Michael Jordan and Novant Health Open New Facility in Basketball Player’s Hometown

Novant Health

Novant Health announced that it has opened up a new health clinic focused on bringing primary care to both underinsured and uninsured patients in Wilmington, North Carolina.¹ The town is famous for being Michael Jordan’s hometown. The basketball star, who has worked with Novant in the past, played a key role in the opening of the new facility.

In a press release, Jordan said, “Everyone is worthy of access to quality health care, no matter where you live or if you have insurance. I'm truly inspired by the many powerful stories of people who are now thriving thanks to the support of our Charlotte medical clinics. I am confident Novant Health's new clinic will positively impact individuals and families throughout Wilmington. I'm profoundly grateful to help make this day happen for my hometown."

This is the third facility that Novant has worked with Jordan to open. The previous two facilities are located in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ernie Bovio is president of Novant Health Coastal Region and the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. In the same press release, he said, “We know people face significant barriers to care, and Novant Health is minimizing obstacles so that we can offer vital healthcare services to those who need it most. Each Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic has been thoughtfully planned for the best location within the community. Thanks to our care team's commitment to lifelong wellness, our third Michael Jordan clinic is already delivering on our vision to close health equity gaps by transforming healthcare, one patient at a time."

Novant Health senior vice president and president of Novant Health foundations Ann Caulkins also said, “We are tremendously grateful to Michael Jordan for his philanthropic support of our efforts to close health equity gaps. The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medicine Clinics in Charlotte provided more than 9,000 patient visits last year and are delivering profound benefits in the community. We're excited to expand this model in Wilmington, where the clinic team will provide life-changing care."

Novant Health isn’t just focused on North Carolina. In February, the company announced that it had acquired three hospitals in nearby South Carolina.² The hospitals are located in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head, and Hardeeville. According to a press release issued at the time, Novant spent an estimated $2.4 billion acquiring the hospitals. Novant announced that it planned to avoid any interruptions in the continuity of care at the three facilities.

In that press release, Novant Health’s president and CEO Carl S. Armato said, “We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina. Novant Health's long-term vision is to transform the health and wellness of these communities through expanded specialty services and clinical expertise. We are energized and united behind our cause to create a healthier future together by building connections with patients and clinicians in coastal South Carolina."

Sources

1. Novant Health and Michael Jordan Expand Vital Community Clinic Model to Wilmington. Novant Health. May 7, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novant-health-and-michael-jordan-expand-vital-community-clinic-model-to-wilmington-302138980.html
2. Novant Health Celebrates Long-term Investment in South Carolina, Welcomes 3 New Hospitals. Novant Health. February 1, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novant-health-celebrates-long-term-investment-in-south-carolina-welcomes-3-new-hospitals-302050549.html