· 8 issues
The September 1979 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the role of Health Systems Agencies (HSAs) in the U.S. health care system, highlighting their potential for progressive change amidst concerns of cooptation by larger institutional interests. Notable articles include Samuel S. Epstein's examination of the politics surrounding cancer and a critical study of occupational health services in Hudson County, New Jersey, dubbed 'Cancer Alley.' The issue also discusses the challenges faced by nurse practitioners and the implications of corporate influence in health care, particularly through the lens of pharmaceutical companies like Hoffman-La Roche. Overall, the issue reflects a growing awareness of the intersection between health policy, activism, and corporate power.
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 first issue of Volume 12 of HealthPAC Bulletin reflects on the evolution and challenges faced by community health centers (CHCs) after fifteen years of operation. It discusses how these centers, initially designed to provide comprehensive care to underserved populations, are now at risk due to shifting federal policies favoring larger hospitals. Notable articles highlight the impact of economic cuts on healthcare access for poor and minority communities in Detroit, and the ongoing struggles for hospital rights and consumer advocacy in urban areas. The issue also touches on broader themes of health equity and the political dynamics influencing healthcare delivery in the U.S.
The November-December 1981 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the privatization of public hospitals and the implications of for-profit healthcare systems. It critiques the increasing influence of private entities in healthcare, highlighting the need for accountability and equitable access to services. Notable articles discuss the role of voluntary hospitals and the impact of the Reagan administration's policies on health and safety regulations, particularly through OSHA's declining enforcement. The issue also touches on international health perspectives, including a letter advocating for coverage of Nicaragua's healthcare improvements post-revolution.
The October-November 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the political implications of biotechnology, highlighting the intersection of health policy and technological advancements. Notable articles discuss the impact of the Ethiopian drought on health care in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Eritrea, where local health workers are addressing malnutrition and sanitation amidst ongoing conflict. The issue also touches on the challenges faced by U.S. workers, particularly women, in balancing employment and childcare, emphasizing the need for comprehensive state support. Additionally, there is commentary on the economic disparities in health insurance options, particularly regarding Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
This special double issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on health care in revolutionary contexts, particularly in Nicaragua, Grenada, and El Salvador. It features a poignant letter from a physician working in Nicaragua, detailing the dire conditions in hospitals, including shortages of essential medical supplies and the impact of U.S. military actions on health care. The issue emphasizes the achievements of health care systems in these countries despite external pressures and advocates for solidarity and action from American citizens to support these revolutionary efforts. The editor's letter calls for awareness and action against U.S. interventions that threaten health care advancements in these nations.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing struggle for hospital construction and modernization in New York City, highlighting the political dynamics of the Certificate of Need process. It features articles on South Carolina's new assistance program and the public health implications of lead poisoning. The Bulletin emphasizes the importance of community advocacy in gaining concessions from health institutions, illustrating how local residents can influence health policy despite corporate interests. The issue also hints at future discussions regarding the role of Wall Street in health planning and the corporatization of healthcare.
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.