Posted on 209,412 Comments on Important Determinants of Health

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?

209,412 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  2. cleansing foot pads

    Are you curious about detox foot pads and their potential side effects? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will delve into the world

    Reply

  7. Bridging loans are typically characterized by their flexible terms and expedited approval processes, making them an attractive choice for individuals and businesses in need of swift capital.

    Reply

  9. I showed this to a lot of people The writing is so good that it’s a waste for me to see it, but everyone says the same thing. The writing is so beautiful. As expected, I was proud for no reason because I wasn’t the only one who thought so토토사이트

    Reply

  11. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. My Coles Hub Log in

    Reply

  15. Whether you’re a seasoned techie or a curious beginner, Shout Me Crunch offers a vibrant community and a wealth of knowledge, making it the ultimate hub for all things tech.

    Reply

  20. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.

    토토사이트

    Reply

  21. What’s up, of course this article is in fact nice and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.

    토토

    Reply

  22. Good article. I’m going through many of these issues as well.. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done

    온라인카지노

    Reply

  24. You are a very persuasive writer. I can see this in your article. You have a way of writing compelling information that sparks much interest. glucotrust

    Reply

  25. Desert Safari Deals Dubai are an incredible way to experience the beauty and adventure of the desert. The link you shared offers an exciting range of options for exploring the stunning landscapes of Dubai. desert safari deals dubai

    Reply

  26. Private lenders and private loans play a significant role in the financial landscape by providing alternative sources of funding for individuals and businesses. Private lenders are typically non-institutional entities or individuals who offer loans outside the traditional banking system.

    Reply

  27. iSolution offers mobile repairing services in Karachi. We specialize in repairing phones, iPhone tablets, also repair batteries iPads,Apple iwatch,MacBooks, PlayStations, and Xbox consoles from brands such as Apple

    iPad repair Karachi

    Reply

  28. detox foot pads

    Are you curious about detox foot pads and their potential side effects? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will delve into the world

    Reply

  30. Home loans, also known as mortgages, are financial instruments that enable individuals to purchase or refinance a home.

    Reply

  33. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. 500px

    Reply

  35. Your post is very interesting to me. Reading was so much fun. I think the reason reading is fun is because it is a post related to that I am interested in

    바카라

    Reply

  36. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. konglo123

    Reply

  39. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.

    먹튀검증

    Reply

  40. Wow, amazing blog format! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.

    Reply

  41. wow, great, I was wondering how to cure acne naturally. and found your site by google, learned a lot, now i’m a bit clear. I’ve bookmark your site and also add rss. keep us updated. 8bet

    Reply

  42. Your style is really unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this site.

    카지노

    Reply

  45. Its blog give information from another people very well I am impress its information an information is very nice. Feel free to visit my website;

    토토사이트

    Reply

  47. Your blog is so amazing. Information is very useful for everyone. such a amazing post please keep posting. 토토

    Reply

  50. Thank you for every other informative blog. 온라인바카라
    Where else may I am getting that type of info written in such an ideal approach? I’ve a venture that I am just now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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