New documentary highlights paucity of rural health care providers

A new documentary offers a look at the shortage of health care providers in rural America, especially in the midst of the opioid epidemic. “The journeys of the providers unfold as they work to reach those who would otherwise be left out of the healthcare system,” according to a description of “The Providers.” The film follows medical staff at El Centro, a network of clinics in northern New Mexico that offer care to anyone regardless of their ability to pay. The clinicians include a family physician, a nurse practitioner, and the director of El Centro, who has a family history of addiction and is working to train physician assistants to help fill in the paucity in medical providers. The documentary, part of PBS’ Independent Lens series, will be available for streaming here beginning today.