New Covid-19 Testing, Antibodies Info

Due to supply shortages, Healthy Connections Community Health Network is now instituting some new policies related to Covid-19 testing and Monoclonal Antibody Treatment.

Covid-19 rapid testing is no longer available. All tests will now get sent to the lab and you will receive results in 2-5 days. This testing will continue to be done at no cost to patients and can be done at all Healthy Connections clinic locations. Visit www.gettestedfree.com for more information.

Healthy Connections is now offering only the infusion option for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. Patients MUST HAVE A POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST in order to be eligible. The Covid-19 home test is not sufficient for this. Call 888-710-8220 to get a qualifying Covid-19 test.. This treatment is successful in many patients who are considered high risk for severe Covid-19, including hospitalization or death.

Due to changes from the government and insurance companies, we are now only able to offer a cash price for Regeneron infusions. The cash price is $400 and must be paid before the services are received. It can be paid by cash or credit card. This applies to all patients, including insured, uninsured, and sliding-fee scale.

Patients should call our hotline at 479-437-3300 for more information. Referrals are being accepted from any provider, even if you are currently outside of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network.

Healthy Connections will be administering Regeneron at the following locations:

The Healthy Connections team will administer monoclonal antibodies with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion. The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and gradually sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes between 20 and 50 minutes. After the IV is removed, patients must wait at least one more hour so health care workers can watch for side effects or negative reactions. Intravenous infusion is recommended for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.

This is not a substitution for the Covid-19 vaccination. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule vaccination appointments at your nearest Healthy Connections Community Health Network location. Patients can learn more and schedule appointments by speaking to their Healthy Connections provider by calling our hotline at 479-437-3300. More information can be found at https://healthy-connections.org/monoclonal.

Covid-19 vaccines and boosters will still be given at all Healthy Connections primary care locations. Call 888-710-8220 for information and appointments.

January 2022 Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is excited to announce its January 2022 Shining STAR employees of the month:

WEST: OMAR GALLARDO

EAST: WENDY THRASHER

Each month across the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, exemplary employees are nominated for this award for representing our Three Pillars: Excellence, Compassion, and Community. These pillars are considered heavily when choosing winners.

As winners of this Shining STAR award, Omar and Wendy are winners of a $50 gift card.

Omar is a Patient Care Coordinator and translator based in Mena.

  • “Omar is the dude! Always going out of the way to help. He is just awesome!”
  • “Omar goes way beyond expectations. He is ready to help whenever and wherever needed. Always has a willing heart.”
  • “He is always willing to help in any area. He also does this with a smile on his face. He is always helping in the community.”
  • “Good at his job. Helps everyone even when it’s not part of his job description.”

Wendy is a Nurse Educator based out of Arkadelphia.

  • “She is a hard worker who always puts patient care FIRST. Wendy is a team player, and she is also willing to cover whenever needed at other clinics without hesitation. Wendy is reliable and such an asset to our company. Her hard work does not go unnoticed, and she is very appreciated.”
  • “Wendy is always willing to help out in any area that she is needed in. She always has a positive attitude and is fun to work with.”

Congratulations to both Omar and Wendy.

Do you know who should be our next to be recognized? Nominate by visiting https://www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.