CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Years after Michael Jordan donated millions to open two clinics in Charlotte, Novant Health is seeking solutions to help more people access affordable health care.
Darryl LIttle's smile and joy are contagious.
“(He) brightens up any room he goes into,” Dr. David Baker said.
It was a recommendation that led his infectious spirit to the Michael Jordan Family Clinic in Charlotte’s North End about two years ago.
“When I came here, I did not have health insurance," Little said. "It meant the world to me because it was the first time ever having someone help take care of me."
Little is a part of the Saber program, which helps people who are unhoused and dealing with substance abuse.
“Once I finally decided that I wanted to do something with my life and get clean, I knew something was going to be wrong,” he shared.
Baker knew Little made the right decision. He's thankful for the program that helps so many people get the care they need.
“The opportunity to help people who wouldn’t otherwise have help (and) address needs that haven’t been addressed in years,” Baker said.
Jordan, who was then the owner of Charlotte Hornets, donated $7 million for two clinics in the Queen City. The first opened on Freedom Drive in 2019, followed by the North End location in 2020.
The clinics provide affordable care for patients with and without insurance.
“Since COVID has gone down, we’ve been able to expand," Baker said. "We have specialists, cardiology that come here once a week. We have a pediatrician on Mondays."
As the clinics grow internally, they're also growing across the state. Novant Health is set to open another MJ Clinic in Jordan's hometown of Wilmington. The company hopes the Wilmington clinic will have the same impact as the two Charlotte offices.
“The medication that he put me on for my blood sugar and my blood pressure absolutely helped,” Little said.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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