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 Sheridan Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Event
Healthy Connections is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newest location in Sheridan. Join us for a festive celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1409 S. Rock St. Suite B. This event highlights a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the communities of Central Arkansas.
The Sheridan clinic welcomes all community members to explore the wide range of primary care services offered, suitable for patients of all ages. From Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and HIV care to immunizations and physical exams, the clinic is equipped to meet diverse healthcare needs. The event will also introduce our dedicated in-clinic providers, Dr. Anne Murphy, DO, and Family Nurse Practitioner Clark Roberts, APRN.
Clark Roberts will begin seeing patients at the clinic starting Monday, May 20, just a few days before the grand opening.
“We are excited to open our doors in Sheridan and bring high-quality, accessible healthcare to the community,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “This clinic not only expands our reach but also strengthens our commitment to serving Arkansans with the utmost compassion and excellence.”
Attendees can look forward to free food, a chance to meet our healthcare providers, and a tour of the newly-remodeled facility. The Grant County Chamber of Commerce will be present, along with their ambassadors, to assist with the ribbon cutting. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and is in-network for most insurance plans. Additionally, a sliding-fee scale is available to assist patients without insurance who qualify, ensuring that no one is denied care due to financial limitations.
Clinic hours are conveniently scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to accommodate our patients’ busy lives. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 888-710-8220. Learn more about the Healthy Connections Sheridan clinic and the services it offers by visiting our website at https://healthy-connections.org/sheridan. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our new location and celebrating this new chapter together.
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.
We’re excited to share a recent highlight from Healthy Connections, featuring Dr. Sharon Meador on KATV’s Good Morning Arkansas. Dr. Meador, a dedicated member of our medical team, took the opportunity to discuss the vital role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the field of addiction and recovery, especially concerning opioid use.
At Healthy Connections, we understand that addiction is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about addressing the physical aspects but also nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of those affected. This is where MAT steps in as a cornerstone of our treatment options, combining medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to offer a comprehensive, individualized recovery plan.
Dr. Meador’s appearance on Good Morning Arkansas was more than just an interview; it was a moment to shine a light on the hope and healing that MAT can bring to individuals and families struggling with opioid addiction. It emphasized our commitment to providing cutting-edge, compassionate care to our community, underlining our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Recovery from addiction is a personal journey, one that requires support, understanding, and the right resources. Medication-Assisted Treatment at Healthy Connections offers a path forward, helping individuals regain control of their lives and embark on a path to healing and resilience.
If you or someone you know is facing the challenges of addiction, we’re here to help. Visit our dedicated MAT page at https://healthy-connections.org/mat or call us at 888-710-8220 for more information on how we can support your journey to recovery.
Together, we’re not just confronting addiction; we’re fostering an environment of healing and hope, one patient at a time. Join us at Healthy Connections, where every step towards recovery is a step towards a brighter, healthier future.
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.
