· 4 issues
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 August 1968 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the activism of the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) as they negotiate for better salaries and working conditions in New York City's municipal hospitals. Dr. David Goldman, president of CIR, emphasizes the disparity in pay compared to other city employees and the need for reforms to improve hospital staffing and patient care. The issue also discusses the Student Health Project, which engages health science students in community health initiatives, particularly in low-income areas like the South Bronx, and the establishment of the North East Neighborhood Association Health Center aimed at providing comprehensive care in underserved neighborhoods.
The June 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the challenges and evolution of neighborhood health centers, particularly highlighting the NENA Health Center in New York's Lower East Side. It discusses the historical context of these centers, their initial promise in the 1960s, and the subsequent decline in their effectiveness due to lack of resources and political support. The issue critiques the reliance on federal funding and the fragmentation within communities that undermined the potential for meaningful health care reform. Notably, it emphasizes the importance of community control and the lessons learned from the NENA experience, illustrating both the strengths and limitations of the neighborhood health center movement.
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.