Vaya Health

10/09/2025

Depression often feels heavier when carried alone. Stigma and fear can make it difficult to speak up, but reaching out is an act of strength. Starting a conversation with a loved one can be as simple as saying, “I’ve been struggling” or “I need someone to listen.”

When we listen without judgment and respond with care, we can help lift the weight for those we love.

Take a mental health screening and fFind resources and tools for support at www.vayamindful.org

10/08/2025

Vaya Health Area Director and CEO Tracy Hayes and Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Cox will be featured on WLOS News 13 Spotlight Carolina on Oct. 9. As breast cancer survivors, they share their own experiences and speak about the importance of regular screenings.

They also offer encouragement for women who are newly diagnosed or currently in treatment, reminding them that they are not alone and that care should support both the body and the mind. Their message emphasizes hope, strength, and the value of whole-person care throughout the journey.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, this segment is a reminder of the power of early detection, compassionate support, and taking the next step toward health with confidence.

10/07/2025

Join us Friday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Buncombe County Public Health Department, 35 Woodfin Street in Asheville, for our Member Moments event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Stop by to explore wellness resources, free giveaways, tips for your wellbeing, and connect with the Hope4NC team for additional services. Member Moments are open to members, families, caregivers, and the public. Visit www.vayahealth.com/calendar/ to learn more.

10/06/2025

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) is a Medicaid benefit that helps children and teens under 21 get the care they need to stay healthy. EPSDT covers services like checkups, screenings, mental health support, and therapy when a provider says they are medically necessary, even if they are not usually part of Medicaid coverage. This benefit is designed to help young people grow, learn, and thrive.

Learn more about EPSDT: https://www.vayahealth.com/benefits-services/improve-your-wellness/epsdt/

10/03/2025

Having a job is about more than a paycheck. For many people with disabilities, work means independence, pride, and connection to their community. This October, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we honor the voices, skills, and stories of people with disabilities whose contributions strengthen our communities.

Learn more about how work empowers people with disabilities and read their stories:

Discover how employment empowers people with disabilities in NC and how Vaya supports Disability Employment Awareness Month.

10/01/2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that we each play an important role in our own health and wellness. It is also a time to acknowledge how many lives have been touched by breast cancer, whether through a parent, sibling, friend, or loved one. This month, we honor those in treatment, remember those we have lost, and stand beside families and communities impacted. Early detection through screenings and self-exams can make a difference, and taking that step is a way of caring for yourself and the people who love you.

Learn more about breast cancer risk factors, when to start screenings, and steps you can take to support your health:

Learn when to start mammograms, key breast cancer risk factors, and prevention tips. Early detection saves lives—see how Vaya supports your care.

09/30/2025

Vaya Health is honored to support Operation Gateway in sharing this powerful short film, produced by Amplified Media.

During Hurricane Helene, women were still returning home to Buncombe County from incarceration. Their stories show what recovery, resilience, and rebuilding truly look like. They are thriving, working, and proving that through individual strength and the right community supports, life after prison can be bright.

We are proud to stand beside community partners who break down stigma and lift up stories of strength.

09/30/2025

Supporting a loved one through recovery can be as simple as showing up. Listen without judgment, celebrate milestones—big or small—and learn about the challenges they face. Your encouragement can make all the difference.

To learn more about how to offer meaningful support, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

09/29/2025

Hepatitis B and C are common but often overlooked health concerns. They can spread when equipment is shared during substance use, and over time, they may cause serious liver problems. The good news is—testing, treatment, and prevention are available.

If you or someone you care about is navigating substance use, getting tested and connecting with support can make a real difference for your health.

Learn more about services and support at: https://www.vayahealth.com/benefits-services/substance-use/

09/28/2025

Billy West had a problem.

When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, the Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center in Asheville was running out of supplies with a house full of kids. Daymark Recovery Services CEO Billy West had to find a solution – and fast. In those first uncertain hours, Vaya CEO Tracy Hayes was in constant communication with him, helping coordinate support when every minute mattered.

Read Billy West’s story and learn how Vaya and other key partners helped him get the children to safety after Hurricane Helene:

Billy West had a problem. The CEO of Daymark Recovery Services was sitting in Lexington, hours away from the flooding and wind from Hurricane Helene that had toppled trees into power lines and washed out roads and bridges. He was fielding calls and texts from Daymark staff across North Carolina’s ...

09/28/2025

Fall is here, and the darker days can affect us more than we realize.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a type of winter-onset depression—typically starts in late fall and may impact mood, energy, and daily life. Experts recommend light therapy, maintaining regular routines, and staying active to ease symptoms.

To learn more and explore practical tips, visit:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

09/27/2025

One year ago, Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on our communities. Many are still rebuilding — not just homes and businesses, but lives, routines, and a sense of safety.

Anniversaries of events like these can bring back difficult memories and emotions, even when we think we’ve moved forward. They can also remind us of the strength and resilience North Carolinians showed by coming together to help one another through such a difficult time.

If you’re feeling the weight of this day, please know support is available. Vaya Health is here to connect you with resources that can help you or someone you love.

Call the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 for free and confidential emotional support.

Call the Vaya Health Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127, available 24/7.

Learn more about local support and resources: ncdhhs.gov/hope4nc