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?

208,089 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. PayPal Login is an online service that provides a convenient way to transfer money. You can send and receive money online for products and services

    Reply

  2. One of the most prevalent treatments for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine, which stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.” During the time that you are asleep, it maintains the openness of your airways so that you can take in the oxygen that you require for maximum performance. People who use CPAP machines sleep better and are less likely to get heart disease or stroke. Hitwin healthcare is the leading CPAP Device Suppliers in India. They afford the best price with high-end quality.

    Reply

  3. Do you want to store your Cryptocurrencies in the best wallet? It’s a good idea to use the SafePal wallet. A secure software and hardware wallet is offered by the company to traders of digital currencies. The wallet is also linked to the SafePal application. Cryptocurrencies are stored and managed safely with it. When you set up an account, you can choose between a 12-digit or 24-digit recovery phras and you can Recover Safepal Wallet.

    Reply

  4. juad888
    สล็อตต่างประเทศ การพัฒนาแต่ละสล็อตเพื่อเพิ่มความสนุกสนาน ให้กับผู้เล่นที่มาใช้บริการบน เว็บ madibet จึงเป็นสิ่งสำคัญที่จะเข้าสู่การทดสอบสล็อตออนไลน์ เว็บสล็อต แตกง่ายที่สุด ถ้าคุณมาเล่นแล้วลงทุนในสล็อตเกมต่างประเทศ

    Reply

  5. Hello team i found this content much more informational and inspirational. This blog provides so much information and helps me a lot while searching for new skills. Thanks for sharing such information with us..
    Agra Escorts

    Reply

  6. Thanks for taking the time to discuss that, I feel strongly about this and so really like getting to know more on this kind of field. Do you mind updating your blog post with additional insight? It should be really useful for all of us. CDN-AF.FEEDNEWS COM

    Reply

  7. I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. CDN-AF.FEEDNEWS COM

    Reply

  8. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much.
    essay help online

    Reply

  9. Now get chance with experts who provide you essay maker service which help you to grab good marks in your subject also avail this service on guarantee.

    Reply

  10. nice style and superb content material, hardly anything else we want.enjoy studying on this website, it has got good blog posts. “And all the winds go sighing Boat Rental Toronto

    Reply

  11. Energy is a basic part that businesses will search for, likewise with any job. The capacity to carry positive energy to a group and really trust what you are really going after is crucial. Enthusiasm to accomplish the most noteworthy point is infectious. It approves that you will learn generator. Do you really want reference help to have the free lab report help to refer to your task or record?

    Reply

  12. I’m writing on this topic these days, 베트남 밤문화, but I have stopped writing because there is no reference material. Then I accidentally found your article. I can refer to a variety of materials, so I think the work I was preparing will work! Thank you for your efforts.

    Reply

  13. Acknowledges for paper such a beneficial composition, I stumbled beside your blog besides decipher a limited announce. I want your technique of inscription… 안전놀이터

    Reply

  14. I am often to blogging and i also truly appreciate your site content. The content has really peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your blog and maintain checking for new details. Kitchen Accessories In Pakistan

    Reply

  15. Most students struggle with accounting research papers. They must use complicated financial terms and make the structure appear to be a continuous flow. Aside from that, financial accounting does not appear to be a subject in which you may let your imagination run wild. As a result, such papers may be flawed. Learn the best Accounting Research Topics an ideas to choose from, and get interesting ideas for your Accounting Research writing.

    Reply

  16. 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. about Restylane

    Reply

  17. It ought to be seen that while requesting papers available to be gained at paper making association, you can get unkind point of view.https://myasiantv.lv/. On the off chance that you feel that the pro is endeavoring to cheat you, don’t purchase ask about assignment from it

    Reply

  18. Survival Food Outlet is the Largest Repository of Emergency Food Supplies, Water Storage and Purification and Survival Gear Prepping Needs on the internet – all create and provided to keep you and your family safe Camping Meals

    Reply

  19. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. data visualization courses

    Reply

  20. “Are you still feeling crazy and don’t found any solution as the exam hours are coming? Don’t worry you can handle all the troubles as the experience Assignment Helpers online are with you with their flawless excellence.”

    Reply

  21. This type of message always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content, so happy to find good place to many here in the post, the writing is just great, thanks for the post. slot demo gratis rupiah

    Reply

  22. Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it! satta matka

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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