Giving Back to Our Communities

Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation Award $1.1 Million to The Jed Foundation to Protect the Mental Health of New York’s Youth

Funding will help expand emotional well-being resources, educational workshops, and training programs for community-based organizations that foster communities of care statewide

September 20, 2024, NEW YORK CITY — Fidelis Care, a leading health insurer providing quality, affordable coverage to New Yorkers, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, announced today a $1.1 million grant to The Jed Foundation (JED), a national nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults.

With this grant, JED will expand its current services, providing at least five youth-serving community-based organizations (CBOs) with consultation or strategic planning services, including expert guidance, educational workshops, and training programs, equipping young people with life skills and connecting them to mental health care when they are in distress.

“We are thrilled to support the vital work of The Jed Foundation with this grant,” said Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer at Fidelis Care. “At Fidelis Care, we recognize the importance of mental health services in creating healthier communities. This investment underscores our commitment to ensuring youth and adolescents have access to the critical support they need to thrive.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is currently estimated that nearly one in five 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States experience a major depressive episode every year, and almost half of teens 13 to 17 say they would seek out professional help only as a last resort. In New York State, the need for enhanced mental health support for school-aged youth is critical: in 2021, 57% of New York 12- to 17-year-olds with depression had not received any care in the last year.

“JED is grateful to Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation for their commitment to supporting the emotional well-being of New York youth and for providing the resources to help them thrive,” said John MacPhee, JED Chief Executive Officer. “This partnership will allow us to bring JED’s lifesaving work to community-based organizations across the state and help them build on their mental health safety nets and approaches, while positively impacting the lives of thousands of young people.”

The inaugural group of CBOs includes Bottom Line, an organization that partners with degree-aspiring students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds as they get into and through college and launch mobilizing first careers; Hetrick-Martin Institute, which provides free, year-round programs and services for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies aged 13 to 24 in New York City; and Prep for Prep, which provides first-rate educational, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities for young people of color in New York City.

"Through decades of experience at Bottom Line, we have seen that the condition of a student's mental health plays a significant role in their overall journey to becoming a college graduate and professional,” said Sheneita R. Graham, Director of Culturally Responsive Programming at Bottom Line. “Our role at Bottom Line is to build strong relationships that assist us in determining need and connecting students to resources that will help them thrive personally to persist academically. Partnering with The Jed Foundation grants us the opportunity to expertly assess our mental health policies, processes, and resources to ensure we provide our students with thoughtful, high-quality support."

"Hetrick-Martin Institute is pleased to be working with The Jed Foundation to improve our ability to recognize young people in distress and conduct suicide risk assessments," said Bridget Hughes, Chief Program Officer at Hetrick-Martin Institute.

"We are so grateful to The Jed Foundation for hosting two workshops for our incoming college freshmen as part of our annual College Transition Retreat,” said Corey Rhoades, Director of Undergraduate Affairs at Prep for Prep. “The presenters shared their expertise and tailored the sessions in a way that was uniquely relevant and engaging for our students."

To learn more about ways to provide community-based organizations with consulting, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect youth mental health and prevent suicide, visit JED’s website .

Screener Program Provides Support to Families Impacted by Social Determinants of Health

SDoH-chart

Fidelis Care’s innovative SDoH screener program was launched two years ago as a grassroots health equity initiative to address conditions in the environments where people are born, live, work, and play that affect their health, well-being, and quality of life. Social Determinants of Health can affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes – particularly among vulnerable populations and in underserved areas.

The screener enables trained Fidelis Care representatives to assess an individual’s immediate needs and challenges related to SDoH through a brief series of questions covering areas such as access to transportation, food, and secure and safe housing. More than 450,000 Fidelis Care members have participated to date.

Click here to learn more about the different Social Determinants of Health and find available resources.

Learn how Fidelis Care impacts the communities we are privileged to serve.

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A Guide to Finding and Keeping the Right Doctor

2/12/2024 • Posted by Dr. Charles C. Livoti, Medical Director in Health and Wellness

Finding the right doctor

A good relationship with your doctor is very important. It can help improve the quality of your healthcare and your overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you find a provider and build a strong, lasting relationship.

The Search Begins: Finding the Right Match

1. Determine Your Needs: Think about your health needs to help you decide whether you should see a general practitioner for routine checkups, a specialist for a specific condition, or a family doctor for comprehensive care.

2. Do Your Research: There are many online resources and healthcare directories you can use. You can also ask friends or family for recommendations.

3. Check Credentials and Specializations: Make sure the doctor you pick is board-certified, well qualifed, and specializes in the area you need. This information is often available on healthcare provider websites.

4. Look at Accessibility: Check the location of the doctor's office, office hours, and how easy it is to make appointments. Convenience and a nearby location are very important. If you are unable to physically leave your home, there are now providers in some parts of New York State who offer home or virtual visits.

The First Appointment: Check If the Relationship Is a Good Fit

5. Communication Style: During your first appointment, take note of how the doctor communicates with you. A good doctor listens well, explains things clearly, and involves you in decision-making.

6. Comfort Level: Trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable talking about your health problems with your doctor.

7. Shared Values: Does your doctor's approach to healthcare match your values and preferences? This can build a better overall experience and allow for a team effort approach to your well-being.

8. Compassion and Respect: Your doctor should be caring and respectful. It's important for your doctor to understand your concerns and treat you with respect.

Building a Long-Term Relationship

9. Consistent Communication: Have open, honest, and regular talks with your doctor. Report any changes in your health right away, and ask questions. A strong doctor-patient relationship means both of you are participating in your healthcare journey.

10. Follow Medical Advice: Follow all prescribed treatments, medications, and lifestyle recommendations. Work with your doctor to find a good plan to help achieve your health goals.

11. Regular Checkups: Even when you are feeling well, schedule regular checkups to keep up with your overall health. Routine visits help catch potential issues early. Remember, prevention is often more effective than intervention.

12. Emergency Readiness: Know your doctor's after-hours availability in case of an emergency.

Finding and keeping the right doctor is similar to other relationships. Look at your options, ask the right questions, and keep communicating. Having a good relationship with your healthcare provider who understands your needs and values is an important part of creating a healthier and more fulfilling life.

If you need help finding a provider, visit fideliscare.org/findadoctor.

Providers and Care Plans
A good relationship with your provider is especially important if you need or have a care plan. Our Care team works closely with Wellcare Fidelis Dual Plus members and their providers to develop individualized care plans to ensure members get the right care when they need it.