Greetings again from the darkness. With healthcare in the headlines most every day, this documentary short film from co-directors Shari Cookson and Nick Doob couldn't be more timely, nor more important. Rather than present a general overview of the crisis in rural America, the filmmakers present one specific real world case study from tiny Fairfax, Oklahoma, with a focus on the local doctor and the foundering hospital.
Dr. James Graham (not 'Moonlight' for you FIELD OF DREAMS fans) has practiced in the area for 41 years and has treated multiple generations of residents. Despite growing up poor and having had two kidney transplants himself, Dr. Graham is one of two doctors at the Fairfax hospital. He's also the only doctor providing service to the local nursing home and three clinics ... and he makes house calls and gives out hugs and philosophy (hope) to patients in need. It's not unusual for his patients to pay him with fresh produce from their own gardens ... sometimes secretly delivering these to the back end of his truck. This community knows how fortunate they are to have Dr. Graham, and it's obvious he cares deeply about providing care to these neighbors - many he's known since they were born.
Filming of this story dates back to pre-pandemic, and Dr. Graham mentions how many patients were lost due to COVID and the limitations brought on by the struggling hospital. It was a hosptial run by a group/individual who committed fraud and apparently put little effort toward medical care, the efficient running of the hospital, or the proper management of staff. Dr. Graham went as far as to speak directly with state politicians to explain the situation. He was met with, "Let us know if we can help ...", the infamous empty words politicians have become known for. The hospital was put up for auction, and the film covers the fascinating process. When a group run by Newport Beach (California) physician Dr. Elizabeth Pusey won the bid, skepticism was noted by Dr. Graham, the community, and the local newspaper. Capital improvements and infrastructure expansion began, yet communication from Dr. Pusey's group was minimal.
What makes this documentary so powerful is that it's a real-world example of what's occurring around the country. So many citizens are at risk. More than 140 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and more than 600 others remain at risk. It's a travesty that the elected officials don't share the humanity displayed on a daily basis by Dr. James Graham.
This documentary short premieres on HBO beginning October 28, 2025.
