Winston Salem Times

Wilmington is set to open its second Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, providing increased access to primary care for local families. The new clinic, located in East Wilmington at 416 N. 30th St., will begin welcoming patients on February 19. It aims to offer services such as health screenings, physicals, vaccines, and wellness exams.

The establishment of these clinics was made possible by a $10 million donation from Michael Jordan to Novant Health. The clinics were designed with the goal of serving all patients and addressing preventable illnesses in communities lacking primary healthcare access.

Dr. Shelby Stoneking, the family medicine doctor at the new clinic, emphasized the importance of primary care as a pathway to good health. "Underserved people don’t have as many doors open to them," Stoneking stated. "But by being intentional about putting clinics in underserved areas, a lot more people will be able to access these services."

These clinics aim to remove barriers such as unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, lack of nearby facilities, and insufficient insurance coverage that often affect underserved communities. In 2024, around 14% of Wilmington residents lacked health insurance.

Stoneking expressed her dedication to providing quality care for everyone regardless of their circumstances: “Our goal is to treat everyone with quality care. No matter the circumstances, our team welcomes them with open arms.”

Stoneking's journey into medicine was inspired by her father's work as a primary care physician and further developed through her experiences working with underserved communities both domestically and internationally.

During its first nine months of operation, the existing clinic welcomed 1,770 patients and conducted numerous health screenings including breast cancer screenings and diabetes tests. Dr. Stoneking stressed the importance of preventive care: “If you know someone who hasn’t seen a primary care doctor in a while, tell them that we’re here,” she said.