Film explores rural health care amid poverty, opioid crisis

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new documentary explores the world of rural health care amid poverty and a persistent opioid crisis.

“The Providers,” set to air on the PBS Independent Lens series this week, looks at the challenges three health care workers in rural New Mexico face as they provide services to aging patients and those struggling with addiction.

The film shows how the health care providers from El Centro Family Health Center refuse to pass judgment on patients trying to cope with alcoholism, opioid use and unemployment in one the poorest regions in the nation.

Filmmakers Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin say they captured around 350 hours of footage.

The film is scheduled to air on most PBS stations on Monday.