Filming day for Dr. Debra Gonsher Vinik’s documentary feels like forever ago. I guess time flies when you are caring for babies 24/7.
I remember it was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly against the gray walls of Maddie’s Place. The blue sky filled me with hope.
Everyone waited with anticipation for a busy and exciting day. It was quite the event around here.
Maddie’s Place has known Debra for several years. Back in March, when she visited our facility, we rolled out the red carpet for her... literally.
It was to celebrate the release of her feature documentary, “Attention Must Be Paid: Women Lost in the Opioid Crisis.”
She visited Maddie’s Place with the idea of including our care as a possible solution to the crisis at hand. After learning what we were all about and witnessing firsthand the life-changing work done within our walls, she was convinced.
So, on July 6, the film crew arrived with all of their cameras and boxes of equipment. They filmed a multitude of shots, getting the best angles and lighting of our founder, Tricia, and one of our first Maddie’s Place mamas, Stephanie.
It was quite bizarre to have a film crew directly in the nursery. While one half of the room was taken up by the equipment, the other half held all the nurses, ICS, and cuddlers, huddled together taking care of the babes.
But the break from routine was welcomed by all, and the atmosphere full of excitement as the crew buzzed around the nursery, doing their best to keep the space quiet.
The clips from that day will be featured in Part 2 of Vinik’s documentary titled, “Listen to the Silence: Women Lost in the Opioid Crisis.” It is set to air on November 19 at 10am on ABC.
However, YOU are invited to an early viewing of the film on Monday, November 13 from 5-7PM. This will be held at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane.
Better yet, it’s FREE! Even concessions will be provided.
We would be delighted if you could join us. It’s all in an effort to spread awareness about the opioid crisis, and how it is deeply affecting women and their babies.
It’s estimated by U.S. Health & Human Resources that 1.5 million women (almost the population of West Virginia) suffer from substance use disorder, which explains the abundance of babies suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. In the documentary, multiple women explain how SUD affected their lives. At the end, the documentary highlights Maddie’s Place as a beacon of hope in so many lives like Stephanie’s.
So, grab a friend or two, make your way over to the Bing, and listen to some unforgettable stories.
Questions? Suggestions? Email me at emma.jones@maddiesplace.org
This blog was posted on November 3, 2023.