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: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.
Behavioral Health Resources
Behavioral health (mental health and substance use) resources are critical during disaster response and recovery periods. Those in the communities Vaya serves can reach out to the following resources:
- Vaya’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line (1-800-849-6127) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Vaya’s Member and Recipient Service Line (1-800-962-9003) is available Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Walk-in centers help people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis in the same way urgent care clinics help people with immediate physical health needs. You can visit a walk-in center without an appointment. Find a walk-in center near you.
- Call NC’s Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC) to speak to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues
- Available 24/7
- Free and confidential
- Resources for Resilience – Find opportunities for learning and connection after Hurricane Helene. Visit Resources for Resilience Upcoming Events or email them at information@resourcesforresilience.com for more information.
- Join Side by Side with the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS) to learn about resources available near you. Visit the Side by Side webinar registration page to sign up and attend the next monthly meeting.
Vaya Housing Programs
Hurricane Helene left thousands of people without safe housing. Learn more about housing initiatives for eligible Vaya members and recipients. If you are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, call our Housing Team at 1-800-893-6246, ext. 4560, or email HousingTeam@vayahealth.com for information about local programs and other resources.
Hope4NC Helpline
Hope4NC’s crisis outreach workers are ready to help people and communities affected by Hurricane Helene connect with resources for disaster recovery and preparedness, emotional support, and other critical needs. If you are experiencing mental distress or exhaustion – or just need a listening ear – call the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463. The helpline is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.
Free Mental Health Support for Teens Across North Carolina in Wake of Hurricane Helene
NCDHHS is partnering with Alliance Health and Somethings to provide mental health support to teens across North Carolina who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Somethings is a mental health platform that connects teens and young adults with Certified Peer Support Specialist mentors and can provide referrals to licensed therapists. If you’re a teen or know a teen who needs mental health support, visit somethings.com/northcarolina to get connected to support. Services are available via text and video calls after school from 3p.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends.
Temporary Medicaid Flexibilities
NC Medicaid ended most Hurricane Helene Medicaid flexibilities Feb. 28, 2025. Some Long-Term Service and Supports (LTSS) and Innovations Waiver programs are effective through June 30, 2025. Contact your provider for more information or call Member Services at 1-800-962-9003 (Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
View the latest update for Temporary Medicaid Flexibilities.
We will continue to update this page as we have more information and as conditions change.
