In Syracuse Diocese, Fidelis Care Awards $121,000 from Community Grant Fund

SYRACUSE, NY (08/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is pleased to announce the distribution of $94,500 from its Community Grant Fund to benefit Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse, $12,500 to support Franciscan Northside Ministries, $8,000 to support Amaus Health Services at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and $6,000 for Cortland-Chenango Rural Services.

For the seventh consecutive year, Fidelis Care is proud to offer grant funds to non-profit organizations that share similar missions and values of service to low-income, vulnerable individuals. The 2010 Fidelis Care Community Grant Fund made grants available, in coordination with Syracuse Bishop Robert J. Cunningham and his brother bishops, across New York State's eight Roman Catholic Dioceses.

"Fidelis Care has always valued and understood the importance of a strong community presence and enduring partnerships with community organizations that share our healing ministry," said Mark L. Lane, President and CEO. "We are pleased to support such worthwhile programs and services and know that they will benefit local residents within the Diocese. This is the heart of our mission."

"The ministries receiving the community grant funds are indebted to Fidelis Care", said Most Rev. Robert Cunningham, Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse. "In these challenging economic times, the services provided through these Catholic entities were at risk of being eliminated. Fidelis Care once again has proven itself to be an advocate to the most vulnerable in our community."

Serving seven counties and providing a wide array of services in areas such as developmental disabilities, caregiver support, outreach, foster care and adoption, homeless shelters, and case management, Catholic Charities is the social service arm of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. The agency will use the funding to assist low-income uninsured individuals meet health care co-payments, and cover the purchase of prescription medications. In addition, the program will provide nutrition assistance, pre-natal and parenting assistance, and health care education.

Franciscan Northside Ministries will utilize their grant to support two initiatives. The Hypertension Education and Treatment Program assembles and disseminates printed material to educate the public on the risks of this condition, and provides the services of a Registered Nurse for consultations and follow-up. The second program is the Ministries' "Peace Camp." This innovative program, in operation for 11 years, provides inner-city children with a week-long day camp during the February break from school.

Amaus Health Services is an all-volunteer health provider serving more than 1,000 individuals, with a staff of four physicians, six nurse practitioners, two clinical psychologists, and a team of dedicated RNs, LPNs, social workers, medical students, and support staff. Amaus will utilize their grant to support and expand their Diabetes Management Program.

Cortland-Chenango Rural Services will utilize their grant to offer medical, dental, and vision assistance to those in need in rural areas, and will expand their relationship with local schools, family health networks, and area churches as part of their rural ministry.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs. Members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, routine screenings, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more. Fidelis Care also offers a variety of benefit options for seniors through Fidelis Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage, Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Fidelis Care at Home programs, available in certain counties.

With more than 725,000 members in 58 counties Statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Members have access to a provider network of more than 43,000 health care professionals Statewide. Regional offices are located in Syracuse, Albany, Amherst, and Rego Park (Queens), with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

For more information, call Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

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