Join us for a poignant film about how Medicare informed the Civil Rights Revolution. This documentary will be followed by a discussion with community leaders who are working hard to create a more equitable society.
Before Medicare was introduced in 1965, disparities in access to hospital care were dramatic. Fewer than 50% of the nation’s hospitals served black and white patients equally. The South was especially challenged, as one in three hospitals would not admit African-Americans even for emergencies. But by using the carrot of Medicare dollars, the federal government virtually ended the practice of racially segregated health care. The powerful book and documentary THE POWER TO HEAL illustrates how Movement leaders and grass-roots volunteers pressed and worked with the federal government to achieve justice and fairness for African-Americans. The documentary will be followed with a community discussion with local leaders to explore these historical issues and reflect upon current day challenges.
This event is free and heavy appetizers will be provided.
This event is presented by AARP North Carolina and co-sponsored by YWCA of Asheville and Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement (ABIPA).
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