February Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is proud to announce our February 2024 Employees of the Month: Charlotte Craig from our West Communities and Andrea Pilcher from our East Communities.

These recognitions are a testament to their outstanding contributions and embodiment of our core values: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Each month, we celebrate team members who exemplify these principles, making a significant impact in their roles and in the lives of those we serve.

Charlotte Craig, a billing specialist who has been with Healthy Connections since 2017, works remotely to ensure the seamless operation of our financial services. Charlotte’s role is critical in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of our billing processes, directly affecting our ability to care for patients and support our staff. A colleague’s nomination praised her, stating, “Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help anyone. She is so kind and good-hearted, truly wanting the best for our patients and coworkers. She strives to ensure that our patients are taken care of in a timely manner, demonstrating her commitment to compassion and excellence in every task she undertakes.”

Andrea Pilcher, our East Communities winner, has been a pivotal part of Healthy Connections since 2016, serving as a Clinical Territory Lead at the Hot Springs Central clinic. Andrea’s role is instrumental in mentoring new nurses and providers, ensuring they receive top-notch training and support. Her dedication to excellence is evident in the way she goes above and beyond for her team, as highlighted by a coworker: “She provides excellent training and has ensured that both nurses and providers’ onboarding experience and training are of the highest quality.” Andrea’s efforts significantly enhance our clinical operations, contributing to the overall health and well-being of our communities.

We are delighted to honor Charlotte Craig and Andrea Pilcher for their exceptional contributions to Healthy Connections. Their dedication to our pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence not only strengthens our team but also inspires others to achieve their best. Congratulations to both Charlotte and Andrea on this well-deserved recognition.

Introducing Horizons: Your Health, Our Experts

Welcome to Horizons, the official blog of Healthy Connections, where “Your Health. Our Experts.” is not just a tagline—it’s our commitment to you. As we continue to celebrate more than 25 years of serving the communities of Western and Central Arkansas, we’re excited to launch a platform that brings you closer to the wealth of knowledge our health professionals hold. Horizons is found at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons, your new go-to resource for health tips, advice, and information.

At Healthy Connections, we understand that navigating the world of health and wellness can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created Horizons—a space where our expert providers, including doctors, APRNs, PAs, dentists, hygienists, therapists, and more, share their insights, experiences, and advice to empower you on your health journey.

What You Can Expect from Horizons

  • Expert Advice: Our blog features content written by our diverse team of healthcare providers. From the latest OBGYN tips to effective exercise routines, from dental care best practices to mental health support, our experts cover a wide range of topics to ensure your health needs are met.
  • Practical Health Tips: Horizons is designed to offer practical, actionable advice that you can incorporate into your daily life. Whether it’s strategies for managing stress, nutritional guidance, or preventive care measures, our goal is to help you live a healthier, happier life.
  • Latest Health News and Research: Stay informed with the latest health news and research explained in clear, understandable language. Our providers break down complex medical information into digestible insights, keeping you informed and engaged with the newest developments in healthcare.

Join Us on the Journey

As part of our philosophy built on Community, Compassion, and Excellence, we believe that informed patients make empowered patients. Horizons is more than just a blog; it’s a reflection of our dedication to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

We invite you to explore Horizons, bookmark our page, and join us as we embark on this new chapter. Together, let’s create a future where health and wellness are accessible to all, supported by the knowledge and expertise of Healthy Connections’ trusted providers.

Visit us today at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons and take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow. Your health. Our experts. Your journey to wellness starts here.

Inclement Weather Updates

Update: As of now, all clinics will attempt to open at 10 a.m. on Monday. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and could make further changes to the schedule. We will continue to keep this page updated as schedule changes arise. Thank you all for your continued support during the past week amidst various weather-related schedule adjustments. Feel free to reach out to us at 888-710-8220 for any questions or if you need clarification about your appointment. We appreciate your understanding.

 

ClinicMonday, Jan. 22Tuesday, Jan. 23
Arkadelphia10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
De Queen10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Haskell10 am-5 pm8 am-5 pm
Hot Springs Central10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Hot Springs Chippewa10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Hot Springs McAuley10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Hot Springs Village10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Little Rock Midtown10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Malvern Teeter Plaza10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Malvern Pinnacle10:am-5 pm7:30 am-5 pm
Mena Health Park10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
Mount IdaRe-opening on Tuesday.8 am-6 pm
Russellville10 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm
West Central Health Clinic10 am-5 pm8 am-5 pm
SheridanTemporarily ClosedTemporarily Closed

Moore Completes NPMC’s First Da Vinci Procedure

Revolutionizing Women’s Care: Dr. Pittman Moore Leads with First NPMC Da Vinci Surgery-Assisted Hysterectomy

Image courtesy Dr. Pittman Moore

Healthy Connections’ Dr Pittman Moore, OBGYN, completed the first  Da Vinci Robot-Assisted hysterectomy at National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs.

This milestone demonstrates Healthy Connections providers’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of women’s care and offering patients advanced treatment options.

Enhanced Recovery, Minimized Impact

The Da Vinci system’s precision translates to a significantly improved surgical experience for patients. Compared to traditional methods, robot-assisted surgery boasts:

  • 40 percent reduction in blood loss
  • 30 percent smaller incisions
  • 25 percent faster recovery times

These benefits not only ensure a quicker return to everyday life for patients but also contribute to an overall improved patient experience, marked by reduced pain and discomfort.

Women’s Health Services with Dr. Pittman Moore

Dr. Moore provides women’s health services and bioidentical hormones at several Healthy Connections locations in Arkansas. His services also include evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, menopause treatment, pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, and laparoscopic (and now Da Vinci assisted) hysterectomy. Additionally, he treats both women and men with Biote bioidentical hormone treatment.

Strengthening the Team, Broadening Expertise

Further expanding its comprehensive women’s health program, Healthy Connections welcomes Dr. Kara Worley, a seasoned OBGYN with extensive expertise in obstetrics. Dr. Worley’s arrival bolsters the program’s scope, offering expert prenatal care, delivery options, and postpartum support. Patients across the region now have access to Dr. Worley’s specialized skills at various Healthy Connections locations, including NPMC where she delivers babies.

Seamless and Supportive:

Healthy Connections prioritizes a patient-centric approach, seamlessly blending the community focus of a Federally Qualified Health Center with the personalized care of a private practice. This translates to:

  • Streamlined scheduling: Request appointments online for any service, then enjoy efficient follow-up from our friendly team. Or call us at 888-710-8220.
  • Integrated records: Access your medical history and test results easily and securely through our patient portal.
  • Dedicated support teams: Get personalized guidance and assistance from knowledgeable professionals throughout your journey.

This stress-free and empowering healthcare experience ensures every woman feels heard, understood, and supported.

Experience the Difference

Drs. Moore and Worley, and the entire Healthy Connections team, provide women throughout Western and Central Arkansas with access to compassionate care. Whether you require routine checkups, advanced treatments, or simply want to explore the benefits of robot-assisted surgery for procedures like hysterectomy or myomectomy, take the first step towards enhanced women’s healthcare – schedule your consultation today!

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections is a cornerstone of medical, dental, and behavioral health services in Western and Central Arkansas. Driven by a commitment to Community, Compassion, and Excellence, they continue to redefine healthcare accessibility and quality across the region.

Andrea Wright Named 2023 Employee of the Year

Director of Practice Management Recognized for Outstanding Dedication and Versatility

Healthy Connections is proud to announce Andrea Wright as the 2023 Employee of the Year. As the Director of Practice Management, Andrea has displayed exceptional dedication, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to the organization’s core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Andrea’s journey with Healthy Connections began in 2013 when she joined as a Patient Care Coordinator (PCC). Over the years, she has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing her passion for the community and commitment to delivering quality healthcare services. Today, as the Director of Practice Management, Andrea plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of our clinics.

Her ability to handle a diverse range of responsibilities with grace and proficiency sets her apart. Despite her demanding role, Andrea has consistently gone above and beyond, taking on additional tasks and responsibilities without hesitation. Her work ethic and positive attitude have made her an indispensable member of the Healthy Connections family.

One notable achievement is Andrea’s instrumental role in the reorganization of the Dental department. Despite limited prior knowledge of this specialty, Andrea fearlessly embraced the challenge, dedicating countless hours to understanding and improving the department’s operations. Her proactive approach and determination have significantly contributed to the enhancement of dental services provided by Healthy Connections.

“Andrea’s dedication and willingness to take on any challenge have made a lasting impact on our organization,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. ‘This recognition is well-deserved, and we are fortunate to have Andrea as a leader in our team.”

2023 Healthy Connections Employee Awards

Healthy Connections Community Health Network is excited to announce our 2023 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 8 categories.

Customer Service Award (Dec. 11)

  • Lauren Gage, Mena
  • Cindy Dillavou, Arkadelphia

Lauren Gage, a financial counselor in billing at the Mena clinic since 2020, and Cindy Dillvou, a Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) in Arkadelphia since 2022, are the recipients of the Customer Service Award. These dedicated individuals consistently provide exceptional customer service to patients, whether interacting over the phone or in person. Their commitment to ensuring a positive and supportive experience for patients reflects the values of Healthy Connections.

Support Staff Super Star Award (Dec. 12)

The Support Staff Super Star Award goes to Paula Bradley, an administrative assistant in Mena since 2021, and Kristen West, a PCC Training Coordinator based in Hot Springs, who has been with Healthy Connections since 2017. Paula and Kristen play vital roles in supporting various staff members with information, training, and whatever assistance is needed. Their dedication to the smooth operation of the organization contributes significantly to the overall success of Healthy Connections.

  • Paula Bradley, Mena
  • Kristen West, Hot Springs

Rookies of the Year (Dec. 13)

Brittany Mayberry, an LPN in Mount Ida, and Jessica Hood, the Director of Nursing, are recognized as the Rookies of the Year. Brittany, who joined in February, and Jessica, who has been with Healthy Connections since January, have made notable contributions in their short time with the organization. Jessica’s role in recruitment and organization has been particularly impactful in enhancing the nursing and support staff.

  • Brittany Mayberry, Mt. Ida
  • Jessica Hood, Director of Nursing

Rising Star Award (Dec. 14)

Lisa England, the lead in Medical Records, and Ashley Steadham, a lead Patient Care Coordinator (PCC), are the recipients of the Rising Star Award. Joining Healthy Connections in 2023, Lisa and Ashley have demonstrated outstanding work and show promise for a bright future within the organization. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their respective roles, with Ashley based in Malvern and Lisa in Mena.

  • Lisa England, Mena
  • Ashley Steadham, Malvern Pinnacle

Behind the Scenes Hero Award (Dec. 18)

Tammy Abner, the manager of clinic services since 2013, and RosaLea Dodson, a remote bookkeeper since 2022, are honored with the Behind the Scenes Hero Award. While the public may not see their contributions, Tammy and RosaLea are integral to the organization’s success. Their behind-the-scenes efforts enhance the work environment and ensure that Healthy Connections continues to provide excellent care to patients.

  • Tammy Abner, Mena
  • RosaLea Dodson, Remote

Game Changer Award (Dec. 19)

Shane McWilliams, the Power Platform Business Analyst, and Jeffrey Slatton, the Business Communications and Marketing Manager, are recognized as the Game Changers of the Year. Shane’s efforts in bridging IT and staff across locations and Jeffrey’s transformative contributions to marketing and communication have had a profound impact on Healthy Connections. Their innovative approaches and dedication to excellence make them true game-changers for the organization.

  • Shane McWilliams, Remote
  • Jeffrey Slatton, Hot Springs

Providers of the Year (Dec. 20)

Dr. Patrick Fox and Zachary Geiling, APRN, are our 2023 Healthy Connections Providers of the Year. Click here to learn more about them and why they were selected.

  • Patrick Fox, MD, Mena
  • Zachary Geiling, APRN, Hot Springs Village

Employee of the Year (Dec. 21)

Director of Practice Management Andrea Wright has been named the 2023 Healthy Connections Employee of the Year. Click here to learn more about her and why she was selected.

  • Andrea Wright