Important Determinants of Health

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?

185,271 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Acknowledges for paper such a beneficial composition, I stumbled beside your blog besides decipher a limited announce. I want your technique of inscription. 오피사이트

    Reply

  2. An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers ev charge

    Reply

  3. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth used to be a amusement account it. Glance complex to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact? https://edin08.com

    Reply

  4. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks slot gacor gampang menang

    Reply

  5. Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a  pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional  expand. Regards 부자벳사이트 도메인 주소

    Reply

  6. I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information 오피사이트

    Reply

  7. Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a  pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional  expand. Regards 베팅특공대 도메인 주소

    Reply

  8. Mb WhatsApp is a popular alternative version of the standard WhatsApp messaging application, offering users a variety of additional features and customization options. With Mb WhatsApp, users can enjoy enhanced privacy settings, such as the ability to hide their online status or disable read receipts. Moreover, it provides an array of customization options, including themes, fonts, and chat backgrounds, allowing users to personalize their messaging experience according to their preferences. Check on Apkwa

    Reply

  9. Water quality testing plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of drinking water and the health of aquatic ecosystems. By analyzing parameters like pH, turbidity, and contaminants, it helps identify potential risks and guide appropriate treatment measures. Regular testing is essential to maintain clean water for human consumption and environmental sustainability. http://www.iptvtv4k.com

    Reply

  10. Manganese exposure occurs when individuals come into contact with manganese through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Chronic exposure, particularly in occupational settings or through contaminated water or food, can lead to health issues such as neurological disorders, respiratory problems, and adverse developmental effects, highlighting the importance of monitoring and mitigation efforts. http://www.iptvtv4k.com

    Reply

  11. 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. biglotsc0msurvey0

    Reply

  12. This is really likewise an incredibly beneficial placing most of us severely encountered shopping as a result of. It truly is faraway from each and every day we have now possibility to think about something 카지노사이트

    Reply

  13. Personally, I have found that to remain probably the most fascinating topics when it draws a parallel to. You may find two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any one someone is incredibly important. Initial stage may be real melting away rrn the body. lose weight gold99

    Reply

  14. To perform the Arlo camera login, you can use the my.arlo.com web address in the URL bar. Additionally, you can use the Arlo Secure app for login. To proceed with the login using the app, first download the app on your smartphone. Then, Create an Account or login using your email. To know the complete stepwise procedure, approach us!

    Reply

  15. Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a  pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional  expand. Regards 룰라벳 사이트 도메인 주소

    Reply

  16. Just admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can’t afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet 오피스타

    Reply

  17. 모든 댓글을 읽는 데 시간이 걸렸지 만 기사를 정말 즐겼습니다. 그것은 나에게 매우 도움이되는 것으로 판명되었고 여기의 모든 댓글 작성자에게 확신합니다! 정보를받을 수있을뿐만 아니라 즐길 수있을 때 항상 좋습니다. 티비사이트

    Reply

  18. This is a great article and great read for me. It’s my first visit to your blog, and I have found it so useful and informative especially this 오피스타

    Reply

  19. Esto Turf is a fantastic resource for sustainable turf management. Their innovative approaches and eco-friendly practices make a significant impact in landscaping. I appreciate their commitment to promoting greener solutions that benefit both communities and the environment. Highly recommend checking out their offerings!

    Reply

  20. IAISP’s AI Cybersecurity Certification in USA is a game-changer for professionals. It offers cutting-edge knowledge on using AI to tackle advanced cyber threats, making it essential for anyone looking to excel in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. Perfect for staying ahead of evolving challenges!

    Reply

  21. Hi there! I truely choice to offer a huge thumbs up for your notable facts you’ve have been given proper right proper here on this positioned up. I’ll be coming returned yet again on your internet web page for loads greater speedy. Packers and Movers Pune to Bhubaneswar

    Reply

  22. I simply had to thank you very much yet again. I am not sure the things that I would have sorted out in the absence of the tactics documented by you regarding such area. It was before a real challenging scenario in my view, however , discovering a new well-written technique you handled it forced me to cry over joy. I’m just grateful for this support and as well , pray you realize what an amazing job you’re doing teaching the others with the aid of your webpage. I’m certain you haven’t encountered all of us. Lakewood Fencing

    Reply

  23. Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue. so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It ‘s really very nice and Useful post.Thanks gold99

    Reply

Leave a Reply to keonhacai Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *