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?

207,212 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. We are truly thankful for your blog entry. You will discover a great deal of methodologies in the wake of going to your post. I was precisely scanning for. A debt of gratitude is in order for such post and please keep it up.  Guest posting

    Reply

  2. Unlock endless possibilities with 24bets where every bet brings you closer to victory. Bet wisely, win proudly, and enjoy the journey.

    Reply

  3. Stay updated on Pakistan’s currency rates with this link. Access current PKR to USD, AED, SAR exchange rates, helping you stay informed about the financial landscape in Pakistan and beyond.

    Reply

  4. There are many different betting options with different jackpot prizes, the lottery market here is also complete, making it easier for players to choose the lottery market they want to bet on, for further information, please visit this website https://tuneon99.com/

    Reply

  5. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already Cheers! roof cleaning in Southampton

    Reply

  6. I havent 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 온라인카지노

    Reply

  7. Hi this is really very helpful article. I go through this site really very nice information.thank for sharing such a nice information. 가품슬롯

    Reply

  8. Manggatoto
    Manggatoto merupakan slot yang banyak di minatin oleh banyak pemain karna berpeluang menang yang tinggi dan banyak fitur-fitur tambahan sehingga meningkatkan kesenangan

    Reply

  9. Discover the ultimate blend of power and portability with our new range of laptops – built to keep up with your busy lifestyle!
    Phone& Computer

    Reply

  10. Providing very good 24 hour service, apart from its excellent service, this online gaming site also provides big benefits to all its players and there are also many very interesting bonuses, for further information please visit this website https://tribet88.com/

    Reply

  11. Join khelo24bet and turn your game into a winning adventure play smart, seize the moment, and let the victories roll in.

    Reply

  12. I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. The sims : Discover university is now available worldwide on PC! Your dorm room is ready for you, dom’t be late for your first day of class 가품슬롯

    Reply

  13. Nice blog!!! Thanks for sharing this information. Dzrt, prepare Dzrt nicotine replacement: the best natural sweets that help you stay away from smoking and improve your health. Easy and delicious recipes for everyone. Visit: ديزرت

    Reply

  14. آموزش پرورش بلدرچین

    دوره جامع و کاربردی پرورش بلدرچین تخمگذار گوشتی و مولد در این دوره 30 ساعته شما به یکی از متخصصین پرورش بلدرچین تبدیل خواهید شد

    Reply

  15. Understanding the important determinants of health is like unraveling a complex tapestry that weaves together biology, behavior, environment, and socio-economic factors. Visit now

    Reply

  16. I am very happy to visit your site. It is very interesting and impressive. I like it. Thanks for sharing with us. I wanna tell you that I am working with and our company provides best call girls in this area. If you want to spend more fun time with our girls then click or links and book our girls for all night.
    https://ajmerfun.in/

    Reply

  17. I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven’t had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.
    토토사이트

    Reply

  18. Have a chance to win a very big game, the best game that always makes the players happy, for further information please visit this website https://mask96.com/

    Reply

  19. spiderman rental near me

    Book our amazing Spiderman entertainer for your kids’ parties in Fort Worth, Texas. Our Spiderman rentals bring thrilling adventures and unforgettable fun, ensuring an extraordinary celebration filled with excitement and interactive activities for every young superhero fan.

    Reply

  20. Feel the sensation of excitement in playing online games that are full of challenges and get lucky with big prizes that you can enjoy. For further information, please visit this website https://7petir.com/

    Reply

  21. Trying to say thanks won’t simply be adequate, for the fantasti c clarity in your written work. I will immediately snatch your rss channel to remain educated of any updates 온카시티

    Reply

  22. There are various people out there who are very stressed and want to fulfill their sexual desires. So are you ready to experience the pleasure that you never feel before? We have various independent VIP female Manali Escorts services that never disappoint you as all of them are fully trained and know how to give pleasure to their customers. As the lust of the people can be fulfilled by our Escort agency in Manali at the lowest price. One of the best things is these top Escorts in Manali are available 24/7 and at affordable prices. We have a large variety of Escorts whether it is housewives, models, Russian, college girls, etc. That’s why if you are searching for Best Manali Escort to experience the pleasure. Then Sassypoonam Escorts service in Manali is the best option for you.

    Reply

  23. betkwiff offers a unique sports betting experience with supercharged odds and unexpected boosts that can significantly enhance your potential winnings.

    Reply

  24. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. alexistogel

    Reply

  25. Discover your winning potential with my24kbet bet with confidence, embrace the excitement, and watch your success shine like gold.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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