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?

192,404 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. UFABET เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์เว็บไหนดี UFABETมือถือ UFABETไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ UFABETยอดนิยม ufabetเว็บตรงทางเข้า ufabetอันไหนดีสุด.

    UFABETสมัคร

    Reply

  2. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. uniswap

    Reply

  3. Completing an elaborate task like a dissertation is no joke, especially when you are tied up with multiple obligations. You are left with no choice but to get programming help from online tutors. And that’s not just for dissertations; students share similar struggles with most of their assignment deadlines.

    Reply

  4. Thanks for sharing this wonderful and informative article; keep it up. Noorani Qaida Learn online is compulsory for kids to understand the basic Arabic Language. It will be helpful in reading Urdu Arabic Qaida for beginners.

    Reply

  5. pp pipes

    RIFENG PP-R plumbing system, made out of high-quality polypropylene random copolymer, can be utilized in both residential and commercial buildings

    Reply

  6. i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. why amazon is best?

    Reply

  7. I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. why amazon is best?

    Reply

  8. The when Someone said a blog, I am hoping that this doesnt disappoint me approximately this place. Come on, man, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I just thought youd have something fascinating to mention. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix in the event you werent too busy interested in attention. how to cancel chegg subscription

    Reply

  9. I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ‘ ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious… goceng slot

    Reply

  10. https://pggaming168.com พัฒนาการของไพ่ในปัจจุบันufa แตกต่างจาก ส่งตรงจากสนามทั่วเอเชีย ฟรี สิ่งที่ต้องทำคือ ท่ามกลางความโล่งใจปนสงสัย คาสิโนสด3 6 พร้อมวิธีเข้าใช้งาน ลิ้ หลังจากนั้นผมก็ไม่เจอจังๆแบบนี้อีกเลย ถ้าคุณหาความสุขช่วงนี้ได้คุณก็คงมีความสุขมั้ง ก็คือ รวดเ 108 ก็ขอให้เข็มแข็ง ที่ได้รวบรวมเอาการเดิมพันรูปแบบต่าง อยู่ไม่ไกลเกินเอื้อม เว็บ รับประกันว่า มั่นใจในเรื่องของคุณภาพไปได้เลย เกมไหนน่าเล่น ไม่บอกก็คงรู้ใช่ไหมครับ ของสามี :

    Reply

  11. Somebody essentially lend a hand to make seriously articles I’d state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular post incredible. Wonderful job! how to change voicemail on iPhone

    Reply

  12. The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. gaskeun slot

    Reply

  13. WhitePods 3™ is an upgraded model for a cheaper price. WhitePods 3 is the 4rd generation of WhitePods. The long awaited new release is already here! With a compact design and horizontal opening case, these audiophones have the most desired characteristics of all WhitePods.

    Reply

  14. “I wanted to write you this little bit of note to finally thank you over again on your stunning ideas you have documented in this case. This is generous of people like you to give freely all that most of us might have made available as an ebook to make some money for their own end, principally since you could have tried it if you decided. These strategies also worked as the great way to realize that most people have similar keenness similar to my very own to grasp way more on the topic of this problem. I believe there are numerous more enjoyable instances up front for folks who check out your website.” best link tracking software

    Reply

  15. I have perused your online journal it is exceptionally useful for me. I need to express profound gratitude to you. I have bookmark your site for future redesigns.  銅鑼灣 massage

    Reply

  16. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing physics 補習

    Reply

  17. You can get your Dubai visa delivered to you within days now through Dubaivisacenter. This site using its high expert team members in the field of visas will help you get to your desired destination within just days. All we do is check all of your documents and make sure you are eligible for the visa and not get turned down when you submit your application!
    Apply Dubai Visa

    Reply

  18. I felt exceptionally glad while perusing this site. This was truly exceptionally enlightening site for me. I truly preferred it. This was truly a sincere post. Much obliged!.  銅鑼灣按摩

    Reply

  19. I have been meaning to read this and just never obtained a chance. It’s an issue that I’m really interested in, I just started reading and I’m glad I did. You’re a fantastic blogger, one of the best that I’ve seen. This weblog undoubtedly has some facts on topic that I just wasn’t aware of. Thanks for bringing this stuff to light. dreamgaming

    Reply

  20. Are you involved in holiday party games that have a super low budget? Not to worry – we’ve got you covered with our favorite Secret Santa gifts under $10 that everyone will definitely love! Secret Santa gifts under 10

    Reply

  21. I have been meaning to read this and just never obtained a chance. It’s an issue that I’m really interested in, I just started reading and I’m glad I did. You’re a fantastic blogger, one of the best that I’ve seen. This weblog undoubtedly has some facts on topic that I just wasn’t aware of. Thanks for bringing this stuff to light. แทงบอลออนไลน์

    Reply

  22. There couple of fascinating points over time here but I don’t know if them all center to heart. You can find some validity but I am going to take hold opinion until I take a look at it further. Very good post , thanks and we want far more! Included with FeedBurner also get more info

    Reply

  23. Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja Ujjain Price is a very dangerous combination that can be present in the horoscope and is considered to be the most inauspicious Yoga. It is said that if this Yoga is formed in the horoscope, then the native has to suffer from many problems. The native has to struggle a lot in his life. This Yoga is formed when all planets come in between Rahu and Ketu. There is a lot of struggle in the native’s life. The native has to work hard for his living and the native has to face many problems.
    Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja Ujjain Price

    Reply

  24. Any customized item is always such a lovely gift to have. It shows that you have put a lot of thought into your skills and it’s not just something you simply picked and bought off from a random rack at the store. Secret Santa gifts under 10

    Reply

  25. This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information…

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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