Spotlight on Your Funds

March 2025

Benefit Funds Highlight Colorectal Cancer Awareness

The Benefit Funds are marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a campaign to encourage 1199SEIU members to get screened for the third-most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. While diagnoses have declined as more people are being screened, cases are increasing among those under age 50. By providing members with information and resources, the Benefit Funds remind them to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician to determine if they require a screening and, if so, to discuss screening options.

In addition, the latest Health Is the Key podcast highlights the importance of the lifesaving screening. Launching March 5, the episode features Dr. Renee Williams, a Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone. Dr. Williams discusses risk factors, symptoms and the various screening tools available. Plus, she shares her own experience as both a physician and a patient. Members may tune in and subscribe to Health Is the Key wherever they get their podcasts.

Benefit Funds Offer Fertility Coverage Through Progyny

Effective January 1, 2025, the Benefit Funds began providing 1199SEIU members with a fertility benefit that includes in vitro fertilization. The benefit, administered by Progyny, covers two “Smart Cycles” of fertility treatments and provides eligible members with quality care from fertility specialists. Members can also access personalized educational and digital tools to help them understand their reproductive health, as well as a dedicated patient care advocate to support them throughout treatment. For more information, members may visit the dedicated Progyny–Benefit Funds website or call (833) 233-0431.

Training and Employment Funds Provide HC4 Information Sessions

The Training and Employment Funds (TEF) are offering information sessions for members interested in the Health Careers College Core Curriculum (HC4) Program. The program provides a supportive learning environment to help members earn their first 20 to 42 credits in prerequisite and general education courses for a healthcare-related program of study. Offered through three partnering colleges, the program assists members through career planning, tutoring and coaching, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses beyond tuition. Information sessions will be held on March 4, 10 and 12, and continue through July. To sign up for an information session or to find additional sessions, members can visit MyTEF. If they prefer, members can sign up by emailing the appropriate TEF staff member:

• Lekwan.Robinson@1199Funds.org for sessions held at Lehman College and College of Staten Island
• Mia.Vasquez-Berrios@1199Funds.org for sessions held at Monroe University

Check Out Our Podcast

Health Is the Key is dedicated to 1199SEIU members — healthcare workers who, all too often, put the health and well-being of others ahead of their own.

Meet Our Featured Member

Mercella Smith-Whyte from FEGS Home Attendant Services

Why did Mercella Smith-Whyte begin her health journey? Read For Your Benefit online to find out!

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2025.

For further information, contact the Communications Office at Communications@1199Funds.org.