· 4 issues
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 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.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the challenges of affirmative action in medical schools, particularly in light of the Bakke v. Regents of the University of California case. It highlights the stagnation of minority enrollment in health professional schools and critiques the ineffective measures taken to promote diversity. Additionally, the issue discusses the obstetrical experiences of urban poor women in East Harlem, emphasizing the alienation they face within the healthcare system. The publication also touches on the rise of home health testing kits and their implications for patient autonomy in 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.