· 5 issues
The September-October 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the significant strike by 4,400 registered nurses (RNs) in the San Francisco Bay Area, organized by the California Nurses' Association (CNA). The strike, lasting 21 days, highlighted issues of staffing control and quality of patient care rather than traditional wage demands, reflecting a new level of militancy among nurses influenced by the women's liberation movement. Articles discuss the implications of the strike for hospital workers and the challenges of uniting various classifications of healthcare workers. The issue also features commentary on Blue Cross and the broader context of healthcare economics in the region.
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 double issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on critical issues in health policy, particularly human experimentation and the ethics surrounding it. The article 'Adding Insult to Injury' highlights the systemic abuses in clinical research, emphasizing the need for informed consent and ethical standards, referencing notorious cases like Willowbrook and Tuskegee. Other notable articles discuss the commercialization of blood centers and the implications of corporate mergers in the medical industry, illustrating the tension between profit motives and patient care. The issue also touches on labor issues within the United Mine Workers of America and the ongoing challenges faced by nursing professionals in asserting their identity and rights.
The May-June 1980 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the corporate malpractice in the asbestos industry, particularly highlighting Johns Manville's negligence towards worker health, as revealed by internal documents. It discusses the implications of President Carter's 1981 health budget, which threatens significant cuts to health services amidst rising inflation. Other notable articles address the Hyde Amendment's potential overturning, the return of OSHA regulations, and the growing issue of lead poisoning in children, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on lead exposure. The issue reflects a broader concern for public health and corporate accountability during a politically charged era.
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.