Community, Compassion, and Excellence are the core pillars that define Healthy Connections, and each month, we take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals who embody these values in their everyday work. For the month of July, we are proud to announce Sheila Carter and Alexa Brewer as our East and West Employees of the Month, respectively.
Sheila Carter: East Employee of the Month
Sheila Carter, a Medical Assistant from the Sheridan clinic, has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment to her role at Healthy Connections. In a nomination that resonated with her colleagues, Sheila’s remarkable work ethic and unwavering dedication were highlighted. She has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, proving herself to be a true asset during the busiest times at the Pinnacle Clinic.
One of the defining qualities that set Sheila apart is her willingness to tackle any task thrown her way. She approaches her responsibilities with unwavering determination and a smile on her face. Patients and coworkers alike have praised her kindness and helpfulness, making her a beloved member of the Healthy Connections family.
Moreover, even during challenging situations, Sheila’s positive attitude remains unshaken. She radiates optimism and warmth, creating a supportive and uplifting environment for those around her. Sheila’s dedication to her patients’ well-being and her genuine concern for her colleagues make her a deserving recipient of this award.
As the East Employee of the Month, Sheila will receive a $50 credit to the HC-Hub Company Store, where she can treat herself to a well-deserved reward for her exceptional contributions.
Alexa Brewer: West Employee of the Month
Alexa Brewer, the Clinic Support Coordinator based in Mena, has left an indelible mark on her peers with her outstanding efforts and passion for her work. Colleagues who nominated Alexa have been immensely grateful for her continuous support and eagerness to share her knowledge.
Her commitment to excellence is evident in her willingness to invest time and effort into training the nursing staff on new processes. Alexa’s approachable nature and caring attitude make her an effective and inspiring educator. She consistently fosters a culture of learning and growth, empowering her colleagues to deliver top-notch care to patients.
Beyond her professional competence, Alexa’s compassionate and caring personality shines through in every interaction. She makes it a point to go the extra mile, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated.
As the West Employee of the Month, Alexa will also receive a $50 credit to the HC-Hub Company Store, where she can treat herself for being an outstanding member of the Healthy Connections team.
Recognizing the Best in Healthy Connections
Sheila Carter and Alexa Brewer are shining examples of the remarkable individuals who form the backbone of Healthy Connections. Through their commitment to the pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, they have made a positive impact on the lives of patients and colleagues alike.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us also take a moment to reflect on the broader significance of these qualities in our workplace. The spirit of community fosters collaboration and support, while compassion creates an environment of empathy and understanding. Together with excellence, these values lay the foundation for a thriving and nurturing workplace culture.
Congratulations to Sheila Carter and Alexa Brewer for their well-deserved recognition as July Employees of the Month. Their contributions inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in everything we do, making Healthy Connections an exceptional organization for both our employees and the communities we serve.
Healthy Connections provides quality healthcare with compassion and a focus on community well-being. Join us as we celebrate our outstanding team members who exemplify these values in action. Stay tuned for more updates and news from Healthy Connections.
Nominate a co-worker
Do you know who should be our next employee of the month? Visit www.healthy-connections.org/nominate and tell us how they exemplify our three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
A Quarter-Century of Care
In health care, gaps are described as disparities in healthcare access, needs, and medical services when comparing different populations. It may fall along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines. And that is where we thrive.
For more than a quarter-century, Healthy Connections has filled those gaps with high-quality healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and social services. We are a Mena-based nonprofit organization serving the needs of children and adults throughout Central and Western Arkansas. Since our founding in 1998, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed services to families of every lifestyle.
It started from humble beginnings. Based on a community need assessment, Healthy Connections was formed as a home-visiting program to work with new and expectant mothers. This program would provide education, encouragement, education, and resources to ensure these new moms got their babies off to a great start in life.
As needs grew, so did Healthy Connections. First came Western Arkansas Total Community Health, or W.A.T.C.H. as it was known. It grew to a second location in Mount Ida and then to a location at Acorn Schools. De Queen and Hot Springs followed as services were needed.
Today, Healthy Connections is a thriving and growing organization with clinics and services available all over Arkansas. The footprint stretches as far north as Russellville, as far west as Sheridan, as far south as De Queen, and to our home base in Mena.
“We’re driven by the mission that we can provide quality health care to the population in the areas we serve. That is a population that has been neglected in the past,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro. “This population is considered underserved for a lot of services – medical, dental, and behavioral health. We allow them to have easy access, affordable access, to quality health care.”
Healthy Connections providers treat thousands of patients each year who either have no insurance or not have enough insurance to cover essential health, dental, and behavioral health services.
Healthy Connections has become a lot of things to the communities it serves, including primary care providers, dentists, pediatricians, therapists, specialists, and community service workers. But mostly it remains a place the community can receive quality care.
At Healthy Connections, we use our Three Pillars to guide our actions each day.
Community
Community comes first as it is the most visible aspect of the three pillars. We want to serve our communities, but we also want to be part of them. That means high school football Friday nights and local performances downtown. It means community events and positively representing our communities.
Compassion
No one knows what anyone else has been through or is going through. Our employees strive to show compassion to everyone who walks through the doors of our clinics. This means assisting in whatever way possible to ensure that everyone is welcome and comfortable when they visit us.
Excellence
We want to be known as an excellent provider. We want to see five-star reviews from our patients after they visit. It is the expectation that we will provide the highest quality, excellent care to everyone who walks through the doors.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, including ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most forms of health and dental insurance. However, no person will be turned away for lack of insurance. Qualified families will be charged according to their total family income and the total number of persons living in the household. This sliding-fee scale allows many to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.
National Self-Care Day is a day dedicated to reminding us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we understand that self-care is an integral part of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. On this special day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of self-care and explore how our comprehensive mental health services can support you on your journey to improved well-being.
What is National Self-Care Day?
National Self-Care Day, observed on July 24, serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health. Amidst the fast-paced and often stressful nature of modern life, it is crucial to set aside time to nurture ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is a day to reflect on our individual needs and engage in activities that promote relaxation, joy, and inner peace.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Taking care of your mental health is vital for overall wellness, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Engaging in self-care practices can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, enhance self-esteem, and foster better relationships with others. It is an investment in your well-being that yields long-term benefits.
Discover Evolve Behavioral Health Services
At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional mental health support to individuals seeking a path to personal growth and improved mental wellness. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals offers a range of services designed to meet your unique needs:
1. Individual Therapy:
Personalized one-on-one counseling sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Our therapists employ evidence-based approaches to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
2. Group Therapy:
Connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles in a nurturing group setting. Group therapy offers the opportunity to share experiences, gain insights, and build a strong support network.
3. Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Learn valuable techniques to manage stress and incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. These practices can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Our therapists utilize CBT techniques to assist you in recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns, fostering positive behavioral changes, and improving coping skills.
5. Teletherapy:
For your convenience and privacy, we offer teletherapy sessions, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your own home.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step towards prioritizing your mental health is commendable, and we are here to support you throughout your journey. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our caring therapists, please visit our website www.evolvebhs.com or call us at 800-409-6250.
Conclusion
As we celebrate National Self-Care Day, let us be reminded of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are committed to helping you embrace self-care and empowering you to lead a more fulfilling life. Take the leap and invest in yourself—your mental health matters, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Happy National Self-Care Day!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
HIV Testing day. June 27. Annual health awareness concept for banner, poster, card and background design.
On June 27 each year, we observe National HIV Testing Day, a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing in our communities.
The theme for this year’s NHTD is “Take The Test and Take the Next Step.” Get tested to check your status and be in the know. From there, you can take steps to be good to go. Find the HIV testing option that works best for you via your Healthy Connections provider.
HIV FAQ
What is HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system. There is no cure for HIV. Unlike some other viruses, such as the common cold, HIV cannot be cleared from the body. However, there are treatments available. Talk to your Healthy Connections provider and see below for more information.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? Being HIV positive is not the same as having AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a virus that kills CD4 T-cells in the body. Over time, if so many CD4 T-cells are killed that the body has a reduced ability to fight infection, HIV can advance to AIDS.
How is HIV transmitted? HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as semen, vaginal or anal fluids, breast milk, and blood. Contact with these body fluids can occur during unprotected sex or when sharing needles or other items with body fluids on them. Mothers can pass the HIV virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. You CAN NOT transmit HIV through contact with sweat, tears, saliva, bath or pool water, or by sharing dishes or drinking glasses, hugging or shaking hands.
Do you have HIV? In 2019, an estimated 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States did not know they had it. Everyone ages 13 through 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Even if you are in a monogamous relationship, you should find out for sure whether you or your partner has HIV. Healthy Connections offers HIV and STD testing and treatment. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments or learn more at https://healthy-connections.org/stdhiv.
How can I lower my risk? PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed. Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90 percent. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70 percent. The risk of getting HIV from sex can even be lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments or learn more about PrEP by visiting https://healthy-connections.org/prep.
Congratulations to our Healthy Connections Shining STAR Employees of the Month for May:
(DRUMROLL)
WEST: megan neer
EAST: ashley steadham
Each month across the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, exemplary employees are nominated for this award for representing our Three Pillars: Excellence, Compassion, and Community. These pillars are considered heavily when choosing winners.
As winners of this Shining STAR award, Megan and Ashley are winners of a $50 gift card to the HC Hub Company Store.
Megan is a previous winner of this award. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Mena and works with Centralized Scheduling to answer nurse-related questions from patients. She has been with Healthy Connections since 2021. Ashley is the lead Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) at the Malvern Pinnacle clinic. She joined Healthy Connections when the clinic came on board earlier this year.
- “Megan is simply the best. You can always count on her to get done what she says she will, and you can 100 percent guarantee if she misses your phone call she will call you back, and I am saying this as a patient and coworker. She is excellent with patients. There are too many great things to say. She is kind, hard-working, prompt, and consistent. Healthy Connections is truly privileged to have her on our team.”
- “Ashley is a Patient Care Coordinator at our location and never ceases to go above and beyond for our patients and staff. She is so kind and has a true passion for what she does. Our patients and staff adore her very much.”
Congratulations to both Megan and Ashley.
Thanks again this month to everyone who nominated an employee. There were a lot of great nominations. Do you know who should be our next employees to be recognized? You can nominate them by visiting https://www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.
Healthy Connections’ Sarah Thomas and Ann Calandro participated in the 2023 Go Red For Women Health Expo and Luncheon on May 10 in Benton.
Ann Calandro, Director of Pharmacy Services, and Sarah Thomas, Community Relations Specialist, at the Go Red For Women event.
This year’s theme was “Be the Beat For Someone You Love.”
The event spotlights the fight against heart disease and stroke and celebrates the passion and power of women in their fight against these silent and deadly diseases. More than 44 percent of women ages 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease which remains the leading cause of death in women.
Thomas is part of the 2023 Circle of Red, which makes commitments annually to support the Go Red For Women movement and serve as an ambassador for the cause.
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing its mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Together, we can encourage women to make life-saving lifestyle choices and learn how their family history plays a role in their ongoing health. Education and action can save mothers, best friends, and sisters everywhere. For more information on becoming a Circle of Red member, contact carmen.parks@heart.org.
