Vaya Health

Vaya Health is here to help members, recipients, providers, partners, and communities across the state recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. On Sept. 29, 2024, a Major Disaster Declaration was approved for 25 North Carolina counties, including 18 counties served by Vaya. We have activated business continuity plans, and all services remain fully operational. Our Behavioral Health Crisis Line (1-800-849-6127) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone in our region experiencing a crisis. For information on shelters, pharmacy support, and other recovery resources, please visit our Hurrican Helene Recovery page at https://lnkd.in/ehwXFtJZ. We will continue to provide updates and resources as they become available.

Due to #Helene, Vaya staff are working but our offices in Western NC are closed through at least Oct. 1. Call the Behavioral Health Crisis Line for crisis assistance (1-800-849-6127) or the Member and Recipient Service Line for non-crisis questions and information (1-800-962-9003). Visit http://DriveNC.gov for road conditions.

Running low on your medications ahead of the storm? Due to the Hurricane Helene state of emergency, NC Medicaid recipients can refill prescriptions early, today through Oct. 2! For more detailed information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/drThFKPD

Mental health disorders affect people from all walks of life, and they’re more common than you might think. But there is hope—they are treatable, and recovery is possible. Recovery is a personal journey of healing and growth. It’s about improving health, finding stability, and living a life that feels meaningful. As SAMHSA says, it includes managing symptoms, having a safe place to call home, engaging in fulfilling activities, and building strong relationships. Many people with mental health disorders go on to live full, healthy lives. If you or someone you care about is looking for mental health support, we’re here to help. Anyone in our region experiencing a crisis can call our toll-free, 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127.

Facing a crisis or know someone who is? You're not alone. Reach out to Vaya Health's toll-free, 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127 for confidential support and immediate intervention. The 988 Lifeline is also available day or night via call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Vaya Health is honored to have been selected by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to manage the statewide Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Project. Today’s launch of MFP marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to helping people live in the homes and communities of their choice. With years of experience supporting individuals transitioning from homelessness, psychiatric hospitals, and other institutional settings, we’re now expanding our reach to assist older adults and people with physical disabilities in moving from Skilled Nursing Facilities back into their communities. To learn more about eligibility, how to apply, and the outreach efforts supporting this important work, please read the full details here: https://lnkd.in/eJr6X4zS

Vaya Health recognizes the dedication and essential role that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. From Sept. 8-14, 2024, we honor and celebrate the incredible work of DSPs, who are crucial in helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lead fulfilling, independent lives. Your unwavering commitment and compassion make a profound difference every day. While there won’t be an in-person NADSP conference this year, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals will offer three days of free webinars on important workforce topics. We are grateful to all the DSPs that are an essential part of the Vaya community.

Vaya Health is excited to share that we have been awarded a $300,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across western North Carolina! This initiative will strengthen support for those providing care in mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) services, focusing on recruitment, training, and retention. The plan includes helping providers sign up for loan forgiveness programs, offering more education and training opportunities, and making it easier and faster to fill open positions. Learn more about how this partnership will benefit our communities: https://lnkd.in/eH7M-rdT

On August 31, communities across North Carolina united to honor those lost to overdose and to support individuals and families affected by substance use. International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of intervention and recovery efforts to save lives and prevent future tragedies. Vaya Health recognizes the ongoing substance use crisis impacting our communities. In the past year, we have distributed over 800 NARCAN kits to help prevent overdoses and support those on the path to recovery. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the RISE UP event in Mitchell County to raise awareness and support these efforts. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, please reach out to our Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127. For more information: https://lnkd.in/ddcv7Dp8

Our offices will be closed today for Labor Day. Although our offices are closed in observance of the holiday, we’re still here to help. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call our Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800–849-6127. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support you.