When it comes to healthcare, not everyone gets treated the same, especially Black people. So while we were in Chicago, we hit the streets to hear directly from the people. What’s working? What’s not? And what do we need to change? Here’s what folks had to say.
“Healthcare in Chicago? It’s Limited for Black People.”
Pierre, a Chicago native, didn’t sugarcoat his answer when we asked about healthcare access in the city.
“You gotta go into the city to find a Black doctor,” he said. “Not in the suburbs.”
He wasn’t exaggerating. Black doctors are underrepresented across the country, making up only 5.2% of all physicians, despite Black Americans being 14% of the population. In Chicago, this issue is even more pronounced. Historically, there were only 14 Black doctors across six major hospitals in the city in 1956. Progress has been slow, and today, Black medical students remain underrepresented in Illinois medical schools. With fewer Black doctors available, Black patients often struggle to find a provider who understands their lived experiences.
Andrea, another Chicagoan, shared how cold and unwelcoming healthcare can feel for Black patients: “You go to a hospital because you need help. Being ignored when you’re in pain? That doesn’t feel like the hospitality you’re looking for.”
For a lot of Black people in Chicago, finding a doctor who looks like them isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity.
Why Having a Black Doctor Matters
Representation in healthcare is about more than just skin color—it’s about understanding.
“Oh, it’s really important,” Andrea emphasized. “A Black doctor knows what we go through. Representation matters.”
Community member Kenzie shared a personal story about searching for a Black psychiatrist: “My first session, I was comfortable. She made me feel like it was a safe space. That’s why finding a doctor who looks like me is important.”
Because when a doctor understands where you’re coming from, it makes all the difference. And the stats back that up—a 10% increase in Black primary care doctors has been linked to a 30-day increase in life expectancy for Black patients. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about survival.
Distrust in The Healthcare System
Ask most Black people about the healthcare system, and you’ll get the same answer: “I don’t trust it.”
“My immediate reaction would be no,” Leah, a Chicago native, said when asked if she’d ever consider joining a clinical research study. “A lot of times, you want to see proof of concept. I don’t want to be the proof.”
Pierre put it bluntly: “Black people don’t trust (the system). So they’re not gonna participate anyway. It’s like voting—people sit at home and say it doesn’t affect them, when it actually does.”
That mistrust isn’t coming from nowhere. History has shown us that Black communities have been exploited in medical research, and today, they continue to face disparities in care. Black patients are more likely to have their pain dismissed, receive lower-quality treatment, and experience worse health outcomes overall.
But not everyone feels the same. Community member Troy had a different take.
He participated in a PrEP clinical research study and found it valuable. “It was different, but I wanted to know more about that world. A lot of people do it for the money, but I did it to learn.”
The mistrust is real. But what if Black communities had more access to trusted information—on our own terms?
Where Do Black People Go for Health Information?
With trust in the system at an all-time low, where do folks go when they need to figure out their health? Most people had the same answer—Google.
“I start on Google, then look for Black professionals or ones that align with my morals,” Kenzie said.
Leah’s approach is more personal: “My grandmother is a nurse, so I go to her first, then do my own research.”
And for some, the lack of trusted resources is the issue itself. “If you don’t trust your doctor, where do you even go?” Pierre asked.
Would an online space made for us, by us make a difference? Some said yes. Some weren’t sure. But one thing was clear—Black folks are looking for something better.
“We Gotta Take Care of Each Other”
Mental health came up a lot in these conversations. And in true Black community fashion, the message was clear: We take care of us.
“Mental health is everything,” Kenzie said. “Without it, you can’t function. And the Black community does a great job of lifting each other up.” Leah agreed: “Black women take care of other Black women. If I can find someone to help me when I need it, that’s the route I take.”
Because when one of us wins, we all win. But access to mental health care isn’t always easy. In the U.S., only 4% of psychologists are Black, making it even harder to find culturally competent care.
What Needs to Change?
So what’s the fix? Troy kept it simple: “It starts with us knowing what resources are out there.”
A lot of health information exists—but it’s not always easy to find. And in a system that hasn’t always had our best interests at heart, people need a space where they can ask questions, share experiences, and find care they actually trust.
Because when we take control of our health, we take control of our future. Download the NOWINCLUDED app today to get started.
You Might Also Like:
NOWINCLUDED Community Members Share Their Thoughts on Maternal Health
In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, our community members share common challenges among Black mothers – from finding the right doctor to self-advocacy.
Darnell Shares Why Health is Wealth for Black Men
For NOWINCLUDED community member, Darnell, health isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing up for his people, his community, and the next generation.
