On Friday, August 9, Healthy Connections was honored to receive the 2025 Community Service Award from Difference Makers of Hot Springs at the 5th Annual Hot Springs Community Health Banquet & Recognition Dinner. The sold-out event, held at the National Park College Student Commons, celebrated local organizations and individuals making a lasting difference in the lives of people across Garland County and beyond.
Accepting the award on behalf of Healthy Connections were CEO Tony Calandro, CFO Susan Singleton, Vice President of Operations Ron Sellers, and Traci Brannigan from the Business Communications and Marketing team. The evening’s theme—“You Make the Difference”—set the tone for a night of recognition, music, and inspiring stories of community impact. Guests heard a keynote address from Greg Thomas, a University of Arkansas trailblazer and former Razorbacks quarterback, and enjoyed live music from the Dalock Band.
In presenting the award, Difference Makers Founder and President Willie Wade praised Healthy Connections as a trusted leader that exemplifies “extraordinary service and leadership” in Hot Springs and beyond. “We are honored to celebrate your milestone achievement as a 2025 Community Service Honoree,” Wade said. “Your commitment to serving the community is worthy of recognition.”
The award itself recognized Healthy Connections “for outstanding community service and advocacy”, honoring the organization’s “dedication, hard work, and commitment to addressing community needs.” It also noted that Healthy Connections “reflects the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that strengthens Hot Springs and Garland County.”
Calandro said the recognition reflects the heart of Healthy Connections’ mission. “Community is one of our core pillars, and this award is a reflection of the work our team does every day to live that value,” he said. “Whether we’re in the clinic, out at an event, or working alongside partners to meet urgent needs, we are committed to making a difference every single day.”
He also added his gratitude for the organization presenting the honor. “We thank Difference Makers not only for recognizing us with this award, but for everything they do to bring people together, strengthen our community, and serve those in need,” Calandro said.
Healthy Connections: Serving Garland County and Beyond
For more than a quarter-century, Healthy Connections has served Western and Central Arkansas as a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC), delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or background. With three locations in Hot Springs, we are proud to serve Garland County and surrounding communities with the care they deserve.
Our services span primary care, pediatric care through My Kids Pediatric Clinic, dental services, behavioral health counseling and medication management through Evolve Behavioral Health, women’s health and obstetrics, addiction treatment, HIV and Hepatitis C testing and treatment (including PrEP), wound care, and other specialty services.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, ARKids 1st, and most private insurance plans. For patients without insurance, our sliding fee scale ensures that cost is never a barrier to receiving care. This commitment allows us to serve thousands of patients each year in Hot Springs and across our network of clinics.
Service Beyond the Clinic Walls
Healthy Connections’ commitment to the community extends well beyond medical care. We actively partner with organizations such as the 100 Families Alliance, Diamonds in the Rough, and area food banks to address the social and economic factors that influence health.
This summer, our team participated in the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive, donating more than 3,500 boxes of cereal statewide—including over 800 boxes in Hot Springs—along with a $2,500 contribution to support the Arkansas Foodbank and Hot Springs-area pantries. In recognition of these efforts, THV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank presented Healthy Connections with the Snap, Crackle & Poppin Award, honoring our community spirit and commitment to fighting hunger.
These efforts reflect our belief that healthcare is not only about treating illness—it’s about improving quality of life, building stronger communities, and living out our values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
About Difference Makers of Hot Springs
Difference Makers of Hot Springs is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to uniting the community around service, compassion, and solutions for real-world challenges. Their work addresses housing needs, transportation barriers, food insecurity, and other social determinants of health. Throughout the year, they host resource fairs, racial equity discussions, back-to-school supply drives, and revitalization projects—all aimed at empowering individuals and families to thrive.
Their mission closely mirrors our own: to meet people where they are, connect them with resources, and ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to health and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Community Service Award is an honor we share with every member of our team, our patients, and our partners. It’s also a reminder that our work is far from done. Healthy Connections will continue to expand access to care, strengthen partnerships, and deliver healthcare that is compassionate, comprehensive, and accessible to all.
