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

September is National Childhood Obesity Month. it's a time to address obesity rates among children in the U.S. Those rates have doubled since 1980 and have tripled for teens. About 19.7% of children ages 2 to 19 are considered obese.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but it is often successfully treated when found early.

Fidelis Care is pleased to announce that a new Provider Bulletin is now available. The bulletin features updates on important initiatives and the latest news of interest to our provider community.

As part of an ongoing series, Fidelis Care will highlight some best practices we learn from our partners across the State in the interest of providing the best experience possible for our members.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (August 28, 2025) Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has awarded $130,000 in maternal health grants to seven healthcare providers and community-based organizations statewide. The grants aim to fund programs that support innovative strategies in postpartum care and maternal mental health in underserved and vulnerable communities.