WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosted a national premiere of the short film “In Due Season” on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. The film and the panel of storytellers and policy experts that followed the screening highlighted the urgent need to close the health insurance coverage gap in the 10 states that have yet to expand Medicaid.
The film, directed by Chicago-based independent filmmaker Ashley O’Shay, offers a unique view into the health insurance coverage gap by following three Black Americans facing each day without access to the health care they need. Their voices, along with the voices of experts in the film, speak powerfully to the history of racial bias and discriminatory practices within America’s health care system that continue to exacerbate health disparities in Black communities.
“We know cancer outcomes are significantly tied to health coverage status,” said Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, ACS CAN Board Chair and event host. “By refusing to expand Medicaid and denying residents access to lifesaving care, lawmakers are putting lives on the line – and the numbers are clear, these lives are disproportionately Black lives.”
In states that have yet to expand Medicaid, there are more than 2 million people in the health insurance coverage gap, 60% of whom are Black. In states that have closed the health insurance coverage gap, research has shown upticks in cancer screening rates as well as improved access to medical and specialty care, including treatment and ongoing care for cancer patients and survivors. American Cancer Society research has also found states that expanded Medicaid have improved cancer survival rates and decreased cancer disparities, while states that have refused to increase eligibility to Medicaid have worse survival rates for most cancers in both early and late stages.
The event in Washington, D.C., is one of many happening across the country to bring the reality of the health insurance coverage gap to life and highlight the deep-rooted racial bias at the heart of this issue. The event was hosted by Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard and moderated by journalist Andrea Roane. The panel included film participants Neidre Fears; Dr. Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD – ED, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and ACS CAN Board of Directors; and Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter; as well as film director Ashley O’Shay and Dr. Patrice Harris, MD, co-founder and CEO of eMed and former president of the American Medical Association.
“Our partnership with ACS CAN helps us to continue raising awareness of the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities,” said Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter. “Through our SICK & TIRED Medicaid expansion campaign and joint bus tour earlier this year, and the ongoing screenings of the documentary “In Due Season,” we hope to shed light on the critical need for increased access to health care in Black communities.”
The production and screening of the film was powered and directed by Black voices and talent. ACS CAN partnered with O’Shay after an extensive national search. O’Shay’s professional network also means the film has an entirely Black crew and production team and an original music composition was developed for the film by well-known Black composer, Kenneth Leftridge, Jr. These choices support Black artists and entrepreneurs and bring added depth to the film. This commitment extended into the national screening event, where all vendors supporting the event were Black-owned and -operated businesses and local to D.C.
“Elevating this film on a national stage in Washington, D.C. through this premiere screening event is the latest in our efforts to call attention to the urgency of this issue,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “ACS CAN will remain unwavering in our work to urge lawmakers in the states that haven’t yet expanded to do the right thing and do it quickly. For the individuals trapped in the health insurance coverage gap, there’s no more time to wait.”
Photos from the event are available upon request.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.