· 9 issues
The March 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the systemic oppression of women within the American health care system, both as consumers and workers. It discusses recent protests by women in Washington, D.C., Charleston, and Chicago, advocating for their rights and better treatment in health care settings. The issue emphasizes the need for women's voices in health policy, particularly regarding reproductive rights, as evidenced by the lawsuits against New York State over abortion laws. Additionally, it critiques the male-dominated hierarchy in health professions, where women are often relegated to subordinate roles and face significant wage disparities.
The October 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing struggles at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, where community and worker groups are challenging the control of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital. The issue highlights the tensions between medical empires and grassroots movements advocating for patient care over institutional priorities. Notably, the Think Lincoln group has been at the forefront of demands for better health services, including changes to the hospital's abortion program following a tragic incident. Additionally, the Bulletin discusses broader community health initiatives in the Lower East Side, emphasizing the rise of insurgent forces seeking accountability from established medical institutions.
The November 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the Nixon Administration's approach to health reform, highlighting a shift in the American Medical Association's (AMA) stance towards group practice and prepayment models. The editorial emphasizes the need for genuine reform in the healthcare system, arguing that the administration's focus on preventive care is a superficial response to a deeper crisis of medical inflation and access. It also discusses the growing demands from unions and consumer advocates for national health insurance, suggesting that the current conservative reforms are merely a strategy to control consumer demand rather than address systemic issues. The issue reflects a broader political context of rising healthcare costs and the struggle for equitable health services amidst increasing corporate influence in the medical sector.
The December 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the inadequacies of New York City's health system, particularly in addressing the urgent needs for abortion services and drug addiction treatment. It highlights the failure of both public and private sectors to meet these demands, with a focus on the exploitative nature of the abortion industry that has emerged following the state's liberalized abortion law. The United Harlem Drug Fighters are noted for establishing their own detoxification program in response to the lack of adequate public services. The issue underscores the systemic issues of profit-driven healthcare and the need for community-led solutions to ensure access to necessary medical care.
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 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.
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 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.