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?
192,033 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”
Youre so right. Im there with you. Your blog is surely worth a read if anyone comes throughout it. Im lucky I did because now Ive obtained a whole new view of this. I didnt realise that this issue was so important and so universal. You absolutely put it in perspective for me. Lift Master Gate Motors Services
Lift Master Gate Motors Services
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. slot online
captain seo
A Private Car Service offers personalized, luxury transportation tailored to your specific needs. With professional chauffeurs, high-end vehicles, and a focus on comfort and convenience, private car services provide a stress-free travel experience. Ideal for airport transfers, corporate events, or special occasions, private car services ensure timely, reliable, and exclusive transportation with privacy and style.
Private Car Service
Stunning things you’ve reliably acquainted with us. Basically continue to make this sort out of posts.The time which was squandered in going for enlightening cost now it will overall be utilized for studies.Thanks bague agate homme
aaaa
It’s amazing for me to have a web site, which is beneficial designed for my knowledge.
thanks admin
Feel free to visit my web-site portable monitor
Meridith
I got what you mean , regards for posting .Woh I am pleased to find this website through google. automatic gate opener services
automatic gate opener services
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. KBO중계
Baby James
Looking for an exceptional Chauffeur Service? Our professional chauffeurs provide reliable and luxurious transportation tailored to your needs. Whether you require airport transfers, corporate travel, or special event transportation, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. Experience the convenience and elegance of our chauffeur service for your next journey!
Chauffeur Service
certainly like your website but you have to take a look at the
spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling
issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the
reality nevertheless I will surely come again again.
My web blog; anonymous
Troy
Absolutely! Your content is consistently insightful, and I’m excited to see what you’ll share next. As someone working in the Gastroenterologists near me in Spring, TXindustry here in Houston, I found your recent post on unitedgastrotx. especially valuable. It’s evident that you put a lot of thought and effort into your blog, and it has become a go-to resource for me. Keep up the fantastic work!
unitedgastrotx
Howdy outstanding blog! Does running a blog
such as this require a great deal of work? I have no knowledge of
programming however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you
have any suggestions or techniques for new blog
owners please share. I know this is off topic but I just needed to ask.
Kudos!
My web blog: Private SEO RadenBro
Adriene
Appreciation to my father who shared with me regarding this
webpage, this webpage is actually amazing.
Also visit my homepage смотреть онлайн турецкий сериал на русском языке
Eloy
thank you for a great post. http:/mixo.io
BUSHRA
Thank you for this blog because this blog is very useful for everyone, here you can also find a lot of interesting information like this game https://bongdacmd368.net/
game kasino paling cuan
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your
site in web explorer, may test this? IE still is the market chief and a good part of folks will pass over your wonderful
writing due to this problem.
Feel free to visit my webpage :: фейкеры
Enid
an online slot game that is very interesting and also very easy to make a profit.
https://yesteviawc.info/
game togel online
If you’re searching for affordable Commercial Van insurance insurance, look at smaller sized
vans or even those along with lesser engine capacities.
They are actually generally less costly to cover.
Mellissa
Loto Polonia este un joc de loterie care se desfășoară zilnic, oferind participanților ocazia de an alege numere și de a câștiga premii semnificative. Una dintre variantele populare este loto polonia 20 clamor 80, unde jucătorii aleg 20 de numere dintr-un set de 80. Această loterie este cunoscută pentru tragerile deal frecvente și pentru flexibilitatea oferită jucătorilor în alegerea numerelor.
https://lotopolonia.net/
sasearwt564
Teen Patti, a very popular traditional card game in India, offers interesting variations that can enhance the playing experience, as well as huge profits, for more information please visit the website https://tuvanxaydungnha.net/
kasino online vip