· 3 issues
The inaugural issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the disastrous Affiliation Plan for New York City hospitals, emphasizing the need for public accountability and community control over health services. It highlights the failures of the private health establishment and calls for a revitalization of municipal hospitals to better serve the medically needy. The issue also discusses Governor Rockefeller's proposed health insurance plan, which critics argue would benefit private insurers at the expense of the poor. The editorial stresses the importance of community involvement in health decision-making and the urgent need for comprehensive health planning in the face of Medicaid cutbacks.
The July 1968 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the evolving health services landscape in New York City, particularly under Mayor John Lindsay's administration. It highlights the push for a consumer-oriented Comprehensive Health Planning Authority and the challenges posed by budget cuts and limited city leadership. The issue also features grassroots organizing efforts in the Lower East Side, where the North East Neighborhood Association (NENA) is establishing a community-owned health center to address local health needs. Additionally, a movement in Harlem is advocating for a community-controlled health board to oversee Harlem City Hospital, reflecting broader demands for accountability and responsiveness in urban health services.
The November-December 1968 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the growing concentration of power within medical empires in New York City, particularly through affiliations of major medical schools and hospitals. It critiques the lack of accountability and public interest in these institutions, highlighting how they often prioritize their own narrow interests over community health needs. The issue also discusses the need for comprehensive health services planning that is publicly accountable and representative of community constituencies, advocating for a shift in control from elite boards to local health boards. Notable discussions include the roles of Columbia Presbyterian and Einstein Medical College in shaping health policy and the implications of their power dynamics on public health.