re only addressing the traditional medical needs, we’re missing probably half of what they really need to achieve their highest or best health,” he continued.
The clinics have been instrumental for the community, especially during the pandemic. The clinic offers financial assistance for those without insurance, has administered more than 14,000 COVID-19 tests and assisted with COVID-19 treatment.
Patient Diane Brodie saw Jordan on TV last year for the clinic’s opening and called the next day. After losing her job, she had been uninsured, so she reached out to the clinic the very next day to help with her diabetes. She said she felt like, for the first time, the doctors listened to her problems and helped get her diabetes in check. Something her previous physicians were unable to do.
“I feel like my life was saved,” Brodie told the Observer.
