· 39 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 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.
The May 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the disorganization and inequities within mental health services in New York City, drawing parallels to the broader medical care marketplace. It critiques the reliance on private providers and the inadequacies of public mental health services, emphasizing the need for community involvement and control in mental health initiatives. The issue highlights the growing tension between city and state mental health agencies, particularly regarding funding and service delivery, and discusses the implications of proposed legislation aimed at restructuring mental health governance. Notable contributors include Robb Burlage and Barbara Ehrenreich, who address the systemic issues and advocate for a more equitable approach to mental health care.
The June 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the severe impact of Medicaid cuts on public health services in New York City, emphasizing the retreat of city officials from their responsibility to provide care for the medically needy. The editorial critiques the lack of effective management and advocacy from health officials, leading to potential closures of municipal hospitals and cuts to essential services. Notable articles discuss the historical context of Medicaid's implementation and its subsequent decline, illustrating how the program has exacerbated health disparities. The issue calls for community and worker control over health resources as a necessary response to the fiscal crisis and the failures of public leadership.
The October 1969 issue of HealthPAC emphasizes the ongoing struggle for health rights and patients' rights amidst a backdrop of systemic inequities in healthcare access. The editorial critiques the notion that healthcare is a privilege rather than a right, highlighting the barriers faced by low-income individuals and communities of color. Notable articles discuss the emergence of patient advocacy programs, such as those at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Martin Luther King Health Center in the Bronx, which aim to empower patients and enforce their rights. The issue also covers the Young Lords Organization's 10-point program advocating for self-determination in health services in East Harlem, reflecting a broader movement for community control over healthcare resources.
The December 1969 issue of HealthPAC focuses on the struggle for community control over health services, particularly in the context of mental health facilities in New York City. It highlights the challenges faced by local residents, particularly Black and Puerto Rican communities in Washington Heights, against the established power of institutions like Columbia University and the Department of Mental Health. The issue critiques the top-down planning approach that often excludes community voices and emphasizes the need for grassroots involvement in decision-making processes. The editorial stresses that true community control is essential for addressing the social determinants of health and ensuring that services meet the actual needs of the community.
The January 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emerging proposals for National Health Insurance (NHI) in the U.S., drawing parallels to Bismarck's welfare reforms in Germany. The editorial argues that while NHI may provide some financial relief, it fails to address deeper systemic issues in healthcare delivery, such as community control and accountability. The Bulletin highlights the growing discontent among marginalized communities, particularly Black and Puerto Rican groups, who demand more responsive healthcare systems. It also discusses the economic pressures on hospitals and insurers, suggesting that NHI could exacerbate existing inequities rather than resolve them.
The May 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the use of psychiatry and psychology as tools of social repression, particularly in the context of civil commitment laws and the treatment of dissenters. It highlights how these disciplines are employed to control individuals deemed 'deviant' by society, often obscuring the social roots of their issues. Notable articles discuss the implications of proposed changes to New York's mental hygiene laws, which could expand the state's power to involuntarily commit individuals, and the role of mental health professionals in perpetuating societal norms. The issue also reflects on the broader political climate of the time, including the Nixon administration's approach to dissent and the intersection of mental health with civil liberties.
The June 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critically examines the drug epidemic in America, particularly focusing on the racial and socioeconomic disparities in drug addiction and enforcement. It argues that the harsh drug laws disproportionately affect black and brown communities while the middle class is only now becoming alarmed as addiction spreads among their youth. The issue highlights the political exploitation of addiction fears by figures like Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller, who have shifted the narrative from treating addiction as a health issue to a criminal one. Notable articles discuss the historical context of drug laws, the ineffectiveness of current treatment programs, and the need for community-driven solutions rather than punitive measures.
The July-August 1970 issue of HealthPAC focuses on the critical role of unionization among hospital workers, emphasizing the urgent need for better wages, job security, and working conditions. It discusses the ongoing unionization efforts led by organizations such as Local 1199 and the Service Employees International Union, highlighting the challenges faced by hospital workers, including high turnover rates and poor job conditions. The editorial argues for a solidarity between health workers and consumers, suggesting that while unions can provide immediate economic benefits, they must also evolve to support broader systemic changes in the health care system. The issue reflects a growing awareness of the intersection between labor rights and health care reform, advocating for a more democratic and participatory approach within unions and the health system as a whole.
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 April 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques President Nixon's health care proposals, arguing they prioritize private industry over public health needs. The issue highlights Nixon's National Health Insurance Partnership Program (NHIP) and Family Health Insurance Plan (FHIP) as regressive, potentially enriching insurance companies while imposing higher costs on consumers. It emphasizes the inadequacies of these plans, particularly for the poor and working class, and raises concerns about the lack of comprehensive coverage and the promotion of 'cost consciousness' that may deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care. The Bulletin also discusses the implications of these policies for various stakeholders, including insurance companies and health care providers, suggesting that they primarily benefit the health industry rather than the public.
The May 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the devastating health impacts of the Vietnam War on civilians, particularly the use of herbicides and bombing strategies that have led to widespread destruction and suffering. It highlights the staggering civilian casualties, with approximately one million South Vietnamese killed, and discusses the long-term ecological and health effects of chemical warfare, including birth defects linked to Agent Orange. The issue also critiques U.S. military strategies that prioritize destruction over humanitarian considerations, drawing parallels between the treatment of South Vietnamese civilians and historical injustices faced by American Indians. Notable articles include detailed accounts of the psychological and physical toll of war on the Vietnamese population and the implications of U.S. pharmaceutical practices in the region.
The June 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights significant budget cuts in New York State, particularly affecting health and welfare services. Notable reductions include a 10% cut in welfare payments, the elimination of medical coverage for 500,000 low-income families, and the closure of mental health facilities. The issue emphasizes the paradox of increasing taxes on working families while corporations contribute less to state revenues. It also features an article on the ethical dilemmas faced by military medical personnel, exemplified by Gary Gianninoto's experiences in Vietnam, raising concerns about medical ethics in wartime.
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 November 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical shortage and maldistribution of health personnel in the U.S., particularly highlighting the racial disparities in medical education and the need for reforms. It discusses the Health Professions Educational Assistance (HPEA) Amendments, which authorize significant federal funding for medical education but primarily benefit institutional support over student assistance, raising concerns about accessibility for low-income and minority students. The issue also touches on the Nurse Training Act of 1971, which, while providing some support for nursing education, is funded at a fraction of the level allocated for medical education, reflecting ongoing disparities in health workforce training. Notable figures mentioned include Senator Jacob Javits and Dr. Roger Egeberg, emphasizing the political context surrounding health policy at the time.
The April 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the unique health needs of women, particularly in relation to reproductive health and the birth control movement. It discusses how women's roles as patients, workers, and mothers intersect with the healthcare system, highlighting the historical oppression they faced and the ongoing struggles for reproductive rights. Notable articles include discussions on the Women's Movement's fight for birth control and abortion services, as well as the challenges faced by women health workers in a male-dominated healthcare hierarchy. The issue emphasizes the importance of women organizing and forming alliances to advocate for better health services and policies.
The May 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving landscape of hospital construction financing, highlighting a shift from philanthropic support to loans and government grants. It discusses the significant role of the Hill-Burton program and the impact of hospital expansion on urban communities, particularly in New York City, where tenant groups are organizing against evictions caused by hospital development. The issue emphasizes the financial burdens of hospital construction on patients and taxpayers, as well as the need for community involvement in hospital planning to prevent displacement of low-income residents.
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.
The July-August 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the complexities and challenges of Medicaid in New York City, highlighting the emergence of 'Medicaid mills'—clinics that profit from treating low-income patients. Despite the promise of Medicaid providing free medical care, the reality reveals a shortage of participating doctors and a system that often prioritizes profit over quality care. The issue also covers community activism, particularly the takeover of a Medicaid mill by residents in East Harlem, who demanded better conditions and services. This reflects a broader struggle against the inadequacies of the healthcare system for marginalized populations.
The September 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical issues surrounding health care in prisons, highlighting the systemic failures and the need for reform. The editorial emphasizes the importance of separating health care from security within the prison system, advocating for community-based health agencies to provide care. Case studies from New York City and San Francisco illustrate the dire conditions faced by inmates, including inadequate medical attention and the oppressive environment of prisons. The issue also discusses the broader social justice implications of prison health care, particularly for marginalized communities, and calls for a movement to 'depopulate' prisons in favor of community-based alternatives.
The May-June 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the political retreat of Senator Edward Kennedy from the comprehensive Health Security Act in favor of a more limited National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in collaboration with Representative Wilbur Mills. This shift reflects the changing economic climate and public sentiment regarding health care, as the need for catastrophic illness protection remains amidst rising costs and economic challenges. The issue also highlights the problematic practices of patient dumping in California's private hospitals and the organization of Bronx Medicaid patients, showcasing grassroots efforts to address inequities in health care access.
The November-December 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critically examines the swine flu vaccination program initiated by the federal government, highlighting its rushed implementation and the concerns raised by medical scientists about its effectiveness. The issue discusses the political implications of the vaccination strategy, particularly in light of the fiscal crisis affecting public hospitals in New York City, especially in the Bronx. Notably, the Bulletin critiques the prioritization of mass vaccination over targeted approaches for high-risk populations, emphasizing the need for a more rational public health policy. The articles reflect broader themes of government accountability and the intersection of health policy with corporate interests.
The May-June 1977 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the persistent underrepresentation of minority students in U.S. medical schools, highlighting that despite some gains in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the situation has not significantly improved. The issue discusses the implications of the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Bakke case, which challenges affirmative action policies in medical school admissions. It also features a retrospective on medical education since the Flexner report, revealing that the demographics of medical students remain largely unchanged over the decades. Notable columns address issues of healthcare costs, women's rights, and the Delaney Amendment, while a media scan reviews Michel Foucault's work on medical perception.
The September-October 1977 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving landscape of nursing education in New York, particularly the push by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a requirement for Registered Nurses (RNs). This proposed '1985 Proposal' aims to elevate the profession but raises concerns about accessibility for current nurses and potential job displacement. The issue also highlights the commercialization of emergency services in San Francisco, where voluntary hospitals are outsourcing these critical services to private providers, reflecting broader trends in healthcare privatization. Additionally, columns discuss the implications of abortion access and the intersection of work, race, and health.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the crisis facing the United Mine Workers' (UMW) health and welfare programs, which have been severely impacted by financial mismanagement and production-linked benefits. The article 'Health Care by the Ton' discusses the historical significance of the UMWA's health care system, once a model for comprehensive care, now in decline due to cutbacks and a financial crisis exacerbated by a nationwide miners' strike. Additionally, the issue reflects on the Gauley Bridge disaster, highlighting the intersection of race, class, and occupational hazards in American labor history. The political context includes ongoing struggles for miners' rights and health care reform, emphasizing the need for universal coverage and community-based health services.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the challenges of affirmative action in medical schools, particularly in light of the Bakke v. Regents of the University of California case. It highlights the stagnation of minority enrollment in health professional schools and critiques the ineffective measures taken to promote diversity. Additionally, the issue discusses the obstetrical experiences of urban poor women in East Harlem, emphasizing the alienation they face within the healthcare system. The publication also touches on the rise of home health testing kits and their implications for patient autonomy in healthcare.
The January-February 1980 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing challenges of affirmative action in medical school admissions, particularly in the context of the Bakke decision. The article 'Bakke-ing Up the Wrong Tree' critiques the myths surrounding minority students' aspirations and motivations, arguing that systemic racism and financial barriers continue to hinder progress. Additionally, the issue discusses corporate strategies to cut healthcare costs, highlighting the tension between business interests and the medical establishment, as well as the consolidation of hospitals in New York City, which raises concerns about access to community-based care. The issue also reflects on recent civil rights struggles, including violence against demonstrators in Greensboro, connecting these events to broader themes of health equity and social justice.
The July-August 1980 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of health, environment, and regulation, highlighting the petrochemical industry's push against government oversight at the expense of public health. An article discusses community health in Chicago, emphasizing how environmental factors impact health outcomes more than hospital care. The issue also features insights on the growing urban poor population and its implications for health services, particularly as cities face budget cuts and increased demand for care. Additionally, the issue touches on the role of health educators and the need for collective action in health promotion.
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.
The January-February 1981 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin reflects on the political shift to the right under the Reagan administration, highlighting the challenges faced by progressive health policy advocates. Key articles discuss the complexities of mental health issues, the community takeover of Harlem Hospital led by Diane Lacey, and the struggles of New York nurses during a strike against city management. The editorial emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive health reforms amidst growing disparities in access to care, particularly for marginalized populations. The issue also critiques the influence of corporate interests in healthcare and the ongoing fight for national health insurance.
The March-April 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses the impact of budget cuts on health services, particularly for adolescents in Southeast Michigan, revealing that nearly 90% of surveyed programs reported reductions in funding. The issue highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding healthcare access for undocumented individuals and critiques the influence of Political Action Committees (PACs) on health legislation, emphasizing how financial contributions skew political priorities away from public health needs. Notable articles discuss the consequences of these cuts and the ongoing struggle for equitable healthcare access amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering 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.
The August 1986 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on women's health issues, particularly the implications of the national malpractice crisis on birth alternatives and the ethical dilemmas surrounding neonatal care for infants with disabilities. Notable articles include a debate between Adrienne Asch and Barbara Katz Rothman on the 'Baby Doe' rulings, which challenge parental rights in medical decision-making for disabled newborns. The issue also highlights the impact of political decisions on maternal and child health, with a critical look at the Reagan administration's proposed cuts to health programs for low-income women and children. The Bulletin emphasizes the intersection of reproductive rights and disability rights, urging a reevaluation of societal attitudes towards medical care and the treatment of disabled infants.
The Winter 1987 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of health care and economic crises, particularly in light of the stock market crash and its implications for health care access. Key articles include a critique of the Dukakis proposal for universal coverage in Massachusetts and an analysis of the ongoing struggle for occupational safety and health led by industrial unions. The issue also highlights the National Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, emphasizing grassroots activism in response to the AIDS epidemic and the need for comprehensive health reform. The publication calls for a shift away from profit-driven health care towards a system that prioritizes public health and equity.
The Fall 1988 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the significant contract victory for New York City's home care workers, who have long faced exploitation and low wages. The article by Barbara Caress details the struggles and achievements of Local 1199 and District Council 1707 in advocating for better pay and working conditions for these predominantly minority and female workers. Additionally, the issue features discussions on the broader implications of nursing care in an uncaring society, emphasizing the need for democratizing healthcare management to ensure accountability and responsiveness to community needs. The issue also touches on international health issues, including the impact of apartheid in South Africa.
The Spring 1989 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the Kowalski case, a pivotal struggle for gay and disability rights in Minnesota. The lead article details the legal and medical challenges faced by Sharon Kowalski, a disabled woman whose rights were severely compromised due to her sexual orientation and disability. Karen Thompson, Kowalski's partner, fought tirelessly against systemic prejudice to restore her lover's rights and autonomy, ultimately galvanizing a coalition of activists. Other articles address broader issues, including environmentalism under the Bush administration and children's health care, reflecting the magazine's commitment to progressive health policy.
The Winter 1992 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of women's health and justice, highlighting the systemic injustices faced by marginalized women, particularly those who are poor, disabled, or incarcerated. Notable articles include Wendy Chavkin's critique of the criminalization of pregnant women who use drugs, and Elizabeth Cooper's examination of the legal repercussions for women living with HIV. The issue also features reflections on the health care needs of women in prison and the challenges surrounding access to abortion, particularly in light of the RU 486 controversy. Loretta Ross's editorial underscores the urgent need for advocacy in response to ongoing attacks on women's health rights.
The Summer 1992 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on women's health issues, particularly in the context of the recent Supreme Court decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which has implications for access to reproductive services. Articles explore the challenges women face in the healthcare system, including the impact of poverty, the criminalization of pregnant women using drugs, and barriers to drug treatment. Byllye Avery emphasizes the importance of using health issues to educate and organize communities, while Loretta Ross advocates for women's control over reproductive technology. The issue highlights the ongoing struggles for women's rights and access to healthcare amidst political and economic challenges.