Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

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.

Fidelis-JED-Social


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.


More News:


Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Embracing Culture, Tradition, and History
5/15/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, In The Community



This Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Fidelis Care recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Fidelis Care talked with Sales and Marketing Manager Wai Man Lam, who reflects upon her heritage:

Fidelis Care: What does Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Wai Man Lam: As a Chinese American, I am happy to pass on my culture to the younger generation and stay connected to my roots through that culture, tradition, and history. All of this brings diversity to the communities in which we live and contribute. This month is a time to honor and celebrate our unique contributions to society. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and empower individuals to take pride in their heritage and identity. Learning and understanding diverse cultures helps reduce conflicts and all forms of racism and discrimination.

Fidelis Care: How do you give back to your community?

Wai Man Lam: With over 24 years involvement in the Asian community. I have met with many people from different fields and shared their stories and experiences, whether it was happy or sad. I enjoy participating in community activities, including educational seminars, health fairs, and workshops. Through these platforms, I can educate people about the importance of healthcare. I often volunteer to help local food pantries, food banks, schools, and nonprofit organizations to distribute food and supplies to those in need.

Fidelis Care: Tell us about your career progression at Fidelis Care.

Wai Man Lam: I joined Fidelis Care in 2000 as a Marketing Representative. Through diligence and hard work, I was promoted to Marketing Supervisor in 2006. Nine years later, I received a promotion to Marketing Manager. I am so grateful for all the opportunities the company has given me, and the colleagues and leaders I met over the past 24 years. I am very pleased to use my knowledge and experience to guide my team.

Fidelis Care: What is a professional goal you hope to achieve in the future?

Wai Man Lam: One of my professional goals is to continue to grow my skillset and apply it as needed in my future work. Being a people leader for my team, I consistently guide and mentor my staff to grow in their careers and to support a work culture that fosters teamwork, respect, trust, and growth.

Fidelis Care: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

Wai Man Lam: My favorite cultural tradition is Lunar New Year. This time of year, no matter how far away they are from home, every family member gathers for an annual reunion dinner. Family members share their happiness over a meal, and the house fills with joy and laughter. The happiest ones are the children, as they often get “red envelopes” with money inside from the elder family members.
 


Wai Man Lam serves as Fidelis Care’s Asian American Team Sales Manager, focused on developing the Chinese Community. She has overseen three marketing teams and supported facilitated enrollment efforts and consumer engagement in five boroughs of New York City. Lam has also served as Health Care Consultant for New York City Public School 130 Hernando De Soto’s Parent-Teacher Conference Association.


Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Embracing Culture, Tradition, and History
5/15/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, In The Community



This Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Fidelis Care recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Fidelis Care talked with Sales and Marketing Manager Wai Man Lam, who reflects upon her heritage:

Fidelis Care: What does Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Wai Man Lam: As a Chinese American, I am happy to pass on my culture to the younger generation and stay connected to my roots through that culture, tradition, and history. All of this brings diversity to the communities in which we live and contribute. This month is a time to honor and celebrate our unique contributions to society. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and empower individuals to take pride in their heritage and identity. Learning and understanding diverse cultures helps reduce conflicts and all forms of racism and discrimination.

Fidelis Care: How do you give back to your community?

Wai Man Lam: With over 24 years involvement in the Asian community. I have met with many people from different fields and shared their stories and experiences, whether it was happy or sad. I enjoy participating in community activities, including educational seminars, health fairs, and workshops. Through these platforms, I can educate people about the importance of healthcare. I often volunteer to help local food pantries, food banks, schools, and nonprofit organizations to distribute food and supplies to those in need.

Fidelis Care: Tell us about your career progression at Fidelis Care.

Wai Man Lam: I joined Fidelis Care in 2000 as a Marketing Representative. Through diligence and hard work, I was promoted to Marketing Supervisor in 2006. Nine years later, I received a promotion to Marketing Manager. I am so grateful for all the opportunities the company has given me, and the colleagues and leaders I met over the past 24 years. I am very pleased to use my knowledge and experience to guide my team.

Fidelis Care: What is a professional goal you hope to achieve in the future?

Wai Man Lam: One of my professional goals is to continue to grow my skillset and apply it as needed in my future work. Being a people leader for my team, I consistently guide and mentor my staff to grow in their careers and to support a work culture that fosters teamwork, respect, trust, and growth.

Fidelis Care: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

Wai Man Lam: My favorite cultural tradition is Lunar New Year. This time of year, no matter how far away they are from home, every family member gathers for an annual reunion dinner. Family members share their happiness over a meal, and the house fills with joy and laughter. The happiest ones are the children, as they often get “red envelopes” with money inside from the elder family members.
 


Wai Man Lam serves as Fidelis Care’s Asian American Team Sales Manager, focused on developing the Chinese Community. She has overseen three marketing teams and supported facilitated enrollment efforts and consumer engagement in five boroughs of New York City. Lam has also served as Health Care Consultant for New York City Public School 130 Hernando De Soto’s Parent-Teacher Conference Association.