ASHEVILLE, NC — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Vaya Health and Resources for Resilience (RFR) have partnered to provide critical trauma-informed training and community support across western North Carolina. With initial support from disaster relief organizations and ongoing support from a $2 million allocation from the NC General Assembly, this collaborative effort has already reached over 1,700 individuals through over 200 free events aimed at equipping communities with practical tools for healing, resilience, and recovery.
RFR, in partnership with Vaya, provided more than 23 hours of acute crisis response in the immediate aftermath of the storm —volunteering at emergency centers, community hubs, and distribution sites to offer individual and small-group support. As the immediate work progressed, Vaya, RFR, and state leaders began to plan for the longer-term community supports that are necessary in the wake of a disaster of this magnitude.
The $2 million allocation supports a two-year strategy to expand access to RFR’s resilience-building programs, especially for first responders, behavioral health providers, city and county leaders, public health workers, and community volunteers involved in disaster recovery.
“This partnership has allowed Vaya to reach individuals across western North Carolina in a time of deep need, helping people in rural areas access trauma-informed care and mental health support in the wake of Hurricane Helene,” said Tracy Hayes, Area Director and CEO of Vaya Health. “Having lived through Helene and the aftermath of its devastation, we know that programs like Resources for Resilience are critical to ensuring our communities have the mental health support needed to begin recovery.”
The initiative aims to deliver an additional 290 trainings and community events by the end of FY 2026, reaching as many as 6,000 individuals directly. These include trauma-informed sessions such as:
- Reconnect for Resilience
- Listening Circles
- Recharging Resilience workshops
- Leadership-focused offerings
- Family-centered community gatherings
To ensure the long-term success of this effort, a portion of the funding supports the hiring of regional trainers and program coordinators, as well as efforts to improve outreach in rural and underserved areas.
This initiative has provided Vaya with a unique opportunity to advance its core mission—strengthening community partnerships, expanding access to behavioral health supports, and investing in upstream, trauma-informed care. By collaborating with RFR, Vaya is not only helping individuals recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene but also laying the foundation for long-term mental wellness and community resilience.
As the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, Vaya and RFR remain committed to walking alongside communities through every step of healing.
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.
About Resources for Resilience
Resources for Resilience is a western North Carolina-based nonprofit organization sharing practical tools and research-based resources that people of all ages can use to manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience in themselves and others. Our trainings and professional development workshops help participants better understand how our brains and bodies respond to stress and teach them strategies to keep themselves, their loved ones, and the people they serve healthy and resilient. We are proud to work closely with those who are at the center of our communities, including educators, business leaders, first responders, and healthcare workers, to ensure that all community members have access to the tools they need to thrive.
