· 7 issues
The April 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical state of public hospitals in the U.S., particularly in California, where many county hospitals are facing closure due to financial strains exacerbated by Medicaid cutbacks. The article highlights the shifting burden of healthcare costs back to local governments as federal support wanes, with private hospitals increasingly refusing to accept low-income patients. Notable discussions include the implications of the 1972 Airlie House Conference on Public Hospitals and the ongoing struggles in cities like Chicago and San Francisco to maintain public healthcare access amidst privatization pressures. The issue emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing to preserve public hospitals as essential healthcare providers for low-income communities.
The November-December 1981 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the privatization of public hospitals and the implications of for-profit healthcare systems. It critiques the increasing influence of private entities in healthcare, highlighting the need for accountability and equitable access to services. Notable articles discuss the role of voluntary hospitals and the impact of the Reagan administration's policies on health and safety regulations, particularly through OSHA's declining enforcement. The issue also touches on international health perspectives, including a letter advocating for coverage of Nicaragua's healthcare improvements post-revolution.
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.
The January-February 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare policy, particularly focusing on the implications of the new Medicare reimbursement system based on Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs). The issue features a critical examination of the drug policies in Bangladesh, emphasizing the influence of multinational pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer on local healthcare decisions. Notable articles discuss the financial misconduct of healthcare institutions, as reported by the General Accounting Office, revealing systemic fraud in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. The issue also includes a letter from Erica Gollub addressing the complexities of drug pricing and availability in Bangladesh, underscoring the tension between corporate interests and public health needs.
The September-October 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the growing income polarization in the U.S. and its detrimental effects on health, particularly during the Reagan administration. Articles highlight the alarming trends of increasing inequality, with the wealthiest gaining while the poorest suffer, as evidenced by statistics from the Urban Institute. A special section on California health issues discusses the impact of Medi-Cal reforms and organizing efforts against workplace hazards related to video display terminals. The issue also critiques the FDA's handling of antibiotic use in animal feed and its implications for public health, emphasizing the tension between regulatory oversight and corporate interests.
The July-August 1985 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on critical health issues affecting marginalized populations, particularly the homeless and those impacted by environmental pollution. Notable articles include 'The Sickness That Won't Heal,' which discusses the healthcare challenges faced by the nation's homeless, and 'AIDS: The Impending Quarantine,' which addresses the growing crisis of AIDS and its societal implications. The issue also highlights the Hanrahan family's legal battle against Merck in Ireland, raising questions about corporate accountability and environmental health. Overall, the Bulletin emphasizes the need for systemic change in health policy to address these pressing issues.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing struggle for hospital construction and modernization in New York City, highlighting the political dynamics of the Certificate of Need process. It features articles on South Carolina's new assistance program and the public health implications of lead poisoning. The Bulletin emphasizes the importance of community advocacy in gaining concessions from health institutions, illustrating how local residents can influence health policy despite corporate interests. The issue also hints at future discussions regarding the role of Wall Street in health planning and the corporatization of healthcare.