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?

210,552 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Are you interested in learning more about insurance and how it works? At FipoFix, we have you covered. Our blog site is dedicated to providing the best content and comprehensive information about insurance and related topics. From the basics of insurance to in-depth resources on the industry, FipoFix has it all. We offer detailed guides on different types of insurance, tips on how to save money on insurance premiums, and much more. Whether you are a first-time insurance buyer or a seasoned policyholder, FipoFix has something for you. Visit us today at FipoFix and discover the wealth of knowledge that we have to offer. Click here Can insurance companies get traffic camera footage to visit our website.

    Reply

  2. Wee frequently offer AMAZING DISCOUNTS throughout the month and provide FREE DELIVERY because we want everyone to do excellent Leather Jackets. Leather Jackets

    Reply

  3. Idiotic and additionally trusting people at the same time can be an obstacle, on aged and also fully grown folk assembled also will follow a complication. Age and also embryonic concern together. 數學補習社

    Reply

  4. Oh my goodness! a wonderful post dude. Thank you Nonetheless We’re experiencing trouble with ur rss . Don’t know why Can not sign up for it. Will there be anybody acquiring identical rss issue? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx gifts

    Reply

  5. I basically found your webpage page and expected that would express that I have genuinely regarded the experience of looking on the web journal areas. 英文補習

    Reply

  6. This is really a tolerable and valuable, containing all information moreover significantly influences the new advancement. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing it 英文補習

    Reply

  7. Thanks, I’ve been searching for info about this subject matter for ages and yours is the best I have located so far. big tits

    Reply

  8. 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. Akçaabat Escort

    Reply

  9. Most appropriate the human race messages work to show your and present exclusive chance with special couple. Beginer appear system in advance of raucous people will most likely always be aware most of the golden value off presentation, which is a person’s truck. best man jokes meetings planner

    Reply

  10. A fascinating dialog is value remark. I feel that it is best to compose more on this matter, it may not be an unthinkable theme however generally people are insufficient to chat on such subjects. To the following. Salud. 數學補習社

    Reply

  11. A fascinating dialog is value remark. I feel that it is best to compose more on this matter, it may not be an unthinkable theme however generally people are insufficient to chat on such subjects. To the following. Salud. 數學補習社

    Reply

  12. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It’s nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! 助眠藥

    Reply

  13. This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in a systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. 助眠藥

    Reply

  14. Are you tired of spending hours untangling and hanging up Christmas lights every year? Let GoBright Lights take care of it for you! Our permanent Christmas light installations will not only save you time and hassle, but they’ll also add a beautiful, festive touch to your home or business. Plus, for a limited time, we’re offering free quotes to help you plan your perfect holiday lighting display. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your holiday season stress-free and bright. Contact us today to get your free quote and take the first step towards hassle-free holiday lighting! https://gobrightlights.com

    Reply

  15. Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital
    to assert that I get in fact loved account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing in your augment or even I achievement you get right of entry to constantly rapidly. 검증카지노

    Reply

  16. https://prodentim-us.us/ The ProDentim dental probiotic supplement is a special blend of 3.5 billion nutrients as well as probiotic bacteria that has been researched in clinical trials. ProDentim is unlike anything you have ever used or attempted.

    Reply

  17. https://prodentim-us.us/ The ProDentim dental probiotic supplement is a special blend of 3.5 billion nutrients as well as probiotic bacteria that has been researched in clinical trials. ProDentim is unlike anything you have ever used or attempted.

    Reply

  18. https://prodentim-us.us/ The ProDentim dental probiotic supplement is a special blend of 3.5 billion nutrients as well as probiotic bacteria that has been researched in clinical trials. ProDentim is unlike anything you have ever used or attempted.

    Reply

  19. https://prodentim-us.us/ The ProDentim dental probiotic supplement is a special blend of 3.5 billion nutrients as well as probiotic bacteria that has been researched in clinical trials. ProDentim is unlike anything you have ever used or attempted.

    Reply

  20. https://prodentim-us.us/ The ProDentim dental probiotic supplement is a special blend of 3.5 billion nutrients as well as probiotic bacteria that has been researched in clinical trials. ProDentim is unlike anything you have ever used or attempted.

    Reply

  21. บาคาร่า99 Our website has good promotions for everyone. I want everyone to join in the fun together.
    – Easy to apply for membership. no need to add line.
    – Professional service and care 24 hours a day.
    – always in the system You don’t have to log in every time you play.
    – Unlimited withdrawal No maximum limit per day.
    – Guaranteed deposit, automatic withdrawal that actually works.

    Reply

  22. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. paris escort

    Reply

  23. This is a really good article. I think this is one of the best entries I’ve ever read. Your work is outstanding and motivating. I sincerely appreciate it. Ower Shelf

    Reply

  24. hello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community. paris vip escort

    Reply

  25. I’m using Tradekey which is one of the largest International E-Marketplaces for Exporting & Importing countries.
    It bridges the Gap between Buyers & Suppliers who fall in the category of Manufacturers, Traders, Wholesalers, Retailers, Importers & Exporters. Get the productive Shoes Buyers now.

    Reply

  26. Love to peruse it,Waiting For All the more new Update and I Previously Read your New Post its Extraordinary Much obliged. SLOT

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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