Gail Reaves, an Eskenazi patient, speaks at the event. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Inside Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Guests and community leaders participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Dr. Dawn Haut, CEO of Eskenazi Health Center, welcomes guests. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
A patient waiting room. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
“Overcome” by artist Johnson Simon is displayed in the fitness area. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Art pieces titled “Majestic Maasai” and “The Golden Time of Day” by Gail Patrice Mallory is displayed in a patient waiting room. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
Inside the new Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy 
The Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. Credit: Lora Olive for Mirror Indy
Gail Reaves was staring down a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
“I was eating pretzels and Pepsi,” the 64-year-old from the east side said. “I just didn’t know the importance of fruits and vegetables for the body.”
That changed when she started working with a dietitian from Eskenazi Health. It took years, but the weight dropped off. Now, she’s no longer affected by the disease.
[This urban farm strives to improve food access for the eastside community.]
Reaves shared her story with hundreds gathered Thursday, March 21, to celebrate the opening of a new Eskenazi Health campus at 6002 E. 38th St. The 95,000-square-foot facility, which is set to open April 17, will serve a community that has long faced health disparities.
“It’s going to be a plus on the east side for my neighbors here to live their best life,” Reaves told the crowd.
The location will provide primary care, mental health, OB-GYN and pharmacy services, along with access to dietitians, social workers and a community kitchen for cooking classes. It is situated along IndyGo’s Purple Line and will serve patients regardless of their ability to pay, including those who are uninsured or on Medicaid.
Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city is excited about Eskenazi’s project.
“They have made investments to address the needs of almost every community in our city,” he said before the event. “Diverse communities who, oftentimes, have been historically underappreciated.”
James Campbell, president of the Sheridan Heights Association for Neighborhood Enhancement, said he walked by the campus every morning and watched its building take shape. Eskenazi Health invited neighbors and community groups like Campbell’s to be part of the planning process.
“The growth, development and changes that are now happening on the east side are nothing short of miraculous based on how it’s been in the past,” Campbell said.
State Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, said he was thrilled residents would be able to walk to get health care. He reminded the crowd that the new Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus is located in the late Sen. Jean Breaux’s district. The Democrat died Wednesday, March 20, after nearly two decades serving Indianapolis’ northeast side.
“She was a trooper for health care and for women and babies,” Bartlett said after a moment of silence.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7
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