· 6 issues
The December 1969 issue of HealthPAC focuses on the struggle for community control over health services, particularly in the context of mental health facilities in New York City. It highlights the challenges faced by local residents, particularly Black and Puerto Rican communities in Washington Heights, against the established power of institutions like Columbia University and the Department of Mental Health. The issue critiques the top-down planning approach that often excludes community voices and emphasizes the need for grassroots involvement in decision-making processes. The editorial stresses that true community control is essential for addressing the social determinants of health and ensuring that services meet the actual needs of the community.
The January 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emerging proposals for National Health Insurance (NHI) in the U.S., drawing parallels to Bismarck's welfare reforms in Germany. The editorial argues that while NHI may provide some financial relief, it fails to address deeper systemic issues in healthcare delivery, such as community control and accountability. The Bulletin highlights the growing discontent among marginalized communities, particularly Black and Puerto Rican groups, who demand more responsive healthcare systems. It also discusses the economic pressures on hospitals and insurers, suggesting that NHI could exacerbate existing inequities rather than resolve them.
The February 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the collusion between health institutions and government policies that undermine poor communities, particularly in New York. It highlights the expansion of Columbia Medical Center into predominantly Black and Puerto Rican neighborhoods, emphasizing the lack of community engagement and transparency in urban renewal projects. The issue also discusses the environmental health implications of nuclear power and urban pollution, urging communities to demand accountability from health institutions. Notable articles include case studies on Columbia's expansion and the Health Action Coalition's efforts to resist institutional encroachment.
The October 1970 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the ongoing struggles at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, where community and worker groups are challenging the control of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Hospital. The issue highlights the tensions between medical empires and grassroots movements advocating for patient care over institutional priorities. Notably, the Think Lincoln group has been at the forefront of demands for better health services, including changes to the hospital's abortion program following a tragic incident. Additionally, the Bulletin discusses broader community health initiatives in the Lower East Side, emphasizing the rise of insurgent forces seeking accountability from established medical institutions.
The January 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the struggle for community-worker control at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, highlighting the need for radical restructuring of the health system to prioritize people over profit. The editorial discusses the pivotal role of hospital workers in effecting change and the challenges they face in organizing alongside community members. Notable groups involved include the Health Revolutionary Unity Movement (HRUM) and the Young Lords Party, both of which advocate for improved health services in underserved communities. The issue also outlines the dire conditions at Lincoln Hospital, exacerbated by systemic neglect and budget cuts, while emphasizing the importance of solidarity between workers and the community to achieve meaningful reform.
The May 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the evolving landscape of hospital construction financing, highlighting a shift from philanthropic support to loans and government grants. It discusses the significant role of the Hill-Burton program and the impact of hospital expansion on urban communities, particularly in New York City, where tenant groups are organizing against evictions caused by hospital development. The issue emphasizes the financial burdens of hospital construction on patients and taxpayers, as well as the need for community involvement in hospital planning to prevent displacement of low-income residents.