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?

219,355 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Welcome all investors to betflik, the number 1 direct website, not through any agents, big website slots. Make everyone enjoy

    Reply

  2. I discovered your website website online and check many of your early posts. Keep in the top notch operate. I simply additional increase RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for forward to reading far more by you at a later date!… Remini apk for iOS

    Reply

  3. Bestminers.io offer one of the best cryptocurrency mining shop. In other words if you are looking for high quality and reliable bitcoin mining hardware, then don’t look any further!

    Reply

  4. Игровой автомат Kent Slot предлагает захватывающий игровой опыт! Погрузитесь в мир вращающихся барабанов, ярких тем и острых ощущений от крупных выигрышей. Исследуйте множество захватывающих слотов уже сегодня!

    Reply

  5. Facial Radiance Serum

    La Miiel, a visionary in women’s intimate health, offers a revolutionary product: the La Miiel Intimate Serum. Developed by top medical professionals in Korea, this serum represents a blend of scientific innovation and time-honored natural remedies. It’s formulated with 100% organic ingredients, featuring a unique combination of nano essential minerals and probiotics, designed specifically to cater to various fundamental vaginal health concerns.

    Reply

  6. ligaciputra slot alternatif merupakan salah satu link game online terbaik yang mudah diakses oleh para pemain. Tingkat keamanan main game di link ini juga sangat tinggi, sehingga bisa menjadi pilihan yang tepat untuk para pecinta game online slot.

    Reply

  7. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post….. Really i am impressed from this post. The person who create this post it was a great human. Thanks for shared this with us. Keep sharing.
    Investment Real Estate Near Me

    Reply

  8. Thank you for some other instructive blog. Where by else could I get that form of knowledge written in these kinds of a super signifies? I’ve a mission which i’m just now working on, and I are already within the look out for these kinds of facts.<a href="https://beo333.co.in/

    Reply

  9. Thank you for some other instructive blog. Where by else could I get that form of knowledge written in these kinds of a super signifies? I’ve a mission which i’m just now working on, and I are already within the look out for these kinds of facts.<a href="https://beo333.co.in/

    Reply

  10. Gati Packers and Movers
    • Make a budget before you move: Although relocating may be stressful, planning ahead and using the right strategy will help you avoid confusion and last-minute haste. relocating and planning are essential whether relocating locally or over large distances. Examine your belongings to find out what services you’ll need for a successful transfer. After the movers depart and you’ve discussed your concerns with the crew over the product inspection, create a preliminary budget.

    Reply

  11. Gati Packers and Movers have grown up to become one of the country’s leading packing and moving company. Our reputation is the result of integrity, trust, and on-time service. We have a dedicated team of experienced professionals who enjoy themselves in a job greatly done! Every relocation is to suit the customer’s needs..
    Packers and Movers Bangalore

    Reply

  12. I have to say this post was certainly informationrmative and contains useful content for enthusiastic visitors. I will definitely bookmark this website for future reference and further viewing 먹튀검증

    Reply

  13. Gati Packers and Movers
    • Make a budget before you move: Although relocating may be stressful, planning ahead and using the right strategy will help you avoid confusion and last-minute haste. relocating and planning are essential whether relocating locally or over large distances. Examine your belongings to find out what services you’ll need for a successful transfer. After the movers depart and you’ve discussed your concerns with the crew over the product inspection, create a preliminary budget.

    Reply

  14. Gati Packers and Movers have grown up to become one of the country’s leading packing and moving company. Our reputation is the result of integrity, trust, and on-time service. We have a dedicated team of experienced professionals who enjoy themselves in a job greatly done! Every relocation is to suit the customer’s needs..
    Packers and Movers Bangalore

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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