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?

131,742 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. That gives off an impression of being fabulous anyway i am still not very beyond any doubt that I like it. At any rate will look much more into it and choose by and by!  裝修設計

    Reply

  2. The most inspiring stuff commonly is probably the most dull or boring concern. a single rooster may not be in the same woody plant strip very long, and also the pets within the pine is a kind of weight, always want to consult the next stars, the particular fowl because the plants are really hesitant to facial expression an equal beautiful places day by day. 裝修設計

    Reply

  3. I know this is extremely boring and you are skipping to succeeding comment, however I just needed to throw you a big thanks you cleared up some things for me! THC Carts For Sale in New Jersey

    Reply

  4. At Lutheran Services, we’re all about engaging rather than entertaining you. We offer meaningful experiences to help you live a more joyful life. You’ll feel right at home, chatting with likeminded friends and doing the things you love. Help is always on hand – you can relax knowing you’re surrounded by exceptional care. Lutheran Services Queensland

    Reply

  5. eaningful experiences to help you live a more joyful life. You’ll feel right at home, chatting with likeminded friends and doing the things you love. Help is always on hand – you can relax knowing you’re surrounded by exceptional care. Lutheran Services Queensland

    Reply

  6. Cheap Handbags Wholesale You should think about doing growing this web site to a major authority in this particular market. You clearly contain a grasp handle in the topics so many people are looking for on this website anyways therefore you could indisputably even create a dollar or two off of some advertising. I’d explore following recent topics and raising how many write ups putting up and i guarantee you???d begin seeing some awesome web traffic in the near future. Simply a thought, all the best in whatever you do! เซรั่ม

    Reply

  7. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. link server sensasional

    Reply

  8. สล็อตทดลอง ทดลองเล่นสล็อตออนไลน์ก่อนใคร กับเว็บตรงออนไลน์เชื่อถือได้ที่นี่ พร้อมเกมพนันมากมายให้เล่นหลาย 1000 เกมสมัครสมาชิก แจกไปเลยเครดิตฟรีพร้อมโปรโมชั่นสุดคุ้มมากมาย

    Reply

  9. I surprise how so much effort you place to make this type of fantastic informative web site Feel free to visit my website; 카지노사이트

    Reply

  10. Attractive portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog. Feel free to visit my website; 토토사이트

    Reply

  11. At Lutheran Services, we’re all about engaging rather than entertaining you. We offer meaningful experiences to help you live a more joyful life. You’ll feel right at home, chatting with likeminded friends and doing the things you love. Help is always on hand – you can relax knowing you’ exceptional care. Lutheran Services Queensland

    Reply

  12. Teri Meri Dooriyan Watch Online Full All HD Episodes By Star Plus/ Hotstar Free. You can also download Teri Meri Dooriyan 1080p free from terimeridooriyan.cam

    Teri Meri Dooriyan Today Episode

    Reply

  13. If running proves to be a problem then it may be wise to find alternative exercises such as circuit training, weight training, swimming or cycling. THC Carts For Sale in TX

    Reply

  14. 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 grand crosscourt premier sneaker

    Reply

  15. Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! 스포츠토토

    Reply

  16. สล็อตทดลอง เว็บเล่นสล็อตออนไลน์ มาแรงที่สุด ฝากถอนได้ไม่มีจำกัดด้วยระบบออโต้สะดวกรวดเร็ว ทดลองเข้าเล่นสล็อตฟรีได้แล้วที่ Bifroz

    Reply

  17. At Lutheran Services, we’re all about engaging rather than entertaining you. We offer meaningful experiences to help you live a more joyful life. You’ll feel right at home, chatting with likeminded friends and doing the things you love. Help is always on hand – you can relax knowing you’re surrounded by exceptional care. Home Care

    Reply

  18. We specialise in creating beautiful homes. Our professional team of stylists and designers maximise the visual appeal of your space. Our services include property styling and interior decoration. We are also excited to now offer our exclusive range of furniture and homewares. Property Styling

    Reply

  19. Мы знаем, как сложно найти надежное и честное онлайн казино в огромном мире азартных игр. Ключевые слова:

    Reply

  20. I simply must tell you that you have written an excellent and unique article that I really enjoyed reading. I’m fascinated by how well you laid out your material and presented your views. Thank you. 토토사이트

    Reply

  21. Watch Online Video Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Full All HD Latest Video Episodes Desi Serial. YRKKH Online Presents by Hotstar Official Channel.

    Reply

  22. Cheap Handbags Wholesale You should think about doing growing this web site to a major authority in this particular market. You clearly contain a grasp handle in the topics so many people are looking for on this website anyways therefore you could indisputably even create a dollar or two off of some advertising. I’d explore following recent topics and raising how many write ups putting up and i guarantee you???d begin seeing some awesome web traffic in the near future. Simply a thought, all the best in whatever you do! เซรั่มลดสิว

    Reply

  23. I came to the exact conclusion as well some time ago. Great write-up and I will be sure to look back later for more news. Retinol

    Reply

  24. Hello very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally…I’m glad to find so many useful information here within the submit, we want develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . . โฟมล้างหน้าลดสิว

    Reply

  25. Sees for paper an especially monster piece, I staggered coterminous your blog other than discharge up a bound report. I need your improvement for cutting… worldnewshive

    Reply

  26. Winslot88 merupakan situs judi slot online terlengkap di Indonesia yang menyediakan berbagai macam permainan slot online dari provider ternama dunia seperti joker123, pragmatic play, slot88, habanero dan masih banyak jenis permainan lainnya. https://www.winslot88.xyz

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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