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?

208,546 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. spinix 879
    เว็บที่คนเล่นเยอะที่สุด โปรโมชั่นตลอดทั้งปีLava879

    Reply

  2. A simple bookmarking tool that makes it easy to save, organize and share your favorite web pages. Access your bookmarks from any computer, phone or tablet. Listango works on all modern web browsers… go now

    Reply

  3. เมื่อสร้างเพลย์ลิสต์ของคุณ คุณควรอย่าลืมเพิ่มคำสำคัญที่คุณต้องการกำหนดเป้าหมาย ชื่อไฟล์ที่มีคำหลักจำนวนมากมีแนวโน้มที่จะถูกมองว่าเป็นชื่อที่ไม่มีประสิทธิภาพอย่างแน่นอน คุณต้องใช้วิธีรีมาร์เก็ตติ้งเพื่อให้ได้จำนวนการดูมากขึ้นในการบันทึกวิดีโอ YouTube ของคุณที่นี่ โดยทั่วไปแล้ว บุคคลที่ดูวิดีโอออนไลน์ของคุณจริงๆ จะพูดคุยกับเพื่อนที่ดีของพวกเขา คุณยังสามารถกำหนดเป้าหมายกลุ่มประชากรเฉพาะได้อย่างง่ายดายด้วยโฆษณาบนไซต์เครือข่ายสังคมออนไลน์

    เกมสล็อตUFA656

    Reply

  4. leather jacket is wonderful, i really like it. I waited quite a long to receive it but it was worth it. It’s warm and comfy.. perfect for autumn and spring. I love this leather jacket

    Reply

  5. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! 代写essay

    Reply

  6. Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. 加拿大代写

    Reply

  7. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. 代写

    Reply

  8. I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. 代写essay

    Reply

  9. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! 代写 assignment

    Reply

  10. 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! 代写 assignment

    Reply

  11. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Honor Play 5T Pro Price in bulgaria 2022

    Reply

  12. Mens Leather Jacket NYC

    I’ve had many compliments on this jacket people love the unique design and embroidery. I’m 5”11 and this jacket fits well although it could be a little longer but apart from that it’s perfect!

    Reply

  13. To get the information about their services and products, TJX Canada has come up with an idea of offering gifts to its customers. Once after you complete taking the TJX Canada-Opinion.Ca Survey, you are entered in a TJX Canada Survey Sweepstakes. These sweepstakes can help you to win $1000 TJX Gift Card Canada or Coupon Code. You can reclaim its benefits at the time of your visit to the TJX Canada Store or its outlets.

    เกมสล็อตUFA656

    Reply

  14. Hello, thanks for sharing such Amazing post. Nowadays, it has been observed that students usually finds themselves with struggling with their academic tasks within the given period of time and the situation becomes worrisome when students lose their grades and end up feeling low esteemed and overwhelmed. In that situation what will be the best option to do? I suggest acquiring the professional help from the MATLAB Assignment Help reference guide and excelling your academic future with soaring grades and academic heights.

    Reply

  15. leather jacket women is GORGEOUS! I love its simple and sleek design. It’s so easy to pair without fits and just a great overall jacket you could wear every day and never get sick of

    Reply

  16. I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven’t had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. 먹튀폴리스

    Reply

  17. 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. 代写 assignment

    Reply

  18. With Elysium Autos Advance Auto Parts, We’ve Got It All! You Can Now Buy Car & Phone Accessories, Repair Tools, And More From Anywhere In The World With FREE USA Shipping! Elysium Autos Advance Parts

    Reply

  19. No doubt this is an excellent post I got a lot of knowledge after reading good luck. Theme of blog is excellent there is almost everything to read, Brilliant post. 代写

    Reply

  20. I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. 代写

    Reply

  21. Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. Devan Beds

    Reply

  22. At HiMenus our work spins around consumer loyalty and the wellbeing of our lofty accomplices. Our fundamental goal is to serve you with the most ideal help so your business thrive in manners that were never accomplished.

    https://himenus.com/digital-menu/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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