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?

208,818 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Hi online game lovers, here we will introduce you to all online game sites that are full of fun and benefits. Even if you have little capital, you can take home the main prize of up to hundreds of millions. You will get lots of bonuses if you join this best site. What are you waiting for, come join this site now https://dimmitchev.com/

    Reply

  2. MetaMask is a browser extension that serves as a wallet for Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, as well as a gateway to decentralized applications (dApps). Once MetaMask Extension installed, click on the MetaMask icon in your browser toolbar to access its features.

    Reply

  3. I can’t imagine focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material. This is great content. 카지노 사이트

    Reply

  4. I discovered your website internet site online and appearance a couple of your early posts. Always maintain inside the top notch operate. I additional your Rss to my MSN News Reader. Seeking toward reading much more on your part down the road!… 헬로밤

    Reply

  5. Touchstone is your gateway to English language proficiency! Our institute offers tailored courses designed to prepare students for success in the IELTS exam. With experienced instructors, personalized support, and state-of-the-art resources, we provide a nurturing environment for learners to achieve their goals.Join: Ielts Institute In Chandigarh

    Reply

  6. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers 야동

    Reply

  7. How to Train Your Dragon (2010) มังกรแต่ละสายพันธุ์มีคุณลักษณะและก็ความรู้ความเข้าใจส่วนตัว ใช้เวลาศึกษาเกี่ยวกับนิสัย จุดเด่น แล้วก็ข้อบกพร่องของพวกเขาเพื่อผูกมิตรที่มั่นคง การผลิตความวางใจแล้วก็ความเคารพนับถือ หัวใจหลักของภาพยนตร์หัวข้อนี้เป็นความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างฮิคคัพ หัวหน้าไวกิ้งชายหนุ่ม รวมทั้งเพื่อนมังกรผู้จงรักภักดีของเขา ทูธเลส ความเชื่อมโยงของพวกเขาผลิตมาจากความเชื่อถือ การเคารพซึ่งกันและกัน และก็การเอาใจใส่ เพื่อฝึกฝนมังกรอย่างมีคุณภาพ พวกเราจะต้องได้รับความวางใจจากความทรหดอดทน ความโอบอ้อมอารี และก็ความรู้ความเข้าใจ โปรดจดจำไว้ว่า ความเคารพนับถือเป็นถนนหนทางสองทาง

    Reply

  8. I simply want to tell you that I am just beginner to blogs and really enjoyed you’re web page.
    Very likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have fantastic posts. Thank you for sharing

    Also visit my web site …카지노사이트

    Reply

  9. A very exciting game, especially with very large and reliable prizes. therefore it is not surprising that so many players play here. For that reason, if you want to try it, you can visit the website
    https://casinogambling888.com/

    Reply

  10. This substance is composed exceptionally well. Your utilization of arranging while mentioning your focuses makes your objective facts clear and straightforward. Much obliged to you. Buy Facebook Recommendations

    Reply

  11. Nice post. I discover some thing tougher on distinct blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and employ something there. I’d would prefer to apply certain with the content on my own weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide a link on your internet weblog. Appreciate your sharing. minibus hire batley

    Reply

  12. I am very pleased to see that you are putting so much of effort for encouraging the visitors with valueable posts like this, I have sent this post to my myspaceaccount profile. online grocery store Australia

    Reply

  13. Really nice style and design and excellent content , nothing at all else we need : D. acim

    Reply

  14. The best and most popular online dealer games are now available at gaming. Of course you can get benefits from playing online games that you can achieve. As an online gaming site, you can get convenience in playing playing games which you can get easily and easily. I really like it, and I look forward to hearing from you next. Thank you for the information regarding the most popular news today this year. For more complete information, please visit our website for further information https://tanhuangshiyanji.net/

    Reply

  15. 이 기사는 기사 역사상 최고 중 하나입니다. 나는 골동품 ‘Article’수집가이고 때때로 그것들을 흥미롭게 읽습니다. 첫충사이트

    Reply

  16. I am frequently to blogging and i also truly appreciate your posts. Your content has really peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your web site and keep checking for brand spanking new details. 출장안마

    Reply

  17. I found your website via Google while searching for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. a course in miracles

    Reply

  18. This article resonates with me and complements discussions on my blog at snapchat web. Let’s exchange perspectives and deepen our insights together!

    Reply

  19. You need to know that online games are games that really make us entertained and also fun when played, and here we also have online games that really make you entertained when played, just by visiting our website https://kmaa68.com/

    Reply

  20. I’d need to seek advice from you here. Which is not something I usually do! I love reading an article that will make people feel. Also, many thanks permitting me to comment! coffee grinders

    Reply

  21. Grateful for the try you positioned into developing such enriching content.”

    Reply

  22. Thanks for making the honest attempt to speak about this. I believe very robust approximately it and want to read more. If it’s OK, as you gain more in depth wisdom, would you thoughts adding extra articles similar to this one with additional information? It might be extremely useful and useful for me and my friends. a course in miracles

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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