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?

216,165 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and health benefits of pure Wildflower Honey. Taste the essence of nature’s sweetest gift.

    Reply

  2. “Situs game kami bola88 adalah tempat terbaik untuk mengejar impianmu, berkompetisi, dan bersenang-senang dalam dunia virtual.”

    Reply

  3. I’m genuinely impressed by this blog post. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to learn something valuable. Thanks for sharing! 補習社

    Reply

  4. The purpose of the survey is to get actual client feedback. The sole goal of the Churchslistens survey is to improve the quality and services that Church Chicken provides to its customers. Visit Churchschickenfeedback

    Reply

  5. You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. 電動手唧車

    Reply

  6. Such a strikingly basic article.I basically wish to offer a creature proceed for the standard data you have perfect here on this post. 電動手推車

    Reply

  7. It was thinking about whether I could utilize this review on my other site, I will connect it back to your site though.Great . 英國物業

    Reply

  8. Experience superior incident control with our leading software. Discover unparalleled Best incident management Software with advanced features. Swiftly respond to unforeseen events, streamline communication, and empower your team. Elevate incident management for unparalleled efficiency and readiness. Explore excellence with the best incident management software, ensuring optimal performance and seamless incident resolution.

    Reply

  9. I’d ought to check with you here. Which is not something I do! I love to reading an article that may get people to feel. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! web design seo company

    Reply

  10. I’d ought to check with you here. Which is not something I do! I love to reading an article that may get people to feel. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! web design seo company

    Reply

  11. i am very thankfull to you for providing such a valuable content.Lodha Group presents luxurious homes at Kolshet Road Thane Call 8855991693 for 1 2 BHK sample flats video brochure project floor plan sales office location site address map.
    lodha crown

    Reply

  12. With a variety of exciting games and tempting prizes, every spin of the machine can be an unexpected adventure. With trusted online slot sites, we can feel the real sensation of winning. So, don’t hesitate to join and experience the magic of the world of online slots for yourself. For further information, you can visit the website https://cewe777.com/

    Reply

  13. While using this OYO89, I have not run into any problems with broken links or mistakes.

    Reply

  14. escort kinshasa ,

    Its insightful analysis and well-researched content make it a must-read for anyone seeking valuable information on the topic

    Reply

  15. قیمت قهوه فوری سوپریم

    قهوه فوری سوپریم dr biz با خواص بی نظیر درمان 0 تا 100 بسیاری از بیماری ها به همراه بهترین مشاوره تخصصی سال 2023 خرید قهوه فوری سوپریم دکتر بیز و ارسال فوری

    Reply

  16. Great post full of useful tips! My site is fairly new and I am also having a hard time getting my readers to leave comments. Analytics shows they are coming to the site but I have a feeling “nobody wants to be first”. 電動手唧車

    Reply

  17. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of resources or support. Addressing disparities in healthcare access, transportation, and mental health services is essential for the well-being of our communities. Together, let’s strive for inclusivity and equitable care for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
    My site

    Reply

  18. IRONSLOT merupakan agent sbobet situs judi bola online asia yang menyediakan permainan taruhan olahraga seperti judi bola, basket, tinju, dan permainan paling populer adalah parlay sbobet parlay sbobet

    Reply

  19. IRONSLOT merupakan agent sbobet situs judi bola online asia yang menyediakan permainan taruhan olahraga seperti judi bola, basket, tinju, dan permainan paling populer adalah parlay sbobet agent sbobet

    Reply

  20. 南海本線堺駅前の医療法人堺豊紀会いじち歯科では、小児矯正やインビザライン、高度なインプラント治療に対応しています。怖くない、痛くない歯医者を目指して、ストレスフリーな歯科治療に取り組んでいます。 堺区 矯正歯科

    Reply

  21. I appreciate your acknowledgment of the time spent sharing valuable information.Lodha Group offers luxury homes at Dombivli near Shilphata on Kalyan Dombivali Shil Road Call 8855991693 for brochure floor plan location address 1 2 BHK sample flats video.

    lodha crown

    Reply

  22. The blog post you shared was truly a treasure, brimming with valuable ideas and engaging narratives! Your unique way of writing, characterized by humor, vivid details, and smart analogies, truly brought the topic to life in my mind. It felt like I was taking a journey alongside you. I can’t wait for your next blog post, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for it.
    https://7xmpilipinas.com/ppgaming/

    Reply

  23. ironslot adalah daftar situs slot depo 25 jadi 50 to kecil bebas ip bebas buyspin untuk semua provider slot online antara lain pgsoft, pragmatic, joker, spadegaming dan segera daftarkan diri untuk klaim bonus new member 100 terbaru langsung didepan bonus new member 100 terbaru

    Reply

  24. However, the foundation of a dream website lies in its design, and for creative visionaries seeking to carve out their online presence, having a WordPress website designer can be the key to unlocking limitless possibilities.

    Reply

  25. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Really rarely do you encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you might have hit the nail around the head. Your notion is outstanding; the thing is a thing that insufficient consumers are speaking intelligently about. We’re happy we came across this within my hunt for some thing relating to this. lgogacor

    Reply

  26. The blog post you shared was truly a treasure, brimming with valuable ideas and engaging narratives! Your unique way of writing, characterized by humor, vivid details, and smart analogies, truly brought the topic to life in my mind. It felt like I was taking a journey alongside you. I can’t wait for your next blog post, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for it.
    https://7xmpilipinas.com/ppgaming/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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