URU, The Right To Be, Inc. and Naugatuck Valley Community College Present “The Deadliest Disease in America:” a Documentary Film and Workshop Series by Crystal Emery

Waterbury, Conn. - Producer/Director Crystal Emery’s film, The Deadliest Disease in America, will be screened at 5pm on Wednesday, June 3, at Naugatuck Valley Community College’s Ekstrom Hall, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.

The 55-minute film will be followed by two participatory workshops: “What racism looks like in health care delivery and why you should report it,” and “Empowering Community Organizations: Working with Legislators for change.” One workshop will be offered in Spanish. Medical professionals, social health and behavioral health clinicians, counselors, educators, community activists and others interested in developing a strategy for change in the American healthcare will recognize the capacity within these interactive forums to empower and engage all community members.

“The ultimate goal of this film is to illuminate disparate treatment based on racial, economic and ethnic differences in order to help achieve a healthcare system that serves all Americans equally,” said Emery.

The documentary follows four individuals, including the filmmaker, whose personal stories add to the national debate on our country’s healthcare crisis. Emery shares her own experience as an African-American encountering racism while navigating the healthcare system. Emery, whose arms and legs are paralyzed as a result of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, hopes that sharing these stories will stimulate conversations that move individuals to action. The film also focuses on three organizations, from New England to Texas, whose innovative strategies help mitigate the crisis.

 “Her film forces medical practitioners to consider how racism has infected the body of medical practice,” said Dr. Forrester Lee, Yale University School of Medicine. “We are invited to heal ourselves through contemplation, dialogue and action. This film is a brave and matchless work that will find a receptive audience everywhere.” 

The Deadliest Disease in America is produced by URU, The Right to Be, Inc., a nonprofit, community-based organization that focuses its work on the critical need to reduce disparities and achieve greater health equity in the United States.  Hosting this event will be Naugatuck Valley Community College and the Naugatuck Valley Project, the National Association of Social Workers, CT Chapter, and the Chancellor's Office of the CT Community Colleges.
The evening will end with a Q&A session and dinner. Additional information and a trailer of the film are available at urutherighttobe.org.

To RSVP, email urutheright@gmail.com or call 203-575-8002.