Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available

NOW AVAILABLE

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Covid-19

Monoclonal Antibody TreatmentHealthy Connections Community Health Network is now offering Regeneron (Monoclonal Antibody Treatment) for patients who believe they have been exposed to Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2). This treatment is successful in many patients who are considered high risk for severe Covid-19, including hospitalization or death.

Regeneron can be administered by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. Patients should call our hotline at 479-437-3300 for more information. Referrals are being accepted from any provider, even if you are currently outside of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network.

Healthy Connections will be administering Regeneron both intravenously and subcutaneously at the following locations:

Additionally, Healthy Connections is now administering Regneron subcutaneously at the following locations:

The Healthy Connections team will administer monoclonal antibodies with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection in some cases. The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and gradually sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes between 20 and 50 minutes. After the IV is removed, patients must wait at least one more hour so health care workers can watch for side effects or negative reactions. Intravenous infusion is recommended for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19. Subcutaneous injection is recommended for patients who have been exposed to Covid-19 or for whom the intravenous infusion is not otherwise feasible.

This is not a substitution for the Covid-19 vaccination. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule vaccination appointments at your nearest Healthy Connections Community Health Network location. Patients can learn more and schedule appointments by speaking to their Healthy Connections provider by calling our hotline at 479-437-3300. More information can be found at https://healthy-connections.org/monoclonal.

Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic versions of the body’s natural line of defense against severe infection — a therapy designed to send reinforcements for the immune system. The antibody treatment is meant for Covid-19 patients early in their infection and who are at high risk of getting even sicker, nipping infections in the bud before it puts people in the hospital. It can be used for breakthrough Covid-19 cases as well, regardless of symptoms. If a person has tested positive within the past 10 days, and they are at risk for getting sicker — like older patients, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or obesity — the treatment is available.

How it works

The Healthy Connections team will administer monoclonal antibodies with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection in some cases. The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and gradually sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes between 20 and 50 minutes. After the IV is removed, patients must wait at least one more hour so health care workers can watch for side effects or negative reactions.

If you have tested positive for Covid-19, call us at 479-437-3300 to see if this treatment may be available to you.

FAQ
What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are just like your body’s antibodies but are selected for their strong ability to resist the virus. They are produced like medication and help your body fight illness. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to permit monoclonal antibodies as a treatment option for Covid-19.

How are antibodies made?

Antibodies are proteins made by your body’s immune system that fight off infections, including infections caused by viruses. Your body can remember how to make antibodies if you are exposed to the same germ again.

How does monoclonal antibody treatment work?

After entering your body, monoclonal antibodies look for and attach to the spike protein that sticks out of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

When monoclonal antibodies attach to the spike protein, they can block the virus’s ability to enter cells — and slow down the infection.

Who is not eligible for this treatment?

Patients are not eligible for this treatment if they:

  • Have been hospitalized due to Covid-19
  • Require oxygen therapy due to Covid-19
  • Require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to Covid-19 (and in those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-Vodi-19 related comorbidity)
  • Have had symptoms for more than 10 days
  • Weigh less than 88 pounds
What is the cost to patients?

In most cases, Monoclonal Antibody Treatment is done at no cost to patients. Healthy Connections will collect patient’s date of birth and social security number in order to bill this treatment to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

How to find out if you qualify and to receive monoclonal antibodies treatment

Potential patients can find out if they qualify by speaking to their Healthy Connections provider. Patients can also call 479-437-3300.

CLINICS OFFERING MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT

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Get Your Covid-19 Booster at Healthy Connections

It’s pretty pleasing when someone boosts your morale. It might give you a confidence boost. If your battery dies, you might need a boost. A spacecraft needs boost-er rockets to lift off. Here’s an opportunity to boost your chances of getting the most severe Covid-19 symptoms.

Covid-19 Booster Shots are here and available at Healthy Connections Community Health Network Primary Care Clinics. We are stocked up on the Moderna Covid-19 booster shots. And the CDC says you can get this booster, even if you took Pfizer for your initial doses. You can also get this Covid-19 booster shot (or your 1st or 2nd dose) on the same day you get your flu shot (By the way, it’s time to get your flu shot.

The Moderna booster is ½ the dosage of the initial vaccine and can be given six months after the initial vaccination. Please check our website for a list of conditions that qualify for booster shots.

The CDC recommends the following people get a Covid-19 booster shot:

  • 65 years and older, and residents in long-term care settings
  • 18 years and older, should receive a booster shot of a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their COVID-19 vaccine primary series
  • 50–64 years old with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of a Pfizer-BioNTech’s or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their COVID-19 vaccine primary series
  • 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their COVID-19 vaccine primary series, based on their benefits and risks.
  • 18-64 years who are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their COVID-19 vaccine primary series, based on their benefits and risks.

Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule appointments or visit www.gettestedfree.com for all our Covid-19 information.

2021 Holiday Hours

Please note the following holiday schedule and hours for Healthy Connections Community Health Network clinics from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Call 888-710-8220 with questions or to schedule appointments.

Clinic/DateFriday, Dec. 23Saturday, Dec. 24Sunday, Dec. 25Monday, Dec. 26Tuesday, Dec. 27Wednesday, Dec. 28Thursday, Dec. 29Friday, Dec. 30Saturday, Dec. 31Sunday, Jan. 1Monday, Jan. 2
ArkadelphiaClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
De Queen7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs Central7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs Chippewa7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs McAuleyClosedClosedClosedClosed8 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs VillageClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Little Rock Midtown (Health For Life Clinic)7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Malvern Teeter Plaza7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm8 am-7:45 am-6 pm pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Mena7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Mount Ida (MCCC)ClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm
Haskell8 am - NoonClosedClosed7:30 am -5 pm7:30 am-5 pm7:30 am-5 pm7:30 am-5 pm8 am - NoonClosedClosed7:30 am-5 pm
Russellville7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmCloseddClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm

LR Franklin Clinic Closing Dec. 2, Moving

The Little Rock Franklin clinic at 1701 South Harrison St. in Little Rock will be closing on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. We will be moving the clinic building to a new Little Rock location to be announced shortly. There we will have the ability to serve our patients at a higher level than ever before.

In the meantime, we want to assure you that we will continue to place the health care of you and your family as our top priority. We will make our clinic at Little Rock Midtown available to you during the transition. This clinic, located at 1100 N. University Ave. #260, is staffed by Dr. Terry Jefferson and Katia Rayburn, APRN. They will make sure you receive the same great care you’ve come to expect from our Healthy Connections providers and staff.

We have enjoyed learning about and becoming a part of the neighborhood in Little Rock. And we hope to see you at our new location in early 2022. Watch for it at www.healthy-connections.org.

Please call us at 888-710-8220 to make appointments, or if you have any questions or need additional information.

Thanksgiving Week Hours Update

Healthy Connections Community Health Network clinic locations will have adjusted hours during Thanksgiving week. Call us at 888-710-8220 for appointments or questions. And thank you for choosing Healthy Connections as your care provider.

Thanksgiving Hours

ClinicMonday, Nov. 22Tuesday, Nov. 23Wednesday, Nov. 24Thursday, Nov. 25Friday, Nov. 26
ArkadelphiaClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed
De Queen8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosedClosed
Hot Springs Central8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmUpdate: 8 am-6 pmClosedClosed
Hot Springs Chippewa8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosed8 am-6 pm
Hot Springs McAuley8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosedClosed
Little Rock Franklin8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed
Health For Life Clinic8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosedClosed
Malvern8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosed8 am-6 pm
Mena Health Park8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosed8 am-6 pm
Mount Ida8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pm8 am-6 pmClosedClosed

CEO Calandro Named to Arkansas 250

Congratulations go out to Healthy Connections, Inc., Chief Executive Officer Tony Calandro for being named to the 2021 Arkansas 250 list.

The Arkansas 250, which is produced by Arkansas Business, features Arkansas’ most influential business leaders from many industries across the state.

“Each year we compare notes with executives and leaders from every region and each major industry category in the state. We mine board of directors lists for publicly traded companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations,” said Chris Bahn, publisher of Arkansas 250. “We deep dive into reporting from media outlets, including Arkansas Business, to identify the business, political, and quality of life stories that mattered most. It is important to us that this list includes people actively plotting the course of our state.”

Calandro is in his 11th year as CEO of Healthy Connections. Last year he was named a finalist for Arkansas Nonprofit Executive of the Year.

“I am honored to have been included in such a prestigious list of Arkansas business leaders,” Calandro said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our Healthy Connections staff. This recognition is a reflection of the job they did throughout the past year.”

Arkansas Business praised Calandro for Healthy Connections growth in recent years. This has included expansion to areas like Little Rock, Bryant, and Hot Springs Village, and new services being made available to patients throughout the region.

Calandro is listed amongst many of the state’s top healthcare leaders including:

  • Chad Aduddell, CEO CHI St. Vincent
  • Chris Barber, President and CEO of St. Bernard’s Healthcare
  • Marcy Dodderer, President and CEO of Arkansas Children’s
  • Matt Troup, CEO Conway Regional Health System
  • Troy Wells, President and CEO Baptist Health

The list also includes business leaders from nearly every industry in Arkansas, including prominent names such as:

  • Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens, Inc.,
  • Jim Walton, Chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank Group
  • Asa Hutchinson
  • Hunter Yurachek, Vice-Chancellor and Director of Athletics, University of Arkansas

See the complete list at https://digital.abpg.com/arkansas250-2021/page/1

Healthy Connections is a Mena-based Community Health Network with locations throughout southwest and central Arkansas. Since its founding as a home-visiting program in 1998, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed health, dental, behavioral health, and social services to families of every lifestyle. Services include primary care/family medicine, specialty services including cardiology, podiatry, and women’s health, My Kids Pediatric Clinic, Evolve Behavioral Health Services and Medication Management, Health For Life Clinic, Healthy Families Arkansas Polk and Garland counties, and more. Learn more about Healthy Connections at www.healthy-connections.org.