Mary Claire Molloy

1 day ago | mirrorindy.org | Mary Claire Molloy

Lisa Diamond knows what Indianapolis moms and their babies are facing. The 57-year-old teaches breastfeeding classes and connects families to resources through the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County, a nonprofit fighting health disparities. So while she was excited to learn that Indiana's infant mortality rate has dropped to the lowest number in history, she still had concerns. "Services are being cut for those most in need," Diamond said.

2 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Mary Claire Molloy

Jaime Pasillas dreams of becoming a criminal defense lawyer. The 18-year-old joined the mock trial team at Arsenal Tech High School, practicing for future days in court. His mom would come to competitions after finishing her shift operating a forklift at a warehouse. She brought him to Indianapolis from Mexico when he was 6. Ever since, Pasillas has been all-American: spending days at the neighborhood pool with friends, learning to drive in empty parking lots, volunteering at church on Sundays.

2 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Mary Claire Molloy

Jaime Pasillas dreams of becoming a criminal defense lawyer. The 18-year-old joined the mock trial team at Arsenal Tech High School, practicing for future days in court. His mom would come to competitions after finishing her shift operating a forklift at a warehouse. She brought him to Indianapolis from Mexico when he was 6. Ever since, Pasillas has been all-American: spending days at the neighborhood pool with friends, learning to drive in empty parking lots, volunteering at church on Sundays.

3 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Mary Claire Molloy

Community members can celebrate Trans Pride Fest with free gender-affirming makeovers on June 8. Organized by Midwestern Trans Pride, Boy’s Nite Indy and Indy Pride, the event offers haircuts, makeup classes, facial waxing and a free clothing closet for transgender and nonbinary people. That’s in addition to games, vendors, live DJs, a community art project, an open mic and a drag show. The Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest AIDS service organization, will also provide free testing.

4 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Mary Claire Molloy

State legislators have cut Indianapolis public health funding by more than 70% — hampering long-term efforts to improve the city’s vaccination rates, maternal mortality and child health. The money was from Health First Indiana, a bipartisan initiative led by former Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb that funneled $225 million into local health departments across the state in the last two years. The goal was to reverse Indiana’s poor health outcomes by investing in basic services.