Vaya Health

02/27/2026

Lina hopes for small things most families take for granted, like time to rest or an afternoon alone with her younger son. The Irby family measures time in years of care after a life-changing accident and the moments of laughter that still make each day meaningful.

Caregiving looks different in every family, but these stories share a common thread: steady love, hard work, and the hope that support will be there when it is needed.

Take a few minutes to read their stories and see how Vaya supports caregivers and families across our region:

Learn about two families on meaningful caregiving journeys as Vaya Health recognizes and celebrates National Caregivers Day.

02/23/2026

For more than a year, one Western North Carolina family had to cross a single wooden plank stretched nearly 100 feet across rushing water just to reach their home. Each trip meant uncertainty, stress, and the constant reminder of how much Hurricane Helene changed daily life.

Through ongoing outreach and support, Hope4NC has walked alongside families across our region as they navigate long-term recovery. In this case, progress is now visible! Engineers have begun building a permanent bridge, helping restore safe access and reconnect this family to their community, resources, and a sense of stability.

Recovery is not only about rebuilding what was lost. It is about helping people feel safe again, reducing isolation, and supporting long-term healing for families and communities across Western North Carolina. Learn more about recovery resources and support: https://www.vayahealth.com/helene-recovery/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_content=Hope4NC&utm_campaign=HeleneRecovery

Vaya Health, an Asheville-based public managed care organization for people with mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and traumatic brain injury needs, serves 22 North Carolina counties included in President Biden’s disaster declarations following Hurricane Helene: ...

02/20/2026

Caregiving is often a role people step into out of love, while balancing work, finances, and their own well-being. As more families take on caregiving responsibilities, access to education and support matters more than ever.

Through HEART programs, Vaya Health provides free education and resources focused on mental health, substance use, dementia care, and emotional challenges in older adults. These trainings are designed to support caregivers while helping them care for themselves.

Read more about how caregiver support is making an impact across our region: https://www.vayahealth.com/news-and-stories/vaya-health-highlights-caregiver-support-through-heart-programs/

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Vaya Health is observing National Caregivers Day on Feb. 20, recognizing the essential role caregivers play in supporting individuals, families, and the broader health care system, while reaffirming its commitment to providing education and resources for those who give care every...

02/18/2026

Small steps can add up to meaningful changes for heart health.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s 28 Days Toward a Healthy Heart offers one simple action each day — from moving a little more, to managing stress, to checking in with people you care about. These small, realistic habits can support both physical and emotional well-being over time.

Heart health isn’t built in a day. It’s shaped by everyday choices, routines, and connections.

Explore the full 28-day checklist and find ideas you can return to again and again: nhlbi.nih.gov/heartmonth

02/16/2026

Vaya Total Care is designed with YOU in mind. If you have complex needs that require support for mental health conditions, substance use disorder, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Vaya Total Care ensures you get comprehensive, coordinated care, including physical health services and pharmacy benefits—just one plan that brings it all together.

Discover how Vaya Total Care meets your unique health care needs: https://www.vayahealth.com/vaya-total-care/

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day can look different for everyone. Maybe it’s snuggling on the couch with your favorite snack ❤️ Maybe it’s hanging out with your favorite person (including yourself!) Maybe it’s taking a walk in nature or dancing like nobody's watching. Whatever your day looks like, remember to do what makes you feel good.

Looking for simple ways to support your wellbeing this season? Check out this article for ideas: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/give-yourself-the-gift-of-self-love-for-valentines-day/

02/13/2026

When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, the response they receive matters. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training prepares law enforcement to recognize behavioral health needs, reduce risk, and guide individuals toward the right level of care. Vaya Health is proud to support this collaborative, evidence-based approach across our region.

Learn more about CIT training: https://www.vayahealth.com/providers/training/cit/

02/13/2026

Vaya Health’s Dr. Lorena Wade was featured on WLOS News 13 Spotlight Carolina on Feb. 1 in recognition of Heart Health Month. Dr. Wade discusses the importance of heart health, the connection between physical and mental health, and how whole-person care supports prevention, early intervention, and long-term wellness across the communities Vaya serves. Watch the full segment: https://www.vayahealth.com/news-and-stories/caring-for-the-heart-means-caring-for-the-whole-person/

02/09/2026

Food access is an important part of overall health and wellbeing . Community efforts like local food drives help support individuals and families who may be experiencing food insecurity.

Caswell County is hosting the Heart for Hunger Valentine’s Day Food Drive, collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items through Feb. 11 at multiple drop off locations across the county. Donations will be distributed Feb. 14 through Caswell County Parks and Recreation.

02/06/2026

If something feels off lately, it can be hard to name exactly what it is. Sometimes it is loneliness. Other times, it is stress, burnout, or emotional fatigue. Taking a moment to check in with yourself can help bring clarity. Vaya offers a free, confidential mental health check-in at vayamindful.org. It is a simple way to reflect on how you are feeling and explore supportive resources when you are ready. Visit vayamindful.org

02/05/2026

Cancer is more than one person’s diagnosis — it also affects friends, coworkers, and family members. Supporting someone through cancer can bring stress, fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain. Taking time to check in on your own wellbeing matters, too. Explore cancer information and support resources at

An international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise worldwide attention and inspire action for a cancer-free future.

02/03/2026

Vaya Health recognizes Black History Month as a time to honor the history, contributions, and lasting impact of Black leaders across generations. This year marks 100 years since the first formal Black history observance began, creating space to recognize achievements and stories that were often left out of traditional history education.

For generations, Black leaders have helped shape medicine, public health, and the programs and services that help people access care and support in their communities. Their work has improved health outcomes for people of all races and backgrounds and continues to influence how care is delivered today.

Learn about the man who started Black History Month 100 years ago and how it began with a display during a fiftieth anniversary celebration of emancipation: https://asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/

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.