Posted on 190,251 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?

190,251 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  2. The Queen is a South African telenovela 2023 created and produced by Ferguson drama
    dedicated wife, mother and successful businesswoman who is forced to online episodes

    Umkhokha The Curse

    Reply

  3. Wondering why you should Buy Twitter Ads Account? It’s a smart move for businesses aiming to increase their online visibility. When you buy Twitter Ads Account, you gain instant access to Twitter’s advertising features, skipping the setup hassle. This means you can start running ads right away, reaching a wider audience and boosting brand recognition. It’s a cost-effective way to step up your marketing game, making it a valuable investment.

    Reply

  5. I found your post via a Google search, and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Your explanations are so clear, and I love how you’ve broken down into actionable steps. satta

    Reply

  6. Your writing style is both relatable and enjoyable to read. It’s evident that you put a lot of thought into your posts, and it’s greatly appreciated. satta

    Reply

  9. Dune buggy dubai is a must-do activity for anyone visiting this incredible city. The thrill of racing up and down the massive sand dunes is absolutely incredible.

    Reply

  10. Throughout my career, I have been consistently drawn to technologies that merge innovation with results. This quest for the best led me to the Zemits IPL laser – a state-of-the-art tool that has revolutionized my approach to skincare. The IPL laser by Zemits isn’t just a device; it’s an embodiment of precision, effectiveness, and transformative care. By integrating this advanced technology into my treatments, I can address a myriad of skin concerns, from pigmentation and sun damage to hair removal, ensuring my clients always leave with a radiant glow and invigorated confidence.

    Reply

  16. Determinants of health, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment, significantly impact well-being. Socioeconomic factors and education also play crucial roles. Online course takers benefit from improved education access, potentially impacting their overall health positively. Accessible education can empower individuals to make healthier choices, fostering holistic well-being.

    Reply

  21. I found your post via a Google search, and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Your explanations are so clear, and I love how you’ve broken down into actionable steps. satta

    Reply

  25. Your blog has become my go-to resource. I always find something valuable here. Keep up the excellent work! satta

    Reply

  36. Coinbase Wallet is a free-to-use hot crypto wallet that comes with advanced trading options to help investors experience sound crypto trade. The wallet is suitable for both novice and experienced investors because of its simplicity and easy navigation. If you are about to get the ball rolling in the crypto world then get this wallet today by just creating an account in your name.

    Reply

  38. I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and your consistency in delivering high-quality content is impressive. Your posts always add value to my knowledge. satta

    Reply

  42. I love your writing. I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life. Thank you so much. I think my day will be so sleepy because of you. I ask you to write something good. Have a good day
    먹튀검증

    Reply

  43. I feel so glad after reading this post it’s all information is really helpful for all us.

    Reply

  44. This blog is very attraction to me .I really like this article and your writing skill is very fantastic and beautiful . thanks a lot for the good language.
    แรดชวา

    Reply

  50. I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely can i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve got hit the nail for the head. Your notion is outstanding; the pain is something which there are not enough everyone is speaking intelligently about. We are very happy that we stumbled across this during my try to find some thing concerning this. Bone Head Extracts Disposable

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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