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?
177,782 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”
https://103.182.47.225/
alexistogel
https://45.76.153.220/
slot online
Thanks for sharing this valuable content! I found it really insightful. If you have a moment, do visit my site. Cheri Heater Technology Co., Ltd is a leading High temperature cable manufacturer, providing cables that excel in efficiency at temperatures over 150 degrees Celsius, made with top-notch silicone insulation and jacket materials.
alex peterson
Managing Mixed-Use Properties Management Management in London requires a comprehensive approach that balances the diverse needs of tenants, ensures regulatory compliance, and maintains the financial health of the development. With the right strategies in place, property managers can successfully navigate the challenges and maximize the potential of these vibrant and dynamic properties. As the popularity of mixed-use developments continues to rise, effective management will be key to their long-term success in London’s ever-changing landscape.
Robert
Great wordpress blog 스포츠토토 here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
스포츠토토
I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
keno
keno
Thank you so much and I gained strength. I learned the importance of rest in recovering from fatigue. I would like to recommend a beautiful place that will help you relax your mind and improve your physical health.
https://www.innbari.com/gangneung
강릉 여관바리
Practice and live the mystical teachings of Jesus assisted by online courses, online retreats, and an online Tribe of Christ community a course in miracles
a course in miracles
We make every effort to provide comprehensive service and support for our online game players. Multi-device access with several options is a distinct advantage that we offer and present. Online game players can use the most complete services from the Maxwin slot game and connect to the game if they want to play. Play slot games with the features it has. Apart from that, it is also easy to access games without active internet. That way, you can connect to the online slot game without using a VPN so that the process can run easily and smoothly without any problems A guide to how to play trusted online games that is very important for genuine online slot game players is risk management. The principle of play for online slot game players is to first identify your own playing style. From the way we play online slot games, you can see the level of impact we dare to take. Manage your money well so that risk management can be implemented. The best budget management is to determine stop loss and profit targets in one day. Following the stages of compliance with risk management guidelines can help obtain maximum benefits https://lyy-suheng.com/
xeos
This article was incredibly helpful. I’ve been looking for clear guidance on this topic, and your post provided just that. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Great job! mcafee.com/activate
mcafee.com/activate
Welcome to Cheap Call Girls in Lahore and Lahore Models Call Girls. We are here for you to provide the best Call Girls service all over in Lahore Pakistan. High Class Call Girls Service in Lahore Like You Feel 100% Real Girlfriend Once you hire them. We provide High-class Call Girls in Lahore for sexual services to clients. You’ve come to the perfect site if you’re seeking for stylish Call Girls in Lahore. We are the most reputable Call Girls agency in Lahore and heaving neat and clean staff.
Cheap Call Girls in Lahore
BALAK88 Platform game online memiliki legilitas resmi sudah terjamin, kemenangan besar langsung dibayar lunas
oregonmobile13