When Hurricane Helene unleashed historic rainfall and destruction on western North Carolina, it tested the resilience of communities and the systems that serve them. Amid the devastation, the response of North Carolina’s public system shone as a beacon of hope and ingenuity, proving its unparalleled value in times of crisis.

As a public agency based in Asheville, Vaya Health worked with state and local entities to mobilize resources immediately to support communities devastated by the storm. Guided by principles that prioritize people over processes, the response embodied the mission of North Carolina’s public system: to provide accessible, compassionate care for all residents, even in the most challenging circumstances.

From maintaining 24/7 operational readiness and local community-based staff to ensuring basic needs were met, Vaya’s ongoing efforts highlight the unique strengths of a public system. Key actions included:

• Essential Care: Delivering critically needed gasoline, water, food, medicine, and other resources directly to providers, members, and communities in the immediate days following the storm. These deliveries were made by Vaya staff, who live and work directly in communities impacted by Helene, with donation support from our LME/MCO partners and other stakeholders who offered generous donations.
• Member Outreach: Reaching over 96% of high-risk members through phone calls and in-person visits, ensuring access to critical medications, power for medical devices, and emergency assistance.
• Provider Support: Stabilizing operations for 1,027 providers with over $6.8 million in hardship grant payments across 3,443 sites, including residential facilities and opioid treatment programs, ensuring continuity of care for vulnerable populations.
• On-the-Ground Assistance: Deploying behavioral health professionals in shelters, distributing Narcan and other supplies, serving as part of multi-agency shelter transition teams to help people move to more stable housing, managing the Back@Home Helene housing program and the Hope4NC door-to-door resource program, and organizing listening circles to address the emotional toll of the disaster.

Stories from the recovery efforts reflect the system’s focus on individuals:

• A helicopter was mobilized to deliver critical medical equipment to a member in a remote, inaccessible area.
• A family in Yancey County who lost everything found solace and a path forward with community and provider support, Vaya care management guidance, and emergency Medicaid services arranged by Vaya.
• A displaced member struggling with addiction and homelessness was connected with housing and employment opportunities, offering a fresh start.

Vaya’s response to Hurricane Helene reaffirmed the necessity of preserving and strengthening North Carolina’s public behavioral health system. Learn more about Vaya’s ongoing recovery efforts on Vaya’s website.