The “Burning Issues Film Series” continued Monday afternoon with a viewing of a “Critical Condition”, a film that seeks to illustrate the struggle Americans face without health insurance.
“By showing these films, it puts a face on the ones who have to face these issues daily,” Political Engagement Project Campus Coordinator Dr. Stacy Ulbig said. “Students are then able to relate better to the people because they may have had something similar happen to them or a loved one.”
The film brought an inside look into the lives of several middle-class, working Americans and what measures they must take in order to receive the health treatment. The film portrayed the idea that health treatment is hard to get and even more difficult to pay for, especially without health insurance. Viewers also caught a glimpse of an endless cycle: citizens need a job to pay for insurance, but they are unable to work because of their previous health problems.
According to the coordinators of the event, the film was not shown as a response to the recently passed health care bill.
“This film, along with the others in the ‘Burning Issues Film Series,’ was shown to help create awareness among students on issues in today’s society,” SHSU Civic Engagement Coordinator Tracy Szymaczak said. “People in need of health care without insurance is a big problem today.”
The film stated that over 80 percent of working Americans are uninsured, a number that is ever increasing with the economy and causing businesses to make cuts on their employees’ benefits. In addition, the film said that over 60 percent of uninsured adults had to forgo medical care because of their inability to pay for the bill. Half-million people are battling cancer without the help of insurance.
“People are struggling to survive daily without health care, it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed,” Ulbig said.
Most attendees agreed that health care is a growing problem in the United States.
“This presentation makes me feel sad for them, these people can’t afford insurance so they are not able to get the care they need,” sophomore Laken Finney said. “Something needs to be done to help them survive.”
There will be another presentation of the film in the Olsen Auditorium in Academic Building IV on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
