· 3 issues
The July-August 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the failures of health planning initiatives like the Comprehensive Health Planning Act (CHPA) and the Regional Medical Program (RMP) in New York City. It highlights the disillusionment with the medical establishment's inability to effectively utilize federal funding for comprehensive health care organization, leading to severe shortages in hospital and nursing home beds. The issue emphasizes the need for grassroots consumer and health worker leadership to address systemic issues in health care delivery, as elite-driven planning has proven inadequate. Notable articles include critiques of the New York Regional Medical Program and the Health and Hospital Planning Council, illustrating the disconnect between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities.
The January-February 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the complex dynamics of public-private partnerships in healthcare, particularly highlighting the controversial affiliation between Montefiore Hospital and the North Central Bronx Hospital (NCB). The article 'The Tunnels That Bind' critiques how Montefiore's expansion has led to the absorption of municipal hospitals, raising concerns about the implications for community health services. Another significant piece discusses the closure of a county hospital in Santa Cruz, California, emphasizing the detrimental effects of private hospital competition on public healthcare access. The issue also introduces a new format for the Bulletin, aiming to enhance engagement with health workers and community groups.
The September 1979 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the role of Health Systems Agencies (HSAs) in the U.S. health care system, highlighting their potential for progressive change amidst concerns of cooptation by larger institutional interests. Notable articles include Samuel S. Epstein's examination of the politics surrounding cancer and a critical study of occupational health services in Hudson County, New Jersey, dubbed 'Cancer Alley.' The issue also discusses the challenges faced by nurse practitioners and the implications of corporate influence in health care, particularly through the lens of pharmaceutical companies like Hoffman-La Roche. Overall, the issue reflects a growing awareness of the intersection between health policy, activism, and corporate power.