The Fidelis Care Blog

Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This is a day to understand and protect our communities from the deadly threat of illegal fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is stronger than morphine and heroin. It is used to medically manage severe pain, often after surgery or for some cancer patients. Illegal fentanyl causes overdose deaths. It is often mixed with other drugs, making them more potent and dangerous. It’s important to know how to prevent an overdose, recognize signs of an overdose, and what life-saving measures are available.

Fidelis Care and nonprofit maternal health organization Mom Starts Here recently partnered to open a Baby Item Network supplies closet at the Fidelis Care Utica Community Office. It’s free to all Medicaid recipients.

Fidelis Care opened its 2025 Veggies to Go produce giveaway season by distributing more than 150 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables at events hosted by Genesee ACE Employment in Batavia on March 15 and the Watertown YMCA on March 26. Veggies to Go addresses nutrition and food insecurity in urban and rural communities across New York State.

Measles cases are on the rise in the United States and Canada. Getting vaccinated for measles and other infectious diseases is the best protection. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. If traveling, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends infants 6–11 months old receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine. The child will still need to get the two regular doses to be fully protected.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It is a time to learn about alcohol use, its impact on health, and available resources. For some people, alcohol can become a serious health concern. Nearly one in 10 adults in the United States lives with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a medical condition that affects brain chemistry, decision-making, and overall well-being. Recovery is possible, and help is available

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set new goals for a healthier life. Keeping a healthy weight is one way to keep your body well. Obesity: A Growing Concern Obesity means having too much body fat, which can hurt your health. • According to the New York State Department of Health, almost 1 out of 3 adults in New York State is obese. • Obesity can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. • Obesity is often measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI considers a person's weight and height. Click here to find out your own BMI.

Have you recently started to experience feelings of sadness or depression? If so, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually starts in the late fall or early winter. Factors like shorter days, less sunlight, and changes in biological or body rhythms may lead to SAD. It is estimated that SAD affects millions of Americans. Women are diagnosed with SAD more often than men. Know the Symptoms of SAD People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a person may be diagnosed with SAD if they experience

A new year can feel like a clean slate — and a lot of pressure. If you’ve ever made resolutions only to feel defeated by February, you’re not alone. As a physician, I see real, lasting change happen mostly not through big overhauls, but through small, steady steps that add up over time. Here are a few simple ways to care for your health this year. Aim for progress, not perfection.

As you know, Fidelis Care relies upon the receipt of membership information from the New York State Department of Health (SDOH) prior to issuing capitation payments.

Fidelis Care will host three Provider Office Hours in January 2026. During the webinar, Fidelis Care staff will be available to share information, provide an overview of provider resources, and answer your questions.