As local communities continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the population and resource availability becomes increasingly important. Accessibility and affordability of healthcare are crucial during these times, as the virus does not discriminate against whom it affects. While the pandemic has caused changes in everyone’s lives, individuals without health insurance, access to transportation, and access to mental health services are a part of the population that is being particularly negatively affected.
To focus on the specific challenges faced by a local community during this pandemic, this blog will focus on the Albany, New York area and its population (1).
Health Insurance
In the U.S., there are over 28 million uninsured individuals (2). It can be incredibly expensive to try and afford basic care without health insurance, and patients without health insurance are limited in the providers they can see and make appointments with. Uninsured people are therefore far less likely to get medical care, which means they are not receiving yearly checkups and don’t have access to preventative measures, such as cancer screenings or blood pressure tests. In many cases, medical care is only sought in emergencies.
While the uninsured rate in New York has decreased in recent years, there are few options for those that are uninsured in Albany. One of these options is Surya Immediate Medical Care– while not currently accepting any ill patients due to the pandemic, the center accepts patients without insurance and allows self-payments. A new visit costs $150, while an established visit costs $100. Charges for additional services like strep tests and x-rays are listed on their website. For dental health, Aspen Dental in Albany is a practice that provides free exams and x-rays on the first visit, without insurance.
Access to Transportation
Being able to make an appointment is one thing, but actually getting to the doctor’s office is another– access to transportation is something that can often prevent patients from receiving the healthcare they need. One of the COVID-19 testing sites in Albany is at SUNY Albany. However, to be tested, individuals need transportation to the testing site and must be in a vehicle when they are being tested. Some resources that provide transportation include UberHealth, Medanswering services for individuals with Medicaid, and CDTA transit for Albany county resident seniors over the age of 60.
More recently, some mobile testing sites have become available and are listed here, which can allow some individuals to have access to testing without needing transportation, depending on where they live.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is an equally large component and contributor to overall health and wellbeing as physical health. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are experiencing loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health issues as daily lifestyles have changed due to quarantine and social interaction is limited. To try and support individuals at home, some hotlines have become available 24/7 or throughout the week to provide help. A COVID-19 support line is available at (518) 269-6634, from 8 am to 8 pm every day. Additional hotlines and mental health resources in Albany are listed here.
While the Albany area has begun to respond to changes in healthcare availability and accessibility due to the pandemic, there are still some areas that can be improved upon, such as increased access to basic care and preventative services for people who are uninsured. Additionally, access to health insurance, transportation, and mental health services are only a few of the determinants of health and wellbeing– what do you think your local community can improve upon when it comes to the health of its population?
136,811 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”
Nice Post,
Hello everyone, I am George Mcbrine your helping partner in crafting your job application. Searching for a top-notch CV writing agency to boost your career prospects? Look no further! Our CV writing agency stands out as the best choice for professionals aiming to land their dream jobs. With a team of seasoned experts, we specialize in crafting exceptional resumes that grab attention and secure interviews. Trust us to elevate your CV to new heights and propel your career forward. Choose the best CV writing agency today and unlock endless opportunities for success!
George Mcbrine
CENDANABET disebut situs slot online gacor hari ini dan slot88 terbaik dengan pilihan permainan rtp live slot tinggi dan pelayanan terbaik. cendanabet
cfsawqfc
Förvandla vilket utrymme som helst till en hemmabio med vår 4K Ultra HD Smart Projector. Njut av otrolig tydlighet, sömlös anslutning och uppslukande bilder. Höj din underhållning idag!
Hemmabio
Hemmabio
I am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks Saint Jean Pied de Port
jack
I really enjoyed reading this site, this is great blog. situs toto
seo
ibuprofen is a good pain reliever but i heard that this one have nasty side effects too:: mamibet88 slot
moon
Your positivity radiates through your words, lifting spirits and inspiring action. Thank you for being a beacon of light in a sometimes dimly lit world. Who is DJ Mister Cee
Mr bee
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a bad conclusion great post! . slot gacor
seo
Your blog stands out for its profound simplicity. It’s like a clear stream amid a noisy world. Keep flowing with your wisdom! Who is Who is Jennifer Garner
Mr Bee
I recently had Neighborhood Tech (Hang Tv Now) mount my TV, and I couldn’t be happier with the service! They are truly the premier experts in TV mounting and home theater installations TV Mounting Service Dallas . Their prices are unbeatable, and the quality of service is exceptional. If you’re looking for reliable and professional electronic and home entertainment solutions, I highly recommend Neighborhood Tech (Hang Tv Now)!
TV Wall Mounting Service Near Me
Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. lvt flooring fitters
jack
Splendid article! Thank you for sharing this informative blog.
philboss
wjevo
This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works 한국야동
한국야동
Don’t hesitate to try playing online games, because online games are very exciting games to play, when you play them you will feel a very extraordinary sensation in the game, we here have a very exciting online game site for you. play, if you want to play it please visit our website https://hlbxgty.com/
RAHASIA MENANG TOOGEL
This was among the best posts and episode from your team it let me learn many new things 먹튀검증
먹튀검증
You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. https://www.honeywhale.co.za/
jack
You are my inhalation , I own few blogs and rarely run out from to post : (. situs toto
seo
A specific kind of packing equipment that’s frequently utilized in the industry to stuff pillows with polyester fiber is the pillow filler machine. The cushion packing machine can be programmed to feed automatically, change speed, time stops, and do other tasks.
Terron India