LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Healthy Connections joined community health centers from across Arkansas at the 2025 Community Health Centers of Arkansas (CHCA) Biennial Conference and Awards Banquet, held September 18–19 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Little Rock. This year’s conference theme, “Renewal! Revitalizing Connections, Reimagining Care,” brought together healthcare leaders to explore strategies for expanding access and improving care across the state.
The highlight of the two-day event was Thursday night’s CHCA Awards Banquet, honoring providers, staff, and leaders whose work demonstrates excellence, innovation, and community service. While Healthy Connections did not take home an award this year, the organization was well represented with four finalists recognized in major statewide categories.
Healthy Connections’ Finalists
- Jennifer Scott, APRN – Provider of the Year Finalist (Jessieville Lions Health and Wellness Center and Hot Springs Village Clinic, formerly at Hot Springs Chippewa)
- Jeffrey Slatton – MVP Award Finalist (Business Communications and Marketing Manager)
- Kristin Brown, APRN – Community Hero Award Finalist (Arkadelphia Clinic)
- Zachary Geiling, APRN – Community Hero Award Finalist (Hot Springs Village Clinic)
“These nominations reflect the outstanding commitment of our team members to our mission of Community, Compassion, and Excellence,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “We are proud of Jennifer, Jeffrey, Kristin, and Zachary for being recognized among peers from across Arkansas. Their work strengthens both Healthy Connections and the communities we serve.”
Healthy Connections at the Conference
In addition to the awards banquet, Michelle Gibson of Healthy Connections participated as a panelist during Thursday’s Quality Improvement/Data Analytics roundtable. Her contributions underscored the organization’s focus on leveraging data and quality frameworks to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
About the CHCA Annual Meeting
The CHCA Biennial Conference is the premier gathering of Arkansas’s Community Health Center network. The event featured tracks on leadership, clinical solutions, quality improvement, finance, IT, and advocacy. Awards were presented in categories including Provider of the Year, Staff Member of the Year, MVP Award, Community Hero, Advocacy Award, and the Jack Geiger Vision Award.
Healthy Connections congratulates all the winners and nominees from across the state and remains proud of the contributions of its own team members who exemplify excellence in healthcare and community service.
