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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:


National Nurses Week: A Celebration of Compassion and Care
5/6/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Health and Wellness, In The Community, Member News

On this National Nurses Week May 6-12, Fidelis Care celebrates the invaluable contributions of nurses everywhere. This week gives us the opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion, and commitment that nurses bring to our healthcare system. In honor of these contributions, Fidelis Care showcases the outstanding efforts that 10 of our own nurses bring to their profession every day:


Danielle Albring
Danielle Albring, RN, Long Term Nurse Care Specialist
Nursing allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and I find that very rewarding. Nursing keeps me going through adversity. At the end of my day, it is not about what I have accomplished for the day. It is about who I was able to lift up, who I helped, and how their lives will be better because of my effort.


Mary Batug
Mary Batug, RN, Case Manager – Care Specialist II
As a transplant case nurse at Fidelis Care, I have the opportunity to combine my clinical knowledge from working in a hospital with my knowledge of insurance case management to support our members throughout the transplant process. It is very rewarding to help a member navigate the process for these lifesaving procedures and go on to live their lives.


Sally Bourne
Sally Bourne, RN, Clinical Review Clinician
Going into nursing turned out to be the best choice I ever made. It is rewarding and fulfilling to be able to help others and make a difference in their lives. Opportunities in nursing are diverse and have allowed me to positively impact people both in direct patient care and in my roles at Fidelis Care through the years.


Beverly Kasowski
Beverly Kasowski, RN, Clinical Review Nurse
I have always had a calling to help others and their families. Coming from a large family of 18 children and dealing with several losses of siblings, I decided to become a nurse at a young age. My goal was to assist and teach as much as I can. I became a Registered Nurse in 1998, specializing in nursery and eventually earning my certification in case management. I absolutely love being a Fidelis Care nurse and am grateful every day to be able to encourage and guide members along their health journeys.


Sharda King
Sharda King, RN, Behavioral Health Clinician
My nursing career serves as a profound source of satisfaction in my life, intertwining my passion for compassionate care with a deep sense of purpose. Each day, I am privileged to make a positive impact on the lives of others, providing connection to resources that will positively impact people’s mental and physical health, and support them during their most vulnerable moments. The continuous learning and growth inherent in nursing foster a dynamic environment where I am constantly challenged and inspired to expand my skills and knowledge. Ultimately, knowing that my contributions directly enhance the quality of life for those in need enriches me both personally and professionally.


Tiffany Majtyka
Tiffany Majtyka, RN, Case Manager – Care Specialist II
Nursing became my second career, as I wanted to give my kids more than I previously could. My two sons, ages 2 and 5 at the time, moved with me across the country so I could go to nursing school. Being a nurse has allowed me to buy a home, provide for my family, and, most of all, make a difference in people’s lives. I came to Fidelis Care after 13 years working in a hospital. I now link families to programs that help them succeed. I love what I do and there is nothing better than a parent telling you that you have made a positive impact on their family.


Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez, RN, Care Manager – Fidelis Care at Home
In my 12 years as a nurse, I have had the privilege of helping others when they are at their most vulnerable. Serving as a volunteer with the Dominican Red Cross when I was a teenager gave me the passion to help others and decide that nursing was the path to do what I love. When I moved to the United States, I enrolled in a nursing program, not knowing the challenges I would face with English as my second language. Working as a Nurse Care Manager at Fidelis Care allows me to assist members with their medical, social, and safety needs. The most satisfying thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. Knowing that my care, voice, and time can help a patient make it through is one of the most rewarding feelings.



Jamie Miller, RN, Manager – Clinical
I chose to become a nurse because I have always felt a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact in people’s lives. As a clinical manager alongside my team of nurses, we aim to provide the highest quality compassionate care to our members. Seeing the positive impact on a member’s well-being and enhancing their care experience reminds me daily of why I chose this meaningful career path.


Jacob Mrugalski
Jacob Mrugalski, RN, Lead Clinical Reviewer
After six years in the IT field, I decided to pursue a career in nursing so I could use my skills and talents to truly make a difference in the lives of others. I am overjoyed to say my current role at Fidelis Care is a perfect fit for me, as it allows me to use my experience in the IT field while also giving me a strong sense of fulfillment by serving our members. Becoming a nurse was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I look forward to many more wonderful years with Fidelis Care!



Jennifer Mruk, RN, Case Manager - Health and Recovery Plan
I work as a Fidelis Care Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) Case Manager with the diabetes team, specifically working on the Medical Optimization, Results, and Empowerment (MORE) initiative. I knew from early childhood that I wanted to be a nurse. I have always been passionate about helping and caring for others. For me, nursing brings great satisfaction because I’m able to provide the care and support members need to address their overall health and well-being.  


National Nurses Week: A Celebration of Compassion and Care
5/6/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Health and Wellness, In The Community, Member News

On this National Nurses Week May 6-12, Fidelis Care celebrates the invaluable contributions of nurses everywhere. This week gives us the opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion, and commitment that nurses bring to our healthcare system. In honor of these contributions, Fidelis Care showcases the outstanding efforts that 10 of our own nurses bring to their profession every day:


Danielle Albring
Danielle Albring, RN, Long Term Nurse Care Specialist
Nursing allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and I find that very rewarding. Nursing keeps me going through adversity. At the end of my day, it is not about what I have accomplished for the day. It is about who I was able to lift up, who I helped, and how their lives will be better because of my effort.


Mary Batug
Mary Batug, RN, Case Manager – Care Specialist II
As a transplant case nurse at Fidelis Care, I have the opportunity to combine my clinical knowledge from working in a hospital with my knowledge of insurance case management to support our members throughout the transplant process. It is very rewarding to help a member navigate the process for these lifesaving procedures and go on to live their lives.


Sally Bourne
Sally Bourne, RN, Clinical Review Clinician
Going into nursing turned out to be the best choice I ever made. It is rewarding and fulfilling to be able to help others and make a difference in their lives. Opportunities in nursing are diverse and have allowed me to positively impact people both in direct patient care and in my roles at Fidelis Care through the years.


Beverly Kasowski
Beverly Kasowski, RN, Clinical Review Nurse
I have always had a calling to help others and their families. Coming from a large family of 18 children and dealing with several losses of siblings, I decided to become a nurse at a young age. My goal was to assist and teach as much as I can. I became a Registered Nurse in 1998, specializing in nursery and eventually earning my certification in case management. I absolutely love being a Fidelis Care nurse and am grateful every day to be able to encourage and guide members along their health journeys.


Sharda King
Sharda King, RN, Behavioral Health Clinician
My nursing career serves as a profound source of satisfaction in my life, intertwining my passion for compassionate care with a deep sense of purpose. Each day, I am privileged to make a positive impact on the lives of others, providing connection to resources that will positively impact people’s mental and physical health, and support them during their most vulnerable moments. The continuous learning and growth inherent in nursing foster a dynamic environment where I am constantly challenged and inspired to expand my skills and knowledge. Ultimately, knowing that my contributions directly enhance the quality of life for those in need enriches me both personally and professionally.


Tiffany Majtyka
Tiffany Majtyka, RN, Case Manager – Care Specialist II
Nursing became my second career, as I wanted to give my kids more than I previously could. My two sons, ages 2 and 5 at the time, moved with me across the country so I could go to nursing school. Being a nurse has allowed me to buy a home, provide for my family, and, most of all, make a difference in people’s lives. I came to Fidelis Care after 13 years working in a hospital. I now link families to programs that help them succeed. I love what I do and there is nothing better than a parent telling you that you have made a positive impact on their family.


Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez, RN, Care Manager – Fidelis Care at Home
In my 12 years as a nurse, I have had the privilege of helping others when they are at their most vulnerable. Serving as a volunteer with the Dominican Red Cross when I was a teenager gave me the passion to help others and decide that nursing was the path to do what I love. When I moved to the United States, I enrolled in a nursing program, not knowing the challenges I would face with English as my second language. Working as a Nurse Care Manager at Fidelis Care allows me to assist members with their medical, social, and safety needs. The most satisfying thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. Knowing that my care, voice, and time can help a patient make it through is one of the most rewarding feelings.



Jamie Miller, RN, Manager – Clinical
I chose to become a nurse because I have always felt a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact in people’s lives. As a clinical manager alongside my team of nurses, we aim to provide the highest quality compassionate care to our members. Seeing the positive impact on a member’s well-being and enhancing their care experience reminds me daily of why I chose this meaningful career path.


Jacob Mrugalski
Jacob Mrugalski, RN, Lead Clinical Reviewer
After six years in the IT field, I decided to pursue a career in nursing so I could use my skills and talents to truly make a difference in the lives of others. I am overjoyed to say my current role at Fidelis Care is a perfect fit for me, as it allows me to use my experience in the IT field while also giving me a strong sense of fulfillment by serving our members. Becoming a nurse was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I look forward to many more wonderful years with Fidelis Care!



Jennifer Mruk, RN, Case Manager - Health and Recovery Plan
I work as a Fidelis Care Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) Case Manager with the diabetes team, specifically working on the Medical Optimization, Results, and Empowerment (MORE) initiative. I knew from early childhood that I wanted to be a nurse. I have always been passionate about helping and caring for others. For me, nursing brings great satisfaction because I’m able to provide the care and support members need to address their overall health and well-being.