· 4 issues
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 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.
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.