From Vaya Health:
WNC managed healthcare organization Smoky Mountain MCO now operating as Vaya Health
October 4, 2016 – Smoky Mountain MCO, which manages public funds for mental health, substance use and intellectual/ developmental disability services in 23 western North Carolina counties, today announced the organization will now operate under the name Vaya Health (Vaya).
The new name reflects the organization’s expansion and evolving mission over the past four decades. Originally serving the state’s seven westernmost counties, Vaya now operates in counties as far to the east as Rutherford, Alexander and Wilkes. The name Vaya, a variation on a Spanish verb meaning “to go,” was inspired by our commitment to help members and their families move forward to a place of healing, recovery and hope.
The new organization name does not affect healthcare services, supports or programs in any way. Vaya members will see no changes in their benefit plans, provider options or other services due to the new name. Vaya’s 24-hour, toll-free Access to Services and crisis line remains available to the general public at 1-800-849-6127.
Vaya has also launched a new, enhanced website at www.vayahealth.com. The site makes it simple for local residents to learn about publicly funded services that may be available to them for behavioral health and intellectual or developmental disability needs. It also includes an easy-to-use provider search function, a calendar of upcoming events throughout the region and expanded information on local programs and community partnerships.
Vaya will continue to implement the organization’s Community and Capital Reinvestment Initiatives Plan, an effort to utilize $10 million saved through effective Medicaid management to launch new or expanded programs. Initiatives include creating regional crisis facilities in Buncombe, Caldwell and Wilkes counties, as well as expanding the Balsam Center in Haywood County. Other programs are designed to reduce heroin/opioid drug use and overdose deaths, expand addiction recovery housing and work toward integrating physical and behavioral health services under a “whole-person care” model. Additional reinvestment activities include enhancing veterans’ services, helping individuals leaving institutions access legal services and expanding crisis services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
For more information, call 1-888-757-5726 or visit www.vayahealth.com.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.