· 10 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 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 February 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving role of private practicing physicians in the face of institutional and organizational changes in healthcare delivery. It highlights the rise of medical foundations, particularly in California, which serve as bargaining agents for physicians while also being embraced by the Nixon Administration as a means to control healthcare costs. The issue discusses the implications of these foundations for the autonomy of doctors and the quality of patient care, emphasizing that while they may provide some economic benefits to physicians, they do not necessarily enhance patient care. Additionally, the emergence of physician unions is noted as a response to these changes, indicating a shift in how doctors organize and advocate for their 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 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 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.
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.