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?

210,519 thoughts on “Important Determinants of Health

  1. Maskad offers the Best post facial aesthetic procedure care for your specific skin type and procedure. When it comes to selecting a post-procedure face mask, there are a few things to keep in mind. After a facial treatment or any other cosmetic procedure, your skin may be more sensitive than usual and may require some extra care and attention. A good post-procedure face mask should be gentle on the skin, hydrating, and nourishing.

    Reply

  2. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. 토토사이트

    Reply

  3. Your work here on this blog has been top notch from day 1. You’ve been continously providing amazing articles for us all to read and I just hope that you keep it going on in the future as well. Cheers! 먹튀검증컷

    Reply

  4. This is incredibly pleasant and educational, has all the facts, and has a significant influence on emerging technologies. I appreciate you sharing it.
    Star Jackets

    Reply

  5. Nice post. I learn something much harder on distinct blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to see content off their writers and employ a little something from their site. I’d would rather use some while using content on my weblog whether or not you do not mind. Natually I’ll provide a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing. bring back lost lover spells

    Reply

  6. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ufabet autobet

    Reply

  7. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! ufabet autobet

    Reply

  8. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. vegus666

    Reply

  9. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! vegus666

    Reply

  10. Explore the largest online selection of luxury used Yacht for Sale, boats for sale, featuring only the highest quality from the worlds leading Yacht Market..

    Reply

  11. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. edmbet88

    Reply

  12. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! edmbet88

    Reply

  13. 엠카지노
    I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance.

    Reply

  14. I truly respect this hair-raising post that you have obliged us. I ensure this would be key for by a wide edge a goliath piece of people. Cortexi Reviews

    Reply

  15. I excessive respect this submit. It`s tough to locate the coolest from the terrible sometimes, however I assume you`ve nailed it! could you thoughts updating your weblog with extra facts? The Masters Coverage

    Reply

  16. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. w88 rezence

    Reply

  17. Coinbase is a popular virtual currency investing and trading platform that allows you to swap, sell, and purchase over 200 cryptos, including Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. Coinbase is a huge exchange with over 108 million active users and over 80 billion dollars in assets on the platform.

    Visit here:- https://sites.google.com/wallet-extension.com/coinbus/home

    Reply

  18. 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. ufaball88

    Reply

  19. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. ufaball88

    Reply

  20. 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. ufabet7x

    Reply

  21. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. ufabet7x

    Reply

  22. 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. ufar88

    Reply

  23. Are you a fan of Bigg Boss? If you want to vote for your favorite contestant, you can also vote through SMS and online. The Bigg Boss Vote Online allows you to vote easily from anywhere.

    Reply

  24. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. ufar88

    Reply

  25. Thank you very much for your informative essay. I’ve been looking for such a message for a long time. Even if your article is clearly fascinating and worth reading, not all of it is totally apparent to me. real leather men jackets

    Reply

  26. i8 Live is the trusted online in Malaysia. i8 Cash offer lottery, slots games, and sport betting. Register Now!

    i8 live

    Reply

  27. That is, it will be necessary to rethink what is taught, how it is taught and how learning is assessed (OECD/CERI, 2012). An effort that urgently needs institutional support and greater cooperation in the Western Hemisphere to improve managerial capabilities and promote the development of soft skills and hard skills in policies and practices of initial training and teacher professional development.For More Info: Geek with style a Toronto lifestyle blog for geeks

    Reply

  28. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here.

    Reply

  29. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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