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?

209,797 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. dark web

    Reply

  2. It really is really helpful, despite the fact that think about the information any time that actually reaches this kind of targeted. Seo service

    Reply

  3. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. work from home jobs near me

    Reply

  4. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
    https://www.texasholdemsite.info

    Reply

  5. Such an enlightening website. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing. Furniture is a thing that we in general need in our home or workplace. In case you thinking about obtaining new goods, by then I propose you buy victorian decorations. Since it’s altogether pleasing and the arrangement is so impeccable. fullmaza

    Reply

  6. Such an enlightening website. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing. Furniture is a thing that we in general need in our home or workplace. In case you thinking about obtaining new goods, by then I propose you buy victorian decorations. Since it’s altogether pleasing and the arrangement is so impeccable. fullmaza

    Reply

  7. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. https://issuu.com/classicnewstimes

    Reply

  8. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
    UFABET

    Reply

  9. i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future..
    UFABET

    Reply

  10. Islamabad Escorts | Need TikTok Models in Islamabad? Contact us … You may get information about their service pricing by getting in touch with them. Escorts in Islamabad

    Reply

  11. Aw, this is an incredibly nice post. In thought I would like to put in place writing like this moreover – spending time and actual effort to create a good article… but exactly what do I say… I procrastinate alot through no indicates seem to get something accomplished. TONIC GREENS REVIEWS

    Reply

  12. Hi there!

    Amazing article and blog, thanks you very much for your work and keep sharing the best content google take care!

    Best Regards

    Your follower,

    Alex Jack

    Reply

  13. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. 토토사이트

    Reply

  14. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing Walk Through Gate

    Reply

  15. Hi, if you want to get higher rankings, you should check out the plugin I left in my link, it will help. TONIC GREENS

    Reply

  16. Agen togel LakuToto Merupakan Situs pilihan dari 10 situs togel terpercaya memberikan hadiah jackpot terbesar 4D 10 Juta langsung bayar situs toto

    Reply

  17. Under the hood, the Realme 8 packs a punch with its MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, ensuring seamless multitasking and swift app launches. This powerful processor is paired with up to 8GB of RAM, allowing for smooth performance even during intensive gaming sessions and resource-heavy tasks. Additionally, the device offers ample storage options.
    https://mobilepricetoday.com/realme-8-price-in-bangladesh/

    Reply

  18. Bangladesh, a nation with a burgeoning smartphone market and a tech-savvy population, welcomes the arrival of the OPPO F21 Pro with great anticipation. This remarkable device offers a perfect blend of form and function, combining a stunning display, advanced camera capabilities, and efficient performance, all within a sleek and ergonomic design. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multitasking professional, or a social media aficionado, the OPPO F21 Pro promises to cater to your every need, empowering you to capture memories, stay connected, and unleash your creativity like never before.
    https://mamurdukan.com/oppo-f21-pro-5g-price-in-bangladesh/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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