#VayaStrong – Stacy Sorrells named 2017 Recovery Champion of the Year

Stacy Sorrells, Director of Member Relations at Vaya Health, was named the 2017 Recovery Champion of the Year at the 3^rd annual Western Regional Recovery Rally last Saturday. The award was presented by Member Relations staff, including Vanessa Brumfield, Maryann Haskell, Rebekah McCloy, Sam Sutker and Richie Tannerhill.

The Recovery Champion of the Year award recognizes those who work to reduce barriers to wellness and to improve the lives of people living in long-term recovery. Champions like Stacy promote education to eliminate stigma, advocate for policies that enable wellness and raise the profile of recovery in our local communities.

The selection committee, which included individuals in recovery and recovery allies, chose to recognize Stacy for her work as the Director of Vaya’s Member Relations Team. In this role, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities throughout western North Carolina.

Peer Trainer Rebekah McCloy described the important role that Stacy plays in her personal and professional life. “Stacy has had an impact on my personal recovery journey by encouraging me to set high goals and stretch to reach them. I would not be trying some new things now if she hadn’t told me she believed in me.”

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Stacy.  “It is important to me that we all continue to spread hope and raise awareness that recovery is possible. I believe that by using our collective voices and supporting one another we will continue to build healthy and strong  communities.”

Vaya’s Member Relations Team, which is led by Stacy, includes Peer Trainers and Family Partners who serve as messengers of hope. They share their own experiences with members and caregivers, and are influential in increasing positive outcomes for individuals on their recovery paths. Through training, education and coaching, they promote individual and family strengths, support wellness activities and encourage self-advocacy among Vaya members and caregivers.

Congratulations, Stacy!

About Vaya Health – Vaya Health manages public funds for mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual or developmental disability services in 23 North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Access to services and crisis help are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-849-6127.