· 30 issues
The inaugural issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the disastrous Affiliation Plan for New York City hospitals, emphasizing the need for public accountability and community control over health services. It highlights the failures of the private health establishment and calls for a revitalization of municipal hospitals to better serve the medically needy. The issue also discusses Governor Rockefeller's proposed health insurance plan, which critics argue would benefit private insurers at the expense of the poor. The editorial stresses the importance of community involvement in health decision-making and the urgent need for comprehensive health planning in the face of Medicaid cutbacks.
The November 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emergence of a 'Medical Industrial Complex' in the U.S., highlighting how healthcare has transformed into a lucrative business dominated by profit motives rather than patient care. It discusses the alarming rise in healthcare expenditures, which have surged from $27 billion to $62 billion in just nine years, while the quality of care has not improved correspondingly. The issue emphasizes the role of government subsidies in fueling this growth, particularly in the drug and hospital sectors, and calls for greater public oversight and regulation to ensure that healthcare serves the needs of the population rather than corporate profits.
The Winter 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critically examines the proposed New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, questioning its ability to address systemic issues in municipal health services. The editorial argues that merely incorporating health services into a corporate structure will not resolve problems like financing, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and manpower shortages. It emphasizes the need for genuine public accountability and integration of health services rather than a shift to a corporate model that may exacerbate existing issues. The issue also highlights Health-PAC's growth and upcoming reports on health rights and municipal health crises, indicating a commitment to community engagement and advocacy.
The January 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emerging proposals for National Health Insurance (NHI) in the U.S., drawing parallels to Bismarck's welfare reforms in Germany. The editorial argues that while NHI may provide some financial relief, it fails to address deeper systemic issues in healthcare delivery, such as community control and accountability. The Bulletin highlights the growing discontent among marginalized communities, particularly Black and Puerto Rican groups, who demand more responsive healthcare systems. It also discusses the economic pressures on hospitals and insurers, suggesting that NHI could exacerbate existing inequities rather than resolve them.
The June 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critically examines the drug epidemic in America, particularly focusing on the racial and socioeconomic disparities in drug addiction and enforcement. It argues that the harsh drug laws disproportionately affect black and brown communities while the middle class is only now becoming alarmed as addiction spreads among their youth. The issue highlights the political exploitation of addiction fears by figures like Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller, who have shifted the narrative from treating addiction as a health issue to a criminal one. Notable articles discuss the historical context of drug laws, the ineffectiveness of current treatment programs, and the need for community-driven solutions rather than punitive measures.
The November 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the Nixon Administration's approach to health reform, highlighting a shift in the American Medical Association's (AMA) stance towards group practice and prepayment models. The editorial emphasizes the need for genuine reform in the healthcare system, arguing that the administration's focus on preventive care is a superficial response to a deeper crisis of medical inflation and access. It also discusses the growing demands from unions and consumer advocates for national health insurance, suggesting that the current conservative reforms are merely a strategy to control consumer demand rather than address systemic issues. The issue reflects a broader political context of rising healthcare costs and the struggle for equitable health services amidst increasing corporate influence in the medical sector.
The December 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the inadequacies of New York City's health system, particularly in addressing the urgent needs for abortion services and drug addiction treatment. It highlights the failure of both public and private sectors to meet these demands, with a focus on the exploitative nature of the abortion industry that has emerged following the state's liberalized abortion law. The United Harlem Drug Fighters are noted for establishing their own detoxification program in response to the lack of adequate public services. The issue underscores the systemic issues of profit-driven healthcare and the need for community-led solutions to ensure access to necessary medical care.
The January 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the failures of several health reform initiatives, particularly the Harvard Community Health Plan (HCHP) and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Despite significant investment and planning, HCHP has struggled with low enrollment and financial instability, failing to meet its goals and serve the community effectively. In contrast, the Lincoln Hospital Pediatrics Collective is highlighted as a successful grassroots initiative that has managed to provide innovative care despite systemic challenges. The issue underscores the tension between elite-driven health reforms and community needs, emphasizing that true progress requires genuine engagement with the public.
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.
The December 1971 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, which was established to manage the city's municipal hospitals. The article discusses the corporation's failure to improve patient care and its bureaucratic inefficiencies, highlighting the political control exerted by Mayor Lindsay and the inadequacies of the management structure. Notable figures include Joseph English, the Corporation President, and Gordon Chase, head of the Health Services Administration, both of whom are criticized for their roles in perpetuating a two-tiered healthcare system in New York City. The issue reflects broader concerns about the privatization of healthcare management and the implications for public accountability and service quality.
The March 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critically assesses Health, Inc., a nonprofit health care delivery model founded by Dr. Leonard W. Cronkhite and supported by Massachusetts Governor Francis Sargent. The model aims to provide comprehensive primary care through franchised centers but has faced significant operational challenges, including high staff turnover and unmet promises regarding preventive care and consumer involvement. The issue highlights the tension between the nonprofit status of Health, Inc. and its business-oriented management approach, raising questions about the effectiveness of such models in addressing community health needs. Additionally, the Bulletin discusses the broader political context, including the Nixon administration's push for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) as a federal health reform strategy.
The November 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the industrialization of health care and its implications for hospital workers. It discusses the rise of allied health professions and the ongoing struggle for decent wages and job security among low-paid hospital workers, many of whom are beginning to organize and unionize. The issue highlights the historical parallels between the current health workforce dynamics and the past struggles of craft unions, emphasizing the need for solidarity among workers rather than competition for status. The Bulletin critiques the role of professional associations, particularly the American Medical Association (AMA), in maintaining hierarchies and limiting the mobility of workers within the health care system.
The February 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving role of private practicing physicians in the face of institutional and organizational changes in healthcare delivery. It highlights the rise of medical foundations, particularly in California, which serve as bargaining agents for physicians while also being embraced by the Nixon Administration as a means to control healthcare costs. The issue discusses the implications of these foundations for the autonomy of doctors and the quality of patient care, emphasizing that while they may provide some economic benefits to physicians, they do not necessarily enhance patient care. Additionally, the emergence of physician unions is noted as a response to these changes, indicating a shift in how doctors organize and advocate for their interests.
The April 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical state of public hospitals in the U.S., particularly in California, where many county hospitals are facing closure due to financial strains exacerbated by Medicaid cutbacks. The article highlights the shifting burden of healthcare costs back to local governments as federal support wanes, with private hospitals increasingly refusing to accept low-income patients. Notable discussions include the implications of the 1972 Airlie House Conference on Public Hospitals and the ongoing struggles in cities like Chicago and San Francisco to maintain public healthcare access amidst privatization pressures. The issue emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing to preserve public hospitals as essential healthcare providers for low-income communities.
The November 1973 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the rise and implications of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), particularly the Kaiser Permanente model. It discusses the growing interest from big business in HMOs as a solution to rising medical costs, highlighting the mixed outcomes of such systems in terms of cost reduction and accessibility to care. The issue critiques the profit-driven nature of many HMOs, arguing that while they may reduce costs initially, they often lead to decreased availability of services and poorer patient experiences. The editorial emphasizes the need for community-controlled health plans as a potential alternative to profit-oriented models.
The July-August 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the introduction of Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSROs) as a federal attempt to regulate medical practice and control healthcare costs under Medicare and Medicaid. The article highlights the mixed reactions from the medical community, particularly the American Medical Association's push for alternative peer review systems. It also critiques Duke University for prioritizing its medical empire over the health needs of the local Durham community. The issue reflects broader tensions in U.S. healthcare policy regarding government intervention and the autonomy of medical professionals.
The January-February 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the medical malpractice crisis, exploring its economic roots and the responses from the medical profession. It highlights how rising malpractice insurance costs have led to evasive practices among healthcare providers, particularly in suburban Washington, D.C., where medical entrepreneurs are building new hospitals. The issue critiques the medical community's reluctance to confront systemic issues, emphasizing the shift from solo practices to institutional medicine as a response to economic pressures. Notable articles include discussions on the implications of malpractice insurance on medical practice and the evolving relationship between physicians and patients in a profit-driven healthcare system.
The May-June 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974, highlighting its complexities and the influence of special interests, particularly the American Medical Association (AMA) and hospital lobbies. The article critiques the Act's failure to effectively regulate health care costs and its convoluted provisions, which have led to varied interpretations and ineffective implementation. The issue also discusses the shifting dynamics between federal policymakers and health care providers, emphasizing the need for a robust health planning mechanism as a precursor to national health insurance.
The September-October 1976 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the increasing commercialization of healthcare in the U.S., highlighting that approximately 34% of health expenditures are funneled through profit-making enterprises. An article titled 'Profits in Medicine' discusses the significant role of private corporations in the healthcare system, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nursing home sectors, and examines the economic dynamics that have led to this concentration of profit. Additionally, the issue includes a checklist of health issues relevant to the Ford-Carter presidential campaign, reflecting the ongoing national debate over healthcare policies.
The July-August 1977 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on New York's ongoing struggle with hospital cost controls, highlighting the state's attempts to cut excess hospital beds as a response to rising healthcare costs. The article 'Politics Makes Strange Beds' discusses the ineffectiveness of the Certificate of Need legislation and the introduction of prospective reimbursement policies, which have not successfully reduced overall healthcare expenditures. Additionally, the Lahey Clinic's battle to expand into the suburbs is featured, illustrating the tension between urban healthcare needs and suburban expansion. The issue reflects broader national trends in healthcare policy during a time of fiscal crisis and rising costs.
The September-October 1977 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving landscape of nursing education in New York, particularly the push by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a requirement for Registered Nurses (RNs). This proposed '1985 Proposal' aims to elevate the profession but raises concerns about accessibility for current nurses and potential job displacement. The issue also highlights the commercialization of emergency services in San Francisco, where voluntary hospitals are outsourcing these critical services to private providers, reflecting broader trends in healthcare privatization. Additionally, columns discuss the implications of abortion access and the intersection of work, race, and health.
This double issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on critical issues in health policy, particularly human experimentation and the ethics surrounding it. The article 'Adding Insult to Injury' highlights the systemic abuses in clinical research, emphasizing the need for informed consent and ethical standards, referencing notorious cases like Willowbrook and Tuskegee. Other notable articles discuss the commercialization of blood centers and the implications of corporate mergers in the medical industry, illustrating the tension between profit motives and patient care. The issue also touches on labor issues within the United Mine Workers of America and the ongoing challenges faced by nursing professionals in asserting their identity and rights.
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 March-April 1982 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on environmental hazards and the ongoing struggles within the healthcare system, particularly regarding Medicare and Medicaid. An interview with labor leader Tony Mazzocchi highlights the intersection of health and wages, emphasizing the need for better conditions for hospital workers. The issue also critiques the New York City Department of Health's shift towards privatization and the potential consequences for the uninsured and underprivileged populations. Additionally, it discusses legislative efforts such as the Organic Farming Act of 1982, which aims to support sustainable agricultural practices.
The March-April 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses the impact of budget cuts on health services, particularly for adolescents in Southeast Michigan, revealing that nearly 90% of surveyed programs reported reductions in funding. The issue highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding healthcare access for undocumented individuals and critiques the influence of Political Action Committees (PACs) on health legislation, emphasizing how financial contributions skew political priorities away from public health needs. Notable articles discuss the consequences of these cuts and the ongoing struggle for equitable healthcare access amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and corporate interests.
The July-August 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the First National Conference on Black Women's Health Issues, emphasizing the urgent health disparities faced by black women, particularly in areas like infant mortality and access to care. The conference, organized by the Black Women's Health Network and attended by over 1500 participants, aimed to educate and empower black women regarding their health rights and needs. Additionally, the issue discusses the implications of the proposed sale of McLean Hospital to the Hospital Corporation of America, raising concerns about the impact of for-profit healthcare on quality and access for underserved populations in New York. The Bulletin also features commentary on the rising costs of hospital capital expenditures in New York, warning of a potential funding crisis due to unchecked hospital expansion.
The March-April 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing crisis in Medicare funding and the implications of proposed cuts to the program. Key articles discuss the 'crisis' narrative surrounding Medicare and the impact of new hospital reimbursement programs, particularly the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system. The issue highlights the need for a progressive alternative to the current health care system, emphasizing the disparity between U.S. health care and national health services in other industrialized countries. The Bulletin also critiques the political motivations behind health care cost containment efforts, suggesting that they disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable populations.
The November-December 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses critical issues in healthcare, particularly focusing on outpatient dumping in Chicago and the implications of Medicare policies on low-income patients. A notable article discusses the challenges faced by a rural physician who opts out of Medicare assignment due to inadequate reimbursement rates, highlighting the broader issue of class disparities in healthcare access. The issue also critiques the Reagan Administration's healthcare policies, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing to advocate for healthcare as a human right. The publication calls for action against the increasing corporatization of healthcare and the negative impact on vulnerable populations.
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 Winter 1987 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of health care and economic crises, particularly in light of the stock market crash and its implications for health care access. Key articles include a critique of the Dukakis proposal for universal coverage in Massachusetts and an analysis of the ongoing struggle for occupational safety and health led by industrial unions. The issue also highlights the National Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, emphasizing grassroots activism in response to the AIDS epidemic and the need for comprehensive health reform. The publication calls for a shift away from profit-driven health care towards a system that prioritizes public health and equity.