· 5 issues
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.
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.
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.