Michael Jordan speaks at opening of Wilmington family clinic bearing his name

Amid an air of anticipation, NBA legend Michael Jordan and his relatives gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, marking the official opening of the Michael Jordan Family Clinic in Wilmington on Tuesday.

John Gizdic, executive vice president and chief at Novant Health, introduced Michael Jordan.

"Together we are delivering on the vision to create Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics that focus on improving the health of individuals and families regardless of any barriers they may have in their life," Gizdic said. Michael Jordan "has made a lasting impact on thousands...of lives of people he will likely never meet."

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Michael Jordan took the podium alongside his mother.

"It's good to be home first and foremost," Michael said. "It's always a great opportunity for me to come home and what makes it even more special is coming with my family."

In the audience were a few other relatives of the six-time NBA champion, including brother Larry Jordan, Larry's wife, a cousin, and great-aunt. Michael paid homage to his family, highlighting the impact of his mother and father in particular, at the start of his speech.

"Every time you see Michael Jordan anywhere it's a blessing to (my mother) and to my father," Michael said. "She is the backbone of this family and every time you see anything that I do it comes from the education and the family support. That's what this clinic is about. When the families are not able to support, we're there to support."

The clinic, located at 1423 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, is one of two clinics planned for the Wilmington area as part of a $10 million donation by Michael Jordan for the project. A second clinic is currently in progress, with plans for its location on Princess Place Drive.

Michael's mother took the podium directly after her son. Deloris talked about the Jordan family's continual involvement within the community.

"Now is not the first time we've been involved, it was a part of us," Deloris said. "Don't wait for the community to come to you...you go out, you make it happen."

Deloris shared her goals of "establishing something that can be built on," noting the importance of giving back.

"We all know with healthcare and education you can survive. Without and education you cannot survive," Deloris said.

As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ernie Bovio, president of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, highlighted the significance of the clinic's opening.

"This clinic is impressive," Bovio said. "The care team, the physicians practicing here, are committed and dedicated to transforming the way healthcare is experienced through this new community resource."

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The Family Clinic will offer annual wellness visits, immunizations, sick-child appointments, STD testing, women's health services, electrocardiograms (EKGs,) on-site lab testing, and more, according to its webpage. Patients can also receive help from the Novant Health team in accessing resources related to housing, transportation, psychiatry, behavioral health therapy, and adolescent healthy eating and exercise programs.

Two Novant Health providers will head the Greenfield Street clinic location: Emilia Anna Parrott, family physician, and Lois Jeannine Iiams, family nurse practitioner.

Parrott said the first step at the clinic will be building trust with patients.

"What we are really doing is building healthier families and healthier families build healthier communities," Parrott said. "It is our goal at the clinic to be integral to this community, to be a place where everyone feels comfortable walking through our doors and expects to receive excellent care."

Jordan's previous partnership with Novant Health resulted in the opening of two Family Clinics in Charlotte.

Michael Hoben, senior physician executive with Novant Health, said the clinics provide "truly live changing care," as shown by the results at the two Charlotte locations.

Rona Watson, chaplain with Novant Health, rendered a blessing on the Family Clinic.

"We join with this whole community at a sacred intersection where families, team members, and their stories meet with community and with compassion," Watson said. "As we bless this space, we set it apart for the special purpose of health, well-being, and empowerment."

Jordan, his mother, and members of the Novant Health team cut through the purple ribbon in front of the entrance to the Michael Jordan Family Clinic around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday before attendees were invited inside to tour the new building.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Michael Jordan in Wilmington, NC, for clinic opening