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Fidelis Care Grants $149,000 for Behavioral Health Improvement

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Fidelis Care has announced a significant allocation of $149,000 in grants aimed at enhancing behavioral health services across New York State. This initiative is designed to improve mental health outcomes, particularly for underserved communities.

Overview of the Grants

The behavioral health grants, each ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, are awarded to nine healthcare providers and community organizations throughout the state. The objective is to bolster the integration of behavioral health with primary care by adopting innovative strategies that close the gaps in care for vulnerable populations.

The recipients of the 2025 Fidelis Care behavioral health grants include:
1. Center for Comprehensive Health Practice, Harlem
2. Desens House, Oswego
3. Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton
4. Horizon Health Services, Getzville
5. Just Kids Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Long Island
6. Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York, Watertown
7. Seleni House Foundation, New York City
8. University of Rochester, Rochester
9. Westchester Jewish Community Services, White Plains

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Dr. Camille Pearte, Vice President and Medical Director of Fidelis Care, emphasized the importance of these grants in forging stronger connections between healthcare providers and community service organizations. "The Fidelis Care behavioral health grant program fosters stronger ties with providers and community-based social need service organizations to get people the help they need to live fulfilled lives," she stated. The timing of the grant announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting Fidelis Care's commitment to supporting underserved communities through enhanced care coordination.

The Center for Comprehensive Health Practice (CCHP), one of the grant recipients, delivers integrated and culturally responsive care to over 2,200 individuals in New York City's most underserved communities. The funding will aid the expansion of CCHP's integrated adolescent mental health model, focusing on screening young individuals for behavioral concerns during wellness visits and providing necessary counseling.

CEO Annie Mendelsohn of CCHP expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, "This funding will significantly enhance our ability to connect marginalized and underserved youth with the behavioral and mental health services they urgently need."

Another notable recipient, Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York, has committed to using the funds to speed up diagnosis and care for children facing behavioral challenges. Myla D. Estepa, a physician at the organization, mentioned, "This grant supports our dedication to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being of children and adolescents." The grant will also facilitate behavioral therapy and guidance for parents to help them address their children's needs at home and in school settings.

The Importance of Mental Health Integration

Research underscores the vital importance of integrating behavioral health services into primary healthcare systems. According to the National Library of Medicine, this integration not only improves care delivery but also significantly enhances health outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in five U.S. adults experiences some form of mental illness, with alarming statistics noting that one in six children aged 6 to 17 faces a mental health disorder annually. Factors such as poverty, violence, and inequality increase the risk of developing these conditions, which marks the need for comprehensive mental health support.

With Fidelis Care's dedicated approach to funding and improving behavioral health services, the organization is paving the way toward a healthier future for New Yorkers, ensuring mental well-being receives the attention and resources it deserves.

For further details on Fidelis Care and their initiatives, one can visit their website or reach them at 1-888-FIDELIS.