Healthy Connections is excited to introduce the newest member of our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic, Autumn Morales, APRN.
Autumn Morales is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in De Queen, Sevier County, and the surrounding areas. With a strong commitment to quality healthcare, she is here to provide the best care to you and your family.
“I’ve known a little bit about Healthy Connections for a while,” Morales said. “I’ve known some of the good programs that they have, some of the sliding scale fees for patients that may be in underserved areas. And I think that’s a phenomenal thing, and I’m super excited to be able to serve patients that are in that area as well as all the other patients.”
Morales’ roots run deep in Southwest Arkansas, having lived here her entire life and graduating from Nashville High School. Her local ties and extensive nursing experience make her a valuable addition to our Healthy Connections family.
“I’ve always wanted to do healthcare,” Morales said. “It’s something I’ve been passionate about, and I’m dedicated to providing quality care for families in the De Queen area.”
Autumn and her husband, Hasler, have called De Queen home since 2016. They are actively involved in the community and their local church, New Life De Queen. Autumn is not just a healthcare provider but a community member who cares deeply about the well-being of her neighbors.
As part of Healthy Connections, Autumn Morales aligns perfectly with our three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. She embodies these principles by serving the community, showing deep compassion for her patients, and maintaining a commitment to excellence in healthcare.
The Healthy Connections De Queen clinic serves patients for primary care/family medicine, Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction, HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and care, and more. It features providers who speak both English and Spanish including Carolin Hockersmith, APRN, and Angie Martin APRN. Morales speaks both English and some Spanish. She and Martin worked together at AmCare Clinic in De Queen.
“We are thrilled to welcome Autumn Morales to our De Queen clinic. Her passion for providing top-notch healthcare aligns perfectly with Healthy Connections’ mission to serve our community,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “With Angela Martin and Autumn Morales now on our De Queen clinic team, we have an amazing roster of providers dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients.”
The De Queen clinic, located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, catering to both pediatric and family medicine patients.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most health insurance. There is also a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing excellent healthcare services to the De Queen community, and with Autumn Morales on board, we’re more prepared than ever to meet your healthcare needs. We look forward to serving you and your family.
At Healthy Connections, we believe that our staff embodies the heart and soul of our organization. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary of providing exceptional healthcare services to communities across Western and Central Arkansas, we are thrilled to announce the shining stars of September: Katheryn Ledesma and Anna Lear. They have exemplified our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.
Katheryn Ledesma: West Communities Winner
Katheryn serves as a Medical Assistant at our De Queen clinic. Her dedication and positive attitude have made her an invaluable member of the De Queen team. In her nomination, her colleagues had this to say about her: “Katie is a wonderful member of the De Queen team. She is a help to everyone and always has a positive attitude!”
Her commitment to our patients and her fellow staff members truly embodies the essence of Healthy Connections.
Anna Lear: East Communities Winner
Anna is a Patient Care Coordinator at our Hot Springs clinics. Her consistent pleasant demeanor, helpful nature, and exceptional competency have left a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues. One client even shared, “I missed her when she was gone. She is always pleasant and helpful.”
Anna’s dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to our mission have made her a true asset to Healthy Connections.
Recognizing Excellence
At Healthy Connections, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Katheryn and Anna, our September Shining Star Employees, will each receive a $50 credit to the HC Hub Company Store. This credit allows them to grab some Healthy Connections swag as a token of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Nominate the Next Shining Star
Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond to embody our values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence? We invite you to nominate them for next month’s Employee of the Month award. Your nominations help us recognize the outstanding individuals who make Healthy Connections exceptional. To submit a nomination, please visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.
As we celebrate 25 years of caring for our communities, we’re reminded that our success is built upon the dedication and excellence of individuals like Katheryn and Anna. Their commitment to our mission and values is truly commendable, and we are grateful to have them as part of the Healthy Connections family.
Healthy Connections is thrilled to welcome back experienced Family Nurse Practitioner Angela Martin, APRN, to our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic.
Angela is now accepting patients at the De Queen clinic, conveniently located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive. Schedule primary care/family medicine appointments by calling 888-710-8220.
With more than 30 years of nursing experience and 13 years as a nurse practitioner, she is deeply rooted in De Queen, having called it home for more than two decades. Angela previously worked at Healthy Connections. Other area locales included the Martin Family Medical Clinic and De Queen Medical Center.
“We are thrilled to have Angela back with us at Healthy Connections in De Queen. Her unwavering commitment to community healthcare perfectly aligns with our mission, and her expertise will undoubtedly benefit our patients,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
In her family practice clinic, Angela is dedicated to caring for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Healthy Connections De Queen operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, offering services to both pediatric and family medicine patients. Other providers at this location include Carolin Hockersmith, APRN, and Autumn Morales APRN.
As a family nurse practitioner, she brings specialized educational and clinical training to family practice, with a strong focus on long-term health and wellness, particularly emphasizing preventive care.
“When I was an ER nurse, I often saw patients who didn’t need to be in the ER. They needed care in a clinic setting. At the time, there weren’t many providers in De Queen, and I simply wanted to be there to help people,” Angela said of her initial journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Healthy Connections, a nonprofit organization based in Mena, has been serving the healthcare needs of children and adults throughout West-Central Arkansas since its establishment in 1998. From its humble beginnings as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has grown to offer essential health and dental services to families from diverse backgrounds.
For those seeking quality healthcare from Angela, please call (888) 710-8220 to schedule an appointment and experience the excellence of care she brings to the De Queen community.
In the battle against the flu, taking the right steps can mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a severe, even life-threatening illness. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated annually.
Here at Healthy Connections, we understand the importance of this preventive measure, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone. Our Community Health Network clinics across Arkansas are proud to offer flu shots, and we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your health. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance. We accept various forms of coverage, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most insurance plans. For those without insurance, we are making the vaccine accessible for just $35.
So, why should you choose Healthy Connections for your flu shot?
- Firstly, our experienced nurses administer the vaccine safely and effectively. Your health is in capable hands.
- Secondly, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why we offer convenient appointments designed to fit your schedule, including evening slots at select locations.
- Lastly, our commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the flu shot is magnified. Both the flu and COVID-19 share respiratory symptoms, and vaccination reduces your risk of contracting and spreading these illnesses.
In addition to COVID-19 concerns, consider these factors:
- Experts anticipate a more severe flu season.
- Some flu strains may be less responsive to the vaccine.
- Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
- It provides protection for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier you? Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule your appointment today.
Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you safe and well.
Healthy Connections’ Susan Singleton was named a finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year
In the world of financial leadership, Susan Singleton’s journey stands as a testament to dedication and innovation. With an impressive career spanning 26 years, Singleton’s role as Chief Financial Officer of Healthy Connections, a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, has earned her a coveted place as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.
Singleton’s recognition is a result of her outstanding contributions. She stands alongside other distinguished financial leaders: Laine Harber from the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Monique L. Sanders from the Arkansas Foodbank, and Britney Snell from the SHARE Foundation. Together, these exceptional individuals have set themselves apart and distinguished themselves among their peers in contention for this statewide accolade.
The winners of the Arkansas Business CFO of the Year 2023 award will be unveiled on Nov. 2 at the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
Singleton’s journey is a story of personal and professional growth. Over the past 4 years, she has made a significant impact at Healthy Connections, steering its financial growth while upholding the organization’s core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
“In a nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and learn,” Singleton reflects. “CFOs must be creative and strategic in managing finances. As a CFO with additional responsibilities in operations, opportunities exist for improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies throughout the organization. This, in turn, better positions the company to balance the mission and margin of the organization.”
Her strategic financial stewardship has not only driven Healthy Connections’ growth but also allowed the organization to provide comprehensive healthcare services to diverse communities, making a lasting impact on countless lives.
“With over two and a half decades of financial leadership experience and her dedicated 4-year journey with Healthy Connections, Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve.”
Singleton’s journey underscores the pivotal role of financial leadership in fostering growth and positive change. Her expertise and steadfast commitment play a crucial role in advancing Healthy Connections’ ongoing mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.
Every August, Healthy Connections is excited as we celebrate National Health Center Week, a time of reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to our mission of providing exceptional healthcare services to the central and western Arkansas communities. This year holds special significance for us as we commemorate our 25th anniversary of serving patients throughout the state.
Unveiling 25 Years of Compassionate Care
For a quarter of a century, Healthy Connections has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services that address the diverse healthcare needs of our patients. What started as a vision has grown into a cornerstone of accessible and patient-centered care, touching the lives of countless individuals and families in Arkansas.
Since our inception, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone who walks through our doors. Our team of skilled healthcare professionals is united by a shared passion for making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities. Whether it’s a routine check-up, dental care, behavioral health support, or community outreach, we are here to serve you with compassion and excellence.
National Health Center Week: August 6-12
National Health Center Week, observed from August 6-12, is a time to celebrate the vital role that community health centers play in fostering healthier communities and increasing access to care for all. At Healthy Connections, it’s an opportunity to express our gratitude to our patients, staff, and partners who have contributed to our success over the years.
During this special week, we invite you to join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary. It’s not just a time to look back at our accomplishments; it’s also a time to look forward to the future of healthcare in Arkansas.
Join the Celebration: How You Can Participate
- Come Celebrate with Us: Healthy Connections staff will be participating in the Samaritan Fields and Friends Event in De Queen on Aug. 11, and the Hot Springs Community Resource Fair on Aug. 12. Stop by, say hello, pick up some swag, and learn about the vital role we play in our communities.
- Schedule an Appointment: If you’re in need of medical, dental, or behavioral health services, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Call us at 888-710-8220 to secure your spot and experience the care that has earned us the trust of our communities for 25 years.
- Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about National Health Center Week and our 25th anniversary by sharing our story on social media. Use the hashtag #HealthyConnections25 to join the conversation and inspire others to prioritize their health.
- Support Accessible Healthcare: Consider making a contribution to our mission of providing accessible healthcare to all. Your support enables us to continue offering vital services to those who need them most.
- As we celebrate National Health Center Week and mark our 25th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our patients, staff, partners, and supporters. Your dedication and trust have been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to many more years of serving the wonderful communities of central and western Arkansas.
Join us in this celebration of health, community, and compassion. Together, we can create a healthier and brighter future for all.
For appointments and inquiries, please call 888-710-8220.
