The Fidelis Care Blog

August is National Breastfeeding Month. MOMMAS House works with the Breastfeeding Resiliency, Engagement, and Empowerment (BFREE) Team through Northwell Health to develop policies and procedures to help breastfeeding and chestfeeding clients and employees.

MOMMAS House, a residential program for young homeless pregnant or parenting women ages 18 to 24 and their babies, recently celebrated the completion of its first Nurturing Parenting Program class. MOMMAS House developed the Nurturing Parenting Program with funding provided by Fidelis Care. 

Annual eye exams are an important part of staying healthy. An eye exam can detect if a child needs eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is recommended that all school-age children get an eye exam in the summer before they start each new school year, or as needed during the year.

A Fidelis Care StreetSide RV visited a Rochester shopping plaza in June to share information about NY State of Health’s recent eligibility expansion for The Essential Plan. The Essential Plan now allows more New Yorkers access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. New Yorkers whose income is up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, which stands at a $37,650 annual income for an individual, may now be eligible for Essential Plan coverage.

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month, is named after Moore Campbell for bringing awareness to the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Erlinda Delacruz, MA, Director of Community Programs for The Jed Foundation (JED), shared insight into the importance of the month and how the organization is working to promote understanding and offer support.