Cardinal Timothy Dolan, on behalf of the Bishops of New York State, is urging the public to support the establishment of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation as a way of serving people of all faiths with their health and health-related needs.

Fidelis Care, a non-profit health insurer, had served the poor and needy of New York, since 1993 when it began as the Catholic Health Services Plan of Brooklyn and Queens.

In 1997, the Bishops of New York endorsed Fidelis Care across the state to improve the health and wellness of underserved New Yorkers.

“In recent years, however, it has become clear that the Church could better address the health and health-related needs of the underserved by exiting the increasing technology-driven insurance business and refocusing our efforts,” wrote Cardinal Dolan.

Last year, Centene Corporation, a national leader in providing managed care insurance plans, bought the assets of Fidelis Care. With the money from the sale of Fidelis Care as its starting point, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation will give $150 million annually in grants to assist low-income New Yorkers.

The transaction has been approved by the New York Department of Health and the New York Department of Financial Services. A review by the New York Office of the Attorney General marks the final phase of approval.

Once approved, the Foundation can begin initial grantmaking activity.

The cardinal asked for letters of support to be sent to the attorney general’s office. Emails can be sent by logging on to  https://www.votervoice.net/NYSCATHOLIC/campaigns/59123/respond.

Letters must be received by May 23 to be added to the public record.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation will make New York a healthier, more equitable place for all, according to Cardinal Dolan.

Al Kelly, CEO of Visa, Inc., will serve as the chairman of the Foundation. A noted New York businessman and philanthropic leader, Kelly was the chairman of the committee that planned the New York visit of Pope Francis in 2015.