The Providers Film for UE

The Providers

Set against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America, The Providers follows three healthcare providers in northern New Mexico. They work at El Centro, a group of safety-net clinics that offer care to all who walk through the doors, regardless of ability to pay. Amidst personal struggles that reflect those of their patients, the journeys of the providers unfold as they work to reach rural Americans who would otherwise be left out of the healthcare system. With intimate access, the documentary shows the transformative power of providers’ relationships with marginalized patients.

Discussion Guide: Nationally, screenings of The Providers are sparking conversation about rural healthcare, substance use disorder and patient-centered care. To facilitate these discussions, the filmmakers collaborated with partners at ITVS and Blueshift Education to develop a companion guide to support screenings. This free discussion guide offers contextual information about the film, tips on hosting a successful screening event, and ways to engage your audience through questions, discussions, and activities.

Additional guides with lesson plans specific to High School and Higher Education are available at PBS Learning Media.