The Fidelis Care Blog

Each July, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month calls on us to recognize the disproportionate impact of mental illness on racial and ethnic minority communities—and to recommit to breaking down the systemic barriers that stand in the way of healing.

As we spend time outside this summer, Fidelis Care is sharing ways to help enjoy pest-free outdoor living. 1. Use insect repellent. Ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases and can cause serious health risks. Apply insect repellent to your skin and clothing to lower your risk. 2. Remove or avoid standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Lower your chances of being bitten by removing standing water (birdbaths, ponds, and planters) from your backyard.

Did you know that heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States? Most heat-related deaths are preventable. This summer, Fidelis Care is sharing ways to stay safe and healthy in the heat and sun.

Men’s Health Month in June is an excellent time to remind the men in our lives to focus on their wellness. It’s important for men to have a primary care provider and to get a checkup every year, even if they feel well. Many men don’t see a doctor unless they really need to. Men often say they feel fine, are too busy, or will get around to it “sometime.”

To promote community health and wellness and the importance of staying connected with friends and neighbors, Fidelis Care has announced dates for its annual Unity street festival series. Beginning with the original “Unity in the Heights” event in 2011, the series has expanded across the state with a variety of local partners.

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

Access to quality care is important to eliminate health disparities and increase the quality and years of healthy life for all New Yorkers. The NYSDOH requires that certain Access and Availability Standards be met by PCPs, OB/GYNs, specialists, and behavioral health providers where applicable.

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

Annual cultural competency training for participating providers is required by the New York State Department of Health.