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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


What is Norovirus?
1/31/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Caregiver Support, Health and Wellness

woman holding her stomach

It is important to stay healthy during the winter season. Norovirus is a winter stomach flu that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is commonly known as the “stomach bug.” This winter, there has been a high number of cases of norovirus. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about norovirus:

Q: How does norovirus spread?
A: Norovirus is highly contagious and affects all ages. The virus is passed through direct contact with infected individuals. Food, water, and surfaces contaminated with norovirus can also cause outbreaks.
 

Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.
 

Q: How long do symptoms last?
A: Symptoms are usually short-lived. They can last one to two days.


Q: How can I prevent getting norovirus?
A: Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others. Wash your hands well and often. It is recommended to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.

The use of chlorine bleach solution or EPA registered products is effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with norovirus. Leave bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.