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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


Arthritis Awareness Month: Supporting Your Joint Health Journey
5/5/2025 • Posted by Jermel J. Hawkins, Jr., MD, MPH in Caregiver Support, Health and Wellness

Arthritis-Awareness

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. It’s a time to spread awareness about the millions of people living with arthritis and share resources for help managing this chronic condition. At Fidelis Care, we’re committed to helping our members navigate their health with confidence, and that includes supporting those affected by arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common types of the disease. Arthritis affects people of all ages. Nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. have been diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Taking Charge of Your Health
Here are some tips to manage symptoms and improve joint health:

  • Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga can reduce stiffness and strengthen muscles around joints.
  • Eat Smart: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage symptoms.
  • Work With Your Doctor: Regular checkups and personalized treatment plans, including medications or physical therapy, are key to controlling arthritis.
  • Manage Stress: Mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques can help ease pain and improve mental well-being.

Arthritis may be part of your life, but it doesn’t define you. With the right care, support, and resources, you can live well and stay active.