The Fidelis Care Blog

National Poison Prevention Week is March 16-22, 2025. The annual observance reminds us to keep children safe from poisons. Kids are curious and like to explore their home. Each year, thousands of kids go to the emergency room after ingesting harmful substances, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These range from medications to cleaning products to batteries. Parents can take some easy steps to avoid accidental poisonings around the home.

March is Social Work Month, a time to reflect on the invaluable contributions that social workers make to individuals and communities. At Greater Mental Health of New York*, we believe that everyone deserves greater mental health – and our team of passionate and dedicated social workers helps make this possible every day.

Good sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that there’s a big connection between sleep and emotional well-being? Research and scientific agencies, like the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health agree that sleep and mental health are closely related. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about sleep:

During Women’s History Month, Fidelis Care is pleased to recognize our 2025 Women of Impact. They serve our communities through education and inspiration. We salute these providers and community partners for making a difference every day. Their work keeps us moving forward together.

Social work is a calling for me, rather than a job. During this Social Work Month, I take great pride in discussing a career path that has helped so many others. I have been a medical social worker for over 35 years, the last eight here at Fidelis Care. I currently support the medically fragile children’s team. I also get tremendous satisfaction from researching and presenting my findings on various social work topics to my peers.

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.

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects many people. It can happen in any family, workplace, or neighborhood. At Fidelis Care, we believe alcohol or drug addiction is not a personal failure. We also know that people need help, not judgment. Why Prevention Matters Addiction often starts quietly. It can begin with stress, trauma, or mental health problems that aren’t treated. That’s why we focus on stopping addiction before it starts. We look for warning signs early. We help people get care that respects their culture and background. We also build support systems with family, friends, and the community

Fidelis Care will host three Provider Office Hours in October 2025. During the webinars, Fidelis Care staff will be available to share information, provide an overview of provider resources, and answer your questions.

October is Health Literacy Month. It’s a great time to learn how to understand and use health information. Being health literate means you can find, understand, and use information to make good decisions about your health. It can help you: • Read medication labels • Pick a health plan • Ask your doctor questions

The following sections of the Fidelis Care authorization grids have been updated effective October 1, 2025.