The 1990s were an interesting time for the horror genre in film. The first half of the decade was in a slump, with tired sequels to 80s franchises, and many movies that are direct-to video fare. However, the latter half of the decade got a shot in the arm with the self-aware horror satire Scream. While there are plenty of favorites from this decade, there are also a lot of movies that have been forgotten by time. As such, here are a few underrated horror films from the 1990s that you should check out: 

1. Ravenous

First on the list is the horror western Ravenous. The film takes place during the Mexican American War, and focuses on John Boyd (Guy Pearce), a new transfer to the remote army outpost Fort Spencer. In the middle of a storm, a frontiersman by the name of F.W. Colqhoun (Robert Carlyle) arrives at the fort, telling them a hellish tale of a wagon train he was a part of that got lost in the mountains, and eventually killed by the cannibalistic Colonel Ives. The garrison sets out to verify Colqhoun’s claims, but not is all as it seems. Featuring a fantastic score, a creepy and chilling performance by Carlyle, and a rather unique take on cannibalism, it’s a film that you won’t soon forget. 

2. The People Under the Stairs

Many horror fans know of Wes Craven’s contributions to this decade with the likes of Scream and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, but an often-forgotten film of his that he made is The People Under the Stairs. The film follows Fool (Brandon Adams), whose mother is sick, and his family is about to be evicted by their evil and greedy landlords. His sister’s boyfriend Leroy (Ving Rhames) recruits him to rob his landlord’s house in order to get the money for an operation that could fix his mom. Getting in is the easy part, but getting out is the hard part, as Fool finds himself trapped in the house by the monstrous “Mommy” (Wendy Robie) and “Daddy” (Everett McGill). With the help of their daughter Alice (AJ Langer), Roach has to escape the house before the landlords get him. It’s a campy treat with some deliciously hammy performances from McGill and Robie, and it’s a great film to watch on movie night. 

3. Nightbreed

Another underrated film you should check out is from horror writer Clive Barker, best known for creating the Hellraiser series. Nightbreed is the story of Aaron Boone (Craig Sheffer), a mechanic who is plagued by a series of dreams about a city of monsters called Midian. Boone visits his psychotherapist Dr. Phillip K. Decker (David Cronenberg), who is secretly a serial killer that targets families. Decker drugs Boone and frames him for his killings. On the run from the police, Boone seeks refuge in an abandoned cemetery, where he finds the city of Midian, home to a tribe of monsters calling themselves the Nightbreed. This is a great movie with fantastic movie with great worldbuilding, a chilling performance by David Cronenberg, and some fantastic scares. Seek out the director’s cut if you can, as it is truer to Barker’s vision. 

2. In the Mouth of Madness

And here is the last great John Carpenter movie with In the Mouth of Madness. The film follows insurance investigator John Trent (Sam Neill), who is sent to investigate a claim involving the insanely popular author Sutter Cane (Jurgen Prochnow). Acccccompied by Cane’s editor Linda (Julie Carmen), Trent heads to the New Hampshire town of Hobb’s End. There, his perception of time and reality begins to bend and shatter. It’s a Lovecraft adaptation in spirit, that’ll disorient and shake you to the bone. 

1. Audition

And the last movie on our list comes from Japanese auteur Takashi Miike. The film is about widower Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), whose son urges him to begin dating again. His film producer Yasuhisa stages a fake audition to find a new wife, and Aoyama takes interest in one of the applicants, Asami (Eihi Shiina). As the two begin to date, it’s revealed that Asami isn’t who she says she is, and something dark from her past begins to emerge. The film has a distinct shift in the latter half, which to a violent, intense, and downright harrowing climax. If you are afraid of needles, then the last scene will be utter hell for you. 

The 1980s is considered to be the best decade when it comes to the horror genre in film. It not only saw the creation of the slasher movie subgenre, but also the start of several famous horror franchises such as Friday the 13^th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Hellraiser. While there are several recognizable films from this period, there are several that have flown under the radar and deserve some more appreciation. As such, here are five underrated horror films from the 1980s that you should check out.

1. Pumpkinhead 

Starting off the list is the countryside monster movie Pumpkinhead, which is the directorial debut of special effects master Stan Winston, who has worked on films such as The Terminator, Aliens, and Jurassic Park. The film follows store owner Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen), whose son Billy is killed in a hit-and-run dirt bike accident. Blinded by rage and seeking vengeance against the teenagers responsible, he goes to an old witch to summon Pumpkinhead, the demon of vengeance, to kill them. However, what Ed does not know is that his vengeance has a price. Featuring a great performance from Henriksen, a creepy, gothic atmosphere, and fantastic special effects for the titular creature, it’s a fun and creepy film that you should check out. 

2.Near Dark

Up next is the neo-western vampire flick Near Dark by Kathryn Bigelow, who’s body of work includes Point Blank, Strange Days, and The Hurt Locker. The film follows Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar), a young man from a small town who gets into a relationship with a drifter named Mae (Jenny Wright). However, things get complicated when Mae is revealed to be a vampire and turns Caleb. He’s now forced to leave his life behind and travel with Me’s group of vampire drifters, lead by the charismatic Jesse Hooker (Lance Henriksen). Caleb now struggles with his bloodlust and the new life he has been thrusted into. It has a scene-stealing performance from the late Bill Paxton, and an awesome Western feel to it that makes it stand out from your run of the mill vampire movie. 

3.Night of the Creeps

Another movie to check out is Fred Dekker’s B-movie homage Night of the Creeps. The film follows fraternity pledges Chris and J.C. (Jason Lively and Steve Marshall), who steal a cadaver from their university’s medical center as a part of an initiation. However, the theft only releases a group of parasitic alien slugs that possess dead bodies and people alike and turns them into zombies. Now, Chris, his love interest Cynthia (Jill Whitlow) and Detective Ray Cameron (Tom Atkins) have to set out and stop the zombie outbreak. It’s an all-around funny and fun film that’s best enjoyed with some friends on movie night. 

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge

Now here is a movie that was torn apart by both fans and critics alike upon release but has gain some appreciation over the years. The film follows teenager Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton), whose family has recently moved to Springwood, the town that was haunted by the supernatural serial killer Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). The teen is soon haunted by bizarre nightmares, as Freddy returns, and make it clear that he wants to possess Jesse’s body to continue to terrorize Springfield. The film has an intense performance from lead Patton and very impressive practical effects for the blood and gore. The movie also has the darkly sinister Freddy that has featured in the first film. If you were put off by this film, then give it another chance. 

1. Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Speaking of much maligned sequels that have received reappraisal, here is “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”. The film follows Dr. Dan Challis (Tom Atkins) and Ellie Grimbridge (Stacey Nelkin), the daughter of a recent murder victim, as they investigate the novelty company Silver Shamrock, namely the connection between their popular line of Halloween masks and a recent series of strange happenings. The film was originally intended to take the franchise in the route of an anthology series surrounding the holiday Halloween. But the critical and commercial failure killed that idea. However, the film on its own is very fascinating, with an original and interesting plot and great performances from both Tom Atkins, and Dan O’Herlihy as Conal Cochran, the owner of Silver Shamrock. It’s a perfect film to watch around Halloween. 

5 Horror Films on Netflix to Check Out

By: Daniel O’Connell

Horror is one of the more well-known genres of film. It can be cheesy and fun or disturbing and thought-provoking. And Netflix, the premiere streaming service for entertainment, they have plenty of horror movies in its catalogue. While there are a lot of bad horror movies, there are plenty of interesting and unique horror movies on there as well. As such, here are some underrated horror films you should watch. 

5. Green Room

Starting off the list is the brutal and visceral Green Room, from director Jeremy Saulnier. The film follows a punk band the Ain’t Rights, led by bassist Pat (Anton Yelchin), who are hired to perform a concert at a Neo Nazi bar, located in the woods outside Portland. However, after the show is over, the band finds a recently murdered girl in the green room. The band find themselves trapped in the green room as the Neo Nazis, led by the soft spoken, militant Darcy (Patrick Stewart) plan to kill them. The band have to survive the night and the Nazis as they are trapped. The movie is unflinchingly and unforgivingly brutal, with a very stark and ugly portrayal of violence that is genuinely disturbing. Anton Yelchin is great, and Patrick Stewart is creepy and unnerving as Darcy. It’s a disturbing movie that you should watch with caution. 

4. The Invitation

Next on the list is the unsettling horror thriller, The Invitation. The film follows Will (Logan Marshall-Green), who is invited to a dinner party by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard). Taking along his girlfriend Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi), Will relives the trauma of his son dying, while believing that Eden has sinister ulterior motives for the guests involved. This film has a tense and unnerving atmosphere, making you uneasy and wonder where the movie is going next. Having a shocking and chilling climax, it’s a movie that’ll haunt you after it’s over. 

3. Train to Busan

Here is one of the best takes on the zombie subgenre in recent years, with the Korean action-horror Train to Busan. The film follows trust fund manager Seok-Woo (Gong Yoo), who takes his estranged daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an) on a train to Busan. However, as the train ride starts, a zombie epidemic breaks out all over Korea, and the passangers aboard are now in a fight for survival as they head towards their destination, which is now one of the last safe havens in the country. The film has a nice blend of action and horror, along with meaningful social commentary and three-dimensional, fleshed out characters whose deaths will hit you hard. It’s one of the most refreshing takes on the zombie genre in years. 

2. The Ritual 

Here is a creepy trip into the woods with The Ritual. It follows a group of four college friends – Luke (Rafe Spall), Phil (Arsher Ali), Hutch (Robert James-Collier), and Dom (Sam Troughton) – who reunite on the one-year anniversary of their friend’s death to hike through the Kungsleden mountains in Sweden. A wrong turn leads them to be lost in the woods, where an ancient and unknown evil lurks and is stalking them. The movie Is a mix of The Blair Witch Project and The Descent, with an amazing performance by Rafe Spall, and some creepy and unsettling imagery. It’s worth the watch. 

1. Apostle

Last on the list comes from Gareth Evans, who is best known for directing The Raid movies. And now he brings the bloody visceral violence of those films to the horror genre with Apostle. Taking place in 1905, it follows missionary Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens), a missionary who returns from China only to find out that his sister has been kidnapped and being held hostage by a cult. Thomas goes to a Welsh island where the cult lives in a commune, led by the former convict Malcolm Howe (Michael Sheen). As Thomas infiltrates the cult, he discovers a supernatural and sinister force that dwells on the island. This is not a movie for the lighhearted, as it is an incredibly gory and bloody movie. If one can stomach the gore, they’ll find a film with a creepy, unsettling atmosphere, amazing visuals, and a great performance from Dan Stevens. Horror fans are in for a real treat with this one. 

The Criterion Collection is an American home video distribution company that is primarily focusing on licensing films that they deem classic, important, or contemporary, and selling them to film aficionados. They have help standardized practices like film restorations and bonus features on home media. And they have gotten in on the streaming service game with The Criterion Channel. It features a very wide and eclectic selection of films, and these are a few on there that are worth checking out. 

5. Clouds of Sils Maria

First up on the list is the Olivier Assayas drama film, Clouds of Sils Maria. The film follows middle aged actress Maria Enders  (Juliette Binoche), who agrees to take part in a revival of the play Maloja Snake, a play that launched her career twenty years ago. While she had played the younger role in her youth, this time she shall play the older role, opposite the young upstart actress Jo-Ann Ellis (Chloe Grace Moretz). To rehearse for the part, she retreats to an estate in the Sils Maria mountains with her personal assistant Valentine (Kristen Stewart). While there, Enders reflects on her life and insecurities, both personal and professional, while sexual tension stirs between her and Valentine. It is an excellent character piece, with Binoche giving a fantastic performance, but the real scene stealer is Stewart, who gives one of the best performances of her career. It’s a contemplative film that you should watch. 

4. Following 

Next up is the humble beginnings of the world famous Christopher Nolan, with his 1998 directorial debut Following. The film is about an unemployed young writer (Jeremy Theobald), who has a habit of following strangers around the streets of London to find inspiration for his novel. This leads him to encountering a thief by the name of Mr. Cobb (Alex Haw), when he fails to be maintain his distance. Cobb, who had a philosophical bent to his larceny, invites the writer to his next break-in, which furthers spirals into a plot involving blackmail and a blond woman (Lucy Russell). Made on a very low budget and very Hitchcockian in nature, it is an all around impressive debut for Nolan. 

3. Tampopo

In lighter fare is the Japanese comedy Tampopo. Called a “ramen western” by director Juzo Itami, it focuses on two truck drivers named Goro and Gun (Tsutomu Yamazaki and Ken Wantanabe) who help the owner of a roadside ramen stand named Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto) learn how to create the perfect bowl of noodles. It’s funny, touching, and will put you in the mood for a bowl of ramen. It’s a nice Japanese ode to food. 

2. Stranger than Paradise

Another film to check out is the dry, deadpan indie feature from Jim Jarmusch: his second film, Stranger Than Paradise. It follows a very minimalist plot focusing on New York lay about Willie (John Lurie), his friend Eddie (Richard Edson, former drummer of Sonic Youth), and Willie’s Hungarian cousin Eva (Eszter Balint). Jarmusch breaks many conventions with this film, filming each and every scene of the movie as a single static take without any cuts. It also features long periods without dialogue, and the characters in the film do or say little. All in all, it makes for a very interesting watch. 

1. Mulholland Drive

Ending of the list is another acclaimed director, with David Lynch, and his surreal neo-noir film, Mulholland Drive. It follows up-and-coming actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), a new arrival to L.A., who encounters and befriends a mysterious, amnesiac woman named Rita (Laura Herring). The two decided to investigate to discover what lead to Rita’s amnesia. All of this is surrounded by a series of vignettes in L.A., including a Hollywood director (Justin Theroux), an inept hitman (Mark Pellegrino), and a nightmarish man behind a diner. It’s a bizarre, dreamlike movie that just begs you to revisit it. It’s definitely worth a watch. 

Blumhouse Productions is a film production company with a rather ingenious business model when it comes to their movies. They give a certain amount of money to directors, namely being a couple million at most, in exchange for allowing them creative freedom. This ensures that the film is able to make a profit and that money in turn is used to finance future projects. Blumhouse is mainly known for making horror films, which includes successful franchises like Paranormal Activity. However, the quality of the majority of their work leaves a lot to be desired. That being said, there are still some hidden gems among Blumhouse’s catalogue, and here are a few that are worth checking out. 

5. The Gift 

Up first on the list is the directorial debut of actor Joel Edgerton. The film follows married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall), who have recently moved to a Los Angeles suburb. In a chance encounter, the two runs into Simon’s high school classmate Gordon “Gordo” Mosely (Joel Edgerton). Gordon makes several attempts to befriend the couple, but things take a turn for the worse when Simon tries to break things off between them. It’s an unnerving and uncomfortable film that’s a great showcase for Jason Bateman’s dramatic talents, as well as showing that Edgerton has great potential as a director. 

4. Upgrade

Next on the list comes from Leigh Whannell, co-creator of the Saw series. Taking place in the not too distant future, it follows Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a mechanic who is attacked and paralyzed from the neck down in an attack by a group of thugs that kills his wife. Inventor Eron Keen (Harrison Gilbertson) offers Grey a way to walk again by implanting STEM, an experimental computer chip, onto his spinal cord. Grey quickly finds out that STEM can speak in his mind, and even take full control of his body. The two then set out to get revenge on the men who paralyzed James and killed his wife. Featuring a dark sense of humor, uniquely choreographed and shot action scenes, and one shocking ending, it’s a film that deserves to be seen. 

3. The Purge: Anarchy

And here is a film that is a big improvement over its predecessor. The second film in the Purge film series, which takes place in a near future America where there is no crime. This is because of the Purge, an annual holiday where for 12 hours, all crime is legal. The first film had an interesting premise but was a letdown for mainly using its premise for a dime-a-dozen home invasion film. This film, on the other hand, makes great use of its premise, as it follows a group of people in Los Angeles who have to survive the Purge, lead by a man simply known as Sergeant (Frank Grillo). The film has some great action set pieces, and Grillo is a great leading man as a grizzled military veteran. If the first Purge movie turned you off, then give this one a chance. 

2. Happy Death Day 

In more lighter fare is the slasher comedy Happy Death Day. It follows self-centered college student Theresa “Tree” Gelbman, who finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving her birthday while being stalked by a killer. It’s an entertaining and fun film that’s the slasher movie version of Groundhog Day. While it’s PG-13 rating limits the kills it can show, it greatly makes up for it with its dark sense of humor. It’s a great horror comedy with emphasis on the comedy. 

1. Sinister

Back to the spooky stuff that is definitely in Blumhouse’s wheelhouse. It’s Scott Derrickson’s supernatural horror film Sinister. It follows true crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke), who moves into a new home with his family. While exploring his new home, he discovers a film projector and a box of Super 8 home movies. When it turns out that the home movies are actually a series of snuff films, Ellison decides to solve the mystery behind them. Ellison’s investigation leads him deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole, as there is a supernatural presence behind the films. While the film falls apart in the last act, it is still a good movie with a great performance from Ethan Hawke, and a creepy, uncomfortable atmosphere. It’s a movie that one should check out. 

Netflix has become the premiere streaming service for films and television shows. Because of this, it has a wide collection to watch. As such, here are five action films to watch if you want to kill time on a Sunday afternoon. 

5. Extraction

Extraction is one of the newer action films on Netflix, making its debut in April of this year, and serves as the directorial debut of stuntman Sam Hargaves, who served as stunt coordinator on Avengers: Endgame. The film follows mercenary Tyler Rakes (Chris Hemsworth), who is hired to rescue an Indian drug lord’s kidnapped son in Dhaka, Bangladesh. What seems like a simple enough mission quickly goes off the rails, and Tyler must fight through the city to complete his mission. Featuring a great performance by Hemsworth and adrenaline pumping action scenes, it’s a fun thrill ride that’s destined to entertain. 

4. Den of Thieves

Next up is the Gerard Butler action film Den of Thieves. The film follows Nick “Big Nick” O’Brien (Butler), a Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department detective who leads an elite Major Crimes Unit, hellbent on apprehending a group of U.S. Marines turned bank robbers, led by Ray Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber). It is admittedly the low rent version of the classic Michael Mann crime film Heat, but it’s still a fun and entertaining film in its own right. Featuring a great supporting performance from O’Shea Jackson Jr, along with tense, high stake heist scenes, it’s a great film in its own right. 

3. Triple Threat

Now onto some Direct-to-DVD fare with Triple Threat, the Martial Arts answer to the Expendables movies. The film focuses on a pair of down on their luck mercenaries (Tony Jaa and Tiger Chen), who have to protect a billionaires’ daughter from an elite squad of assassins. With a cast of martial artists that also include Iko Uwais, Scott Adkins, and Michael Jai White, it’s star-studded showdown that’s a treat for action fans. 

2. Furie

Another piece of international action fare is Furie, a martial arts film from Vietnam. It stars Veronica Ngo as a former gangster turned single mother, who sets out to rescue her daughter from an organ-smuggling ring. It features a fantastic performance from Ngo, as well as hyper-stylized high octane fight scenes with excellent choreography. It’s an all around underrated gem that deserves more attention. 

1. The Night Comes for Us

One of the must see action films on Netflix is Timo Tjahjanto’s The Night Comes for Us. It reunites several alumni from The Raid movies, such as Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, and Julie Estelle, and could be considered a spiritual sequel to them. It focuses on a South Asia Triad enforcer named Ito (Taslim) who is part of a group of elite enforcers called the Six Seas. However, he turns his back on his life as a killer by rescuing a young girl who is the survivor of a Triad massacre. The Triad, in turn, sends a former friend of Ito’s (Uwais) along with an army of thugs to kill Ito and the girl. The film has jaw-dropping, highly kinetic fight scenes that are so visceral and violent that it makes The Raid’s violence seem tame in comparison. This is seriously one of the bloodiest and goriest martial arts movies I have ever seen, and its use of practical effects is inspiring. Featuring an exciting ending that’ll stick with you, it’s a movie that any action fan worth his salt should watch. 

The movie schedule for 2020 has been completely derailed, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has effected the whole world. Many films have either been delayed or their release dates have been moved to later in this year or the next. However, theaters are stated to start opening back up on July 31^st, or later on in the year. As such, here are a few movies coming out in the Fall season that you should keep your eye on. 

1. Black Widow

The latest addition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is also the first starring role for its long time heroine Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson. Taking place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, it takes her to Budapest to confront a brand new villain, the mercenary Taskmaster. Reuniting with her fellow Black Widow Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and the Soviet superhero Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), this is bound to be another exciting Marvel movie. 

2. Wonder Woman 1984 

Speaking of superheroines, another movie to look out for comes from Marvel’s distinguished competition, DC’s Wonder Woman 1984. Taking place in the eponymous year, it follows Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), as she faces off against business mongul and entrepreneur Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and a new villain in Barbara Ann Minerva/The Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). Along the way, Diana also get reunited with her love interest Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), now seemingly resurrected. It’s another exciting step in the world of DC’s line of films.

3. No Time to Die

The latest in Daniel Craig’s Bond films will finally arrive. The new film finds 007 as he is recruited by his CIA ally Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) to find a missing scientist, which leads to confront a new danger in the form of Safin (Rami Malek). With an all-star cast that includes Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, and Ana de Armas, it’s bound to be another action-packed entry into the Bond canon. 

4. Candyman

From director Nia DaCosta and producer Jordan Peele comes the sequel to the classic 1992 horror movie. Taking place in Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood, now gentrified beyond recognition, it follows visual artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) as he explores the urban myth of the Candyman (Tony Todd), which haunted the neighborhood over 28 years ago. The film is bound to have scares and thrills for horror fans, as well as relevant social commentary for the times. 

5. The French Dispatch

From the wonderfully whimsical mind of Wes Anderson comes his latest feature in The French Dispatch. Based in part on The New Yorker magazine, it follows a group of American journalists who work for the eponymous magazine in the fictional French city of Ennui-Sur-Blasé, and shows the various tales and stories published within it. It is also Anderson’s most star-studded cast to date. It includes familiar faces who have collaborated with Anderson such as Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, and Frances McDormand, while also including new actors such as Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, and Griffin Dunne. It’s bound to be a fun and funny time for all. 

6. Mank 

From another acclaimed director comes David Fincher and his newest feature with Mank. It is a biographical drama on screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman), and primarily focuses on his writing of the high acclaimed Citizen Kane, and subsequent problems surrounding it, notably his clashes with director and star Orson Welles (Tom Burke). With a cast that includes Amanda Seyfried, Lily Colins, and Charles Dance, Fincher is bound to deliver a well-crafted and fascinating film. 

Two Ball State professors have created a text-messaging information service for the Burmese refugee population in Indianapolis. The service, which can translate 500 messages into Hakha Chin and Burmese, provides maternal and child health care information.

The project is headed by Jean Marie Place and Mengxi Zhang, two assistant professors of health science at Ball State’s college of health. Place said the idea originated with knowledge that public-communicated text messages have been known to change knowledge and behavior in various populations. It was also recognized by Place that there were problems with transportation and the language barrier that the Burmese population in Indianapolis faced. The professors hatched an idea to use a texting service providing health information.

“We wanted to help address that gap,” Place said. “Using a text messaging system could help bypass the barriers these women faced, especially while pregnant or raising small children.”

Place and Zhang hope that this service will lead to better birth outcomes for Burmese women and their children, as the service provides free information on interconception, prenatal and postpartum health. The service also gives resources in the community that will provide a translation service.

“Although knowledge alone is not the key to changing behavior, it is an important piece,” Place said.

Both Place and Zhang have received help from the Burmese American Community Institute to create and develop the project. The institute helped facilitate the research for the project and collect data. Place said that they “were very grateful” for their help.

According to Zhang, data shows there are several problems that the Burmese community face. Aside from issues accessing health care due to the language barrier and transportation, the biggest problems they face are mental health issues and high prevalence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.

While the institute helped Place and Zhang with the health and cultural side of the project, both the IU Health School of Medicine and Indiana State Department of Health contributed to the text message aspect of the project. They mainly helped Zhang and Place by providing sample text messages to use as a basis for the project. They also work with healthcare providers in the Burmese community to revise the messages to fit the problems that are affecting them.

“All the interviews were and will be conducted in Burmese and Hakha Chin,” Zhang said.

Both professors believe the messaging service is a way of addressing gaps in the system that affect the disadvantaged refugees. They said it’s important for everyone to understand and research the push and pull factors affecting refugees and forcing them to resettle.

“Hopefully, the message service will inspire greater change for the Burmese refugees,” Place said. Contact Daniel O’Connell with comments at dcoconnell@bsu.edu or on Twitter at @DanielO89155766.

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Fishers is an overlooked city in the state of Indiana. Despite now technically being a city, it still has the feeling of a small town. It is currently in transition of becoming a major city with new shopping centers being added in the heart of the city to make it feel more modern. As a long time resident of Fishers, I know a couple of great places to stop and visit in Fishers. They’re not great or attractive, but are still plenty of fun.