· 7 issues
The March 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the systemic oppression of women within the American health care system, both as consumers and workers. It discusses recent protests by women in Washington, D.C., Charleston, and Chicago, advocating for their rights and better treatment in health care settings. The issue emphasizes the need for women's voices in health policy, particularly regarding reproductive rights, as evidenced by the lawsuits against New York State over abortion laws. Additionally, it critiques the male-dominated hierarchy in health professions, where women are often relegated to subordinate roles and face significant wage disparities.
The September 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the concept of professionalism in health education, arguing that it perpetuates elitism and unaccountability among health professionals. The editorial discusses how medical, nursing, and social work students are trained to view themselves as superior to laypeople, which hinders collaboration and accountability. Notably, the issue highlights student protests against the Cambodian invasion, emphasizing a shift from traditional education to political activism, particularly within medical schools in New York City. Additionally, it examines the role of the Student American Medical Association (SAMA) and its struggle to address social issues in healthcare, reflecting a growing awareness among students about the need for systemic change in medical education and practice.
The April 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the unique health needs of women, particularly in relation to reproductive health and the birth control movement. It discusses how women's roles as patients, workers, and mothers intersect with the healthcare system, highlighting the historical oppression they faced and the ongoing struggles for reproductive rights. Notable articles include discussions on the Women's Movement's fight for birth control and abortion services, as well as the challenges faced by women health workers in a male-dominated healthcare hierarchy. The issue emphasizes the importance of women organizing and forming alliances to advocate for better health services and policies.
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 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 Fall 1988 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the significant contract victory for New York City's home care workers, who have long faced exploitation and low wages. The article by Barbara Caress details the struggles and achievements of Local 1199 and District Council 1707 in advocating for better pay and working conditions for these predominantly minority and female workers. Additionally, the issue features discussions on the broader implications of nursing care in an uncaring society, emphasizing the need for democratizing healthcare management to ensure accountability and responsiveness to community needs. The issue also touches on international health issues, including the impact of apartheid in South Africa.