About 70 kids in neon orange shirts eagerly awaited rapper G Herbo’s arrival at a youth center in Gary. When the “PTSD” lyricist appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers, with every phone out and aimed his way. Herbo joined local activist Aaliyah Stewart on Thursday to discuss his mental health struggles from gun violence, how […]
Health
Posted inEnvironmental Justice, Health, Housing
Redlining’s Toxic Legacy: How Historical Housing Policies Still Threaten Gary
In many ways, where you live determines your quality of life. A recent fair housing report seems to agree. A new report from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana underscores significant environmental concerns across Indiana, including Gary and Lake County, stemming from historical redlining. The study found that historically low-income and redlined communities are […]
Posted inHealth
Gary Forum Tackles Reproductive Rights and Health Disparities for Black Women
Students and community members gathered in a classroom at Indiana University Northwest Tuesday to discuss an issue that affects them all: reproductive rights in Gary. At the event, “The Attack on Black Women’s Bodies: A Conversation Around Reproductive Health in Indiana,” panelists explored the impact of reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. […]
Posted inCommunity, Health
Why Black Men’s Health in Gary is a Holistic Issue
To promote education about men’s health issues worldwide, organizations observe Men’s Health Month throughout June. Studies show health disparities in Black men are associated with social and economic factors, like high poverty, low education levels, lack of health insurance, and widespread unemployment. To address this, education, early detection, and increased awareness are strategies that can […]
Posted inHealth
Why Men’s Health Month Matters for Every Man
To promote education about men’s health issues worldwide, organizations observe International Men’s Health Week from June 10 to June 16 and Men’s Health Month throughout June. These observances not only seek to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health issues but also encourage men to ask for help when needed. About 6 million American […]
Posted inHealth, Partner Content
Contention brews in ongoing Indiana abortion ban lawsuit
This story was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. A three-day bench trial scheduled for later this month will put Hoosier abortion providers and the state attorney general’s office back in court as the battle over Indiana’s near-total abortion ban continues. Already in contention, however, is whether certain testimony and internal hospital documents entered […]
Posted inHealth
This Gary Mom Fights Fires, but Says Giving Birth Can Be More Dangerous
Domonique Smith is no stranger to risk. In her last shift as a firefighter before claiming maternity leave, Smith, then two months pregnant with her daughter and armed with pregnancy strength, fought four fires in a single day. But when it was time to give birth to her daughter, Smith wasn’t taking any chances. Smith, […]
Posted inHealth, Partner Content, Politics & Policy
Indiana Set to Enforce Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Originally published by the Indianapolis Recorder A federal appeals court last month allowed Indiana’s ban on gender-affirming care to go into effect, removing a temporary injunction U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon issued last year. Senate Bill 480, signed last year by Gov. Eric Holcomb, forbids doctors from performing gender reassignment surgery and prescribing […]
Posted inHealth
The First Case of Measles in Five Years Found in Lake County. Here’s Where You Can Get Vaccinated.
A case of measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease, was found in Lake County, according to Indiana Department of Health officials. This is the first case reported in Indiana since 2019. “Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get […]
Posted inHealth
Looking Ahead: Health and Wellness Goals for Gary’s New Year
As holiday feasts of black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, and Christmas turkey fade into the rearview, many people, like Charita Johnson, choose to use their New Year’s resolution to tackle their physical and mental well-being. Johnson, 38, works as a home-based casework supervisor and entrepreneur, and she is determined to take her health, specifically her […]