Vaya Health Sunsets Successful Peer Support Training Program

Vaya Health will sunset its North Carolina Peer Support Specialist (PSS) training curriculum effective Dec. 31, 2023. The transition was prompted by achievement of program objectives, projected approval of more PSS trainings based in the region Vaya serves, and the need to shift the organization’s community support focus to readiness for next year’s Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan launch.

Vaya launched its PSS training program in 2015 after recognizing the need for an affordable, accessible training option for prospective peer support specialists. Vaya’s curriculum was the first to be approved under the state’s revised guidelines.

“Our decision to offer NC PSS training has been praised by providers throughout Vaya’s region for increasing the pool of qualified applicants to offer peer support services,” said Vaya CEO Tracy Hayes. “We will continue to champion the value of peer support for wellness and recovery.”

Over the years, Vaya collaborated with service providers, community partners, and recovery-related organizations to expand the availability of training locations and provide access to information about diverse experiences.

“This class has exceeded my expectations. It has changed my life,” wrote one participant. “I have a new purpose and confidence that will allow me the ability to bring the message of recovery to those seeking help.”

Since 2015, over 1,500 individuals completed Vaya’s PSS training, which emphasized topics such as relationship building, recovery language, combatting stigma, supporting veterans, trauma informed support, and cultural competence.

“The success of Vaya’s peer support training would not have been possible without the team of Peer Trainers who facilitated the course,” said Member Engagement Director Stacy Sorrells. “We celebrate their dedication and the positive impact they had on so many lives.”

People interested in becoming certified peer support specialists can find more information, including required trainings, online at pss.unc.edu.

About Vaya Health

Vaya Health is a specialty managed care organization that oversees publicly funded behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services across a 32-county region of North Carolina. Vaya manages Medicaid, federal, state and local funding to meet member and community needs while advancing whole-person health. Together with our members, provider network and local partners, we’re moving forward to a healthier North Carolina. Access to crisis assistance is available 24/7 at 1-800-849-6127. Learn more at vayahealth.com.