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HomeMemberHelpful ToolsHealth ResourcesSocial Determinants of HealthGiving Back

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:


Children's Mental Health Awareness Week: Caring for Young Minds
5/6/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Children's Health, Health and Wellness, Mental Health

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is May 5 to 11. Held during National Mental Health Awareness Month, this week highlights the importance of early detection, intervention, and support for children facing mental health challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), notes that about one in six U.S. children ages 6 to 17 experiences a mental health disorder each year, making this week a vital opportunity to explore the issue.

The National Institute of Mental Health offers some key points that highlight the significance of this week:

  • Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: Studies show that mental health disorders in children are more common than many might think. Around 50% of mental health disorders happen by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
  • Impact of Untreated Mental Health Issues: Untreated mental health issues can impact a child's academic performance, social interactions, and quality of life. Children may struggle with concentration, behavior, and emotional control.
  • Stigma and Barriers to Treatment: Stigma and lack of awareness often prevent families from seeking help for their children. Many parents may not recognize the signs of mental health issues or may feel ashamed to discuss these matters.
  • Positive Outcomes with Early Intervention: Early detection and intervention can lead to positive outcomes. Children can learn coping strategies, improve their mental well-being, and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Common mental health issues faced by children include:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Children may experience excessive worry, fear, or panic attacks. This could affect their daily activities and relationships.
  • Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of worthlessness are common signs of childhood depression.
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD can present as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty sustaining attention, leading to challenges in school and social settings.
  • Behavioral Disorders: Behavioral issues can result in disruptive behaviors, defiance, and conflicts with authority figures.

Parents, family members, loved ones, and teachers should watch for signs that may indicate a child is struggling with mental health issues. These signs may include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, frequent mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and self-harming behaviors.

Treatment options for children with mental health issues often include therapy, medication, and behavioral interventions. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors can provide specialized support tailored to each child's needs.

The Fidelis Care Children’s Health and Behavioral Health Program supports children and families by helping to remove quality of life roadblocks caused by mental illness. Qualifying Medicaid Managed Care members receive all physical, behavioral, and social health and support services in one integrated plan. Fidelis Care also offers other behavioral health resources.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and providing access to quality mental healthcare so we can help children lead healthier, happier lives.


Children's Mental Health Awareness Week: Caring for Young Minds
5/6/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Children's Health, Health and Wellness, Mental Health

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is May 5 to 11. Held during National Mental Health Awareness Month, this week highlights the importance of early detection, intervention, and support for children facing mental health challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), notes that about one in six U.S. children ages 6 to 17 experiences a mental health disorder each year, making this week a vital opportunity to explore the issue.

The National Institute of Mental Health offers some key points that highlight the significance of this week:

  • Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: Studies show that mental health disorders in children are more common than many might think. Around 50% of mental health disorders happen by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
  • Impact of Untreated Mental Health Issues: Untreated mental health issues can impact a child's academic performance, social interactions, and quality of life. Children may struggle with concentration, behavior, and emotional control.
  • Stigma and Barriers to Treatment: Stigma and lack of awareness often prevent families from seeking help for their children. Many parents may not recognize the signs of mental health issues or may feel ashamed to discuss these matters.
  • Positive Outcomes with Early Intervention: Early detection and intervention can lead to positive outcomes. Children can learn coping strategies, improve their mental well-being, and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Common mental health issues faced by children include:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Children may experience excessive worry, fear, or panic attacks. This could affect their daily activities and relationships.
  • Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of worthlessness are common signs of childhood depression.
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD can present as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty sustaining attention, leading to challenges in school and social settings.
  • Behavioral Disorders: Behavioral issues can result in disruptive behaviors, defiance, and conflicts with authority figures.

Parents, family members, loved ones, and teachers should watch for signs that may indicate a child is struggling with mental health issues. These signs may include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, frequent mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and self-harming behaviors.

Treatment options for children with mental health issues often include therapy, medication, and behavioral interventions. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors can provide specialized support tailored to each child's needs.

The Fidelis Care Children’s Health and Behavioral Health Program supports children and families by helping to remove quality of life roadblocks caused by mental illness. Qualifying Medicaid Managed Care members receive all physical, behavioral, and social health and support services in one integrated plan. Fidelis Care also offers other behavioral health resources.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and providing access to quality mental healthcare so we can help children lead healthier, happier lives.