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?

169,781 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. I think this is definitely an amazing project here. So much good will be coming from this project. The ideas and the work behind this will pay off so much.

    Reply

  2. It’s a superior strategies notably to help you the a newcomer to blogosphere, summary and even legitimate information… Bless you designed for writing this town. Required browse guide. US Fake ID

    Reply

  3. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! trader joe xyz

    Reply

  4. Boost your daily nutrition with Tonic Greens, the ultimate superfood blend designed to nourish and revitalize your body from the inside out. Say hello to a vibrant life full of vitality by harnessing the power of nature’s finest greens in every sip. Embrace well-being in its purest form with Tonic Greens. TONIC GREENS

    Reply

  5. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and now it is becoming an ally in weight loss with the launch of Fitspresso. This product combines the benefits of coffee with natural ingredients that aid in fat burning and metabolism boosting. In this article, we will analyze Fitspresso, its ingredients, benefits, usage, and evaluate if it really works. FITSPRESSO

    Reply

  6. Cellucare is a product specially formulated to combat cellulite. Using a combination of active ingredients, it aims to reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve skin firmness, and promote a smoother and more even texture. Cellucare is available in various forms, including creams, gels, and injection treatments, catering to individual needs and preferences. CELLUCARE

    Reply

  7. Online slot games are a very interesting and exciting form of entertainment. In this game, players will feel the thrill and excitement of rolling the reels and hoping to get a profitable combination of symbols. Online slots offer a variety of different themes, from epic adventures to stunning natural beauty. Each theme has charming graphics and stunning sound effects, creating an unforgettable gaming experience. For more information, you can visit our website https://goslot1.io

    Reply

  8. Are you confused about looking for a really exciting game? Just visit this blog here, later you will find an exciting, interesting and very profitable game. For further information, please visit this website https://antenistas.org

    Reply

  9. E-commerce software development services refer to the comprehensive range of professional services aimed at designing, building, and maintaining e-commerce platforms and applications. These services enable businesses to sell products and services online efficiently and effectively, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. E-commerce software development services can encompass everything from custom website development to integration with third-party services, mobile app development, and ongoing support.
    https://www.unthinkable.co/ecommerce-software-development-services

    Reply

  10. E-commerce software development services refer to the comprehensive range of professional services aimed at designing, building, and maintaining e-commerce platforms and applications. These services enable businesses to sell products and services online efficiently and effectively, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.
    https://www.unthinkable.co/ecommerce-software-development-services

    Reply

  11. Salesforce services encompass a range of professional services aimed at helping businesses leverage Salesforce’s cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform optimize their sales, marketing, customer service, and overall business operations. These services can include everything from initial consultation and implementation to customization, integration, training, and ongoing support: https://www.unthinkable.co/salesforce/

    Reply

  12. Marketplace software development services refer to the comprehensive range of professional services aimed at designing, building, and maintaining online marketplace platforms. These platforms enable multiple vendors to sell their products or services to customers, facilitating transactions, communication, and other interactions between buyers and sellers. Marketplace software development services can cater to various types of marketplaces, including B2B, B2C, C2C, and niche verticals: https://www.unthinkable.co/marketplace-software-development-services/

    Reply

  13. Travel mobility software development services refer to the specialized services aimed at designing, building, and maintaining software solutions tailored for the travel and mobility industry. These services can encompass a wide range of applications, including travel booking systems, ride-sharing platforms, fleet management solutions, tour management systems, and more. The goal is to enhance the overall travel experience, streamline operations, and improve efficiency for both service providers and end-users: https://www.unthinkable.co/travel-mobility-software-development-services/

    Reply

  14. Tech startups software development services refer to a suite of professional services designed to help technology startups bring their ideas to life by developing robust, scalable, and innovative software solutions. These services cater to the unique needs of startups, including rapid prototyping, iterative development, and scaling solutions as the business grows. The goal is to provide startups with the technical expertise, tools, and support they need to succeed in a competitive market:
    https://www.unthinkable.co/tech-startups-software-development-services/

    Reply

  15. Software development services encompass a broad range of activities and processes aimed at designing, creating, deploying, and maintaining software applications. These services cater to various industries and can address a wide array of business needs, from custom software solutions to mobile applications, applications, enterprise systems, and more. The goal is to deliver high-quality, reliable, and scalable software that meets specific user requirements and business objectives:
    https://www.unthinkable.co/software-development-services/

    Reply

  16. Mobile app development services encompass a comprehensive range of professional services aimed at designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. These services cater to various platforms, including iOS, Android, and cross-platform solutions, and can address a wide array of business needs, from consumer-facing apps to enterprise-grade solutions. The goal is to deliver high-quality, user-friendly and functional mobile apps that meet specific user requirements and business objectives: https://www.unthinkable.co/mobile-app-development-services/

    Reply

  17. Healthtech, short for health technology, refers to the use of technology,, and digital solutions to improve the delivery of healthcare services, enhance patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflows, and reduce healthcare costs. Healthtech encompasses a wide range of innovations, including telemedicine, electronic health records (EHR), wearable devices, mobile health apps, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. The primary of healthtech is to leverage technology to make healthcare more efficient, accessible, and personalized: https://www.unthinkable.co/blog/what-is-healthtech-and-why-does-it-matter-to-all-of-us/

    Reply

  18. Aussie Math Tutor NSW is an online private tutoring service based in Sydney, NSW. We are experienced expert tutors who offer engaging and enjoyable sessions for students from early school years to level 10. We are passionate about providing the proper education to the children that will help them excel in their future: https://aussiemathtutor.com.au/

    Reply

  19. Many thanks finding the time to go about this amazing, I find myself eagerly regarding and love finding out more to do with this excellent field. In the instance that conceivable, due to the fact accomplish mastery, exactly what thoughts replacing your entire website by having indepth info? This is used for i am. Youtube to MP3 Converter

    Reply

  20. Haidilao là chuỗi nhà hàng lẩu Trung Quốc nổi tiếng với dịch vụ khách hàng tuyệt vời và nguyên liệu chất lượng cao. Có nguồn gốc từ Trung Quốc, chuỗi nhà hàng này đã mở rộng ra nhiều quốc gia trên thế giới. Khách hàng có thể thưởng thức nhiều loại thịt tươi, hải sản, rau củ và nước chấm độc đáo. Haidilao cũng nổi tiếng với trải nghiệm ăn uống giải trí, với một số địa điểm cung cấp các buổi biểu diễn kéo mì và các dịch vụ miễn phí như làm móng tay và đồ ăn nhẹ trong khi chờ đợi.
    https://haidilaovn.org/

    Reply

  21. For those looking to make healthier dining choices while still enjoying fast food, Jolliebee Singapore offers several options that can fit into a balanced diet. From their range of salads to the grilled chicken wraps, there’s something for health-conscious individuals. For a comprehensive look at their current menu and prices, check out this Jolliebee Singapore menu. Feel free to share your favorite healthy picks from their menu!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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