· 5 issues
The April 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the struggle for community control over health services in the South Bronx, highlighting the tensions between local community needs and the bureaucratic structures of established medical institutions like Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein Medical College. The editorial critiques the failures of Medicare and Medicaid in addressing the health crisis, calling for a radical restructuring of health services to prioritize community and worker involvement. Notable discussions include the push for decentralized health planning and the demand for immediate neighborhood health services, reflecting a broader movement against the 'medical empires' that dominate healthcare delivery. The issue emphasizes the urgent need for public intervention in the Bronx, which serves as a microcosm of national health challenges.
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 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing struggles at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, where community and worker groups are challenging the control of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital. The issue highlights the tensions between medical empires and grassroots movements advocating for patient care over institutional priorities. Notably, the Think Lincoln group has been at the forefront of demands for better health services, including changes to the hospital's abortion program following a tragic incident. Additionally, the Bulletin discusses broader community health initiatives in the Lower East Side, emphasizing the rise of insurgent forces seeking accountability from established medical institutions.
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 January 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the struggle for community-worker control at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, highlighting the need for radical restructuring of the health system to prioritize people over profit. The editorial discusses the pivotal role of hospital workers in effecting change and the challenges they face in organizing alongside community members. Notable groups involved include the Health Revolutionary Unity Movement (HRUM) and the Young Lords Party, both of which advocate for improved health services in underserved communities. The issue also outlines the dire conditions at Lincoln Hospital, exacerbated by systemic neglect and budget cuts, while emphasizing the importance of solidarity between workers and the community to achieve meaningful reform.