Vaya Health

This holiday season, support local small businesses (microenterprises) owned by Vaya members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and learn more about the two newest members of Vaya’s Microenterprise Directory. Comic Book Merlin – Merlin Strivelli creates hand-drawn superhero portraits and comic books that reflect the personality and interests of his subjects. Each portrait tells a story with custom detail and imagination. Watt’s Pottery – Katherine “Beth” Watts offers nature-inspired pottery, including functional pieces like mugs, bowls, and herb strippers, as well as decorative items like ornaments and wall hangings. By shopping local, you’re not just buying unique gifts, but also empowering these talented individuals to carry out their passion and be part of their communities. To discover more products and services and shop the full directory, visit https://lnkd.in/eh7e6j2B

Diabetes is a growing health concern, but taking proactive steps can significantly reduce risk or improve outcomes. Vaya Health supports diabetes prevention through initiatives like the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, connecting individuals to resources such as nutrition programs, home-delivered meals, and wellness services. Regular check-ups and access to the right tools can help prevent or manage diabetes effectively.     To learn more about our prevention efforts, wellness programs, and support services, visit https://lnkd.in/eWPqV-bu

Vaya Health honors North Carolina’s veterans by continuing our support for the military community. Through partnerships with the NCServes network and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), we help provide critical resources and care to veterans, service members, and their families. NCServes is North Carolina’s first coordinated network of public, private, and nonprofit organizations working together to serve the military community, offering services like health benefits navigation, housing assistance, food support, legal services, and more. We are proud to participate in events like Stand Down, where we help connect veterans with healthcare referrals, legal consultations, and mental health support. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) to offer specialized Care Management services for eligible veterans. To learn more about our support for veterans and the resources available to them, visit https://lnkd.in/e6aVZBpG

This time of the year can be filled with joy and connection, but it may also bring stress, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness. Consider taking time to reflect on your mental health as you enter the holiday season. Brief screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about could benefit from connecting with a behavioral health professional. This tool is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire, you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. Take a free screening at vayamindful.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, our Behavioral Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-849-6127 for those living in Vaya Health’s region.

Our offices will be closed on November 28 and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday, but help is always available. If you or someone you know is in crisis, our Behavioral Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-849-6127 for those living in Vaya Health’s region.

Vaya Health works alongside the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) to support the health and well-being of Native American communities. By fostering these partnerships with EBCI and CIHA, we help provide culturally competent care, address health disparities, and expand access to services like behavioral health support, child welfare initiatives, and future Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) programs. Learn more about our efforts and how we’re honoring National Native American Heritage Month in the full press release at https://lnkd.in/gFphmrhU

Taking steps toward diabetes prevention can have a lasting impact on your health and wellness. The Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) is available to eligible members interested in getting started on their health journey. HOP nutrition programs, such as the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, medically tailored home-delivered meals, and group nutrition classes, are designed to reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic conditions. Learn more about HOP and eligibility at https://lnkd.in/eM6WnNHp. With over 38 million Americans affected by diabetes, prevention is key. The American Diabetes Association’s 60-second risk test is a quick and easy way to assess your risk for type 2 diabetes and take proactive steps toward prevention. Take the risk test at https://lnkd.in/dUNXrWAh.

This week we celebrate the Great American Smokeout, a time to take a step toward a smoke-free life. Quitting tobacco can be a challenging journey, but Vaya Health is here to support you every step of the way. Vaya offers resources to help Vaya Total Care members quit tobacco like the Quit For Life® program, providing nicotine replacement therapies, personalized coaching, and more. For those without Medicaid, QuitlineNC provides free services for anyone in North Carolina looking to quit commercial tobacco. To learn more about Vaya’s resources, tobacco cessation, and Lung Cancer Awareness Month, visit https://lnkd.in/eH_RMXgQ.

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Help Line is a free service that provides information and referrals for caregivers and professionals working with children and youth facing health challenges. These challenges may include chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. The Help Line offers linkages and referrals to state and government programs, community and local programs, funding sources, healthcare access, health insurance, relocation information, educational resources, and guidance during transitions in care. For assistance and to learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/eHMTWyN2.

Free mental health support for teens in North Carolina is now available. Somethings has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to offer teens across the state access to free mental health services. Mental health challenges, like anxiety or depression, are more common than you might think, but recovery is possible. It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about improving health, building relationships, and living a fulfilling life. Help is here, no matter where you live in North Carolina. For walk-in centers and other crisis support with Vaya, visit https://lnkd.in/e7EuFXfR. For more about free mental health services for teens offered through NCDHHS, visit https://lnkd.in/etSWVy6r.