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?

223,364 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us. William McDowell

    Reply

  2. With fresh updates and insightful articles, our website is your go-to destination for the latest trends and ideas! puasbet

    Reply

  3. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks Paycor login

    Reply

  4. Discover endless entertainment with Dhaka888. Join now! 🎮✨
    Experience seamless gaming with Dhaka888 Login. Access now! 🎮✨
    Experience the thrill of gaming with Babu88, offering a seamless platform with exciting features for every enthusiast. Explore Babu88 today! 🎮🌟
    Unlock exclusive features and enjoy a premium gaming experience with Babu88 VIP. Join Babu88 VIP today! 🌟🎮
    Elevate your gaming experience with Babu88 VIP Membership, offering premium benefits and exclusive features. Become a Babu88 VIP member today! 🌟🎮

    Reply

  5.  am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work 슬롯커뮤니티

    Reply

  6. Very good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts. ai chatbot services

    Reply

  7. Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I have a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such information 레드벨벳토토

    Reply

  8. I am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks pbn indonesia

    Reply

  9. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention 무료슬롯

    Reply

  10. From start to finish, we ensure your moving experience is seamless. Our skilled team provides tailored moving services designed to meet your needs with efficiency and care. moving companies

    Reply

  11. The hunt for the next crypto to explode is on as we step into 2025, a year filled with opportunities and potential for big returns. Cryptocurrency markets have repeatedly shown that those who stay informed and act quickly can see significant rewards. Both individual investors and institutions are asking: What is the next crypto to explode?
    As we start this new year, several trends and events are shaping the market and creating opportunities. These include Bitcoin’s dominance and its upcoming halving, the growth of Layer-2 scaling solutions, and the increasing need for blockchains to work together. These shifts are changing how investors look at both established coins and newer projects.
    This guide is for experienced crypto experts who want clear and useful insights. Whether you’re looking into affordable cryptos with potential or studying Bitcoin’s next resistance level, this guide will help you make informed choices. Let’s explore what’s driving the crypto market in 2025 and highlight the projects with the most promise.

    Reply

  12. You actually make it look so easy with your performance but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never comprehend. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it! 토토사이트

    Reply

  13. This is so well-explained! I’ll definitely be sharing it with others. Not many articles are this thorough and reader-friendly—thank you for the quality content!https://www.chipshome.com

    Reply

  14. This article effectively underscores the disparities in healthcare access during the pandemic, particularly for vulnerable populations. Online Psychology Classes can play a role in bridging mental health gaps by offering accessible learning and support options.

    Reply

  15. You acftually make it seem really easy with your presentation however
    I in finding this matter to be actually something that I thgink I would never understand.

    It sort off feels too complex and very extensive for
    me. I’m having a look forward in your next publish, I’ll attempt to gget
    the hang of it!

    Also visit my web page web page

    Reply

  16. Contemporary furniture and beds typically options sleek
    strains with neutral colors or daring pops of coloration.
    If you are a fan of the minimalist Nordic model, our wood chairs with
    clean traces and pure finishes will seamlessly blend into your house, making a warm and inviting ambiance.
    This level of customization ensures that every bit of furniture seamlessly integrates into your current decor whereas adding a contact of individuality.
    The name could be changed by interacting with the
    ostrich whereas holding a medallion or e book. You
    can provide your tamed ostrich chick a reputation. Horses can now wear
    armor, from softer to sturdier. I forgot to say I’m now following via e-mail.
    Tamed and wild goats will observe you if you’re carrying any edible items
    in your hand. Wild ostriches can’t be tamed, but in case
    you happen to ‘acquire’ an ostrich egg and hatch
    it, the chick will probably be tamed and will observe you round.

    Reply

  17. Crown ART Shoppee proudly presents our Luxury Nesting Coffee Table
    , a stunning fusion of contemporary elegance and functional design. This sophisticated piece combines sleek black tempered glass with a striking gold-finished metal frame, creating a statement piece that elevates any interior space.

    Reply

  18. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i
    can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your
    permission let me to grab your feed to keep
    updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

    my site: retro bowl

    Reply

  19. Ankara Hastanesi
    A Life Health Group , as one of the leading private hospitals in Ankara, stands out in the health sector with its advanced technology and expert physician staff. Ankara Hastanesi

    Reply

  20. I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site azulejos de cocina

    Reply

  21. An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers. section 8 karim

    Reply

  22. Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated! azulejos de baño

    Reply

  23. Situs gampang menang dan sudah di percayai ribuan member dari indonesia segera bergabung di IDR89

    Reply

  24. This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this.. 아벤주소

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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