Unnatural Causes Documentary

June 25, 2008

Worcester’s Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts

2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA

 

Common Pathways and its partners (see list below) organized the Worcester County premiere of the "Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?" documentary.

 

More than 600 community members and leaders came out to view "Place Matters," episode one of the seven part PBS documentary that aired in the spring of 2008. This touching episode focused on economic, social, and environmental circumstances affecting our health. It also focused on what actions can be taken to make a positive difference.

 

After the showing, a panel of local residents (shown below) talked about their experiences with this subject:

Anthony D. Fannoh JR. and Catherine S. Fannoh: Experienced racism from their neighbors 

Vicente Sanabria, MS CED

Emily MacRae

Erik Garcia, MD

Mike Portuphy, MPH, CHES

Jose Cotto: Was adopted and moved from a ghetto to a middle class area

Lynne Simonds: Moved here from an environmentally contaminated area

Oanh Nguyen

Robert Chambers: Was raised in the inner city and has worked hard to create a better situation for himself and his kids

Rosa Fernandez-Peñaloza

Sayra Pinto-Wilson

 

There were also calls to action in the form of more targeted showings in the community.  Some viewings will take place at Quinsigimond Community College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and UMass Medical School.  Keep checking our Calendar for the schedule of these showings, as there may be updates.

 

Click here to hear audio of the opening remarks (MP3 format, 11 minutes).

Click here to hear audio of the panel discussion (MP3 format, 1 hour 49 minutes).

Click here to view the "Unnatural Causes" trailer.

Click here to visit the "Unnatural Causes" website.