· 6 issues
The May 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the use of psychiatry and psychology as tools of social repression, particularly in the context of civil commitment laws and the treatment of dissenters. It highlights how these disciplines are employed to control individuals deemed 'deviant' by society, often obscuring the social roots of their issues. Notable articles discuss the implications of proposed changes to New York's mental hygiene laws, which could expand the state's power to involuntarily commit individuals, and the role of mental health professionals in perpetuating societal norms. The issue also reflects on the broader political climate of the time, including the Nixon administration's approach to dissent and the intersection of mental health with civil liberties.
The April 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques President Nixon's health care proposals, arguing they prioritize private industry over public health needs. The issue highlights Nixon's National Health Insurance Partnership Program (NHIP) and Family Health Insurance Plan (FHIP) as regressive, potentially enriching insurance companies while imposing higher costs on consumers. It emphasizes the inadequacies of these plans, particularly for the poor and working class, and raises concerns about the lack of comprehensive coverage and the promotion of 'cost consciousness' that may deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care. The Bulletin also discusses the implications of these policies for various stakeholders, including insurance companies and health care providers, suggesting that they primarily benefit the health industry rather than the public.
The September 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the health crises in Cincinnati and Northern Appalachia, highlighting the detrimental impact of industrial interests on public health. The issue critiques the inadequacies of local health institutions, particularly the University of Cincinnati Medical College and its affiliated hospitals, which are criticized for their poor service to marginalized communities. It discusses the emergence of community health councils in neighborhoods like English Woods and Price Hill, where residents are organizing for better health services and demanding accountability from the Health Department. The bulletin also emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from institutional leaders to the industrial elite responsible for health disparities.
The October 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the rise and significance of free clinics in the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing their role in providing accessible medical care and challenging the traditional medical establishment. Articles highlight the principles of comprehensive, decentralized healthcare and the importance of community control and deprofessionalization of medical practices. The issue features insights from community staff and patients at various free clinics across cities like New York, Baltimore, and San Francisco, illustrating the clinics' efforts to meet the needs of underserved populations while advocating for systemic change in healthcare delivery. Notable contributors include Constance Bloomfield and Howard Levy, who conducted research on the impact and operations of these clinics.
The November 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical shortage and maldistribution of health personnel in the U.S., particularly highlighting the racial disparities in medical education and the need for reforms. It discusses the Health Professions Educational Assistance (HPEA) Amendments, which authorize significant federal funding for medical education but primarily benefit institutional support over student assistance, raising concerns about accessibility for low-income and minority students. The issue also touches on the Nurse Training Act of 1971, which, while providing some support for nursing education, is funded at a fraction of the level allocated for medical education, reflecting ongoing disparities in health workforce training. Notable figures mentioned include Senator Jacob Javits and Dr. Roger Egeberg, emphasizing the political context surrounding health policy at the time.
The Summer 1988 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the detrimental impact of the Reagan administration's health policies, particularly regarding Medicaid and Medicare, as detailed by Geraldine Dallek. The issue critiques the administration's cuts to health care programs for the poor and the elderly, highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized communities, including American Indians at Pine Ridge Reservation. Articles by Vicente Navarro and David U. Himmelstein challenge the notion of incremental health reforms, advocating instead for a comprehensive national health program. The Bulletin also addresses the ongoing AIDS crisis, emphasizing the government's inadequate response and the urgent need for progressive health policy solutions.