· 6 issues
The February 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin introduces a comprehensive research guide aimed at helping readers navigate the complex U.S. health system. It outlines various health delivery institutions, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, and discusses their classifications, financing, and the power dynamics within these entities. The issue emphasizes the importance of research as a tool for organizing and understanding institutional power, encouraging readers to engage with their local health systems actively. Notable contributors include Barbara Ehrenreich and Oliver Fein, M.D., who highlight the need for community involvement in health decision-making.
The July-August 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the complexities and challenges of Medicaid in New York City, highlighting the emergence of 'Medicaid mills'—clinics that profit from treating low-income patients. Despite the promise of Medicaid providing free medical care, the reality reveals a shortage of participating doctors and a system that often prioritizes profit over quality care. The issue also covers community activism, particularly the takeover of a Medicaid mill by residents in East Harlem, who demanded better conditions and services. This reflects a broader struggle against the inadequacies of the healthcare system for marginalized populations.
The March-April 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the issue of hospital over-bedding in Oklahoma City, highlighting the detrimental effects on patients and taxpayers. The article 'Oklahoma Crude' discusses how the city has an excess of hospital beds, leading to inflated costs and inadequate care for the medically indigent. Another key article critiques Nixon's proposed national health insurance bill, revealing that its fine print undermines its apparent benefits. The issue emphasizes the intersection of healthcare policy, local politics, and the financial interests of hospital administrators and banks.
The May-June 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the political retreat of Senator Edward Kennedy from the comprehensive Health Security Act in favor of a more limited National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in collaboration with Representative Wilbur Mills. This shift reflects the changing economic climate and public sentiment regarding health care, as the need for catastrophic illness protection remains amidst rising costs and economic challenges. The issue also highlights the problematic practices of patient dumping in California's private hospitals and the organization of Bronx Medicaid patients, showcasing grassroots efforts to address inequities in health care access.
The September-October 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the significant strike by 4,400 registered nurses (RNs) in the San Francisco Bay Area, organized by the California Nurses' Association (CNA). The strike, lasting 21 days, highlighted issues of staffing control and quality of patient care rather than traditional wage demands, reflecting a new level of militancy among nurses influenced by the women's liberation movement. Articles discuss the implications of the strike for hospital workers and the challenges of uniting various classifications of healthcare workers. The issue also features commentary on Blue Cross and the broader context of healthcare economics in the region.
The March-April 1982 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on environmental hazards and the ongoing struggles within the healthcare system, particularly regarding Medicare and Medicaid. An interview with labor leader Tony Mazzocchi highlights the intersection of health and wages, emphasizing the need for better conditions for hospital workers. The issue also critiques the New York City Department of Health's shift towards privatization and the potential consequences for the uninsured and underprivileged populations. Additionally, it discusses legislative efforts such as the Organic Farming Act of 1982, which aims to support sustainable agricultural practices.