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?

208,831 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. I assume exquisite website owners need to take this website as an model, very easy and brilliant man or woman genial fashion and format, similarly to the content. You are an expert in this task recall!https://balai-brosse.com/

    Reply

  2. The Junior Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (JAIIB) is a prestigious certification program for banking professionals in India. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) and is highly regarded in the banking sector. If you are aspiring to pass the JAIIB exam and looking for quality Study Material for JAIIB, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with essential information and study strategies to help you prepare for the JAIIB exam successfully.

    Reply

  3. 비아그라, 비아그라 구매, 비아그라 구입,비아그라 판매,서비스를 통해 제공될 수 있으며, 처음 구매 든 노련한 구입 이든 이 가이드는 비아그라 경험을 최대한 활용하는 데 필요한 모든 정보를 제공합니다.

    Reply

  4. Your article has answered the question I was wondering about! I would like to write a thesis on this subject, but I would like you to give your opinion once

    먹튀검증사이트

    Reply

  5. I’m very pleased to discover this site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new information on your blog

    지울프-토토

    Reply

  6. Fantastic post! Please keep sharing. I know of a roofing company if you are looking for Game Please get in touch! Thanks, have a good day. Feel free to visit my website;

    바카라사이트닷컴

    Reply

  7. Thanks for such a fantastic blog. Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently writhing on, and I have been on the look out for such great information

    고스톱사이트

    Reply

  8. A lot of thanks for all of your work on this site. Betty really loves setting aside time for internet research and it is simple to grasp why. Most people learn all concerning the dynamic manner you convey rewarding tips on the website and as well encourage participation from visitors about this point plus my princess is undoubtedly being taught a great deal. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You have been conducting a fabulous job. freshwater pearl education

    Reply

  9. Open for all players to join in the fun. Ready to make unlimited profits with us. jili slot direct website. Apply to be a member with us today. Ready to receive benefits Along with many other promotions, jili slot entrance, receive great value from the first time you apply. Receive promotions to continue your scholarship Make a profit with us every day. Apply for free with special services throughout the period of playing jili slot. Try playing and take players to truly step into the world of slot games. Enjoy a variety of unique slot games. Jili Slots can be played through the service provider.
    เว็บฟีฟ่า

    Reply

  10. CUET (Common University Entrance Test) provides a platform to candidates across the country to establish better connections with the universities. To prepare well for the CUET entrance exam, you need to solve questions from past papers. By solving the CUET Previous Year Question Paper , you can get an idea about patterns and marking schemes.

    Reply

  11. I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. Fortune Tiger

    Reply

  12. Nice blog I must say, if you are looking for best Bitcoin Mining In australia platform. I’ve been exploring various cloud mining platforms for Bitcoin, and I must say that Kafka Mining truly stands out. Their commitment to transparency, security, and efficiency is evident in the way they operate. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners like me to get started, while their advanced features cater to experienced miners as well. The fact that Kafka Mining regularly updates their hardware to ensure optimal mining power is impressive and reassuring. I appreciate how they provide detailed information about their mining farms and maintenance processes, instilling a sense of trust. Overall, my experience with Kafka Mining has been fantastic, and I’m excited to see my earnings grow while benefiting from their top-notch services.

    Reply

  13. Indeed, I’m altogether concurred with this article, and I simply need say that this article is extremely useful and edifying. I additionally have some valuable piece of concerned data !!!!!!Thanks. Decking Builder Hobart

    Reply

  14. Nice post. I was continuously checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. 툰코

    Reply

  15. Succeed! It could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on the subject. Excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort very well. Thanks for the huge help. instagram auto likes

    Reply

  16. Prevalent post, stay aware of this outstanding work. It’s ideal to realize that this subject is additionally covered on this site so supports requiring some investment to examine this! Much appreciated over and over! Gold Coast Roof Painting

    Reply

  17. The Hyundai Tucson is a popular compact crossover SUV that combines stylish design, versatile performance, and a host of modern features. This vehicle has earned a reputation for its reliability and value, making it a strong contender in the competitive SUV segment.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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