· 7 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-December 1968 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the growing concentration of power within medical empires in New York City, particularly through affiliations of major medical schools and hospitals. It critiques the lack of accountability and public interest in these institutions, highlighting how they often prioritize their own narrow interests over community health needs. The issue also discusses the need for comprehensive health services planning that is publicly accountable and representative of community constituencies, advocating for a shift in control from elite boards to local health boards. Notable discussions include the roles of Columbia Presbyterian and Einstein Medical College in shaping health policy and the implications of their power dynamics on public health.
The July-August 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the failures of health planning initiatives like the Comprehensive Health Planning Act (CHPA) and the Regional Medical Program (RMP) in New York City. It highlights the disillusionment with the medical establishment's inability to effectively utilize federal funding for comprehensive health care organization, leading to severe shortages in hospital and nursing home beds. The issue emphasizes the need for grassroots consumer and health worker leadership to address systemic issues in health care delivery, as elite-driven planning has proven inadequate. Notable articles include critiques of the New York Regional Medical Program and the Health and Hospital Planning Council, illustrating the disconnect between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities.
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 May-June 1983 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses critical health policy issues, notably the dangers of asbestos exposure and the ongoing struggles surrounding the AIDS epidemic. The article 'Breath of Death' highlights the asbestos disaster, while other pieces discuss the implications of Reagan-era policies on public health funding and the challenges faced by municipal health programs. The issue also features a letter praising Hal Strelnick's commentary on 'Reaganomics' and its impact on health services, reflecting a broader critique of the administration's approach to health care. Additionally, the bulletin covers the contentious debate over nursing education standards, particularly the push for a baccalaureate degree requirement for registered nurses, which has sparked significant activism within the nursing community.
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.