Children's clinic makes local and state history

A new north eastside clinic could ease a health care desert in Indianapolis. Children’s Express Care Clinic is a Black-owned urgent care clinic for youth, and a first. WFYI’s Terri Dee speaks with owner and family health practitioner TaQuita Taylor about her history-making clinic and racism in the medical industry.

WFYI Reporter, Terri Dee:  The first Black-owned pediatric urgent care clinic in Indianapolis has received a great deal of attention not only here in Indianapolis, but nationwide. What has the response been from the community since opening the doors?

TaQuita Taylor, owner, Children’s Express Care Clinic: The response has been actually great. We are in located in an area that is kind of like a health desert; there's not really any urgent cares in this area, in the urban community. So, opening up Children's Express Care Clinic has allowed the opportunity to bring health care to these areas.

Dee: So, over your 20-year career, at what point, or at any point did you think you wanted to open your own clinic, but thought you were going to be the first Black-owned pediatric urgent care clinic; would that be a hinder or an asset? Do you see yourself as a trailblazer?

Taylor: When the plan came into place for opening up the clinic, I never knew that I would be the first Black-owned clinic for pediatric urgent care. That was never a thought after the clinic was opened. And we did a little bit of research, that's when we noticed that we were the first Black-owned pediatric urgent care clinic in the state. Not only are we the first Black-owned pediatric convenience care clinic in the state, we are currently the only pediatric urgent care in the state right now. Definitely is not a hinder; I feel like it's an asset, you know, because we're bringing health care to the community. And yes, I definitely do see myself as a trailblazer.

Dee: Several articles exist, which have documented the existence of racism in the medical field, particularly against black nurses. It's 2022 and unfortunately, instances have occurred in which a patient will refuse to be treated by a Black doctor or a Black nurse. Have you ever experienced that type of occurrence?

Taylor: In the past, I've worked in a lot of hospital chains and there have been times where there have been patients who have been a little bit hesitant, but once I go in and acknowledge who I am and what experience I have. Sometimes that changes. I've had some peers who have had that happen to them before. I just tell them the patients can refuse who they want to give them care. Speaking to my peers, I just let them know you have to push on and look past that. You're still great, just use your knowledge and expertise. Just keep pushing for what your goal is.

Dee: What brings you the greatest joy during your work day?

Taylor: It's not about the money in doing this at all, whatsoever. It is me bringing healthcare to an urban community when we get families into our facility. We treat everyone that walks through this door like family. We don't discriminate; we treat all colors here. The biggest thing is being able to get these kids and families on the right path to a healthier lifestyle.

Dee: Thank you for your time today and your information.

Taylor: You’re welcome.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Terri Dee at tdee@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @terrideeisme.