Posted on 207,815 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?

207,815 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  18. A shower chair offers stability and ease for anyone with limited mobility. It’s a practical addition to any bathroom, ensuring a safer and more comfortable shower experience.

    Reply

  31. You produced some decent points there. I looked on the internet for that problem and discovered most individuals is going as well as together with your internet site. Webseite erstellen lassen

    Reply

  32. Watch your favourite drama Asian Online releases in Korean, Taiwanese, Hong Kong, Japanese, Thailand and Chinese with English subtitles on KissAsian for free. Kissasian

    Reply

  33. Hey there! Stay on top of all the cricket action with the zota betcasino Whether it’s live scores, match results, or breaking news about your favorite teams and players, we’ve got it all covered. Follow along for real-time updates, expert analysis, and in-depth coverage of every thrilling moment. Don’t miss a beat—stay tuned for the latest cricket updates and enjoy the game to the fullest!

    Reply

  35. Great to be here in your article or post, whatever, I figure I ought to likewise buckle down for my own site like I see some great and refreshed working in your site.

    Reply

  36. Extremely pleasant and fascinating post. I was searching for this sort of data and appreciated perusing this one. Continue posting. Much obliged for sharing. Canada Digital Marketing Agency

    Reply

  37. In stark contrast to Wayne’s unwillingness to shoot someone behind their back in his flicks, Eastwood’s characters were known for taking aim at their foes. Wayne and Eastwood’s disagreements on aesthetic taste and how they interpreted Western mythology led to their enmity. Clint Eastwood Broke John Wayne’s Biggest Western Rule

    Reply

  40. This is exactly what I was looking for.. really simple to install, totally free just had to register to download, thanks kupisz tutaj

    Reply

  42. Faddico’s streamlined logistics are crucial in maintaining the efficiency of supply chains. https://faddico.com/, Faddico ensures that products move smoothly and swiftly through the supply chain. This reduces delays and minimizes costs, allowing for consistent and reliable delivery schedules. Their logistics system integrates advanced technology and real-time tracking to monitor inventory levels, predict potential disruptions, and manage resources effectively. This backbone of efficient production and shipping supports businesses in meeting customer demands and maintaining high service standards.

    Reply

  43. I’ve observed that in the world these days, video games are definitely the latest rage with kids of all ages. There are times when it may be extremely hard to drag your kids away from the video games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are lots of educational gaming activities for kids. Great post. ten link

    Reply

  44. Analyzing your behavior on the website to improve it and tailor the range of products and services to your preferences. Nieuws Vandaag

    Reply

  45. Thanks for sharing this useful Blog. 

    Upgrade your fleet management software with the Best Fleet Management Software available. Our tailored fleet management software is designed to enhance efficiency, improve resource management, and increase productivity. Offering a variety of advanced features, including live monitoring and predictive maintenance, we can meet your specific needs. Enjoy reduced costs, improved productivity, and superior control over your fleet. Enhance your business with innovative technology created for efficient fleet management. Thrive with our customized solutions – your progress, our knowledge. Acquire the best fleet management software now.

    Reply

  46. Incredibly insightful content!
    Join the adventure today by registering for our online game and unlock exclusive rewards and thrilling challenges! Don’t miss out on the excitement—sign up now and become part of our growing community of gamers. legitpinoy

    Reply

  47. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. saurabh chandrakar News

    Reply

  48. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! https://vottion.com/

    Reply

  49. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Zonnepanelen

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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