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?

166,448 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Oh my goodness! an incredible post dude. Thank you Nonetheless I’m experiencing issue with ur rss . Do not know why Struggling to subscribe to it. Possibly there is anyone getting identical rss difficulty? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
    https://exploreronabudget.com

    Reply

  2. Guild Wars 2 boasts a rich with GuildWars2 boosting service features and immersive storyline with branching narratives and impactful choices. The game’s narrative-driven approach ensures that players are deeply involved in the world and its events

    Reply

  3. When you Buy Verified PayPal Account, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted payment platform at your disposal. Plus, a verified account can help you avoid the hassle and frustration of dealing with payment issues and account limitations.

    Reply

  4. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. strawberry milk body cleanser

    Reply

  5. Having read the blog carefully, we were captivated by its content and would like to express our sincere appreciation to the writer, representing Funeral Home Near Me. Funeral homes are establishments that provide professional assistance in handling the deceased and organizing funeral ceremonies. These facilities offer a range of services including embalming, cremation, visitation rooms, chapel services, transportation of the deceased, and assistance with funeral arrangements. funeral home near me Funeral homes are dedicated to supporting families during the difficult period of grieving and ensuring a dignified and personalized farewell for their loved ones. We found the blog truly fascinating after a thorough examination, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the author for their invaluable contribution, on behalf of Funeral Home Near Me.

    Reply

  6. 🌿🚀 Ready to boost your website traffic with high-quality organic visitors? 💻💸 Look no further! Our top-notch service will convert leads into sales and grow your brand. 📈🔝 Buy organic traffic now and watch your business soar! 🌟

    Reply

  7. When looking for a deck builder, there are certain qualities that you should look out for. Firstly, you want to find a deck builder who is licensed and insured. This is important because it ensures that you are protected in case of any accidents or damages during the deck building process. Secondly, look for a Deck Builders in Milwaukee who has a good reputation in the industry. You can do this by reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Lastly, choose a deck builder who is willing to listen to your ideas and work with you to achieve your home renovation goals.
     

    Reply

  8. Milwaukee is known for its harsh weather conditions, making it important for homeowners to have a comfortable and functional living space. Home remodeling has become increasingly popular in the area, with homeowners looking to enhance the value and appeal of their homes. A deck is one of the most common additions to Home Remodeling in Milwaukee, as it provides a space for relaxation and entertainment during the summer months. While it may be tempting to embark on a DIY deck building project, it is always best to hire a professional deck builder. Professional deck builders have the expertise and experience needed to ensure that your deck is not only functional but also safe and compliant with local building codes. A professional deck builder will also help you choose the best materials for your deck, based on your preferences and budget.

    Reply

  9. I can’t believe that I feel like I’m in a new world that I don’t know with just one sentence. 토토사이트 I think good writing has a lot of power

    Reply

  10. Senior life insurance is everything, because your health is number 1. The sama my website is tumber 1: Keraton Bet

    Reply

  11. Even if what I am allowed to do is a tough and rough future, I think I can brighten my rough future with just this article먹튀검증

    Reply

  12. Hey, man, aren’t you a genius? 레플리카도매 How do you keep doing this? I feel like I’m becoming a fool, but I’m always grateful to have such a genius

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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