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?

183,330 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. This is a wonderful product, taking into account all the information about it, this type of product that prevents user interest in the site, and you will share more … good luck.  Games-Download365

    Reply

  2. 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… แทงบอล

    Reply

  3. This is an awesome blog post by Tom Venuto. In it, he explains why the Obama Stimulus Package should be considering a “Good” debt relief plan. The Federal Stimulus Package, or so they say, is being pushed on all media outlets to pump up consumer confidence, which should start a recovery in the US economy, and make us once again a beacon on the world stage. Okay, so let’s talk about this for a second, shall we? Yes, absolutely, and here’s why: Buy Snapchat accounts

    Reply

  4. Before approaching it is wise to have background check of such companies. Try to gather information pertaining to customer feedback, performance, timely delivery of goods, authenticity of the company etc. Packers and Movers Jaipur to Pune

    Reply

  5. You will be able to discover how Online nursing assignment help operates and how to fly it to higher elevations through this exploration of propulsion. You can study more about the development of aircraft engines, turbo equipment, and other parts in this course. Their group’s experts benefit from the Aerospace Engineering dissertation by having an in-depth understanding of the field, and they take care to complete assignments accurately.

    Reply

  6. This is my most memorable time visit to your blog and I’m exceptionally keen on the articles that you serve. Give sufficient information to me. Much thanks to you for sharing valuable and remember, continue to share helpful data: คาสิโนSA Gaming

    Reply

  7. I’d must consult you here. Which is not some thing It’s my job to do! I spend time reading an article that may get people to think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment! Skin care treatment in Karachi

    Reply

  8. First before the normal perhaps you may fully understand it is important, spending which will procedure supplies become the one way links considering the gratifying internet page: slot138

    Reply

  9. You have made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site. washer repair orange

    Reply

  10. Your post is very helpful and the information is reliable. I am satisfied with your post. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post. Good Work! best of luck with the next one
    Thanks: USA Vein Clinic Brooklyn

    Reply

  11. Thanks for the tips guys. They were all great. I have been having issues with being fat both mentally and physically. Thanks to you guys i have been showing improvements. Do post more. Residential architects in Miami

    Reply

  12. รวมเว็บ BETFLIX ล่าสุด betflix-bg ที่ทางเบทฟิกของพวกเรา betflix ล่าสุด ได้รวบรวมคาสิโนและสล็อตไว้ในที่เดียวครบจบในที่เดียว ซึ่งสามารถทำรายการได้อย่างอิสระไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์มั่นคงและปลอดภัยเว็บสล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์ สล็อตพีจี สล็อตXO หรือเว็บ BETFLIX เว็บตรง ทุกเว็บที่กล่าวมานั้น เป็นการรวมเว็บสล็อตสามารถวางใจและได้รับเงินจริงสำหรับการเล่นอย่างแน่นอน https://betflix-bg.com/

    Reply

  13. Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day! pressure washing near me

    Reply

  14. If you’re looking for how to fix tech related issues, visit our website. Tech App Insider is a website that provides tips and advice on how to fix tech related issues. The website is easy to navigate and provides step-by-step instructions on how to fix various tech related issues.

    https://techappsinsider.com/

    Reply

  15. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information official site

    Reply

  16. Bereken zelf uw hypotheek. Hypotheek berekenen? Maak snel een indicatieve berekening van het maximale leenbedrag van uw hypotheek.
    Stahlwandpools

    Reply

  17. The biggest problem for most UK students is how to save the paper from plagiarism. In the research paper, they have to strictly follow the guidelines, and often it is mentioned in the guidelines how much plagiarism is accepted. But keeping a low percentage of plagiarism is not easy for many UK students therefore they seek Research Paper Writing Help.

    Reply

  18. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks ufabet888

    Reply

  19. airsoft guns

    Looking for the best airsoft gear? Look no further! Our selection of airsoft guns, pistols, and accessories is sure to impress. From tactical vests to scopes, we’ve got everything you need to dominate the battlefield. Shop now for the best deals on top airsoft brands like G&G, Tokyo Marui, and KWA. Beginner to Pro!

    Reply

  20. This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great. ufabet 363

    Reply

  21. This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great. ufabet 363

    Reply

  22. Your article has proven useful to me. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. dooball66

    Reply

  23. Holle is a biodynamic formula that is made with organic milk from grass-fed cows. It is free from synthetic preservatives, additives, and GMOs. Buy formula milk

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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