Celebrating National Health Center Week

Every August, Healthy Connections is excited as we celebrate National Health Center Week, a time of reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to our mission of providing exceptional healthcare services to the central and western Arkansas communities. This year holds special significance for us as we commemorate our 25th anniversary of serving patients throughout the state.

Unveiling 25 Years of Compassionate Care

For a quarter of a century, Healthy Connections has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services that address the diverse healthcare needs of our patients. What started as a vision has grown into a cornerstone of accessible and patient-centered care, touching the lives of countless individuals and families in Arkansas.

Since our inception, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone who walks through our doors. Our team of skilled healthcare professionals is united by a shared passion for making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities. Whether it’s a routine check-up, dental care, behavioral health support, or community outreach, we are here to serve you with compassion and excellence.

National Health Center Week: August 6-12

National Health Center Week, observed from August 6-12, is a time to celebrate the vital role that community health centers play in fostering healthier communities and increasing access to care for all. At Healthy Connections, it’s an opportunity to express our gratitude to our patients, staff, and partners who have contributed to our success over the years.

During this special week, we invite you to join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary. It’s not just a time to look back at our accomplishments; it’s also a time to look forward to the future of healthcare in Arkansas.

Join the Celebration: How You Can Participate

Come Celebrate with Us: Healthy Connections staff will be participating in the Samaritan Fields and Friends Event in De Queen on Aug. 11, and the Hot Springs Community Resource Fair on Aug. 12. Stop by, say hello, pick up some swag, and learn about the vital role we play in our communities.
Schedule an Appointment: If you’re in need of medical, dental, or behavioral health services, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Call us at 888-710-8220 to secure your spot and experience the care that has earned us the trust of our communities for 25 years.
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about National Health Center Week and our 25th anniversary by sharing our story on social media. Use the hashtag #HealthyConnections25 to join the conversation and inspire others to prioritize their health.
Support Accessible Healthcare: Consider making a contribution to our mission of providing accessible healthcare to all. Your support enables us to continue offering vital services to those who need them most.
As we celebrate National Health Center Week and mark our 25th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our patients, staff, partners, and supporters. Your dedication and trust have been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to many more years of serving the wonderful communities of central and western Arkansas.

Join us in this celebration of health, community, and compassion. Together, we can create a healthier and brighter future for all.

For appointments and inquiries, please call 888-710-8220.

Celebrating 25 Years of Care

A Quarter-Century of Care

In health care, gaps are described as disparities in healthcare access, needs, and medical services when comparing different populations. It may fall along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines. And that is where we thrive.

For more than a quarter-century, Healthy Connections has filled those gaps with high-quality healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and social services. We are a Mena-based nonprofit organization serving the needs of children and adults throughout Central and Western Arkansas. Since our founding in 1998, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed services to families of every lifestyle.

It started from humble beginnings. Based on a community need assessment, Healthy Connections was formed as a home-visiting program to work with new and expectant mothers. This program would provide education, encouragement, education, and resources to ensure these new moms got their babies off to a great start in life.

As needs grew, so did Healthy Connections. First came Western Arkansas Total Community Health, or W.A.T.C.H. as it was known. It grew to a second location in Mount Ida and then to a location at Acorn Schools. De Queen and Hot Springs followed as services were needed.

Today, Healthy Connections is a thriving and growing organization with clinics and services available all over Arkansas. The footprint stretches as far north as Russellville, as far west as Sheridan, as far south as De Queen, and to our home base in Mena.

“We’re driven by the mission that we can provide quality health care to the population in the areas we serve. That is a population that has been neglected in the past,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro. “This population is considered underserved for a lot of services – medical, dental, and behavioral health. We allow them to have easy access, affordable access, to quality health care.”

Healthy Connections providers treat thousands of patients each year who either have no insurance or not have enough insurance to cover essential health, dental, and behavioral health services.

Healthy Connections has become a lot of things to the communities it serves, including primary care providers, dentists, pediatricians, therapists, specialists, and community service workers. But mostly it remains a place the community can receive quality care.

At Healthy Connections, we use our Three Pillars to guide our actions each day.

Community

Community comes first as it is the most visible aspect of the three pillars. We want to serve our communities, but we also want to be part of them. That means high school football Friday nights and local performances downtown. It means community events and positively representing our communities.

Compassion

No one knows what anyone else has been through or is going through. Our employees strive to show compassion to everyone who walks through the doors of our clinics. This means assisting in whatever way possible to ensure that everyone is welcome and comfortable when they visit us.

Excellence

We want to be known as an excellent provider. We want to see five-star reviews from our patients after they visit. It is the expectation that we will provide the highest quality, excellent care to everyone who walks through the doors.

Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, including ArKids 1^st, Medicare, and most forms of health and dental insurance. However, no person will be turned away for lack of insurance. Qualified families will be charged according to their total family income and the total number of persons living in the household. This sliding-fee scale allows many to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.

Take Care of Yourself on Self-Care Day

National Self-Care Day is a day dedicated to reminding us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we understand that self-care is an integral part of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. On this special day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of self-care and explore how our comprehensive mental health services can support you on your journey to improved well-being.

What is National Self-Care Day?

National Self-Care Day, observed on July 24, serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health. Amidst the fast-paced and often stressful nature of modern life, it is crucial to set aside time to nurture ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is a day to reflect on our individual needs and engage in activities that promote relaxation, joy, and inner peace.

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Taking care of your mental health is vital for overall wellness, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Engaging in self-care practices can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, enhance self-esteem, and foster better relationships with others. It is an investment in your well-being that yields long-term benefits.

Discover Evolve Behavioral Health Services

At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional mental health support to individuals seeking a path to personal growth and improved mental wellness. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals offers a range of services designed to meet your unique needs:

1. Individual Therapy:
Personalized one-on-one counseling sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Our therapists employ evidence-based approaches to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns.

2. Group Therapy:
Connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles in a nurturing group setting. Group therapy offers the opportunity to share experiences, gain insights, and build a strong support network.

3. Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Learn valuable techniques to manage stress and incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. These practices can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Our therapists utilize CBT techniques to assist you in recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns, fostering positive behavioral changes, and improving coping skills.

5. Teletherapy:
For your convenience and privacy, we offer teletherapy sessions, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your own home.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step towards prioritizing your mental health is commendable, and we are here to support you throughout your journey. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our caring therapists, please visit our website www.evolvebhs.com or call us at 800-409-6250.

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Self-Care Day, let us be reminded of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are committed to helping you embrace self-care and empowering you to lead a more fulfilling life. Take the leap and invest in yourself—your mental health matters, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Happy National Self-Care Day!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

HCI Participates in Go Red For Women

Healthy Connections’ Sarah Thomas and Ann Calandro participated in the 2023 Go Red For Women Health Expo and Luncheon on May 10 in Benton.

Ann Calandro, Director of Pharmacy Services, and Sarah Thomas, Community Relations Specialist, at the Go Red For Women event.

This year’s theme was “Be the Beat For Someone You Love.”

The event spotlights the fight against heart disease and stroke and celebrates the passion and power of women in their fight against these silent and deadly diseases. More than 44 percent of women ages 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease which remains the leading cause of death in women.

Thomas is part of the 2023 Circle of Red, which makes commitments annually to support the Go Red For Women movement and serve as an ambassador for the cause.

The American Heart Association is committed to advancing its mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Together, we can encourage women to make life-saving lifestyle choices and learn how their family history plays a role in their ongoing health. Education and action can save mothers, best friends, and sisters everywhere. For more information on becoming a Circle of Red member, contact carmen.parks@heart.org.

Celebrating Phyllis Cuningham

Healthy Connections, Inc., held a special event on Tuesday to celebrate the retirement of Director of Nursing Phyllis Cunningham.

She has spent the past 14 years with Healthy Connections and the past 32 years in nursing. She has been an amazing leader to us all and we wish her the best in the next chapter of her life.

“Kindness is so critical to our success and to making our workplace happy. I love Maya Angelou’s quote: ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ I’ve always tried to live by that,” Cunningham said. “I don’t know that I bring a lot of skill but I do try to bring that. Being kind and loving people and caring about people makes all of our work every day so much easier.”

Cunningham has been a part of tremendous growth for Healthy Connections in her 14 years with the organization. When she started, Healthy Connections had just two clinics – Mena and Mt. Ida. There are now 13 clinics in nine communities stretched from Little Rock to De Queen.

“From the staff and everyone at Healthy Connections, we want to let Phyllis know how much we appreciate you,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “I think everyone is aware of how large we have gotten and Phyllis has gone along with the paces the entire time. In everything we have done, she has stepped up.”

Cunningham is known for her sense of humor and sayings that bring smiles to the faces of her co-workers. One of her favorites is, “We choose our attitude every single day.”

“This has been a great place. There are so many opportunities here,” Cunningham said.

Thanks, Phyllis for all you’ve done for our patients, co-workers, and communities.

2022 Employee Awards

Healthy Connections Community Health Network is excited to announce our 2022 Employee Award winners.

These employees exemplified our three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence throughout the year. Check back each day as we announce the winners in all 10 categories.

Rookies of the Year

Linda Lee, Assistant Director of Nursing
Tyrontala Walker, Medical Assistant at the Malvern Teeter Plaza Clinic
Eric Luster, APRN PMHNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based at the Little Rock Midtown, West Central Health Clinic, and Malvern Teeter Plaza clinic.

Customer Service Award

Tracey Price, Dental, Mena
Grace Hill, Patient Care Coordinator, Little Rock Midtown

Rising Star Award

Christi Martin, Patient Care Coordinator, Mena
Erica Manley, Lead in Medical Records in Mena
Kim Carson, Lead Patient Care Coordinator at Mena
Allie Anderson, 340B coordinator

Support Staff Super Star Award

Andrea Pilcher, Lead Nurse at Hot Springs Central/My Kids Pediatric Clinic
Misty Morris, Medical Assistant at Little Rock Midtown clinic
Krystal Lenard, Referral Coordinator, remote
Connie Case, Lab Manager in Mena

Game Changer Award

Tina Allison, Director of Ancillary Services
Janet Dean, Human Resources Generalist, Mena
Chris Masters, Network Administrator, Mena

Monday, December 19 – Behind the Scenes Hero Award

Debbie Welch, Billing Clerk, Remote
Amanda Dunn, Accounting Manager, Remote
Misty Surber, Program Manager Healthy Families Arkansas Polk and Garland Counties.