Memorial Medical Center: $15,000 donation from Fidelis Care to support patient care initiatives, combat food insecurity

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced has received a $15,000 grant from Fidelis Care. This donation is part of $315,000 in grant funding awarded by Fidelis Care to fight food insecurity across the state.

“This donation from Fidelis Care is not just a gift, it's a collaborative investment in the health and vitality of our community,” said Sheila Kee, the chief operating officer of NFMMC. “With Fidelis Care's support, we're not just encouraging our patients to engage in vital health services, we're providing the means to access the nutritious foods essential for their health journey."

NFMMC will use the grant to purchase gift cards from popular retailers such as Tops Friendly Markets to provide to patients who receive care at NFMMC’s primary care centers, particularly focusing on closing the gaps in preventative medicine.

This ongoing campaign aims to engage more patients in routine health services such as annual wellness visits, eye exams, colonoscopies and breast cancer screenings. NFMMC plans to distribute the gift cards to patients when they attend their scheduled visits and testing.

“Our collaboration with NFMMC reflects our shared commitment to removing health care barriers,” said Jennifer Lyons, director of marketing at Fidelis Care. “By supporting this unique program, we can help promote the importance of preventive care and address food insecurity by ensuring access to nutritious foods. People who engage in these activities help contribute to a healthier community.”

A press release stated, “Access to fresh and healthy food is crucial in Niagara Falls, which has been recognized as a food desert. This initiative seeks to assist NFMMC patients in their health care journey by encouraging attendance at their primary care facility appointments and facilitating a shift toward a healthier lifestyle.”

NFMMC operates three primary care centers in Niagara County: the Golisano Center for Community Health, Lewiston Primary Care Center and and Summit Healthplex.

NFMMC stated, “These centers are crucial in providing accessible and comprehensive health care services to the community. This partnership between NFMMC and Fidelis Care highlights the importance of innovative approaches to health care, demonstrating how community partnerships can significantly enhance health care services and overall health outcomes.”