· 3 issues
The February 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the collusion between health institutions and government policies that undermine poor communities, particularly in New York. It highlights the expansion of Columbia Medical Center into predominantly Black and Puerto Rican neighborhoods, emphasizing the lack of community engagement and transparency in urban renewal projects. The issue also discusses the environmental health implications of nuclear power and urban pollution, urging communities to demand accountability from health institutions. Notable articles include case studies on Columbia's expansion and the Health Action Coalition's efforts to resist institutional encroachment.
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 April 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques President Nixon's health care proposals, arguing they prioritize private industry over public health needs. The issue highlights Nixon's National Health Insurance Partnership Program (NHIP) and Family Health Insurance Plan (FHIP) as regressive, potentially enriching insurance companies while imposing higher costs on consumers. It emphasizes the inadequacies of these plans, particularly for the poor and working class, and raises concerns about the lack of comprehensive coverage and the promotion of 'cost consciousness' that may deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care. The Bulletin also discusses the implications of these policies for various stakeholders, including insurance companies and health care providers, suggesting that they primarily benefit the health industry rather than the public.