This story was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. The average Hoosier girl encounters more bullying and sexual dating violence than her male peers, meaning her caregivers — from parents and schools up to lawmakers — need to better address mental health access barriers and reduce violence in communities, as shared in a new […]
Health
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Hosts Gary Town Hall Ahead of Democratic Convention
Days before the Democratic National Convention, Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus gathered in Gary on Saturday for a community town hall, providing residents with a review of key legislative outcomes from this year and a glimpse of the caucus’s priorities for the upcoming session. At Indiana University Northwest’s Bergland Auditorium, nine of the caucus’s 14 members […]
Chicago Rapper G Herbo Talks Impact of Trauma With Gary Youth
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]

