Posted on 227,076 Comments on Important Determinants of Health

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?

227,076 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  5. I every time emailed this weblog post page to all my associates,
    for the reason that if like to read it afterward my friends will too.

    My blog post: Thanh

    Reply

  6. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have keep in mind
    your stuff previous to and you’re simply too magnificent. I actually
    like what you’ve received here, certainly like what you are saying and the way through which you say it.
    You are making it entertaining and you continue to care for to keep it smart.
    I can’t wait to read much more from you. That is really a great site.

    Also visit my website: yupoo supplier

    Reply

  10. Yes, all that we said for youths stand in relation to adults as well.

    Feel free to visit my homepage martial arts lessons – Mae,

    Reply

  11. I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this web page
    who has shared this impressive paragraph at at this place.

    my website :: koitoto

    Reply

  13. Також передбачені часове та просторове шумозаглушення, додавання зернистості, розмиття,
    імли та інших ефектів.

    Here is my web site: скачативідео

    Reply

  14. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.

    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

    My homepage; American Garage Doors

    Reply

  16. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I may
    as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m
    following you. Look forward to going over your web page yet again.

    Here is my page … American Garage Doors

    Reply

  17. Uzun Yılların getirmiş olduğu bu tecrübe ile %100 Güvenli ,
    hızlı ve kaliteli hizmetimizle Türkiye’nin 8 Yıldır En güvenilir ve kaliteli hizmetini
    sunmaktayız.

    my web site … tiktok link video indir – http://www.konhaber.com –

    Reply

  22. I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
    I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later.
    All the best

    My homepage – Bokep Terbaru

    Reply

  28. This paragraph presents clear idea in favor of the new users of blogging, that truly how to do blogging and
    site-building.

    my blog: Bokep Terbaru

    Reply

  32. Wow! At last I got a blog from where I be capable of really take helpful information regarding my study
    and knowledge.

    Here is my web-site: Bokep Terbaru

    Reply

  37. Hi there to every body, it’s my first visit of this website; this webpage consists of
    awesome and truly good stuff designed for visitors.

    My web blog: 美女A片

    Reply

  38. I think the admin of this web site is really working hard in support of
    his site, since here every data is quality based material.

    Here is my page: Click here

    Reply

  40. F168 là nhà cái trực tuyến uy tín, được cấp phép hoạt động hợp pháp bởi Isle of Man và Khu Kinh tế Cagayan Freeport. Được thành lập vào năm 2017, F168 cam kêt một môi trường cá cược an toàn, văn minh và uy tín.

    Reply

  43. What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
    discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads.

    I’m hoping to contribute & assist different users like its helped me.
    Good job.

    my blog post: Online Betting

    Reply

  48. When some one searches for his essential thing, thus
    he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.

    Also visit my webpage: link tangandewa

    Reply

  50. PG 888TH Hello, I’m PG again at various websites. ours and we will start with various technologies and website development. I am interested in innovation and education. My activities have been through various fields. On

    welcome everyone . The source of the great site now is PG 888TH, an online site that gives big prizes to everyone every day only here PG 888TH

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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