Giving Back to Our Communities

Fidelis Care Presents Brady Market with $5,000 Food Insecurity Grant

In observance of National Nutrition Month, Fidelis Care presented a $5,000 grant to support Brady Market’s programs to combat food insecurity in the Syracuse region. The grant is part of $315,000 in donations by Fidelis Care to nonprofit organizations on the front lines of fighting hunger across New York State. Food insecurity impacts about one in 10 New York households.

“Nutrition is healthcare,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. “Fidelis Care is committed to promoting health and well-being in Syracuse and communities across New York State. That begins by partnering with organizations like Brady Market to help families and individuals gain access to healthy, nutritious foods.”

Brady Market in Syracuse, operated by not-for-profit Brady Social Enterprises, Inc., is a grocery store with retail and wholesale operations, deli and catering, job training, and wraparound support services. It was inspired by the 70-plus year history of Brady Faith Center’s engagement with generations of individuals and families in some of the community’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

“Brady Market is very grateful for this Fidelis Care grant,” said Brady Faith Center Director Kevin Frank. “We absolutely can’t do what we do without wonderful partners. For many who live in the community, Brady Market is the only place to get fresh fruits and vegetables. We plan to use the Fidelis Care funding to take the lead in collaborating with 20 neighborhood organizations to deliver meals for 220 families. One of the wonderful things about this program is that our partner organizations know who needs food support the most. It’s just one of the ways that we are more than a market in this community.”

Lombardo added, “We know that one meal is not going to solve a family’s food insecurity, but these grants give us an opportunity to connect people with agencies and organizations like Brady Market to help them find the resources they need for long-term solutions.”

Fidelis Care takes pride in supporting the vital work of Brady Market and the other food insecurity grant recipients across New York State because no one should suffer from hunger. Click here to see the full list of Fidelis Care food insecurity grant recipient organizations.

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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Fidelis Care Reinforces Importance of Dental Care for Children

3/6/2023 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Children's Health, Corporate News

Importance-of-Dental-Health-NY-Health-Insurance-Fidelis-Care

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a yearly observance during which health professionals promote the benefits of good oral health for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases during childhood and can be harmful to children’s overall health. Educating parents and children about the importance of good dental habits can help prevent cavities and improve overall health outcomes.

“Promoting good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure children’s dental health. Regular dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing, prevent plaque, cavities, and tooth decay,” said Dr. Vincent Marchello, Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer. “It’s important for parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s oral hygiene.”

Left untreated, cavities can lead to infections that may impact eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than other children. Regular visits to the dentist help ensure any dental problems can be addressed early during their exam. The checkup also usually includes a cleaning and a fluoride treatment if needed.

“Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay and is very important for children. In-office fluoride treatments are recommended as soon as your child’s baby teeth erupt, which is around six months,” added Annette Maggi, DMD, FAAPD, Assistant Clinical Professor at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. “Children should receive fluoride treatments regularly. And very importantly, fluoride is safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay.”

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is among the many excellent dental providers that treat Fidelis Care members. Fidelis Care partners with UB Dental on various outreach initiatives including their mobile dental clinic, which is committed to improving the health and well-being of Western New York’s most underserved communities.

At home, parents and guardians can follow the following advice for good oral hygiene:

For Babies:
- Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after first feeding and before bed – by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria and sugar. Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can pool around teeth and cause severe decay.
- Brush regularly. Once teeth come in, a baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Talk to a dentist or pediatrician about using fluoride-based toothpaste and receiving a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.
- Go to the dentist. By the baby’s first birthday, they should visit with a dentist to spot any potential problems.
For Children:
- Brush twice a day. Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush properly and don’t forget your tongue. Poor brushing can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions as well as gently brush their tongue.
- Don’t forget to floss. Flossing once a day is a great way to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque.
- Consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen the teeth. A dentist can provide specific mouthwash recommendations for children.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Children should see the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can help remove plaque and look for cavities, and spot for potential oral health issues.
For Caregivers:
- Model good brushing habits. Brush your teeth with your children to encourage proper brushing technique and habits.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Set a good example for children that highlights the importance of good dietary habits.

About Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.5 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.