ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Vaya Health is observing National Caregivers Day on Feb. 20, recognizing the essential role caregivers play in supporting individuals, families, and the broader health care system, while reaffirming its commitment to providing education and resources for those who give care every day.
Caregiving in the United States continues to grow in both scope and impact. According to a 2025 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 63 million Americans now serve as family caregivers, a 45% increase over the past decade. Nearly one in four adults provides care for a loved one.
Many caregivers balance these responsibilities alongside employment. Surveys show that nearly 60% of caregivers are employed, and 67% report difficulty managing work and caregiving demands, often reducing hours, declining advancement opportunities, or leaving the workforce altogether. Financial strain is also common, with caregivers spending an average of $7,200 annually on out-of-pocket expenses for medical supplies, transportation, and daily care.
National Caregivers Day provides an opportunity to recognize these often-unseen efforts, while underscoring the importance of practical support and education for caregivers.
Through the Health Education and Aging Resource Team (HEART), Vaya offers free, on-site and web-based education focused on the behavioral health needs of older adults, along with resources designed specifically for caregivers and care providers. HEART trainings are tailored to professional caregivers, family caregivers, community members, and organizations, and address topics such as mental health, substance use, dementia care, and managing emotional or behavioral challenges in older adults.
“Caregivers are the backbone of our communities, often providing critical support while navigating their own professional, financial, and health challenges,” said Tracy Hayes, Area Director and CEO of Vaya Health. “Through HEART, we aim to equip caregivers with knowledge, tools, and support that reflect the complexity of their role and help them care for others while also caring for themselves.”
Between 2024 and 2025, Vaya’s HEART programs delivered 2,025 hours of education through 1,956 presentations, engaging more than 10,764 individuals across the region. The team also conducted outreach to 3,005 community agencies and organizations serving older adults, many of which had not previously received HEART services.
Trainings are delivered by registered nurses, licensed clinicians, and qualified mental health professionals, and are approved for continuing education contact hours by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation.
For more information about Vaya’s HEART services and educational resources, visit: HEART Training | Vaya Health.
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, on Instagram at instagram.com/vaya.health, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/vaya-health.
