· 3 issues
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 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.
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.