Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Healthy Connections
My Kids Pediatric Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Make a Payment
Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Healthy Connections
My Kids Pediatric Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

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.

Meet Cliff Harris on Oct. 12 in Hot Springs

Healthy Connections and Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness to Host Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Harris on Oct. 12 to Encourage Covid-19 Vaccination

Meet Cliff Harris Oct. 12Healthy Connections Community Health Network and Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness will host Pro Football Hall of Famer, former Dallas Cowboy, and Arkansas native Cliff Harris on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to provide free vaccines and encourage vaccination against Covid-19.

The free vaccine event will take place all day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Healthy Connections clinic location at 3604 Central Ave., Suite D. Harris will visit from 3 to 4 p.m. to meet and greet community members who come by to receive their free COVID vaccine.

“It was important to me to get vaccinated to keep my friends and family safe,” said Harris, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year. “I hope others will join me in getting vaccinated for the people that count on them, and I look forward to meeting members of the community at Healthy Connections.”

Covid-19 vaccine (1st or 2nd dose) and flu vaccine will be available at no charge to patients. Walk-ins will be accepted, or patients can register for a specific appointment time by calling 888-710-8220.

“Vaccination is the free, easy, and safe way to protect yourself and those closest to you from Covid-19, which is why we’ve worked so hard to vaccinate our community,” said Tony Calandro, CEO at Healthy Connections. “We’re pleased to have Cliff Harris to promote awareness of the vaccine and the protection it offers all of us.”

“The best action we can take to keep our communities safe from Covid-19 is to get vaccinated,” said John Ryan, President and CEO, Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness. “Providing access to vaccines is a top priority of ours, and we’re grateful to have Cliff Harris with us to support these efforts and ensure a healthier community.”

Harris was born in Fayetteville and played at Hot Springs and Des Arc high schools. He played at Ouachita Baptist University before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys and was nicknamed “Captain Crash” by his teammates for his punishing hits and reckless pursuit of ball carriers. The Cowboys ranked in the top 10 in defense every year with him in the lineup.

He played in five Super Bowls, six Pro Bowls, and was named All-Pro four times. He retired in 1980.

Harris was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 but had his enshrinement postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions. He’s also a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

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.

Healthy Connections clinics are offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatment at all locations. Clinics are also offering regular Covid-19 testing (results same day), and Covid-19 vaccines for free. Learn more at www.gettestedfree.com.

Covid-19 and Flu Vaccine on Same Day? Yes

Healthy Connections Community Health Network is making it easier to protect yourself this fall and winter by offering Covid-19 vaccines (1st dose, 2nd dose, and Booster) and seasonal flu vaccines at its clinic locations.

It is safe to receive both the Covid-19 vaccine and flu vaccine in the same visit, allowing patients to accomplish both in just one office visit. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule an appointment. Find a clinic near you by visiting www.healthy-connections.org/locations.

Call 888-710-8220

The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 12 years and older for the prevention of Covid-19 in the United States. The Moderna vaccine, which is available at Healthy Connections, is effective against SARS-CoV-2 infections, including asymptomatic and symptomatic infection, severe disease, and death. The Moderna vaccine is available to patients who are at least 18 years old.

The CDC reports that available evidence suggests that these vaccines offer protection against known variants, including the Delta variant, particu8larly against hospitalization and death.

Moderna “booster” shots are currently recommended to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Eventually, these booster shots will be available to the rest of the population.

Flu vaccines are also now available at Healthy Connections. The flu vaccine for 2021-2022 will be a quadrivalent (four-component), designed to protect against four different flu viruses. It can be given at the same time as the Covid-19 vaccine.

Call 888-710-8220 for a vaccine appointment today.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How bad will the 2021-2022 flu season be?

There are a lot of variables that could impact the severity of the flu season. Last year, with masking, social distancing, and other measures being taken because of the Covid-19 pandemic, flu numbers were down from previous years. But with fewer masks being worn, less social distancing, and more return to group gatherings, the 2021-2022 flu season could be very severe.

When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?

September and October are generally considered good times to be vaccinated. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.

When is the best time to get my Covid-19 vaccine?

Now. The Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart.

Why should I get my Covid-19 vaccine?

Rigorous studies have found the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to be safe and effective. Getting the vaccine will keep you healthy, and it represents the best option for returning life to normal.

Can I get the flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine on the same day?

Yes.

Where can I get my vaccine?

Healthy Connections Community Health Network clinics are offering the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine and the 2021-2022 flu vaccine. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments or visit www.healthy-connections.org/locations to find a clinic near you.

Is there free transportation?

Medicaid patients are eligible for free transportation to get vaccinated and the vaccine visit will not count against the 12 office visits you get each year. Click these links to learn more:

English | Español

Are Covid-19 booster shots being given?

Yes. Patients who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can receive their booster shot. Approval is expected soon for others to be eligible.

English | Español

If we need a booster dose, does that mean the vaccines aren’t working?

No. Covid-19 vaccines are working very well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, with the Delta variant, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate disease. For that reason, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for a booster shot so vaccinated people maintain protection over the coming months.

What’s the difference between a booster dose and an additional dose?

Sometimes people who are moderate to severely immunocompromised do not build enough (or any) protection when they first get a vaccination. When this happens, getting another dose of the vaccine can sometimes help them build more protection against the disease. This appears to be the case for some immunocompromised people and COVID-19 vaccines. CDC recommends moderately to severely immunocompromised people consider receiving an additional (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) at least 28 days after the completion of the initial 2-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. In contrast, a “booster dose” refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity). HHS has developed a plan to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots to people this fall. Implementation of the plan is subject to FDA’s authorization and ACIP’s recommendation.

Be a #VaccineMVP, Get Vaccinated Today

The number of Covid-19 cases in Arkansas is going up very fast and the Delta variant is putting younger and healthier people in the hospital. This is a dangerous virus and it can cause serious health problems and even death.

The vaccine helps prevent you from getting Covid-19. Some people who are vaccinated do still get the virus, but they are much less likely to have serious complications or to be hospitalized. Almost all the people hospitalized in Arkansas right now with Covid-19 are unvaccinated.

There is a free, easy, and safe way to protect yourself from Covid-19. Right now, anyone who is 12 or older can get a Covid-19 vaccine at no cost to themselves.

Arkansas Medicaid covers the cost of the vaccine for Medicaid clients. You will be asked for your Medicaid card, but you will not be required to pay anything for the vaccine. Medicaid patients can also get FREE transportation to get vaccinated and the vaccine visit will not count against the 12 office visits you get each year.

Getting vaccinated is the best option to protect yourself from the virus.

Call Healthy Connections at 888-710-8220 to schedule your vaccination appointment.

If you need a ride to get vaccinated, Arkansas Medicaid provides clients non-emergency transportation by calling 888-987-1200.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get vaccinated?

Healthy Connections Community Health Network clinics are offering the Covid-19 vaccine. Visit www.healthy-connections.org/locations to find a clinic near you. Or call 888-710-8220.

How can Medicaid patients get free transportation?

You can get FREE transportation to get vaccinated and the vaccine visit will not count against the 12 office visits you get each year.

English | Español

Why should I get the Covid-19 vaccine?

Rigorous studies have found the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective. Getting the vaccine will keep you healthy, and it represents the best option for returning to normal.

What are the side effects of Covid-19 vaccines?

Your arm may be sore, red or warm to touch after COVID-19 vaccine as with any vaccine. Fever, headache (a sign that your immune system is building up protection to COVID-19 disease), and muscle aches are common side effects of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

What about long-term side effects?

FDA and CDC are continuing to monitor for safety, to make sure even long-term side effects are identified. If a safety issue is detected, immediate action will take place to determine if the issue is related to the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the best course of action.

Do I need a second dose of Covid-19 vaccine and if so, when?

Yes. Healthy Connections is offering the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. The second dose is due no sooner than 28 days.

Who is recommended to receive a third dose?

CDC now recommends an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for people who are moderate to severely immunocompromised because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness.

If I have had 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine and have close contact with a positive case, do I need to quarantine?

suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
• Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

Fully vaccinated persons who do not quarantine should still watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If they experience symptoms, they should be clinically evaluated for COVID-19.

Also, vaccinated persons should continue to follow current guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, following CDC travel guidance, and following any applicable workplace or school guidance, including guidance related to personal protective equipment use or SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Should I get the Covid-19 vaccine if I am pregnant?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) continue to recommend that the vaccine be available to pregnant individuals. There is no evidence that the vaccine can lead to loss of fertility. While fertility was not specifically studied in the clinical trials of the vaccine, no loss of fertility has been reported among trial participants or among the millions who have received the vaccines since their authorization, and no signs of infertility appeared in animal studies. Loss of fertility is scientifically unlikely.

Can I get the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time with flu vaccine or any other vaccine?

Yes, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines may be administered with routine vaccines simultaneously, on the same day, or at any interval.

Can the Covid-19 vaccine give someone with Covid-19 disease?

No, COVID-19 vaccines cannot give someone COVID-19 disease. They do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19.

June Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is excited to announce its June 2021 Shining STAR employees of the month:

WEST: Whitney Kincaid

EAST: Misty Morris

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, Whitney and Misty are winners of a $50 gift card or one day off work.

Whitney is an LPN at the Mena clinic.

  • “Whitney goes way out of her way to assist her patients and her co-workers. Even when she is at her fullest with patients, she does what she can to assist whoever needs it.”
  • “You hardly hear a word out of Whitney and you are lucky to catch her sitting at her desk to even catch a breath. She is not one to complain and she is amazing at what she does. Very thankful for such a wonderful nurse to work with.”

Misty is a patient care coordinator at the Health For Life Clinic by Healthy Connections in Little Rock.

  • “Our patients always walk up to a smiling face at our front desk. Misty goes above and beyond to help patients and make sure that they are happy and taken care of with insurance, appointment, etc. I love that when our patients have a great experience at our front desk it sets us (in the back) up to have a much better appointment. Misty always thinks about what is best for our clinic as a whole.”`
  • “Misty has a huge heart and is always working in the patient’s best interest. She never hesitates to help her fellow employees, and doesn’t shy away from a new task or challenge.”

Congratulations to both Whitney and Misty.

Do you know who should be our next to be recognized? Nominate by visiting https://www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.