Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

Health Equity

At Fidelis Care, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy life. It’s our mission to ensure New Yorkers have access to high-quality healthcare, so they can get the care they need when they need it.

But many other factors contribute to an individual’s health and wellness beyond access to healthcare. Socioeconomic conditions can influence health risks and outcomes. Poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, education, employment, access to transportation and other circumstances contribute to health disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations.

Fidelis Care is committed to removing those barriers to health to improve access, quality, and affordability. It is an ongoing process that requires working together with our members, providers, and community-based organizations to support fair and just opportunities to equal access to healthcare.

Learn more about our different approaches to improve health equity:


Key partnerships

Wellness commitment to Buffalo Urban League

To nurture social entrepreneurship, facilitate wellness, and strengthen organizations focused on Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Buffalo’s East Side, Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation donated $1.1 million to the Buffalo Urban League (BUL) to help establish its new headquarters and develop a Wellness and Entrepreneurial Center.

In addition, Fidelis Care partners with BUL through community programs and at events held in the city focused on health, family support and stabilization services, foster care, adoption, education, job training, employment, scholarships, and more.

Buffalo-Urban-League

Mental health alliance with The Jed Foundation

As part of our behavioral health efforts, Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation awarded $1.1 million to The Jed Foundation (JED) to protect the mental health of New York State’s youth.

Through the funding, JED will expand its current services, providing at least five youth-serving community-based organizations (CBOs) with consultation or strategic planning services, including expert guidance, educational workshops, and training programs, equipping young people with life skills and connecting them to mental healthcare when they are in distress.

Fidelis-JED-Social


More Health Equity News


Tuesday • Posted by Fidelis Care • in Health and Wellness, Men's Health
Having open conversations about health can make a big difference and help break the stigma around asking for help or going to the doctor. Men’s Health Month is a perfect time to remind men and boys that taking care of both physical and mental health is important. Why Preventive Care Matters Many health problems can be treated more easily when they are found early. That’s why regular checkups and screenings are important. “A common myth I hear is, ‘If I feel fine, I don’t need to see a doctor,’” Senior Medical Director Dr. Jermel Hawkins said. “This is untrue. Many diseases are silent
5/11/2026 • Posted by Dr. Sharon McLaughlin, Fidelis Care Senior Medical Director • in Health and Wellness
Skin cancer often starts quietly. It may look like a small mole, a spot that does not heal, or a change in skin color. Most of the time, it does not hurt. That makes it easy to ignore. But skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and cases continue to rise. This is why awareness and early action matter. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to remind people how common skin cancer is and how important it is to protect your skin and check it often. At Fidelis Care, this message aligns
5/5/2026 • Posted by Fidelis Care • in Caregiver Support, Health and Wellness, Heart Health
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn about stroke, its warning signs, and how it can be treated. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of long-term disability. What is a stroke? A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. The brain needs oxygen to work. Without oxygen, brain cells can be damaged or die within minutes. Who is at risk for a stroke? The risk of stroke goes up as people get older, but it can happen at any age. Family history can also play a
4/30/2026 • Posted by Fidelis Care • in Health and Wellness, Mental Health
Everyone feels sad or worried sometimes. But there are times when our thoughts and feelings get in the way of our daily lives and we may need the help of a counselor or therapist. How to know if you need help It can be hard to tell when stress, sadness, or worry has become something you need help with. Consider reaching out for support if your feelings: Fidelis Care can help We want to make sure it's easy for Fidelis Care members to get care. We’ve added more providers to our list
Older Articles