Posted on 207,256 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?

207,256 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  4. wow… what a great blog, this writter who wrote this article it’s realy a great blogger, this article so inspiring me to be a better person my review here

    Reply

  5. Wow, incredible blog format! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site is fantastic, as smartly the content material! IKARIA LEAN BELLY JUICE

    Reply

  6. 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

  11. Nice to be visiting your blog once more, it has been months for me. Well this article that ive been waited for therefore long. i want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has same topic together with your article. Thanks, nice share. WAEC physics practical questions and answers

    Reply

  12. A lot of people having an incorrect image about the cash advance loans or sometimes refer it as bad credit payday loans. 英文補習社

    Reply

  13. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, Okvip

    Reply

  14. I’m constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! 小學英文補習

    Reply

  15. I essentially needed to thank you much more for your stunning site you have created here. It tends to be loaded with valuable tips for the individuals who are really intrigued by this particular subject, basically this very post. 小學英文補習

    Reply

  16. Thank you so much, nice to see such a post to write such a beautiful post, and when I saw this post of yours, I was very happy to see its design and when I read it, I love to appreciate it. Because those who write such a beautiful post must get credit for it.
    https://sonikadas.com

    Reply

  17. I’ve read so many articles, but I’m very grateful that I read such a good article today
    토토사이트 and I hope this good article will spread far away

    Reply

  18. Here, Gacor Pro players can take advantage of the win level that will exceed 10,000X the bet. The third Taiwanese slot game is Firestrike, which will offer more bonuses admin riki

    Reply

  19. It’s a Taiwanese Slot with a Christmas themed game called Sweet Bonanza Xmas. Now players can easily win online Taiwan Slots lists with very high chances of winning slot filipina

    Reply

  21. ZEUSQQ adalah Link Daftar Situs Judi Slot Gacor Maxwin Terpercaya Terbaik Di Indonesia Dengan Game Slot Online Mudah Mudah Menang Terlengkap, Resmi dan Terbaru slot gacor

    Reply

  22. pragmatic 128 The winning rate is over 90%. This makes it easy for players to get the maximum bonus just by playing taiwan slots jp.

    Reply

  24. The Realtime Gaming Slot Collection includes more than 100 games supported by PGSoft with full transparency. Real-Time Gaming (also known as RTG) ada 777 slot

    Reply

  25. You fool, I’m really not. I love this article so much that I’m a fool. You’re a fool. I think I found the reason why I was born here. I was born to see your writing. Thank you so much. I’ll always ask for a good one토토사이트

    Reply

  28. As we unravel the enigmatic world of “Satta King,” let us remember to exercise restraint and mindfulness, focusing on legal and ethical pursuits while embracing the thrill of life’s uncertainties. Exploring the history and allure of this timeless game serves as a reminder of the human spirit’s curiosity and the quest for excitement that transcends time and borders.

    Reply

  29. I like you so much. I like you so much I really want to be a good person to you. I hope we can become a good relationship through this article. You’re watching out for COVID-19, right? Always wear a mask and have a good dayhttps://kipu.com.ua

    Reply

  32. I’ll fold it when you leave because you’re disgusted with me I love your writing, and I remember this song. I enjoyed it. Do you know who I am? I’ve been your chief, and I’ve been to the /먹튀검증

    Reply

  40. We work for a lot designers, arquitects and some big store companies, you can have chance to have us in your house paying a lot money for the store Tile installation

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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