· 4 issues
The September 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the concept of professionalism in health education, arguing that it perpetuates elitism and unaccountability among health professionals. The editorial discusses how medical, nursing, and social work students are trained to view themselves as superior to laypeople, which hinders collaboration and accountability. Notably, the issue highlights student protests against the Cambodian invasion, emphasizing a shift from traditional education to political activism, particularly within medical schools in New York City. Additionally, it examines the role of the Student American Medical Association (SAMA) and its struggle to address social issues in healthcare, reflecting a growing awareness among students about the need for systemic change in medical education and practice.
The October 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing privatization of public hospitals, particularly highlighting the contrasting situations of Bellevue Hospital in New York City and Boston City Hospital. The articles critique how public hospitals are increasingly becoming adjuncts to private medical institutions, with Bellevue's transformation into a facility serving elite private interests while Boston City faces severe cutbacks and a potential takeover by Boston University. Activists are urged to build a long-term, organized base to effectively combat these trends, emphasizing the need for a strategy that prioritizes public health over private profit. The issue underscores the broader implications of these changes for community health and access to care.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the evolution and challenges of Neighborhood Health Centers (NHCs) since their inception in the 1960s, highlighting the tension between community-based care and traditional medical institutions. It features insights from Sargent Shriver, former OEO Director, and Dr. Jack Geiger, emphasizing the need for community involvement in health care delivery. The issue also critiques the American Medical Association's (AMA) evolving stance on patient rights and health maintenance organizations, reflecting a shift towards political pragmatism in the face of changing health care dynamics. Additionally, it addresses the implications of toxic waste on community health, particularly in areas like Love Canal, underscoring the intersection of environmental and public health issues.
The first issue of Volume 12 of HealthPAC Bulletin reflects on the evolution and challenges faced by community health centers (CHCs) after fifteen years of operation. It discusses how these centers, initially designed to provide comprehensive care to underserved populations, are now at risk due to shifting federal policies favoring larger hospitals. Notable articles highlight the impact of economic cuts on healthcare access for poor and minority communities in Detroit, and the ongoing struggles for hospital rights and consumer advocacy in urban areas. The issue also touches on broader themes of health equity and the political dynamics influencing healthcare delivery in the U.S.