Vaya Health

11/22/2025

Today we honor those who have lost someone who has taken their life. Grief after this kind of loss is deep and complex, and no one should have to face it alone.

Connection and understanding can help us find light in the hardest moments. Whether through conversation, remembrance, or quiet reflection, we can help one another heal.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call the Vaya Health Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127 for free, 24/7 support.

To learn more about resources and support for loss survivors, visit afsp.org/survivorday

11/17/2025

November is a time to recognize the people who give so much of themselves to care for others. Family caregivers bring patience, compassion, and strength to every day, often while balancing their own responsibilities and emotions.

At Vaya Health, we honor and support their dedication through our Health Education and Aging Resource Team, or HEART. This program provides free education and training to help caregivers feel more confident, supported, and connected while caring for older adults and individuals with behavioral health needs.

Through HEART, we are building a community of understanding and support so caregivers never feel alone in the work they do.

Learn more about the HEART program and how it’s making a difference:

Celebrate National Caregivers Month with Vaya HEART. Access caregiver support, training, and resources to manage caregiving with confidence.

11/12/2025

Vaya Health’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lorena Wade, joined WLOS News 13’s Spotlight Carolina on Thursday, Nov. 6, which will air again Sunday, Nov. 23. She speaks about the connection between lung health and to***co cessation, emphasizing how prevention, early screening, and behavioral health supports improve long-term outcomes.

Watch the interview now and learn how you can get help quitting to***co: https://www.vayahealth.com/benefits-services/improve-your-wellness/to***co-cessation/

11/11/2025

In observance of Veterans Day, our offices are closed today. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, support is available 24/7 through our Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127.

Today and every day, we honor the veterans, service members, and families who have given so much to our communities. Through partnerships with the NCServes network and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, we help connect the military community to resources like housing assistance, food support, health benefits navigation, and more.

Learn more about how we’re supporting North Carolina’s veterans:

Vaya Health Honors Veterans Day with renewed commitment to service, connection, and care for North Carolina’s veteran population.

11/07/2025

We are excited to announce the launch of WNC Thrive, a new program that helps young people heal, reconnect, and grow through safe, supportive, and engaging activities. The program is offered at no cost to families in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Participants do not need to be a Vaya member to be eligible.

WNC Thrive is supported by $1.75 million from the NC Department of Health and Human Services as part of Helene response funding provided by the NC General Assembly.

Visit the WNC Thrive page on Vaya’s website to learn more and help us spread the word: https://www.vayahealth.com/wnc-thrive/

Vaya Health is a public managed care organization (MCO) that prioritizes whole-person health. We manage Medicaid, federal, state, and local funding to connect the people we serve to health care services and supports.

11/04/2025

Employment provides more than a paycheck. It creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to use their skills, pursue independence, and contribute to their communities. Vaya’s Transition to Community Living (TCL) program supports members in finding meaningful jobs through programs like Individual Placement and Support. Recently, TCL specialist Angela Canada and a participant were honored by Governor Josh Stein at a state reception celebrating the 80th anniversary of inclusive employment in North Carolina.

To learn more about Angela’s work and how employment programs are empowering people across the state, read more here:

Learn how Vaya Health supports inclusive employment during NDEAM, helping individuals with disabilities thrive in meaningful careers across NC.

11/03/2025

Diabetes touches so many lives, often in ways we don’t see right away. Maybe it’s a loved one managing daily care, or our own quiet worry after a doctor’s visit. The truth is, we can all take steps to protect our health, and none of us have to do it alone.

At Vaya Health, we focus on the full picture of wellness. That means helping you access screenings and finding realistic ways to eat well, manage stress, and stay active. Because diabetes isn’t just about your blood sugar level — it’s about feeling supported in every part of your health journey.

Learn more about diabetes prevention and whole-person support through Vaya Health:

Diabetes Awareness Month: Discover Vaya Health’s tips, programs, and resources for preventing Type 2 diabetes and promoting wellness.

10/31/2025

Halloween is a night of fun for many families, but it can also bring unique challenges. Some children and adults may experience sensory differences that make bright lights, loud sounds, or certain costumes feel uncomfortable.

This Halloween, kindness and understanding can go a long way. Offering options, being patient, and creating a welcoming environment helps everyone enjoy the celebration in a way that feels right for them.

Vaya Health is proud to support communities that embrace inclusion and care for all. 💙

10/27/2025

This Halloween, you may see children carrying blue trick-or-treat buckets. The blue bucket has become a symbol for autism acceptance, helping neighbors know that a child may communicate, interact, or experience the holiday a little differently.

If a child does not say “trick or treat,” skips costumes, or needs extra patience at your door, remember that the joy of Halloween looks different for everyone. A smile, kindness, and understanding can make the night brighter.

To learn more about autism and support, visit Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/halloween-tips

10/24/2025

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. Learn more at https://www.vayahealth.com/get-help/crisis-help/

10/20/2025

This year, Vaya Health is celebrating the first anniversary of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, a statewide initiative that helps individuals safely move from skilled nursing facilities back into their homes and communities.

In just 12 months, the program has reached more than 570 participants and supported 50 successful transitions home. Along the way, our team has worked across all 100 counties, hosted hundreds of outreach events, and connected participants to vital in-home supports.

Each transition represents more than a move — it’s a step toward independence, comfort, and hope.

Read more about the program’s impact:

The Money Follows the Person program is about more than services—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, community connection, and hope.

10/16/2025

Vaya Health Area Director and CEO Tracy Hayes and Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Cox recently appeared on WLOS News 13’s Spotlight Carolina to share their personal journeys as breast cancer survivors and discuss the importance of regular screenings.

They spoke about how healing extends beyond physical care, highlighting the need for mental and emotional support at every stage of recovery. Their message reflects the strength, resilience, and compassion at the heart of whole-person care.

If you missed the segment, you can now watch the full interview on our website: https://www.vayahealth.com/news-and-stories/understanding-breast-cancer-screening-and-risks-what-everyone-should-know/