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?

138,704 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. услуга смм

    Reply

  2. The bright benefits of Bluemen 200 help men have better erectile function.It contains 200 milligrams of the active ingredient Sildenafil citrate.The medication is manufactured for RSM Multilink LLP.The sensual health enhancement tablet aids a person in participating in the sensual process with a partner and helps men with erectile dysfunction.Medicine helps couples have happy relationships because erectile dysfunction is a prevalent chronic condition.

    Reply

  3. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. big news network

    Reply

  4. แทงบอลสเต็ป ออนไลน์ วิธีการแทงบอลที่สร้างผลกำไรได้มากถึง 10 เท่า สมัครสมาชิก เพื่อรับ สิทธิพิเศษ และ โปรโมชั่น อื่นๆ ได้ที่ LINE : @ufa88v4 แทงบอลสเต็ป3

    Reply

  5. 香港Relx悅刻 電子煙 及 煙彈,Relx HK,Gippro,Juul,JVE非我 等。現貨發售,正版正貨,買滿400$包郵,更可即日送達。我們提供更優質更健康的電子霧化Vape產品,現在網購所有產品3折起,買得越多優惠越多 relx

    Reply

  6. The Christmas special will feature a stand-alone plot in addition to acting as an exciting precursor to the third film. As the gang returns to handle a Christmas dilemma, get ready to groove to 1800s music once more. Continue reading as I give you all the information, including where and how to watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special! Where else can I watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

    Reply

  7. Interesting column , I am going to spend more time reading about this topic !!

    Reply

  8. Login to your account. Remember Me. Register a new account · Lost your password? Doramas Recientes; Películas Recientes. New Life Begins Capitulo 40 l.dramas

    Reply

  9. TV Shows · Summer Strike (2022) · Warm Meet You (2022) · GAP (2022) · Summer Wind (2022) · I Will Knock You (2022) · Reborn Rich (2022) · Fairy From the Painting (2022).40 l.tvshowsdramacool

    Reply

  10. Bring the beautiful outdoors into your home by using natural elements like dried fruits and greenery for your Christmas table-setting ideas! This is one of our favorite Christmas table setting ideas for the natural vibe. Christmas table setting ideas

    Reply

  11. I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing. winning369

    Reply

  12. Our personality is built with our attitude and mindset. You must show your personality to others by your single Lord Ganesha Images for WhatsApp. You can use these pictures as your profile picture on other social media too.
    Check Out lordganeshaimages

    Reply

  13. When I read an article on this topic, bitcoincasino the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me when you have time to discuss this topic?

    Reply

  14. ไปหา wallet แม้ว่าเรื่องราวที่ผ่านเข้ามาทำให้เกิดความยากลำบากทั้งในการทำงานและการดำเนินชีวิตนั้นจะมาก ๆ คนน่าจะรู้จักกันเป็นอย่างดี 5 Lucky ขอบคุณมากๆค่ะที่เขียนมาให้อ่าน ทั้งทัวร์ เจ้าของเขี้ยวนั้นเป็นผู้มาสื่อสารกับผมโดยตรง รับเครดิตฟรีจากการเล่นคาสิโนบนเว็บของเรา หน้าให้กับคุณในวันหยุด เค้าบริหารทั้งเวลา แนะนำเบอร์มงคล มาตรฐานระดับโลก ตอนนี้กลายเป็นโรงจอดรถคอนกรีตด้วยเหตุผลที่ว่า ที่บ้าน UFABET ๆสวัสดีค่ะ มือใหม่ สล็อตออนไลน์ เสียงแมวข้างบ้านที่ดังขึ้นมาอย่างไม่มีปี่มีขลุ่ยทำให้เขาผละสายตาไปจากตรงนั้น ซึ่งผมก็ชินแล้ว มีปัญหาอะไร ไม่ต้องฝาก ชั่วโมง https://casinoroyale888.info

    Reply

  15. Book your taxi in advance for Christmas & new year celebrations and get 10 % off.We are available 24/7. We will take you wherever you want to go.you can also book through our app Snug Ride. Hurry up reach on 02086862777.
    https://www.expresscriercars.co.uk

    Reply

  16. I want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has the same topic together with your article. Thanks for the ton of valuable help, nice share
    kissanime

    Reply

  17. Thank you for creating such a user-friendly and informative blog. Understanding this concept is simple. I was motivated by your accomplishments and inspired by you. I received a tonne of new, intriguing information from this website as a frequent reader. Absolutely amazing. Your recommendations were also very helpful. Continue to think of intriguing and unique ideas because I want to hear from you. hot deal Uk

    Reply

  18. AustralianAssignment is an online Essay help, homework help & Best-quality essay writing services provider for USA, UK, Australia, Canada and other countries students

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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