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?

220,002 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

    1. Excellent e-commerce content. I genuinely want to understand how it works. I’m doing drop shipping, where I sell products and only focus on selling while a third party handles stock and delivery. Matka 420

      Reply

  1. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this site, as i want enjoyment, since this this web site conations really nice funny stuff too. 토토검증

    Reply

  2. More than just a Jewelry Gifts For Birthday brand, we are a movement on a mission to revolutionizes the jewelry experience. We believe handmade, personal Envogue Jewelries can do good. Jewelry Gifts For Birthday

    Reply

  3. More than just a Jewelry Gifts For Birthday brand, we are a movement on a mission to revolutionizes the jewelry experience. We believe handmade, personal Envogue Jewelries can do goods. Jewelry Gifts For Birthday

    Reply

  4. Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. 안전놀이터

    Reply

  5. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent idea. i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me. Well we really like to visit this site, many useful information we can get here. I love reading your blog because it has very interesting topics . 먹튀

    Reply

  6. 당신이 쓴 작품의 환상적 명확성을 위해 감사의 말을하는 것만으로는 충분하지 않습니다. 나는 즉시 귀하의 rss 채널을 포착하여 업데이트에 대한 교육을 계속받을 것입니다. 토토사이트

    Reply

  7. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. backpack factory

    Reply

  8. National Lien & Bond has over 30 years of experience helping contractors and claimants settle their debts. NLB Get's You Paid! mechanics lien

    Reply

  9. Bitstamp is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Luxembourg. It allows trading between fiat currency, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It allows USD, EUR, GBP, bitcoin, ALGO, XRP, Ether, litecoin.for more information visit… Bitstamp Login |

    Reply

  10. Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks.
    กันแดด

    Reply

  11. Yes! We have subscribed to the goal to make you look good with our exceptional clothing line. However, just like a two-edged sword, we are also innovatively inscribing relevant scriptures on strategic sections of our clothing. Christian Clothing Brands

    Reply

  12. You might comment on the order system of the blog. You should chat it’s splendid. Your blog audit would swell up your visitors. I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! news entrepreneur

    Reply

  13. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. combat, law enforcement You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. entrepreneur business news

    Reply

  14. How To Buy Amazon AWS Accounts

    Do you want to know where you can buy an Amazon AWS Account? You’ll be relieved to learn that you’ve come to the correct location. We provide the finest Amazon AWS Accounts for sale. Many companies offer Amazon AWS Accounts. But you should purchase from the best vendors. And we can assure you that we are the highest platform. We provide genuine, active Amazon AWS Accounts. So go ahead and Buy Amazon AWS Accounts from us right now!

    Reply

  15. Gudang77 Situs judi slot online yang terbesar dan sudah mendapatkan izin resmi di Indonesia. Menyediakan situs game slot online terlengkap dengan uang asli, agen SBOBET resmi, slot online , memberikan yang terbaik mencakup seluruh bidang permainan game online

    Reply

  16. I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy.
    Eames Office Chair EA117

    Reply

  17. Gudang77 Situs judi slot online yang terbesar dan sudah mendapatkan izin resmi di Indonesia. Menyediakan situs game slot online terlengkap dengan uang asli, agen SBOBET resmi, slot online dan, memberikan yang terbaik mencakup seluruh bidang permainan game online

    Reply

  18. I are actually stunned suitable right after study as a result of this on account of some top high quality do The work and enlightening emotions. I just really need to say lots of many thanks for The author and need you all the very best for coming! Your exuberance is refreshing.

    Reply

  19. I’m writing on this topic these days, safetoto, 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

  20. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Good to become visiting your weblog again, it has been months for me. Nicely this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I will need this post to total my assignment in the college, and it has exact same topic together with your write-up. Thanks, good share. wmcasino
    bqseo

    Reply

  21. Meh lungo angel bertahan loro
    Nyobo selalu ono meski koe raono roso
    Roso sing jebul tak rasakne dewe
    Kebacut sayang ngek i harapan koe milih liyane Live Draw Cambodia

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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