Long Island City, N.Y. – September 11, 2026 -- Fidelis Care, a Centene Corporation health plan serving more than two million members across New York State, has opened applications for up to $140,000 in Here for Your Health maternal health grants targeting postpartum care gaps in underserved communities.
Grant deadline set for September 21 as postpartum visit adherence lags nationally
Applications are available at fideliscare.org/maternal-grant, with a submission deadline of 5 p.m. on September 21, 2026. The grants will fund healthcare providers and community-based organizations developing solutions to improve postpartum visit attendance and expand maternal depression screening.
National data show sharp disparities in postpartum follow-up rates
Average postpartum visit attendance in the United States stands at approximately 72%, according to the source data, but drops significantly among vulnerable populations. Patients served by Federally Qualified Health Centers show non-attendance rates as high as 43%, restricting access to timely follow-up care and routine depression screening.
SAMHSA data show one in five affected by perinatal mental health conditions
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, affect an estimated one in five individuals during pregnancy or postpartum. Fidelis Care Vice President and Medical Director Dr. Camille Pearte said the grants aim to help women return for postpartum visits, receive timely depression screening, and connect to local support.
Grant recipients to be announced in October
Fidelis Care plans to announce the 2026 Here for Your Health maternal health grant recipients in October, coinciding with National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.