It means not having enough income to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. There is a close connection between poverty and poor health. We must recognize that poverty has an impact on healthcare practices (Masters, 2017, p. 149). The destitute are often exposed to higher environmental health and personal risks. They have less information and have limited access to health care and hence leading to higher risk of illness and disabilities. In turn, the state of illness can reduce productivity and lessen income further. This leads to an even lower quality of life, therefore perpetuating the state of poverty. According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 43 million people in America live below the poverty line in 2015 (United State Census Bureau, 2016, para. 5), many of which lack of health insurance.
In the film, The American Nurse, Jason Short campaigns to the remote regions of Kentucky to work with people who are plagued with poverty, industrial pollution, and drug addiction. He cares for patients who battle with diabetes, cancer, and black lung diseases. His dedication helps those whose problems are made worse by their lack of access to resources, hospitals and supplies. In these poor regions, nurses, like Jason Short, are the first line and often times, the only line of care provider. They provide care where no one else would be able to get