The North Carolina city of Wilmington is celebrating the opening of the second Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic. It is the fourth in the entire state, thanks to a partnership between Novant Health and Michael Jordan. These primary care centers are open to both underinsured and uninsured patients. The new infrastructure available is a direct response to the needs of a growing and underserved community. The clinic, located at 416 N. 30th St., opened its doors on February 19, 2025.

The recent press release issued by Novant Health highlights that this initiative is part of an ambitious expansion project in North Carolina designed to break down historic barriers in access to health care. With 7,300 square feet of space and 12 care rooms, the clinic will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will also feature a community worker who will help patients navigate among the various local resources available. According to the release, "the clinic is designed to serve all patients, including those who are uninsured or underinsured."

The opening of this clinic in Wilmington is not an isolated event. It joins other centers already opened in the region, such as the center located on Greenfield Street, which "in its first nine months served nearly 1,800 patients," Novant Health reported in its release. This figure is evidence of the positive impact that this model of care has had on communities that have historically faced difficulties in accessing quality health services. In addition, the experience in Charlotte, where the concept of these clinics was launched, has been decisive in replicating and adapting the strategy in Wilmington.

The clinic's impact is not only measured in infrastructure and numbers, but also in the perception of healthcare professionals and the community. Shelby Stoneking, a physician with Novant Health, told WECT News 6 that "there is a growing recognition that many areas are underserved and that intervention is needed, especially as Wilmington continues to grow." Stoneking added that the new clinic "will make it easier to access a doctor without the patient having to sacrifice a full day of work or face logistical complications to get to a consultation." This perspective highlights the importance of having facilities that adapt to the realities and limitations of their users, promoting more accessible and humanized medical care.

Investment in this initiative is another pillar of its success. Michael Jordan, recognized for both his athletic feats and his social commitment, made a $10 million donation to the Novant Health Foundations, enabling the opening of two clinics in Wilmington. "We are deeply grateful to Michael Jordan for his generosity and vision, which have made these two clinics a reality in our community," Novant Health said in its release. In addition, Michael Jordan himself noted in the release that "visiting Wilmington for the opening of the first clinic was incredibly moving and reinforced how important access to quality health care is to the community."

The Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic model has established itself as an innovative response to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. By serving both insured and uninsured patients, it highlights the need for inclusive public health care tailored to diverse socioeconomic realities. The presence of a community worker in each clinic reinforces the idea that the service goes beyond medical consultation: it is about integrating patients into a system that offers them comprehensive solutions to their daily problems.

The opening of the new Wilmington clinic represents a significant milestone in Novant Health and Michael Jordan's strategy to transform the primary care landscape in North Carolina. With the opening taking place this past February 19, 2025 and patient appointments available beginning February 17, the initiative promises to not only expand medical coverage, but also drive change in the way care is understood and delivered in historically underserved communities.

Through philanthropic investment and the implementation of a model that combines quality clinical care with direct patient support, this collaboration stands as an example to follow in the pursuit of health equity. As both the Novant Health press release and the WECT News 6 report highlight, the joint action of experts, authorities and public figures such as Michael Jordan demonstrates that, when resources and commitment are pooled, it is possible to transform the reality of entire communities.

Ultimately, the new Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic is not only a modern building in the heart of Wilmington, but also a beacon of hope for thousands of people who, for the first time, will find easy access to essential medical services in their neighborhood. With this opening, the foundation for more inclusive and accessible care is being laid, marking a turning point in community health in the region.