The Fidelis Care Blog

As a Fidelis Care Senior Medical Director, I take immense pride in acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month. This annual observance holds special significance for me, not only as a healthcare professional, but also as a member of the Black community. It provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of the Black community, the challenges it has overcome, and those it still faces. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength that has characterized the Black experience, even in the face of systemic challenges.

Throughout my journey in healthcare, the road to becoming a Black physician was not always an easy one. However, with the love and support of my parents, Dianne and Jermel Hawkins, Sr., I was able to become the person and healthcare leader that I am today.

It is important to note a key disparity in the provision of our healthcare. Only 5.7% of physicians in the United States currently are Black, despite Black people making up 12% of the United States population. Black male physicians make up only 2.6% of all physicians in the United States currently. This is important because studies have shown that having a shortage of Black physicians contributes to disproportionate effects experienced in chronic and infectious diseases, which demonstrates poorer clinical outcomes in this demographic. [1]

Since I first came to Fidelis Care nine years ago, I have drawn inspiration from the thoughtful mentorship of senior medical professional leaders in the organization. Their guidance has served me immensely in developing my skillset as a medical director and helped shape my own personal brand as a people leader.

Black History Month is also a time to recognize the persistent healthcare challenges faced by our community. It compels us to confront the stark reality of health disparities that disproportionately affect Black individuals. In our pursuit of health equity, it is crucial to acknowledge and address key health disparities faced by the Black community:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Black individuals are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and heart disease.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: The preterm birth rate of Black women in New York is 58% higher than the rate among all other women. Black expectant individuals also experience significantly higher rates of maternal mortality, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare related to childbirth.
• Diabetes: There is a higher prevalence of diabetes in the Black community, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention and management strategies.
• Cancer Disparities: Black individuals often face disparities in cancer outcomes, with higher mortality rates in certain cancer types.
• Mental Health: Stigma, access barriers, and cultural factors contribute to mental health disparities in the Black community, calling for a comprehensive and culturally competent approach.

These disparities are not isolated incidents but are deeply rooted in social determinants of health, including economic inequality, food insecurity, housing and transportation challenges, and limited access to education and healthcare resources. To address these challenges, it is imperative that we take concrete actions:

• Promote Diversity in Healthcare: Increase representation of Black healthcare professionals to enhance cultural competence and trust. Fidelis Care consistently updates our provider network to reflect the diversity in New York State. We partner with providers that share a deep commitment to serving the Black community.
• Healthcare Access: Advocate for improved access to quality and affordable healthcare services, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, receive timely and effective care. Because of our diverse workforce, Fidelis Care is well suited to help. Our workforce consists of 50% people of color, with 37.5% of our directors and above being people of color.
• Community Outreach and Education: Develop targeted programs to raise awareness about preventive measures and the importance of early intervention. Fidelis Care Community Relations teams travel around the state to share critical information at events and provider facilities in neighborhoods of color.
• Invest in Pregnancy Health Services: Allocate resources to improve healthcare related to pregnancy and birth, ensuring access to quality prenatal and postnatal care for Black expectant individuals. Fidelis Care recently announced an investment of more than $150,000 in grants for nine not-for-profit organizations that play a pivotal role in ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy babies, particularly in underserved communities.
• Culturally Competent Mental Health Support: Develop and expand mental health services that are culturally competent and accessible to the Black community. The Fidelis Care Behavioral Health team provides culturally sensitive assistance to find service providers available to help you or a loved one. Fidelis Care works with our members to remove obstacles caused by mental illness and/or substance abuse.

As a currently practicing physician, I sometimes feel most appreciated on days when I am working in Black communities. My clinical practice involves working in an urgent care facility and I am often in the Harlem area of New York City. Many patients there have expressed to me that they value a provider who looks like them. Given these sentiments, I take it as a privilege and an honor to provide care and clinical guidance to the Black community.

As we recognize Black History Month, let us not only reflect on the achievements of the past but also commit to shaping a healthier future for the Black community. By addressing health disparities and fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding, we can pave the way for more equitable outcomes. I urge everyone, regardless of background, to join hands in fostering awareness, understanding, and action to create a healthier future for our Black community.

Fidelis Care Sr. Medical Director Jermel J. Hawkins, Jr., MD, MPH leads a team of medical directors and physicians supporting the utilization management review to determine medical necessity for various medical services and hospital stays. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University in the City of New York, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.