NP Week: Saluting the Heart of Our Healthcare
As the nation marks the 2023 National Nurse Practitioner Week from Nov. 12-18, Healthy Connections proudly shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Established in 1965 by Drs. Loretta Ford and Henry Silver, the nurse practitioner (NP) profession has grown into a community of over 355,000 dedicated professionals, and we are immensely grateful for the vital role they play in our healthcare system.
At Healthy Connections, where our philosophy is grounded in Community, Compassion, and Excellence, our NPs are at the forefront of delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. They blend clinical expertise with a commitment to disease prevention, offering a comprehensive perspective that addresses the nation’s healthcare challenges. In over 1 billion visits annually nationwide, NPs provide primary, acute, specialty, and long-term care across diverse healthcare settings.
We invite you to explore the complete list of our exceptional providers, including our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, at Healthy Connections Providers. Each name on that list represents a commitment to excellence and compassionate care.
As we celebrate NP Week, Healthy Connections extends sincere appreciation to our NPs for embodying the spirit of our Community Health Network each and every day.
“Our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners exemplify the heart of our healthcare mission,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Their dedication is a testament to the quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services we provide.”
Patients seeking information or appointments with our exceptional NPs can call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org.
Join us in honoring the remarkable contributions of our NPs during this National Nurse Practitioner Week, as we continue our 25th-anniversary journey of caring for our communities with excellence.
Celebrating 25 Years of Exceptional Senior Care in Western and Central Arkansas
Embark on a journey to wellness with Healthy Connections, your trusted partner in senior healthcare. This year marks our 25th anniversary, and we are proud to continue our commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive medical services tailored to the unique needs of the older population.
Blazing the Trail to Renewed Health
Begin your trail to renewed health with our Annual Wellness Visit – a thorough preventive care checkup designed to proactively address your health needs. More than a typical physical, these visits include essential screenings, risk assessments, medication reviews, and the collaborative development of a personalized wellness plan. Stay ahead of potential issues and maintain optimal health with the guidance of our dedicated healthcare professionals.
Integrated Care for a Holistic Approach
Should specialized care be required, our providers seamlessly coordinate referrals to trusted experts in cardiology, rheumatology, podiatry, dermatology, and more. Together, we deliver integrated care that treats you as a whole person, ensuring comprehensive support for your health journey.
Guiding You Every Step of the Way
Navigating the healthcare landscape can be overwhelming, but at Healthy Connections, our staff serves as your guide. We work closely with your other providers, make specialist referrals, assist with insurance queries, and ensure all aspects of your care align with your needs. Our goal is to provide seamless, coordinated care, making your healthcare journey smoother.
Convenient Locations Near You
With multiple convenient locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas, accessing exceptional senior care has never been easier. Our facilities are strategically situated to ensure you can reach us effortlessly, making your healthcare experience even more accessible.
Seamless Healthcare with Telehealth
Experience the convenience of telehealth, allowing you to connect with your provider through video visits from the comfort of your home. Telehealth seamlessly integrates with our in-person care, ensuring continuity and accessibility in your healthcare experience.
Comprehensive Medication Management
Our onsite pharmacy goes beyond prescriptions, offering reviews for safety, interactions, affordability, and effectiveness. Explore our Medicare Advantage plans, designed to bundle benefits for maximum value. Additionally, our mental health services, including counseling and group therapy, address your emotional well-being.
Don’t wait weeks for an appointment. Call 888-710-8220 today, and let us get you in right away. Visit healthy-connections.org/senior to learn more about our services tailored to seniors. Here’s to thriving in your later years – join us in blazing your best trail to whole health this year and beyond.
Healthy Connections is thrilled to introduce the newest member of our esteemed team, Sharon Meador, MD, who joins the Little Rock Midtown Clinic.
With an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years as an occupational medicine physician, Dr. Meador brings an unparalleled level of expertise and dedication to the clinic, aligning perfectly with our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Dr. Meador’s qualifications extend far beyond the ordinary. She is a certified HIV Specialist recognized by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM), a distinction that highlights her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care in HIV prevention and treatment. Her achievement places her in an exclusive league of healthcare professionals devoted to ensuring the optimal health of those living with or at risk for HIV and related conditions.
“When I first saw and treated people with HIV, it was AIDS. We didn’t know what it even was, and it was a death sentence essentially. But the current treatments are wonderful, and the issues we’re seeing now with our folks living with HIV is they live so long, they get old people diseases like the rest of us, which is a great problem to have,” Dr. Meador said.
The clinic location at 1100 N. University Ave., #200, in Little Rock, features the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, Health For Life Clinic, Evolve Behavioral Health Services and Medication Management, and Noydeen Midtown.
Dr. Meador will see patients for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), HIV, and PrEP.
“We are exceptionally proud to have Dr. Sharon Meador join our team. Her certification as an HIV Specialist by AAHIVM underscores her dedication to providing top-tier care,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Her arrival marks a remarkable milestone for the Healthy Connections Little Rock Midtown Clinic.”
With Dr. Terry Jefferson and Dr. Absalom H. Tilley, the Healthy Connections Little Rock Midtown clinic is among the most experienced in central Arkansas in providing inclusive care for both the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking treatment for opioid addiction. This collaborative environment ensures patients receive comprehensive, top-quality medical services in an inclusive environment.
“Over the years, I’ve treated people living with HIV, transgender community folks, and people with substance abuse orders of all sorts,” Dr. Meador said. “That’s kind of my niche where I’m practicing now, and I love doing that.”
Healthy Connections is a Mena-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Central and Western Arkansas. The Community Health Network offers much-needed medical, dental, and behavioral health services and attempts to fill healthcare coverage gaps. The clinics accept Medicaid, ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most health insurance. There is also a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.
“Especially in the Ryan White Program, patients don’t have other insurance. We try to take care of a lot of those needs without having to refer them to multiple places. Healthy Connections does that and it’s perfect,” Dr. Meador said.
Join us in celebrating the arrival of Dr. Sharon Meador, a distinguished addition to the healthcare landscape of Little Rock. For appointments or more information, please visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org or call us at 888-710-8220. Together, we look forward to serving the diverse healthcare needs of our community with excellence and compassion.
Healthy Connections Congratulates Susan Singleton, Finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year 2023
Healthy Connections, a leading Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, extends its congratulations to Susan Singleton, Chief Financial Officer, for her outstanding achievement as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.
Singleton’s impressive 26-year career and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on Healthy Connections and the healthcare community. Her financial leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and its continued commitment to the core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
“The healthcare industry, especially in the not-for-profit world, isn’t always just about budgets and numbers. It’s about the caring and the hope that we instill in the patients we see. The one person who has been dedicated and committed to doing just that is Susan Singleton. We are very proud of her nomination for this prestigious award,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
Singleton’s journey is a testament to personal and professional growth, where she has skillfully managed finances and operations, driving improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies, ultimately better positioning Healthy Connections to balance its mission and margin.
“Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve,” Calandro said.
Healthy Connections remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.
Call 888-710-8220 for appointments and visit https://healthy-connections.org for more information.
About Healthy Connections: Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a 25-year history of providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities in Western and Central Arkansas. The organization is guided by the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
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.
