· 5 issues
The September 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the critical issues surrounding occupational health and safety in the United States, highlighting the toll of workplace accidents and diseases on workers across various industries. The editorial discusses the historical neglect of occupational health by the mainstream medical establishment and the emergence of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970 as a response to public pressure for safer working conditions. Notable articles examine the historical context of workplace hazards, including the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Gauley Tunnel Disaster, which underscore the ongoing struggle for worker rights and safety. The issue also emphasizes the need for greater accountability and reform within the occupational health establishment, as well as the influence of corporate interests on medical education and research.
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.
This issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the challenges faced by ex-mental patients in New York City as they transition from institutional care to community living. The article 'Pathologies of Place and Disorders of Mind' highlights the systemic failures in providing adequate housing and support for these individuals, leading to increased homelessness and societal rejection. Other notable sections discuss the effectiveness of community clinics in Seattle, the ongoing struggles for women's health rights, and the implications of the OSHA Act being weakened. The issue reflects broader themes of deinstitutionalization and the need for comprehensive mental health reform.
The March-April 1981 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on occupational health and safety, particularly the challenges faced by workers in industrial settings. It features a special survey on OSHA, highlighting both its regulatory performance and the political pressures it faces, including criticism from newly elected Senator Dan Quayle. The issue also discusses the historical context of labor movements and the increasing emphasis on health and safety issues in union negotiations. Notably, it reflects on the personal stories of workers and their families, illustrating the human cost of industrial hazards and the struggle for better working conditions.
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.