Health Equity Initiative

Unnatural Causes Documentary

Join Multnomah County in learning how your health is more than health care or personal choice. Each episode of the documentary, Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?, sounds the alarm about America's glaring socio-economic and racial inequities in health, and search for root causes.

Watch the DVD

We invite you to organize a screening of one or more of the seven episodes of Unnatural Causes for your work place, faith community, civic group or community organization. A facilitated discussion can follow each screening. The episodes do not have to be watched in order. Health Equity Initiative staff are here to help you organize and facilitate your event. Schedule a viewing and discussion »

Episodes

In Sickness and In Wealth
As a nation, the United States spends over 2 trillion dollars on health care. Are we getting our money’s worth? Even though we spend the most money for health care than any other country, the United States ranks 29th in life expectancy. This is lower than industrialized nations who spend less. How is this possible? Find out how...

Place Matters
Health is more than health care. Where we live, work and play impacts health. The food we eat and the stress we endure contribute to our health. How can investments in education and neighborhoods improve the health of our whole community? Find out how…

Becoming American
For many people, the United States is the land of opportunity. As a nation of immigrants, why do we see other countries with better health status? Why do recent immigrants have better health outcomes? What can we learn about health by looking beyond our borders? Find out how…

When the Bough Breaks
Did you know African American women with college degrees are still at higher risk for poor birth outcomes than white women with high school diplomas? Since genetics is not the issue, what could account for the differences we see in different racial groups? Is it possible that racism affects our health? Find out how...

Bad Sugar
How many people do you know with diabetes? Is it easy for you to eat fresh fruit and vegetables each day? Political decisions about food can make it easier or harder for you to eat healthy and manage or prevent diabetes. Find out how…

Not Just a Paycheck
In many towns, layoffs and unemployment can be devastating to the economy. It can also impact health, increasing the town’s blood pressure and violence. Did you know your job or lack of a job can impact your health? Did you know it doesn’t have to? Find out how…

Collateral Damage
Economics and military operations have an international impact; in some cases this means displacing populations from their traditional way of life. How do our interactions around the globe affect the health of people now living in the United States? How does a legacy of poverty and powerlessness take a toll on our bodies? Find out how…

Updated December 11, 2008