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:
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Erica Manley – West
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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.
At Healthy Connections, we believe that our staff embodies the heart and soul of our organization. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary of providing exceptional healthcare services to communities across Western and Central Arkansas, we are thrilled to announce the shining stars of September: Katheryn Ledesma and Anna Lear. They have exemplified our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.
Katheryn Ledesma: West Communities Winner
Katheryn serves as a Medical Assistant at our De Queen clinic. Her dedication and positive attitude have made her an invaluable member of the De Queen team. In her nomination, her colleagues had this to say about her: “Katie is a wonderful member of the De Queen team. She is a help to everyone and always has a positive attitude!”
Her commitment to our patients and her fellow staff members truly embodies the essence of Healthy Connections.
Anna Lear: East Communities Winner
Anna is a Patient Care Coordinator at our Hot Springs clinics. Her consistent pleasant demeanor, helpful nature, and exceptional competency have left a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues. One client even shared, “I missed her when she was gone. She is always pleasant and helpful.”
Anna’s dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to our mission have made her a true asset to Healthy Connections.
Recognizing Excellence
At Healthy Connections, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Katheryn and Anna, our September Shining Star Employees, will each receive a $50 credit to the HC Hub Company Store. This credit allows them to grab some Healthy Connections swag as a token of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Nominate the Next Shining Star
Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond to embody our values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence? We invite you to nominate them for next month’s Employee of the Month award. Your nominations help us recognize the outstanding individuals who make Healthy Connections exceptional. To submit a nomination, please visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.
As we celebrate 25 years of caring for our communities, we’re reminded that our success is built upon the dedication and excellence of individuals like Katheryn and Anna. Their commitment to our mission and values is truly commendable, and we are grateful to have them as part of the Healthy Connections family.
In the battle against the flu, taking the right steps can mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a severe, even life-threatening illness. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated annually.
Here at Healthy Connections, we understand the importance of this preventive measure, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone. Our Community Health Network clinics across Arkansas are proud to offer flu shots, and we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your health. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance. We accept various forms of coverage, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most insurance plans. For those without insurance, we are making the vaccine accessible for just $35.
So, why should you choose Healthy Connections for your flu shot?
- Firstly, our experienced nurses administer the vaccine safely and effectively. Your health is in capable hands.
- Secondly, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why we offer convenient appointments designed to fit your schedule, including evening slots at select locations.
- Lastly, our commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the flu shot is magnified. Both the flu and COVID-19 share respiratory symptoms, and vaccination reduces your risk of contracting and spreading these illnesses.
In addition to COVID-19 concerns, consider these factors:
- Experts anticipate a more severe flu season.
- Some flu strains may be less responsive to the vaccine.
- Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
- It provides protection for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier you? Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule your appointment today.
Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you safe and well.
At Healthy Connections, we take pride in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team members who go above and beyond to embody our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We are thrilled to announce the Employees of the Month for August 2023, who have truly exemplified these pillars in their service to our patients and communities.
East Communities Winner: Tonya Bauer – Registered Nurse (RN)
Tonya Bauer, an outstanding Registered Nurse (RN), has been selected as the Employee of the Month for our East Communities region. Tonya works closely with women’s health specialist, Dr. Pittman Moore, and her dedication to patient care and support has not gone unnoticed.
In the nomination, it was stated, “Tonya is a great nurse! She is hardworking and dependable. She is Dr. Moore’s primary support staff but will quickly assist others in need. We are so thankful for Tonya!”
Tonya’s commitment to her patients and her willingness to assist her colleagues make her a true asset to our team.
West Communities Winner: Liz Mendez – Interpreter
In our West Communities region, we are proud to announce Liz Mendez as the Employee of the Month. Liz serves as an interpreter at our Mena location and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to patient care and support.
The nomination for Liz praised her dedication, stating, “Liz strives to make sure she does the best she can to help her patients receive the care they need. She also helps in any way she can at both front and back desks, she makes sure that her coworkers understand the tasks that are set in front of them and tries to make their job easier with her knowledge and tips.”
Liz’s commitment to helping both patients and colleagues reflects the essence of Healthy Connections’ values.
These two employees were chosen as winners for the month of August based on their embodiment of the three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
We encourage you to nominate the next potential winner for September by visiting our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate. Your nominations help us recognize and appreciate the incredible individuals who make a difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.
Congratulations to Tonya Bauer and Liz Mendez for their outstanding contributions to Healthy Connections and thank you to all our team members for their unwavering commitment to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.
Healthy Connections’ Susan Singleton was named a finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year
In the world of financial leadership, Susan Singleton’s journey stands as a testament to dedication and innovation. With an impressive career spanning 26 years, Singleton’s role as Chief Financial Officer of Healthy Connections, a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, has earned her a coveted place as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.
Singleton’s recognition is a result of her outstanding contributions. She stands alongside other distinguished financial leaders: Laine Harber from the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Monique L. Sanders from the Arkansas Foodbank, and Britney Snell from the SHARE Foundation. Together, these exceptional individuals have set themselves apart and distinguished themselves among their peers in contention for this statewide accolade.
The winners of the Arkansas Business CFO of the Year 2023 award will be unveiled on Nov. 2 at the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
Singleton’s journey is a story of personal and professional growth. Over the past 4 years, she has made a significant impact at Healthy Connections, steering its financial growth while upholding the organization’s core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
“In a nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and learn,” Singleton reflects. “CFOs must be creative and strategic in managing finances. As a CFO with additional responsibilities in operations, opportunities exist for improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies throughout the organization. This, in turn, better positions the company to balance the mission and margin of the organization.”
Her strategic financial stewardship has not only driven Healthy Connections’ growth but also allowed the organization to provide comprehensive healthcare services to diverse communities, making a lasting impact on countless lives.
“With over two and a half decades of financial leadership experience and her dedicated 4-year journey with Healthy Connections, Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve.”
Singleton’s journey underscores the pivotal role of financial leadership in fostering growth and positive change. Her expertise and steadfast commitment play a crucial role in advancing Healthy Connections’ ongoing mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.
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.