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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


Winter Weather Safety Tips
1/23/2026 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Health and Wellness, Health-Related Social Needs

man shoveling

Winter weather can be dangerous and hard to predict in New York State. With a little planning, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your home safe all winter long.

Dress for the Cold

It’s important to dress the right way in cold weather.

  • Wear layers. Start with a light layer before adding warmer layers like wool or fleece. Wear a coat that blocks wind and water.
  • Wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and warm socks. A lot of body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet. If you start shivering, it’s time to go inside.
  • Change out of wet clothes right away. Wet clothing can make you lose heat faster.
  • Need a warm coat? The New York Cares Coat Drive collects new and gently used coats for people in need. You can also visit One Warm Coat to find coat drives across the state.

Did You Know?
When it’s cold out, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes. Redness or pain is often the first sign, followed by numbness.

 

Outdoor & Travel Safety

Storms, ice, and the cold can make being outside or traveling more dangerous.

  • Pay attention to winter weather alerts from the National Weather Service. These warnings help you know when conditions may be unsafe.
  • Try to avoid travel during storms. If you must drive, keep your gas tank full, drive slowly, and have an emergency kit in your car.
  • Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways. Use salt to help prevent slips and falls.  

Did You Know?

Cold weather can put stress on your body. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice around exercise or working outside, such as shoveling.  

 

Home Safety

Stay warm without putting your safety at risk.

  • If heating costs are too high, help may be available. The New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help pay for heating bills, fuel, or repairs.
  • Use smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Check them often to make sure they work.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from heat sources, like fireplaces. Always read the instructions before using a space heater.

Did You Know?

Our Health-Related Social Needs page has additional resources for food assistance, transportation, housing and heating, and more. 

 

Winter Weather Emergency Kit Checklist

  • Canned fruits and vegetables and can opener
  • Bottled water
  • Portable radio
  • Warm clothing and extra blankets
  • Matches
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • First-aid kit and prescribed medication
  • Fully charged phone and backup power source
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares
  • Sand/Kitty litter
  • Ice scraper and shovel
  • Tire repair kit

Additional Resources

Salvation Army Emergency Shelters
If you have nowhere to stay, immediately dial 211 (in the U.S.) to connect with local shelters and social services, contact your local Department of Social Services, or find a nearby shelter through organizations like the Salvation Army, HUD.gov, or faith-based groups, while remembering emergency services (911) for life-threatening situations

National Weather Service-Winter Preparedness for New Yorkers

New York State Emergency Services
Text Your County Name to 333111 for Weather Alerts