· 3 issues
The April 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the struggle for community control over health services in the South Bronx, highlighting the tensions between local community needs and the bureaucratic structures of established medical institutions like Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein Medical College. The editorial critiques the failures of Medicare and Medicaid in addressing the health crisis, calling for a radical restructuring of health services to prioritize community and worker involvement. Notable discussions include the push for decentralized health planning and the demand for immediate neighborhood health services, reflecting a broader movement against the 'medical empires' that dominate healthcare delivery. The issue emphasizes the urgent need for public intervention in the Bronx, which serves as a microcosm of national health challenges.
The May 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the significant federal health cutbacks initiated by President Nixon, highlighting the broader economic crisis impacting domestic social programs. The editorial critiques the failures of Great Society health initiatives and argues for a more fundamental restructuring of the health system rather than merely opposing budget cuts. It emphasizes the need for health activists to build a strong constituency for comprehensive change, rather than settling for a defensive stance against cutbacks. The issue also discusses the implications of Nixon's policies on health care inflation and the dependency of health institutions on public funding, calling for accountability and control over health spending.
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.