Grants to fund innovative programs that aim to improve postpartum care and address maternal depression in underserved communities

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than two million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has opened applications for up to $140,000 in Here for Your Health maternal health grants. The grants aim to support healthcare providers and community-based organizations across New York that advance innovative solutions to improve postpartum visit adherence and expand maternal depression screening in underserved communities.

Applications are now open and available at fideliscare.org/maternal-grant. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. September 21, 2026.

"As a health plan serving communities across New York State, Fidelis Care is committed to making sure every mother gets the care she needs after childbirth," said Fidelis Care Vice President and Medical Director Dr. Camille Pearte. "Through these maternal health grants, we can work with providers and community partners to help women return for postpartum visits, receive timely depression screening, and get connected to the right support close to home. By identifying needs early and removing barriers to care, we can improve the health of mothers and give families statewide a stronger start."

Postpartum care and maternal mental health play a critical role in long-term health outcomes for mothers and their families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, affect an estimated one in five individuals during pregnancy or postpartum, making early identification and screening essential.

Despite this need, postpartum visit adherence remains inconsistent. Average attendance rates in the United States are about 72% and drop significantly among vulnerable populations. Among patients served by Federally Qualified Health Centers, non-attendance can reach 43%, limiting opportunities for timely follow-up care and routine depression screening.

Fidelis Care plans to announce the recipients of its 2026 Here for Your Health maternal health grants in October in observance of National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.

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 two 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, 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.

About Here for Your Health

The Fidelis Care Here for Your Health (HFYH) campaign reaffirms a commitment to the health of every New Yorker. The campaign highlights Fidelis Care's mission to ensure individuals receive care that is accessible, personalized, and comprehensive at every stage of life. Through strategic partnerships and community-based outreach, HFYH aims to connect New Yorkers with essential health services and resources that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while actively working to bridge gaps in care across communities.

Media Contact
MediaInquiries@fideliscare.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fidelis-care-opens-here-for-your-health-maternal-health-grant-applications-to-providers-and-organizations-302872368.html

SOURCE Fidelis Care