· 3 issues
The January 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the failures of several health reform initiatives, particularly the Harvard Community Health Plan (HCHP) and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Despite significant investment and planning, HCHP has struggled with low enrollment and financial instability, failing to meet its goals and serve the community effectively. In contrast, the Lincoln Hospital Pediatrics Collective is highlighted as a successful grassroots initiative that has managed to provide innovative care despite systemic challenges. The issue underscores the tension between elite-driven health reforms and community needs, emphasizing that true progress requires genuine engagement with the public.
The October 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the urgent need for a new public medical school in New York City, emphasizing the crisis facing the municipal hospital system. It discusses various proposals, including the Medical School of the City University of New York (MSCUNY), which aims to address urban health issues and train community practitioners. The issue highlights the importance of grassroots support for these initiatives, as existing affiliations with private hospitals have led to a decline in the quality of care at municipal facilities. The editorial stresses the necessity of public accountability and the potential for a new medical school to reshape healthcare delivery in the city.
The Winter 1987 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of health care and economic crises, particularly in light of the stock market crash and its implications for health care access. Key articles include a critique of the Dukakis proposal for universal coverage in Massachusetts and an analysis of the ongoing struggle for occupational safety and health led by industrial unions. The issue also highlights the National Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, emphasizing grassroots activism in response to the AIDS epidemic and the need for comprehensive health reform. The publication calls for a shift away from profit-driven health care towards a system that prioritizes public health and equity.