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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.

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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.

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More Health Equity News


Ensuring Timely Mental Health Follow-Up Care: Fidelis Care Partners with Brave Health
9/29/2025 • Posted by Provider Relations in Provider News, Provider Quality

Timely follow-up care after a mental health discharge is a vital component of recovery. Clinical guidelines recommend that individuals discharged from an emergency department (ED) or inpatient setting receive a follow-up visit within seven (7) days. This window is crucial for maintaining continuity of care, reducing the risk of readmission, and supporting long-term wellness.

To help meet this need, Fidelis Care has partnered with Brave Health, a virtual behavioral health provider offering accessible services such as therapy, psychiatry, and care coordination. Brave Health’s telehealth model allows members to receive care from the comfort of their homes, making it easier to stay on track with treatment plans.

How Providers Can Support Timely Follow-Up

Providers play a key role in ensuring members receive the care they need. Here are a few ways to help:

  • Schedule follow-up appointments prior to discharge whenever possible.
  • Educate members and caregivers about the importance of timely follow-up care.
  • Refer to Brave Health when in-person appointments are not available within the 7-day window.
  • Share information about Brave Health’s virtual services as a convenient and effective care option.

After the initial telehealth visit with Brave Health, members can transition back to their primary provider for ongoing care and support.

Streamlined Referral Process

To make referrals easy, Fidelis Care provides a referral guide with simple steps to connect members to Brave Health quickly and efficiently. This ensures that no time is lost in accessing essential follow-up care. You may access the Brave Health referral guide here or email referral@bebravehealth.com.

Providers who would like to learn more about Brave Health’s services may visit bebravehealth.com. By working together, we can improve outcomes for our members and ensure they receive the support they need during this critical transition.