HIV Specialist Dr. Sharon Meador Joins LR Midtown Clinic

Healthy Connections is thrilled to introduce the newest member of our esteemed team, Sharon Meador, MD, who joins the Little Rock Midtown Clinic.

With an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years as an occupational medicine physician, Dr. Meador brings an unparalleled level of expertise and dedication to the clinic, aligning perfectly with our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Dr. Meador’s qualifications extend far beyond the ordinary. She is a certified HIV Specialist recognized by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM), a distinction that highlights her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care in HIV prevention and treatment. Her achievement places her in an exclusive league of healthcare professionals devoted to ensuring the optimal health of those living with or at risk for HIV and related conditions.

“When I first saw and treated people with HIV, it was AIDS. We didn’t know what it even was, and it was a death sentence essentially. But the current treatments are wonderful, and the issues we’re seeing now with our folks living with HIV is they live so long, they get old people diseases like the rest of us, which is a great problem to have,” Dr. Meador said.

The clinic location at 1100 N. University Ave., #200, in Little Rock, features the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, Health For Life Clinic, Evolve Behavioral Health Services and Medication Management, and Noydeen Midtown.

Dr. Meador will see patients for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), HIV, and PrEP.

“We are exceptionally proud to have Dr. Sharon Meador join our team. Her certification as an HIV Specialist by AAHIVM underscores her dedication to providing top-tier care,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Her arrival marks a remarkable milestone for the Healthy Connections Little Rock Midtown Clinic.”

With Dr. Terry Jefferson and Dr. Absalom H. Tilley, the Healthy Connections Little Rock Midtown clinic is among the most experienced in central Arkansas in providing inclusive care for both the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking treatment for opioid addiction. This collaborative environment ensures patients receive comprehensive, top-quality medical services in an inclusive environment.

“Over the years, I’ve treated people living with HIV, transgender community folks, and people with substance abuse orders of all sorts,” Dr. Meador said. “That’s kind of my niche where I’m practicing now, and I love doing that.”

Healthy Connections is a Mena-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Central and Western Arkansas. The Community Health Network offers much-needed medical, dental, and behavioral health services and attempts to fill healthcare coverage gaps. The clinics accept Medicaid, ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most health insurance. There is also a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.

“Especially in the Ryan White Program, patients don’t have other insurance. We try to take care of a lot of those needs without having to refer them to multiple places. Healthy Connections does that and it’s perfect,” Dr. Meador said.

Join us in celebrating the arrival of Dr. Sharon Meador, a distinguished addition to the healthcare landscape of Little Rock. For appointments or more information, please visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org or call us at 888-710-8220. Together, we look forward to serving the diverse healthcare needs of our community with excellence and compassion.

HCI Congratulates CFO Susan Singleton

Healthy Connections Congratulates Susan Singleton, Finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year 2023

Healthy Connections, a leading Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, extends its congratulations to Susan Singleton, Chief Financial Officer, for her outstanding achievement as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.

Singleton’s impressive 26-year career and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on Healthy Connections and the healthcare community. Her financial leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and its continued commitment to the core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

“The healthcare industry, especially in the not-for-profit world, isn’t always just about budgets and numbers. It’s about the caring and the hope that we instill in the patients we see. The one person who has been dedicated and committed to doing just that is Susan Singleton. We are very proud of her nomination for this prestigious award,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.

Singleton’s journey is a testament to personal and professional growth, where she has skillfully managed finances and operations, driving improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies, ultimately better positioning Healthy Connections to balance its mission and margin.

“Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve,” Calandro said.

Healthy Connections remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.

Call 888-710-8220 for appointments and visit https://healthy-connections.org for more information.

About Healthy Connections: Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a 25-year history of providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities in Western and Central Arkansas. The organization is guided by the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

October Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is excited to announce its October 2023 Employees of the Month, who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Let’s shine the spotlight on:

  • Erica Manley – West

  • Ann McMullin – East

Ann is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Hot Springs Central clinic. She has left an enduring mark on our organization.

In the words of a colleague, “She has done so many things to strengthen us as an organization. She connected us with Narcan training, created great follow-up sheets to include patient medication information, and shared valuable resource guides that will help HCI connect care for patients across the state. We are so thankful for Ann!”

Erica is the Practice Manager for the West Communities and works as a liaison with all medical providers.

In the nomination, a co-worker wrote: “Erica is all three pillars of our company. She is very helpful and knowledgeable with every aspect of our operations. She is part of all of it too, from providers to front desk relations. She is an excellent mentor to me and a great example to new employees who depend on her to take care of whatever is needed to help the patient. Really knowledgeable about various parts of the patient experience. Always willing to step right up and do what is needed.”

Both Erica and Ann will receive a $50 credit to the HC-Hub Company Store. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are profoundly grateful for their outstanding work and their dedication to the health and well-being of the patients we serve.

These exceptional individuals serve as true exemplars of the values that Healthy Connections upholds, and their dedication continues to make a profound and positive impact on our organization and the communities we serve.

Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Erica and Ann, our October 2023 Employees of the Month. Your accomplishments are an inspiration to all of us, and we thank you for your remarkable contributions to our mission of providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to our communities.

Do you know who should be next month’s winner? Nominate them at https://healthy-connections.org/nominate.