Posted on 166,681 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?

166,681 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health”

  2. Great write-up, you have denoted out some amazing aspects, I Equally Consider this s a very wonderful Online page. I’ll pay a visit to again for more high quality contents together with, advise This Internet site to all. Many thanks.ทางเข้าสล็อต

    Reply

  7. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.
    Retinol

    Reply

  11. I was satisfied to discover this site.I needed to thank you for this incredible read!! I unquestionably getting a charge out of each and every piece of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post. 數學補習

    Reply

  12. Your labor is way appreciated. No one can quit to admire you. Quite a lot of appreciation.

    Reply

  16. 좋은 글을 써 주셔서 감사합니다. 저는 당신의 블로그를 우연히 발견하고 몇 개의 글을 읽었습니다. 나는 당신의 글쓰기 스타일을 좋아합니다 … 먹튀검증

    Reply

  17. More than just a Jewelry Gifts For Mother 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 Mother

    Reply

  20. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. Belgian Malinois breed

    Reply

  25. you have made some decent points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.bikini bootcamp

    Reply

  26. I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post  數學補習

    Reply

  34. If you are thinking of hiring a helping hand for your assignment then go for the Assignment Helper because they are the perfect ones for you and also they will help you in achieving your desired grades.

    Reply

  37. I have been impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts. I just want to say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming! Your exuberance is refreshing. 威而鋼購買

    Reply

  38. An elegantly designed set can instantly enhance your kitchen’s or bathroom’s aesthetic appeal. Check out the various styles, types, and water sprays, and also see the best Bathroom Nal Design.

    https://esselbath.com/

    Reply

  39. You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this… 威而鋼購買

    Reply

  41. Excellent blog. Thank you for sharing this information in this blog. We assist with, Law Assessment help in UK. I am a professional assessmnet help expert. If you are facing problems in Law Assessment Help contact us we have h experts team. They help to solve your problems quickly.
    สมัครแทงบอล

    Reply

  47. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Movie sound track

    Reply

  50. I would like to convey my admiration for your generosity in support of men and women that have the need for help with this particular concern. Your special dedication to getting the message all over had been wonderfully productive and have all the time made professionals much like me to attain their dreams. Your own invaluable tutorial means a great deal to me and additionally to my office workers. Thank you; from everyone of us. iptv

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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