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HomeAbout usHealth EquityHealth Equity Alt

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


February is American Heart Month
2/12/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Health and Wellness, Heart Health

Practice Heart Healthy Habits

Did you know that about 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, can be prevented? It is important to take care of your heart health by having positive lifestyle habits and working with your healthcare provider.

Understanding Your Risk

Old and young people need to keep their heart healthy. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and seeing your healthcare provider can help you keep your heart healthy. It is important to take care of your heart health by having positive lifestyle habits and working with your healthcare provider.   

A family history of heart disease may increase your risk. But most heart disease develops over time due to poor habits such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your provider about ways to prevent or manage diabetes and control other risk factors.

Here are several risk factors for heart disease and how to lower your risk:

  • Blood pressure - High blood pressure strains your heart, blood vessels, and body organs. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and make sure it is normal.
  • Cholesterol - High cholesterol levels in the body help to form plaque which clogs your blood vessels and leads to heart disease. Make sure your cholesterol levels are normal.
  • Blood sugar - High blood sugar levels cause damage to your body and heart. Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. The risk of death from heart disease for adults with diabetes is higher than for adults who do not have diabetes. Make sure your blood sugar levels are normal.
  • Weight - Extra body weight places a burden on your heart and body. Losing extra weight can also help to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
  • Smoking - Using tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease. Do not smoke. Quitting smoking can help to lower your risk of heart disease.
  • Diet - Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and high fiber whole grains. A healthy diet should also be low in saturated and trans fats, and low in salt and added sugars.
  • Activity - Keep active and get the recommended amount of exercise, at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Always talk to your provider before starting a diet or exercise plan.
  • Stress - Chronic stress can have harmful effects on your overall health and well-being. Try to identify, reduce, and manage sources of stress in your life. Activities like exercise, getting enough sleep, enjoyable hobbies, relaxation techniques, meditation, mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones can help.

Talk to your provider about safely reducing your risk and setting goals for a healthier heart. Your provider may also prescribe medication.

Visit our Heart Health Resource page for additional information.

Sources

https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/prevention/#:~:text=An%20estimated%2080%25%20of%20cardiovascular,and%20%E2%80%9Cknowing%20your%20numbers%E2%80%9D.

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/risk_factors.htm