ASHEVILLE, NC – September is recognized as National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate the hope and healing made possible through recovery.
“Recovery is achievable with the right support and resources, and communities play an important role in fostering health and resilience,” said Tracy Hayes, Area Director and CEO of Vaya Health. “In recognition of this month, Vaya Health reaffirms our strong commitment to mental health and substance use recovery at the community level for all those in need of recovery services.”
One way Vaya supports mental health and substance use recovery is through our local walk-in centers. In collaboration with our contracted behavioral health providers, access to walk-in centers is now available in all 32 counties Vaya serves. Walk-in centers offer fast access to care for mental health and substance use issues that are not life-threatening. Centers are open during regular weekday business hours and offer same-day assessments with no appointment required. Walk-in centers also provide medication management, individual therapy, and group therapy. Some centers offer additional services, such as post-stabilization care, services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, or recovery education centers, which offer support for successful recovery.
For those with substance use needs, Vaya understands that stability is key to sustainable recovery. For example, Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT) Programs offer intensive, evidence-based care that helps individuals achieve stability and begin building sustainable recovery outside of a residential setting. Vaya is working to expand access to SACOT across our region. On Sept. 5, we helped launch Wilkes Recovery Revolution’s program in North Wilkesboro in partnership with the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.
Opening this month, the Wilkes Recovery Revolution’s program will provide a structured day program that includes individual and group therapy, medical care and clinical oversight, medication management, peer recovery support and wraparound services. Inpatient treatment and detoxification services will launch later this year.
Additionally, the Wilkes Recovery Revolution will host its 10th Annual Recovery Rally to raise funds and awareness of addiction on Sept. 27. Beginning at 5 p.m., this is an evening of harmony and connection to mend hearts, minds, and communities in honor of National Recovery Month.
Vaya will continue the conversation as it honors National Recovery Month — joining those across North Carolina and the nation to raise awareness of mental health and substance use challenges and provide resources to support individuals, no matter where they are in their recovery process.
About Vaya Health
Vaya Health is a specialty managed care organization and local government agency that oversees publicly funded health care services across a 32-county region of North Carolina for people with significant behavioral health needs, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. Vaya manages Medicaid, federal, state, and local funding to meet member and community needs while advancing whole-person health. Together with members, contracted providers, and local partners, we’re moving forward to a healthier North Carolina. Vaya Health can be found online at vayahealth.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/VayaHealth/, on X (formerly known as Twitter) @VayaHealth, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/vaya-health.
