Posted on 218,891 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?

218,891 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  1. Very nice and informative article. Thanks for sharing this amazing article. Also check my website
    Your article is very helpful and very Good

    스포츠토토365

    Reply

  2. obor 138

    Obor138 merupakan situs judi online terbaik selalu memberikan progresif jackpot terbesar untuk para member yang bermain.

    Reply

  9. obor138

    Obor138 merupakan situs judi online terbaik selalu memberikan progresif jackpot terbesar untuk para member yang bermain.

    Reply

  10. 먹튀검증
    Best work you have done, this online website is cool with great facts and looks. I have stopped at this blog after viewing the excellent content. I will be back for more qualitative work

    Reply

  14. I actually wanted to construct a word to be able to appreciate you for the splendid items you are posting on this site.

    안전놀이터

    Reply

  19. Hi very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also. I am glad to search out so many useful information here in the post, thank you for sharing

    토토사이트

    Reply

  20. Really very beneficial tips are provided here and, Thank you so much. Keep up the good works.

    토토

    Reply

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

    Reply

  35. Hey there. I want to to inquire something…is this a wordpress weblog as we are thinking about shifting over to WP. Also did you make this theme on your own? Thanks. bowman extra

    Reply

  43. Cleaning company Seine Saint Denis 93 is a trusted and experienced cleaning service based in the Seine Saint Denis department of France. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, they offer comprehensive cleaning solutions for residential and commercial properties. Their skilled team guarantees pristine and sanitized spaces, tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client.

    Reply

  45. As the most reputed and highly rated escort agency in Delhi we provide college students, blondes, brunettes, petite, curvy, and a wide range of other women in our Escort Services In Gurgaon. You can hire them at an affordable price which is an advantage. The escorts are experienced and skilled to give clients the most satisfying experience.

    Reply

  46. obor 138

    Obor138 merupakan situs judi online terbaik selalu memberikan progresif jackpot terbesar untuk para member yang bermain.

    Reply

  47. Alaska Airlines Headquarters, a leading airline company, strives to provide exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences. Explore our world-class destinations and embark on a journey like no other.

    Reply

  48. I really want to say thank you to you for giving me a lot of positive influences 토토사이트 I think it’s the best article I’ve ever written this year

    Reply

  49. Hi, I am Abigail Adams! Thanks for sharing me nice blog. Our results-driven approach and commitment to helping businesses grow online make me a good SEO services provider. I specialize in providing comprehensive and tailored SEO solutions that help businesses to increase their online presence and attract more traffic.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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