Healthy Connections
Evolve Behavioral Health Services
My Kids Pediatric Clinic
West Central Health Clinic
Health For Life Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Healthy Connections
Evolve Behavioral Health Services
My Kids Pediatric Clinic
West Central Health Clinic
Health For Life Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Martin Returns To De Queen Clinic

Healthy Connections is thrilled to welcome back experienced Family Nurse Practitioner Angela Martin, APRN, to our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic.
Angela is now accepting patients at the De Queen clinic, conveniently located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive. Schedule primary care/family medicine appointments by calling 888-710-8220.
With more than 30 years of nursing experience and 13 years as a nurse practitioner, she is deeply rooted in De Queen, having called it home for more than two decades. Angela previously worked at Healthy Connections. Other area locales included the Martin Family Medical Clinic and De Queen Medical Center.
“We are thrilled to have Angela back with us at Healthy Connections in De Queen. Her unwavering commitment to community healthcare perfectly aligns with our mission, and her expertise will undoubtedly benefit our patients,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
In her family practice clinic, Angela is dedicated to caring for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Healthy Connections De Queen operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, offering services to both pediatric and family medicine patients. Other providers at this location include Carolin Hockersmith, APRN, and Inja Brown, APRN.
As a family nurse practitioner, she brings specialized educational and clinical training to family practice, with a strong focus on long-term health and wellness, particularly emphasizing preventive care.
“When I was an ER nurse, I often saw patients who didn’t need to be in the ER. They needed care in a clinic setting. At the time, there weren’t many providers in De Queen, and I simply wanted to be there to help people,” Angela said of her initial journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Healthy Connections, a nonprofit organization based in Mena, has been serving the healthcare needs of children and adults throughout West-Central Arkansas since its establishment in 1998. From its humble beginnings as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has grown to offer essential health and dental services to families from diverse backgrounds.
For those seeking quality healthcare from Angela, please call (888) 710-8220 to schedule an appointment and experience the excellence of care she brings to the De Queen community.

Larner Named Evolve BHS Director

Heath Larner, LPC, has been appointed as the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Services at Evolve Behavioral Health Services, a vital component of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network. This announcement underscores Heath’s dedication to the three core pillars of Healthy Connections: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Larner’s career trajectory is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the field of mental health. He began his journey with a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida and explored diverse professional avenues, including running his cleaning business. However, his true calling beckoned, leading him to pursue a career in therapy.

In 2022, Larner transitioned to Evolve Behavioral Health Services, enriching the team with his extensive experience and unique perspective.

Heath’s professional journey took an unconventional path as he embarked on graduate studies at Central Arkansas at the age of 37. By the age of 40, he had earned his degree, embarking on a fulfilling career as a therapist. His distinctive life experience equips him with a remarkable outlook when helping individuals on their mental health journeys.

Larner’s therapeutic approach embraces individuals of various age groups, with a particular affinity for those old enough to engage in cognitive processes, starting from age 9 and beyond. He employs cognitive behavioral therapy as his primary therapeutic modality, complemented by insights drawn from his background as a preacher. This holistic approach fosters compassion and facilitates healing.

“I’m really big on what we think we’ve become. I spend a lot of time trying to get people to think the right way about themselves, about others, about life in general,” Larner said. “And as we improve our thoughts and our thoughts get healthier, our perspective gets healthier.”

Evolve Behavioral Health Services plays a crucial role within the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, collaborating seamlessly with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. This partnership allows Evolve to provide individual, family, and group mental health therapy, in addition to medication management by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), all within the state of Arkansas.

“Heath’s dedication to improving mental health aligns perfectly with the mission of Evolve and Healthy Connections,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make in our community.”

To learn more about Evolve Behavioral Health Services, please visit their website at www.evolvebhs.com. Individuals seeking mental health support are encouraged to reach out without hesitation. Appointments with Evolve can be scheduled by calling 800-409-6250.

Evolve Behavioral Health Services and Healthy Connections share a common vision—to promote mental well-being and improve the lives of individuals in our community. Their partnership strengthens their ability to provide the highest quality of care, reflecting their dedication to a healthier and happier society.

About Heath Larner, LPC

Heath Larner, LPC, is the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Services at Evolve Behavioral Health Services, part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network. With a unique journey to the field of mental health, Heath is dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental well-being through cognitive behavioral therapy and compassionate care.

About Evolve Behavioral Health Services

Evolve Behavioral Health Services is committed to delivering comprehensive mental health therapy and medication management within the Healthy Connections Community Health Network. Their mission is rooted in the values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, providing individuals with the tools to lead healthier and happier lives.

About Healthy Connections Community Health Network

Healthy Connections Community Health Network is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Healthy Connections offers quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services, anchored in the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Your Guide to Flu Shots: Stay Healthy with Healthy Connections

In the battle against the flu, taking the right steps can mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a severe, even life-threatening illness. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated annually.

Here at Healthy Connections, we understand the importance of this preventive measure, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone. Our Community Health Network clinics across Arkansas are proud to offer flu shots, and we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your health. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance. We accept various forms of coverage, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most insurance plans. For those without insurance, we are making the vaccine accessible for just $35.

So, why should you choose Healthy Connections for your flu shot?

  • Firstly, our experienced nurses administer the vaccine safely and effectively. Your health is in capable hands.
  • Secondly, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why we offer convenient appointments designed to fit your schedule, including evening slots at select locations.
  • Lastly, our commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.

This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the flu shot is magnified. Both the flu and COVID-19 share respiratory symptoms, and vaccination reduces your risk of contracting and spreading these illnesses.

In addition to COVID-19 concerns, consider these factors:

  • Experts anticipate a more severe flu season.
  • Some flu strains may be less responsive to the vaccine.
  • Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
  • It provides protection for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier you? Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule your appointment today.

Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you safe and well.

Bauer, Mendez Named August Employees of Month

At Healthy Connections, we take pride in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team members who go above and beyond to embody our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We are thrilled to announce the Employees of the Month for August 2023, who have truly exemplified these pillars in their service to our patients and communities.

East Communities Winner: Tonya Bauer – Registered Nurse (RN)

Tonya Bauer, an outstanding Registered Nurse (RN), has been selected as the Employee of the Month for our East Communities region. Tonya works closely with women’s health specialist, Dr. Pittman Moore, and her dedication to patient care and support has not gone unnoticed.

In the nomination, it was stated, “Tonya is a great nurse! She is hardworking and dependable. She is Dr. Moore’s primary support staff but will quickly assist others in need. We are so thankful for Tonya!”

Tonya’s commitment to her patients and her willingness to assist her colleagues make her a true asset to our team.

West Communities Winner: Liz Mendez – Interpreter

In our West Communities region, we are proud to announce Liz Mendez as the Employee of the Month. Liz serves as an interpreter at our Mena location and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to patient care and support.

The nomination for Liz praised her dedication, stating, “Liz strives to make sure she does the best she can to help her patients receive the care they need. She also helps in any way she can at both front and back desks, she makes sure that her coworkers understand the tasks that are set in front of them and tries to make their job easier with her knowledge and tips.”

Liz’s commitment to helping both patients and colleagues reflects the essence of Healthy Connections’ values.

These two employees were chosen as winners for the month of August based on their embodiment of the three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

We encourage you to nominate the next potential winner for September by visiting our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate. Your nominations help us recognize and appreciate the incredible individuals who make a difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.

Congratulations to Tonya Bauer and Liz Mendez for their outstanding contributions to Healthy Connections and thank you to all our team members for their unwavering commitment to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.