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?

209,826 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Belize Real Estate

    Belize real estate has become increasingly popular. Especially on the island of Ambergris Caye. Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction that allows for full foreign ownership of real estate. Located in Central America & the Caribbean, Belize offers a diverse landscape with an abundance of real estate opportunities.

    Reply

  2. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timenewsmag

    Reply

  3. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timenewsmag

    Reply

  4. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timenewsmag

    Reply

  5. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    webtoonxyz

    Reply

  6. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.

    Reply

  7. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    webtoonxyz

    Reply

  8. I admit, I have not been on this web page in a long time… however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues. Russian Blue cats

    Reply

  9. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    webnewsdays

    Reply

  10. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    webnewsdays

    Reply

  11. Wholesale Cheap Handbags Will you be ok merely repost this on my site? I’ve to allow credit where it can be due. Have got a great day! ALPILEAN

    Reply

  12. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.

    dailyusamail

    Reply

  13. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.

    dailyusamail

    Reply

  14. Thank you This is very educational content and written well for a change. Here Codename Vip Life Dombivli East Laukik Group VipLife
    vip life dombivli

    Reply

  15. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.

    timemagazinepro

    Reply

  16. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timemagazinepro

    Reply

  17. We know that the internet has a lot of information. But every piece of information is not informative. For many days I have been searching for that type of information. But I am not satisfied with the other website information. But I am very happy to read this content.

    Reply

  18. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx Ikaria Juice Reviews

    Reply

  19. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timemagazinepro

    Reply

  20. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    timemagazinepro

    Reply

  21. I adore your blog site.. great colours & theme. Have anyone style and design this site on your own or do anyone hire someone to make it happen for you? Plz reply because I!|m planning to design and style my own, personal web site and also would want to understand where you bought this specific by. thank you togel online totosaja

    Reply

  22. Its such as you read my mind! You appear to understand a lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you simply could do with a few % to force the message house a bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back. Ikaria Lean Belly Juice

    Reply

  23. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    todaybusinesshub

    Reply

  24. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me.

    todaybusinesshub

    Reply

  25. Thank you. I authentically greeting your way for writing an article. I safe as a majority loved it to my bookmark website sheet list and will checking rear quite than later. Share your thoughts. 토토

    Reply

  26. I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. 바카라사이트

    Reply

  27. My brother recommended I would possibly like this blog. He was totally right. This publish truly made my day. You can not believe just how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thanks! dark web links

    Reply

  28. เว็บแทงบอล ufabet ufaonline Quality websites that do not pass agents You can be confident with us for sure. in a Many people guarantee that it is the best website right now. If you are interested or want to try, click the link เว็บแทงบอล ufabet

    Reply

  29. Extraordinary blog. I took pleasure in scrutinizing your articles. This is extremely a marvelous scrutinized for me. I have bookmarked it and I am suspecting examining new articles. Continue doing magnificent!

    inpulseglobal

    Reply

  30. Extraordinary blog. I took pleasure in scrutinizing your articles. This is extremely a marvelous scrutinized for me. I have bookmarked it and I am suspecting examining new articles. Continue doing magnificent!

    inpulseglobal

    Reply

  31. EmiratesEVisaOnline provide Emirates visa services, Apply Emirate visa online for Lebanon passport holder at https://www.emiratesevisaonline.com. Lebanese citizens who want to visit United Arab Emirates, typically require a visa prior to arrival. The visa application process for United Arab Emirates is usually handled through the UAE immigration, So if you apply visa with us as Lebanon nationals then we will put your application error free to UAE immigration. You’ll need to provide a valid Lebanon passport with a minimum of six months validity, passport-sized photographs, proof of sponsorship, proof of accommodation, proof of travel itinerary, and proof of financial means. When your visa application is approved, you can travel to United Arab Emirates within the validity period of your visa. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents, including your passport and visa, during your journey.

    Reply

  32. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.

    updatetips

    Reply

  33. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.

    updatetips

    Reply

  34. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.

    updatetips

    Reply

  35. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! fake id ireland

    Reply

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

    Reply

  37. Slot66, an online game service that is ready to serve you 24 hours a day, guarantees quality, only 100% broken games, selected only quality games. on the Asian online gaming website that everyone trusts at slot no.1, standing one of the real Complete with everything about online slots Click now, apply today, get 100 free credits at Slot66

    Reply

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

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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