Empowering Communities through Compassionate and Accessible Healthcare
Healthy Connections is celebrating National Health Center Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the vital role community health centers play in our healthcare system. Sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), this week highlights the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually.
#NHCW24 Theme: Powering Communities Through Caring Connections
This year’s theme, “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,” underscores the importance of empowering communities by linking them with health centers and elected officials from all levels of government. Community Health Centers serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future.
Your Health, Our Experts
At Healthy Connections, we believe that everyone deserves access to comprehensive healthcare. Our clinics are designed to serve diverse communities across Western and Central Arkansas, ensuring that no one is left behind. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and ARKids 1st, and we are in-network for most health insurance plans. For patients without insurance, we offer a sliding fee scale to make healthcare affordable and accessible.
Comprehensive Services for All
Healthy Connections provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of our patients, from routine check-ups and preventive care to specialized treatments. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals includes doctors, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, therapists, and more, all working together to deliver exceptional care.
Convenient Access to Care
We understand that accessing healthcare should be simple and convenient. That’s why patients can schedule appointments by calling 888-710-8220 or simply walking into any of our locations. Our clinics are open and ready to serve you, providing the care you need when you need it.
Join Us in Celebrating National Health Center Week
Throughout National Health Center Week, we will highlight the importance of community health centers and the impact they have on improving health outcomes. Each day of the week will focus on different aspects of our mission, including public health, healthcare for those experiencing homelessness, agricultural worker health, patient appreciation, behavioral health, staff appreciation, and children’s health.
Empowering Communities through Caring Connections
Healthy Connections is dedicated to powering communities through caring connections. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare ensures that all patients receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve. Your health is important to us, and our experts are here for you, every step of the way.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call 888-710-8220 or visit one of our convenient locations. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are honored to serve you.
About Healthy Connections
Healthy Connections is a Federally Qualified Health Center with multiple locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas. Established over 25 years ago, we have been providing quality healthcare services to our communities, guided by our pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We offer a range of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.
For more information, visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org.
Healthy Connections Shines at Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival
Healthy Connections proudly participated in the Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival in Fayetteville this past Saturday, joining in the celebration of the festival’s 20th anniversary. The event, which has grown from a modest parade on Dickson Street two decades ago to a large-scale celebration attracting thousands, provided an excellent platform for us to engage with the community.
At our booth, we distributed nearly 1,000 rainbow fans, over 600 reusable shopping bags, a variety of stickers, and hand sanitizers, all prominently featuring our “ally” branding. We also offered free cotton candy, adding a touch of sweetness to the day. Additionally, we provided essential healthcare services, including HIV testing, to festival attendees, underscoring our commitment to inclusive and accessible healthcare.
Engaging with individuals from various parts of Arkansas, including Mena, Hot Springs, and Little Rock, reinforced our dedication to outreach and inclusivity. Events like the Pride Festival are crucial for spreading awareness about the comprehensive healthcare services we offer at Healthy Connections, which include gender-affirming treatment, HIV and Hepatitis C care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), PrEP, and more.
“Attending events like the Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival allows us to connect directly with the community, share information about our inclusive healthcare services,” said Jeffrey Slatton, Business Communications and Marketing Manager, “and demonstrate our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s an opportunity to show that we stand with our patients and the broader community in promoting health, wellness, and acceptance for all.”
The festival’s growth over the years reflects the increasing acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Northwest Arkansas. It has transformed from a small protest into a joyous celebration of diversity and inclusion. Healthy Connections is honored to support this journey and contribute to the ongoing efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
By participating in the Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival, Healthy Connections not only promotes its healthcare services but also reaffirms its commitment to the values of community, compassion, and excellence. We look forward to continuing our outreach efforts and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in every way possible.
Derwood Brett, esteemed Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors for Healthy Connections, Inc., passed away this week at the age of 76. Brett had an extensive and illustrious career in media, public relations, and the electric utility industry, leaving an indelible mark on each field he touched.
Brett’s journalism career saw him publishing newspapers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida. He believed that every community deserved a newspaper that captured the essence of local life, from Little League games to city council meetings. His tenure as president of the Arkansas Press Association in 1989 was characterized by his focus on thorough, detail-oriented reporting. Brett’s editorials were instrumental in significant community advancements, including the adoption of a school tax increase and the establishment of a community college in Helena.
A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a BA in Journalism, Brett went on to complete his MA in Journalism/Mass Communications at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he also served on the adjunct faculty for several years. His academic background and professional experience made him a respected figure in both the media and academic communities.
Transitioning to the electric utility industry, Brett served as Manager of Corporate Communications for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, INC. He later became the General Manager of Clay County Electric Cooperative, overseeing the distribution of electric services across multiple counties in Northeast Arkansas and Missouri. His leadership in these roles underscored his commitment to community service and excellence.
After retiring from the electric utility industry, Brett remained active in public service. He served as president of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for Healthy Connections, Inc., where he continued to advocate for community health initiatives. As Chairman of the Board for Healthy Connections from 2011 through April of this year, Brett’s visionary leadership coincided with major growth at Healthy Connections, expanding from two clinics in two cities to more than 15 clinics across central and western Arkansas.
“Derwood Brett’s unwavering support and faith in both me and Healthy Connections have been instrumental in our growth and success. His leadership and commitment to our mission of providing quality healthcare to all have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us. Derwood’s belief in the power of community and excellence guided us through many challenges, and we are profoundly grateful for his contributions,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro.
Brett is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Brett, their three children, and five grandchildren. His attention to detail, commitment to community, and passion for storytelling will be remembered and cherished by his colleagues, friends, and family.
“Derwood Brett was not only a remarkable leader but also a dear friend. Over the years, we worked together on numerous organizations, and his dedication and passion were always evident. His presence will be deeply missed, and his influence extended far beyond the boardroom. Derwood’s friendship and guidance will remain with me forever,” said Al Gathright, who succeeded Brett as chairman of the board in April.
He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and community spirit that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The memorial service for Derwood Brett will be held at Joplin United Methodist Church in Mount Ida on July 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to:
- Arkansas Newspaper Foundation 501c3, 411 South Victory St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Foundation Scholarship Fund, 1100 College Street, Mena, AR 71953
- Joplin United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 89, Mount Ida, AR 71957
Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.
Healthy Connections, a leading provider of community health services across Western and Central Arkansas, is excited to announce the appointment of Ron G. Sellers, MBA, as its new Executive Vice President of Operations. Sellers brings to the organization a rich background in healthcare management, with extensive experience in enhancing operational efficiency and patient care.
“I’m here to help grow the organization, continue the mission, vision, and values of Healthy Connections, and to expand services the patient population that we’re reaching,” he said.
Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services throughout Western and Central Arkansas. Sellers’ commitment to the organization’s core values of community, compassion, and excellence is evident and aligns with his personal and professional aspirations to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.
“One of the reasons I joined Healthy Connections and stayed in the FQHC model is because of what it stands for, what we’re here to do, the patient population that we’re here to serve,” said Sellers, who comes to Healthy Connections after working at another FQHC.
With a strong focus on operational excellence and strategic growth, Sellers is poised to make significant contributions to Healthy Connections. His approach to leadership, deeply rooted in a commitment to service and community engagement, underscores Healthy Connections’ ongoing efforts to provide exceptional healthcare services.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, welcomed Sellers, highlighting his strategic vision and commitment to healthcare excellence as invaluable to the organization’s mission.
“With Ron’s leadership, we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to provide high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve,” said Calandro.
Sellers’ educational background includes a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Union University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Ottawa University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
For more information or to schedule appointments, please call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org.
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.
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.”
