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?

131,669 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Thanks , I have recently been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have came upon till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply? what app is best for making logos?

    Reply

  2. This Corona pandemic affects the whole world, but the middle class is the most affected. To fight against corona, many local organizations helped the government with money, sanitizer, mask, and spreading awareness. Yes, you can make an appointment, but you have to travel for a consultation or meeting. Access to transportation often prevents patients from traveling and restricts their doctor visits.
    Students also suffer a lot as every field is affected by the covid pandemic.
    Students can buy essays online during the pandemic to make sure the submission is on time with a precautionary measure against corona.

    Reply

  3. For those who could email me some advice on how i made your websites appear to be this , I’d be appreciative! ambbet

    Reply

  4. Hey. Cool article. There’s a problem with your site in chrome, and you may want to check this… The browser is the market leader and a huge component of other people will omit your wonderful writing because of this problem. Rijschool Tilburg

    Reply

  5. You can find a number of various kinds of levels you get with the LA Weight reduction eating plan each and every one may be vital. Incredibly stage would be the factual throwing away of this extra pounds. la weight loss milpublish

    Reply

  6. I am lucky that I noticed this blog, precisely the right information that I was looking for! pos4d

    Reply

  7. What a nice article i found , i was looking it for a long time , i been searching it for so long now that i found out really help me.
    바카라사이트

    Reply

  8. Good day! This post couldn’t be composed any better! Perusing this post helps me to remember my old fashioned flat mate! He generally continued discussing this. I will advance this review to him. Almost certain he will have a decent perused. Much obliged for sharing
    North Face Brown Puffer Jacket

    Reply

  9. Great content material and great layout. Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. FondsBeratung10.

    Reply

  10. The Ford Benefits Online Platform provides easy access to our Ford Motor Company-sponsored, third party-administered benefits programs.

    MyFordBenefits

    Reply

  11. I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing. whatsapp created date

    Reply

  12. Your ideas inspired me very much. 메이저토토사이트모음 It’s amazing. I want to learn your writing skills. In fact, I also have a website. If you are okay, please visit once and leave your opinion. Thank you.
    ^^

    Reply

  13. *When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks! buy teachers gaze

    Reply

  14. This post is really magnificent. I really like this post. It is one of the best posts that I ve read in a long time. Thanks a lot for this really good post. I really appreciate it! 발산가라오케

    Reply

  15. 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. 제주여성전용

    Reply

  16. unblocked games
    Unblocked gaming is one of the greatest and most popular free internet gaming platforms, where users can find and play a variety of old and new internet games. Users may play free computer games without having to download any software.

    Reply

  17. wow this saintly however ,I love your enter plus nice pics might be part personss negative love being defrent mind total poeple , Orchard Sophia

    Reply

  18. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. Orchard Sophia

    Reply

  19. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Thank you 먹튀사이트 I couldn’t think of this, but it’s amazing! I wrote several posts similar to this one, but please come and see!!

    Reply

  20. If you are looking for Chennai Escorts then you are at the right place. We provide 24/7 services to our clients. We have some of the best and beautiful girls in the city who are ready to give you a memorable experience.

    Reply

  21. Appreciating the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account. Tridentent best Company

    Reply

Leave a Reply to samad rick Cancel reply

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