Posted on 207,466 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?

207,466 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  1. Just 4 You – is India No 1 Surprise Planners for Birthday, Anniversary, Marriage Proposals, Romantic Private Candlelight Date in 12+ Cities in India.

    just4you surprise planner

    Reply

  3. 유쾌한 게시물,이 매혹적인 작업을 계속 인식하십시오. 이 주제가이 사이트에서 마찬가지로 확보되고 있다는 것을 진심으로 알고 있으므로 이에 대해 이야기 할 시간을 마련 해주셔서 감사합니다! NBA중계

    Reply

  5. Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Autoreiniging na overlijden

    Reply

  9. Hellstar is a streetwear clothing brand that came out of nowhere and gained a lot of popularity in a short period of time. Now, it’s become the tycoon in the streetwear fashion industry. The clothing brand was introduced by a group of fashion designers who wanted to introduce a unique type of fashion art to the world.

    https://hellstarclothingofficials.com/

    Reply

  10. Find exclusive murals at MikeintheValley, including Wandbild Schottland and Wandbild New York. Our limited edition prints on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper are crafted with passion. Visit us to discover your next masterpiece.

    Reply

  11. Open downloaded Canon Printer Setup file from Canon.com/ijsetup Select install wireless printer with USB connection option. . It will show you list …

    Reply

  20. Great content material and great layout. Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. Leanbiome

    Reply

  21. Ever noticed that Bier macht müde (beer makes you sleepy)? The site explores the science behind this phenomenon, providing insights into how alcohol affects the body.

    Reply

  29. Thanks for the tips on credit repair on this amazing web-site. What I would offer as advice to people will be to give up this mentality that they may buy at this point and shell out later. As a society all of us tend to do this for many things. This includes trips, furniture, and items we’d like. However, you have to separate a person’s wants from all the needs. While you are working to raise your credit score make some trade-offs. For example you possibly can shop online to economize or you can look at second hand suppliers instead of high priced department stores regarding clothing. lagoa encantada ilhéus

    Reply

  40. Good blog! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day! thermostat

    Reply

  42. This will be the correct weblog for anyone who hopes to be familiar with this topic. You already know so much its practically hard to argue on hand (not too I personally would want…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin for a topic thats been revealed for some time. Fantastic stuff, just great! india evisa from colombia

    Reply

  47. I like your website.. great shades & motif. Performed people design and style this fabulous website yourself or even have people rely on someone else to make it work for you personally? Plz interact when I!|m looking to pattern by myself blog site plus would want to find out wherever u received this particular through. thank you ilheus lagoa encantada

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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