PBS/Bloomberg Four-Part Docu Series
The Invisible Shield examines how public health makes modern life possible, but it is underfunded, undervalued and misunderstood putting our health at risk.
Arlington, Virginia – THE INVISIBLE SHIELD, a new four-part documentary series from RadicalMedia made possible by Bloomberg Philanthropies, reveals how the field of public health has saved countless lives in the U.S., protecting people from the constant threat of disease and increasing lifespans. The series explores the hidden public health infrastructure that makes modern life possible. It highlights the thousands of unsung heroes — physicians, nurses, scientists, activists, reformers, engineers, and government officials — who work together to improve health outcomes, from the days of cholera and smallpox through the most recent battle with COVID-19. THE INVISIBLE SHIELD premieres Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 10-11 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, with all four episodes available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App.
- Episode 1
- The Old Playbook
- Public health has doubled our life expectancy, but the system is in jeopardy.
- Episode 2
- Follow The Data
- Data has been an essential public health tool since at least the seventeenth century.
- Episode 3
- Inoculation & Inequity
- Disinformation and misunderstanding, skepticism of science, and distrust of government.
- Episode 4
- The New Playbook
- Life expectancy is declining. How do we rethink the system before it’s too late?
Discussion Guide: Whether you’re in a classroom, community setting, homeschooling, or exploring independently, this guide is a useful tool for extended learning related to this important docuseries. It pulls out powerful quotes and messages from The Invisible Shield and offers added context from the episodes. It also presents questions that encourage critical thinking, powerful discussion, and expanded understanding regarding public health.