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 Announces May 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month
Healthy Connections is proud to announce our May 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month: Mandy Simers of the Mena Street location and Joanna Welch of the Malvern Pinnacle clinic. Mandy represents the West Communities, while Joanna represents the East Communities. This recognition is based on nominations from their fellow co-workers, reflecting our three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Mandy Simers: West Communities Winner
Mandy Simers, who has been with Healthy Connections since 2020, serves as the Inventory Controller at the Mena Street location. Her dedication and consistent excellence in her role have earned her high praise from her colleagues. One co-worker shared, “Mandy consistently demonstrates excellence in her work. It is a habit Mandy embodies, not just a one-off act. Mandy is extremely reliable; she only misses work when she has preplanned approved PTO. She embodies community by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment between all departments within HCI and outside of HCI with vendors. She sets a standard for us all and reminds us of what can be achieved with dedication and passion.”
Mandy’s commitment to excellence and her ability to foster a strong sense of community within the workplace exemplify the values that Healthy Connections holds dear. Her role as Inventory Controller is crucial to the seamless operation of our services, and her reliability and passion are truly inspirational.
Joanna Welch: East Communities Winner
Joanna Welch, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Malvern Pinnacle clinic, has been with Healthy Connections since 2023. Joanna’s hard work, pleasant demeanor, and kindness toward patients have made her a standout employee. Her colleagues commend her ability to embrace change and conquer any challenge thrown her way. One co-worker remarked, “Joanna is a hard worker, always pleasant, and is very kind to our patients. She embraces change and conquers any challenge thrown her way.”
Joanna’s dedication to providing compassionate care and her adaptability in the face of challenges embody the core values of Healthy Connections. Her positive attitude and commitment to patient care make her an invaluable member of our team.
Each month, Healthy Connections selects two employees for this prestigious award, based on nominations from their peers and votes from the Senior Management Team. Mandy Simers and Joanna Welch are shining examples of the dedication and excellence we strive for at Healthy Connections. We congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition and thank them for their outstanding contributions to our organization.
Announcing Our April 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month
We are pleased to announce our Shining STAR employees of the month for April 2024, celebrating individuals who exemplify our core principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. This month, we recognize Halee Baker and Dr. Anne Murphy, outstanding contributors from our West and East Communities, respectively.
Halee Baker, the West Communities winner, has been a vital part of Healthy Connections since 2017. Serving as the Centralized Scheduling Call Center Manager, Halee oversees the team responsible for all our incoming calls. A nomination from one of her colleagues highlighted her exceptional leadership: “She goes above and beyond to make sure her team is taken care of. She is the best manager I have had. She makes us want to show up every day. Not to mention, her patient care is always amazing. We may just answer the phone, but she can make any upset patient happy. She really is an amazing person!” Halee’s dedication ensures that our team members are supported and our patients receive the highest level of care.
Dr. Anne Murphy, DO, our East Communities winner, rejoined Healthy Connections last year, having previously been part of our organization. She currently serves patients in Hot Springs and has expanded her care to Arkadelphia and Malvern, with plans to start in Sheridan later this month. Dr. Murphy’s flexibility and commitment to patient care have been crucial during her time with us. According to a co-worker’s nomination, “Dr. Murphy is a great asset to HCI. She has been filling in at several locations, with Arkadelphia being one of the main ones. She exhibits a passion for taking care of patients no matter what clinic she is in. She shows empathy and compassion. She makes the day fun with her upbeat personality, and we love hearing her dog stories. We love us some Dr. Murphy; she is amazing.”
As winners, Halee and Dr. Murphy will each receive a credit to the Healthy Connections HC Hub Company store. This award is a small token of our appreciation for their significant contributions.
Please join us in congratulating Halee Baker and Dr. Anne Murphy on their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication not only enhances the health and well-being of our communities but also inspires all of us at Healthy Connections to strive for excellence every day.
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.
We are excited to announce that Kristin Brown, APRN, has joined Healthy Connections as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Kristin will be available to see patients at both our Arkadelphia and Malvern Teeter clinic locations, where she will apply her experience in family medicine to serve our community.
Exceptional Primary Care Services Offered in Arkadelphia and Malvern
Kristin Brown offers a comprehensive range of health services, including primary care, HIV management, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Her expertise also covers wellness checks, sick visits, physicals, and immunizations.
“Joining Healthy Connections feels like a natural step in my career, aligning perfectly with my passion for comprehensive, community-based healthcare,” Brown said. “I am excited to contribute to our mission of providing excellent care with a personal touch.”
Visit Our Arkadelphia and Malvern Clinics to Meet Kristin Brown
Kristin is now accepting new patients at the Arkadelphia clinic located at 301 Professional Park Drive and the Malvern Teeter Clinic at 900 MLK Blvd. The Arkadelphia clinic is open from 7:45 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, and the Malvern Teeter Clinic operates from 7:45 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call us at 888-710-8220.
Committed to the Community: Kristin Brown’s Local Connection
A native of Arkadelphia and a graduate of Henderson State University, Kristin is deeply committed to giving back telto the community that shaped her.
“Growing up in Arkadelphia was definitely a blessing to my career. I’m proud to serve the community that raised me and to see familiar faces in my clinic, bringing a unique, personal touch to healthcare,” said Kristin.
Providing Accessible Healthcare to All
Both the Arkadelphia and Malvern clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, most insurance plans, and offer a sliding fee scale for qualifying uninsured patients. This ensures that all members of our community have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. We encourage everyone to take advantage of our preventative and ongoing healthcare services.
Leadership and Vision for Community Health
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, warmly welcomes Kristin to the team: “We are thrilled to have Kristin join our family. Her professionalism, compassion, and deep roots in the community are invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of our care. Kristin embodies the spirit of Healthy Connections, and we look forward to her contributions to our community’s health and wellbeing.”
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment with Kristin Brown, please call us today at 888-710-8220 or visit us at one of our clinics. Let us help you take the first step towards a healthier future.
