The Frances Nelson Health Center was formally established in 1969 as a free clinic aimed at promoting equal access to health care—and continues with that mission today.

In Illinois, losing a baby before its first birthday happens far more often to black mothers than those of other races. The difference between whites and blacks is nearly three-fold.

Few people like going to the doctor. But for some, that fear is compounded by discrimination and history. For black Americans, the pervasive history of racism in America bleeds into virtually every facet of life, including the doctor’s office — with devastating results.