#United States #postpartum #Maternal Health #Long Island City #Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care Launches Maternal Health Grants

Fidelis Care, a prominent health plan serving New York State, has announced the availability of grants aimed at improving maternal health care in underserved communities. These grants, part of the initiative titled "Here for Your Health," will allocate up to $140,000 to support healthcare providers and community organizations working innovatively to enhance postpartum care and screen for maternal depression.

Focusing on Postpartum Care and Mental Health

Postpartum health is critical, affecting long-term health outcomes for mothers and their families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has indicated that mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, impact roughly one in five women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Early diagnosis and care are paramount, making these grants highly relevant.

Despite the clear need for consistent postpartum care, attendance rates for postpartum visits are troublingly low. Nationally, the average rate is about 72%, but this figure drops significantly among high-risk populations, with some Federally Qualified Health Centers reporting rates as low as 57%. This gap indicates an urgent necessity for targeted programs to improve adherence to postpartum care, particularly in vulnerable demographics.

Opening the Application Process

The application for these grants is now open and can be obtained from the Fidelis Care website at fideliscare.org/maternal-grant, with a submission deadline set for 5 p.m. on September 21, 2026. Dr. Camille Pearte, Vice President and Medical Director at Fidelis Care, emphasized the organization's commitment to ensure every mother has access to the healthcare she requires after childbirth.

"Through these maternal health grants, we can collaborate with healthcare providers and community partners to help women fulfill their postpartum visits, receive timely depression screenings, and connect them to needed resources in their communities," she stated.

Prioritizing Community Needs

The Fidelis Care grants are part of a broader strategy to bridge healthcare disparities across New York State. By removing barriers to effective postpartum care and improving screening for maternal depression, these initiatives are anticipated to uplift the health status of mothers and families, fostering overall community well-being.

Furthermore, the recipients of the 2026 Here for Your Health maternal health grants will be announced in October, coinciding with National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. This timing aligns with the organization's goal to raise awareness about maternal mental health issues and the importance of ongoing care.

Fidelis Care’s efforts underscore the mission of ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers, supporting individuals at every stage of their lives. For more information about the grants and other initiatives, interested parties can call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS or visit their website for further details.

Conclusion

The Here for Your Health initiative represents Fidelis Care's commitment to the holistic health of mothers and their children. The organization recognizes the vital importance of early mental health identification and screening and aims to foster healthier family dynamics throughout New York State.