Health Inequity in America
What does the plight of a Black amputee in the Mississippi Delta have in common with a transgender teen struggling with mental health issues? Or a Native American food activist fighting a generational legacy of diabetes? In this ten-part docuseries and accompanying photo essay series – underwritten by Walgreens – we take a journey across the nation’s health divide to reveal the common thread connecting the lives of Americans who face worse odds of living a healthy life because of their race, income, gender identity, or zip code. Through their stories of struggle, we explore the causes and consequences of health inequity and find solutions for bringing about change.
These films were produced by Slipstream, a production company I co-founded that is focused on documenting the greatest health challenges facing America.
Episode 1: Saving Limbs and Lives
Every 4 minutes an American diabetic loses a limb – more frequently if you are Black and live in a state like Mississippi that ranks among the worst for health access and outcomes. Cardiologist Dr. Foluso Fakorede calls this “the amputation lottery” and is single-handedly saving limbs and calling national attention to what he views as one of the worst health justice crises of our times.
Episode 2: Conquering Diabetes
In just a few years, 53-year-old Earl Sewell went from being a 250-pound diabetic with vision lapses and fainting spells to a fit, road-biking vegan who has reversed his diabetes and is in his words, “living my best life while I have it.” Having put a generational legacy of poor health habits behind him, Earl’s turnaround story is an inspiration for all.
Episode 3: Defensoras
How do you fight systemic health inequity? San Jose-based Latina community activist and healthcare policy expert Darcie Green is literally teaching the master class. Through her “Defensoras” bootcamp, Latina women are being trained in the history of healthcare, social determinants of health, patient rights and advocacy so they are empowered and equipped to fight for the health of their families and their communities.
Docuseries Team
Executive Producer: Stefan Clark
Director\Cinematography: David McLain
Producers: John Fox, Jerome Thelia
Editors: Michael Solsky, Kenneth Kerr, Xavier Marrades Orga, Chelsea Hicks, Anna Pellecchia, Jennifer Hamblett
Assistant Editor: Chelsea Hicks, Anna Pellecchia
Research: Cassie Chew, Carmen Heredia Rodriguez, John Fox
Music Composer: Garth Neustadter
Sound re-recording mixer: Andre Kelman
Colorist/post-sup: Jerome Thelia