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?

136,956 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. Thank you for your clear information. instamoney

    Reply

  2. SaveWithBlogs is a one-stop platform dedicated to helping people save money and live a financially secure life. Our team of experts constantly curates and updates informative blogs and articles on budgeting, savings, and investment strategies. With a focus on simplicity and practicality, we aim to provide our readers with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their financial goals. Join our community today and start your journey towards a brighter financial future. https://www.savewithblogs.com/

    Reply

  3. Personally, I have found that to remain probably the most fascinating topics when it draws a parallel to. You may find two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any one someone is incredibly important. Initial stage may be real melting away rrn the body. lose weight
    Online Job Scams

    Reply

  4. I’m completely glad to visit your blog. At this point, Staffing Services in india I have found what I genuinely care about. I truly look at your blog ordinary and try to obtain something from your blog.

    Reply

  5. I’m completely glad to visit your blog. At this point, Staffing Services in india I have found what I genuinely care about. I truly look at your blog ordinary and try to obtain something from your blog.

    Reply

  6. NATOBET สล็อตแตกง่าย 2023 เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเยนต์ ที่ได้รับความนิยมอันดับต้น ๆ และเป็นศูนย์รวมเว็บสล็อตออนไลน์อย่างครบถ้วน อยู่ในเว็บไซต์เดียว ดังนั้นหากคุณจะหาเว็บไซต์

    Reply

  7. Your blog is both beautifully written and designed, and I admire both aspects very much.
    Do you have trouble making the necessary financial arrangements, or have you recently rewarded yourself?
    Writing still has its best qualities, though.
    It’s unusual to stumble into a website as stunning as this one.
    https://pcgameshq.info/f1-crack/

    Reply

  8. This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don’t forget, keep sharing useful info: life tips

    Reply

  9. This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… สล๊อตออนไลน์

    Reply

  10. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. Agen Sbobet

    Reply

  11. Just pure classic stuff from you here. I have never seen such a brilliantly written article in a long time. I am thankful to you that you produced this!

    Reply

  12. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Agen Sbobet

    Reply

  13. Accounting dissertation help is the best option for you if you want to get a good mark. Our experts have extensive knowledge about the subject, which makes them capable enough to provide you with the best assistance. With our help, you can make your accounting dissertation as exciting and interesting as it could be.

    Reply

  14. As the founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and OCD, Dr. Rubin provides evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Rubin is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Rubin is also involved in research and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. OCD New York

    Reply

  15. Very Nice, If anyone wants to book flights. Then let me tell you British Airways is one of the world’s most renowned and respected airlines, offering a wide range of travel options to customers from all over the globe. British Airways Reservation process is efficient and user-friendly, with a variety of options to suit individual travel preferences. Whether you prefer to book online, via their mobile app, or through their customer service team, the process is simple and straightforward, making it easy to find the perfect travel itinerary for your needs.

    Reply

  16. We missing excellent quality in our consuming regimen: that is the key purpose why I am not fulfilling with the nutrition company. They included to an exhaustion of our nutrition. This industry offers sorted out sustenances, strongly treated, ever handled or updated dishes: one absolutely loses the advantages of assistance. Obviously perhaps, we have to eat unique sustenances without involved substances! Endeavor the more prominent part of consuming neighborhood and average factors would be a first track to locate this excellent quality. Clearly creating oneself sustenances created ranging from the most reliable level upon the year when you can! Read More: Forbes Upp

    Reply

  17. ทดลองเล่นสล็อตแตกง่าย สล็อตทุนน้อย แตกจริง ทดลองเล่นสล็อตฟรี เล่นสล็อตฟรี ไม่ต้องสมัคร เล่นฟรีทุกค่าย ทดลองเล่นสล็อตPG ใหม่ล่าสุดก่อนใคร เว็บสล็อตอันดับหนึ่งในไทย

    Reply

  18. เว็บสล็อตอันดับหนึ่ง เล่นสล็อตฟรี สล็อตทดลอง อัพเดตเกมใหม่กอนใครทุกวัน กับเว็บสล็อตที่ครบวงจรที่สุด

    Reply

  19. ทดลองเล่นสล็อตฟรี PG SLOT mega-game.cc สล็อตแตกง่าย ทุนน้อย เล่นฟรีไม่ต้องสมัคร หรือสมัครรับเครดิตฟรีได้ไม่อั้น

    Reply

  20. เครดิตฟรีสล็อต slot เครดิตฟรี PG SLOT เกมสล็อตใหม่ล่าสุด ทดลองเล่นฟรี สมัครสมาชิกใหม่รับเครดิตฟรี100

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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