· 5 issues
The September 1968 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights significant tensions in New York City's health governance, particularly regarding the authority and management of municipal hospitals. Key articles discuss the Health and Hospital Planning Council's push for independent health planning powers, State Senator Seymour Thaler's proposal for state control over municipal hospitals, and community groups in Harlem advocating for local control of health facilities. The issue also features a critical examination of lead poisoning among children in slum areas, emphasizing the failures of the city's health system and the need for community action. Notably, Dr. Bernard Bucove's administration is portrayed as struggling to navigate the complexities of public health management amidst calls for decentralization and comprehensive planning.
The February 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the collusion between health institutions and government policies that undermine poor communities, particularly in New York. It highlights the expansion of Columbia Medical Center into predominantly Black and Puerto Rican neighborhoods, emphasizing the lack of community engagement and transparency in urban renewal projects. The issue also discusses the environmental health implications of nuclear power and urban pollution, urging communities to demand accountability from health institutions. Notable articles include case studies on Columbia's expansion and the Health Action Coalition's efforts to resist institutional encroachment.
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 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 May-June 1980 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the corporate malpractice in the asbestos industry, particularly highlighting Johns Manville's negligence towards worker health, as revealed by internal documents. It discusses the implications of President Carter's 1981 health budget, which threatens significant cuts to health services amidst rising inflation. Other notable articles address the Hyde Amendment's potential overturning, the return of OSHA regulations, and the growing issue of lead poisoning in children, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on lead exposure. The issue reflects a broader concern for public health and corporate accountability during a politically charged era.