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  • Healer: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story (2024)
  • 48 min | Documentary
Healer: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story (2024)
48 min | Documentary
Healer: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story traces the remarkable life of Dr. Joycelyn Elders, who rose from humble beginnings in the cotton fields of Arkansas to national prominence as the first African American Surgeon General of the United ...See moreHealer: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story traces the remarkable life of Dr. Joycelyn Elders, who rose from humble beginnings in the cotton fields of Arkansas to national prominence as the first African American Surgeon General of the United States. The film follows her path from being the first in her family to attend college and medical school, to her controversial tenure as the nation's leading medical voice. As the Arkansas Director of Health, Dr. Elders spearheaded initiatives to improve public health access and education and pioneered solutions for teen pregnancy in an overwhelming conservative state, which laid the groundwork for her historic appointment as Surgeon General. On the national stage, she became known for her outspoken advocacy of sexual health education, reproductive rights, and the prevention of unintended pregnancies through contraception. Though her views were often labeled "controversial" at the time, they were rooted in medical consensus, common sense, and compassion, challenging cultural taboos that often kept communities silent. But because these opinions were being voiced by a Black woman, Dr. Elders found herself a target of more political vitriol than had ever before been directed towards a position previously considered largely apolitical, eventually resulting in her forced resignation. Dr. Elders' tenure marked a turning point in how public health could confront uncomfortable truths. Healer offers an opportunity to revisit her considerable achievements in a new light - breaking barriers of public ignorance and inspiring new generations to embrace honesty, equity, and healing. See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Candace Bellamy (directed by)
Producers
Candace Bellamy (producer) | Elias Posada (producer)
Editors
Marty Robbins (editor) | Anya Swanson (editor)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated May 18, 2024
Release date
May 18, 2024 (United States)

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