Fidelis Care is working with the New York State Department of Health on two pilot programs to support children with asthma.

The programs are first targeting East Harlem and Erie County. The goals are to help children with poorly controlled asthma better manage their condition and to cut down asthma-related ER visits and inpatient hospital stays.

Strong results have been seen so far. Before joining the program, East Harlem members reported 40 ER visits and 13 hospital stays related to asthma. Erie County members reported 60 ER visits and 11 hospital stays. Since the program began, the combined 46 members reported only 18 ER visits and just one hospital stay.

Fidelis Care's Terri Wood, RN, BSN, AE-C, Asthma Case Manager, is a certified asthma educator who helps members manage asthma, working with doctors, schools, and  families. Each member diagnosed with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan.

For more information, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547).