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?

219,456 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. It’s very straightforward to find out any topic on net as compared to
    textbooks, as I found this post at this web site.

    Here is my blog: weapon

    Reply

  2. Wow, this is really interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it. 토토솔루션

    Reply

  3. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the good work. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. 부산달리기

    Reply

  4. Nice post. I was continuously checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. 카지노사이트

    Reply

  5. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if
    it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    Look at my webpage … joint genesis supplement

    Reply

  6. Your mode of describing all in this paragraph is actually nice, all be able to without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot.

    Also visit my site :: slot online

    Reply

  7. I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. 카지노사이트

    Reply

  8. You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. tsclistens

    Reply

  9. This blog does a great job highlighting the key challenges Albany is facing during the pandemic. The issues with uninsured individuals struggling to access healthcare are concerning, and the transportation barriers make it even harder for people to get the care they need. I appreciate the focus on mental health, as it’s often overlooked, but has become so important during these times. It’s clear there are efforts to improve access, but more work is needed to support vulnerable populations. Thanks for bringing attention to these important topics!

    Reply

  10. Looking for a fun online gaming experience? Pin Up has over 5,000 exciting games, from slots to live dealer options. Sign up today and grab a welcome bonus of up to ₹450,000 along with 250 free spins! It’s a great platform for Indian players seeking big wins and entertainment in 2024.

    Reply

  11. Pin-Up is one of the best platforms for online gaming, offering over 5,000 games including exciting slots, table games, and live dealer options. If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling game experience, I highly recommend trying it out.

    Reply

  12. Godrej Zenith is a luxurious residential development offering modern living in a serene environment. Nestled in a prime location, this project by Godrej Properties provides residents with a blend of comfort, elegance, and top-notch amenities. From spacious apartments designed for contemporary lifestyles to lush green surroundings that promote relaxation, Godrej Zenith is the perfect place to call home for families and professionals alike. The project is strategically located, ensuring excellent connectivity to major hubs and daily conveniences, making life more convenient for its residents.

    Reply

  13. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple adjustements
    would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. With thanks

    Have a look at my blog – Website

    Reply

  14. I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people, its really
    really good post on building up new webpage.

    Take a look at my page … source

    Reply

  15. I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any recommendations? margie washichek

    Reply

  16. 그것은 매우 유익하고 당신은 분명히이 분야에 대해 매우 잘 알고 있습니다. 흥미롭고 탄탄한 내용으로이 주제에 대한 다양한 견해에 눈을 뜨 셨습니다. 카지노커뮤니티

    Reply

  17. If some one needs to be updated with hottest technologies therefore he must be
    go to see this web page and be up to date daily.

    Also visit my page … sonofit amazon

    Reply

  18. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your
    efforts and I will be waiting for your further post thanks once again.

    Feel free to visit my web page honeyburn purple honey

    Reply

  19. Great read! If you’re into online gaming, you should take a look at iGaming Canada. We have a ton of reviews and info on the best online casinos in Canada, helping you find the best gaming experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, it’s a great resource. Definitely worth checking out!

    Reply

  20. Wonderful blog! Do you have any recommendations
    for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any recommendations? Appreciate it!

    Feel free to surf to my web blog – bolacasino88

    Reply

  21. Can you tell us more about this? I’d like to find out some additional information.

    Look into my webpage – zoracel

    Reply

  22. you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible.
    It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick.
    Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done
    a magnificent process in this subject!

    my blog … Agni Finance

    Reply

  23. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much 카지노커뮤니티

    Reply

  24. You could certainly see your expertise in the work you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.

    All the time go after your heart.

    my web site … Look At This

    Reply

  25. 나는 이것을 읽을 것이다. 다시 올게요. 공유해 주셔서 감사합니다. 그리고이 기사는 우리가 현실을 관찰 할 수있는 빛을 제공합니다. 이것은 매우 좋은 것이며 심층적 인 정보를 제공합니다. 이 멋진 기사에 감사드립니다 .. 오피뷰홈페이지

    Reply

  26. It is a completely interesting blog publish.I often visit your posts for my project’s help about Diwali Bumper Lottery and your super writing capabilities genuinely go away me taken aback 온카

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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