HEALTH PERSPECTIVES was renamed The Consumer Health Perspectives starting with Vol. V No. 1 April 1978 (Pub. 4/78)

Health Perspectives was the premiere publication of CCAHS. Its focus changed often as it moved from one controversial subject to another. Each issue contained ‘bombshells’ ranging from disclosure of names, rates, inspection reports and failures to provide safe, quality and affordable services. Serial issues of Health Perspectives and Consumer Health Perspectives covered the need for a National Health Service and a National Consumer Network. Soon after the first issue of Health Perspectives hit the streets, it was clear that supplemental publications were needed to cover actions that consumers could do including participating in accreditation of hospitals, worker safety and health committees and day-to-day administration of self-insured welfare funds. During CCAHS’s lifespan, Health Perspectives and Consumer Health Perspectives and their supplemental publications-the CCAHS Quarterly and the CCAHS Fund Reporter-continued to cover larger issues as the growing consumer role and participation in national and local health planning agencies and the role of consumers in the increasingly more complex technological delivery of medical care. As the Commission grew, these three publications were supplemented by presentations to consumer groups, consumer conferences and to union members via a Speaker’s Panel (still available). CCAHS also developed handbooks and guides and held four Consumer and Technology Conferences. A book was the last brick added to this growing consumer education facade. From the first printed word in 1973 until CCAHS stopped functioning in 1993, it was one hell of a ride!