Leslie Collie, APRN, Now Serving Full-Time at Healthy Connections’ Haskell Clinic
We are excited to announce that Leslie Collie, APRN, is now seeing patients full-time at the Healthy Connections Haskell Clinic. Leslie brings over 20 years of nursing experience to the clinic, specializing in nursery, labor, and delivery, and is also an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
A Commitment to Comprehensive Care
Leslie’s career in healthcare began right out of high school when she became an LPN and later transitioned into nursing school, focusing on labor and delivery for 22 years. In 2019, she decided to advance her education further, earning her Nurse Practitioner certification in 2021. “I’ve always been passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through healthcare,” Leslie shared during a recent interview. “Joining Healthy Connections allows me to extend that impact to more individuals and families.”
Leslie is dedicated to offering comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Her extensive background in labor and delivery has given her a unique perspective that informs her practice today, especially when working with women and families. “I really will use that background in my practice to help the women’s health group. I want that eventually to be my focus and to help those women in their teens and adult life,” she said.
Building Stronger Connections in Haskell
A native of Arkadelphia, Leslie has deep roots in the community and is committed to extending her healthcare services to residents in Haskell. While she initially joined Healthy Connections at the Arkadelphia and Malvern clinics, she is now excited to be full-time at the Haskell Clinic, where she continues her mission to provide accessible and compassionate care. “Healthy Connections, I think, will provide a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a provider and as a person,” she said. “Their mission is great—to see people from infants all the way up to the elderly and take care of everything along the way.”
Leslie’s unique qualifications, including her certification as a lactation consultant, enhance her ability to support women’s health in the Haskell community. She is also a strong advocate for preventative health screenings and encourages patients to make time for routine exams such as cancer screenings, mammograms, and hypertension checkups. “I get it—everybody’s busy, but those screenings are so important,” she emphasized.
Supporting the Local Community
Leslie’s passion for community health is evident both inside and outside the clinic. As a family-oriented individual, Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband of 21 years and their two children. She looks forward to serving the Haskell community with the same dedication she has always brought to her work. “Healthy Connections is a place where we truly care for all walks of life, and I’m excited to be part of that,” Leslie added. “If you have any questions or if you have any problems, please give us a call and let us help you work through those.”
To schedule an appointment with Leslie Collie, APRN, or to learn more about the services offered at Healthy Connections Haskell Clinic, call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org/haskell. The clinic is located at 2323 AR-229 Suite B, Haskell, AR 72015. We are proud to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare anchored by our core values of community, compassion, and excellence.
Healthy Connections August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month
Healthy Connections is excited to announce our August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month: Casey Chambers from the Russellville Clinic (East Communities) and Valerie Cureton from the Mena Clinic (West Communities). Both of these exceptional Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) were nominated by their peers and selected by senior management for their outstanding dedication to patient care and their embodiment of our Three Pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Casey Chambers – Russellville Clinic (East Communities)
Although Casey Chambers has only been with Healthy Connections for four months, she has quickly become an essential part of the Russellville Clinic team. Her co-workers describe her as a naturally caring and reliable person who is always willing to lend a hand. One of her peers shared, “Patient care is definitely what Casey was meant to do; she is such a naturally caring person! Casey is so reliable and dependable, if you need anything you can call her and know she will be there to help. In the short time Casey has worked at HCI, she has made such a positive impact! I’m very proud to call Casey my coworker.” Casey’s dedication and compassion have had a remarkable impact, and we are proud to honor her with this recognition.
Valerie Cureton – Mena Clinic (West Communities)
Valerie Cureton, who has been with Healthy Connections since 2023, serves as an LPN at the Mena Clinic. Her commitment to going above and beyond in providing excellent patient care has not gone unnoticed. Valerie’s colleagues note that she forms personal connections with each patient, knowing them by name and providing individualized care. One co-worker shared, “She goes above and beyond what is asked of her, she provides the best patient care possible. She knows her patients by name and makes sure to make personal connections with them.” Valerie’s genuine compassion and dedication to her patients are what set her apart, and we are thrilled to recognize her contributions to our Mena Clinic and the community.
Each month, Healthy Connections selects one employee from the East and West Communities of the organization who exemplifies our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. This month, we are especially proud to highlight the work of two remarkable LPNs, Casey Chambers and Valerie Cureton. Please join us in congratulating them on being our August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month!
For more information on Healthy Connections and the services we provide, visit www.healthy-connections.org or call 888-710-8220.
Protect your loved ones.
Get the flu shot.
Stay Healthy This Flu Season: Why You Should Get the 2024 Flu Vaccine
As the seasons change and cooler weather approaches, flu season is right around the corner. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu is more important than ever. At Healthy Connections, we’re here to help you stay healthy with the 2024 flu vaccine, now available at all of our clinics.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Important?
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic health conditions. Each year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States alone.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. The 2024-2025 flu vaccines have been specially designed to protect against three influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common this season.
The Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
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Prevention of Illness: The flu vaccine is your best defense against contracting the flu. It significantly reduces the risk of flu illness, which can keep you from missing work, school, and other important activities.
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Reduction in Severity: Even if you do contract the flu after vaccination, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of the illness, making it less likely that you’ll need to be hospitalized.
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Protection of Vulnerable Populations: By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re also helping to protect those around you who may be at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
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Decrease in Healthcare Burden: Flu vaccines help to reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system by preventing hospitalizations and deaths due to flu-related complications. This is especially important during the ongoing challenges of healthcare capacity.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
It’s best to get your flu vaccine in early fall before the flu begins spreading in your community. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so early vaccination ensures you’re protected when flu activity starts to increase.
Convenient Flu Vaccination Options at Healthy Connections
At Healthy Connections, we make it easy for you to get vaccinated. Flu shots are now available at all of our clinics. You can schedule a convenient appointment by calling 888-710-8220, with options available both before and after work. Or, if you prefer, you can simply walk in, and we’ll work you in as soon as possible.
The flu vaccine is available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Get Vaccinated—Stay Healthy!
Don’t wait—take the important step of getting your flu vaccine today. It’s the most effective way to protect yourself and those you care about from the flu. For more information about the flu vaccine and to find a Healthy Connections clinic near you, visit https://healthy-connections.org/locations.
Remember, by getting vaccinated, you’re doing your part to help reduce the burden of flu illness in your community. Let’s work together to stay healthy this flu season!
Healthy Connections Earns Prestigious National Recognition with Four CHQR Badges and PCMH Status
Healthy Connections is proud to announce its recent recognition by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with four Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, as well as achieving the esteemed Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) status. These accolades underscore Healthy Connections’ commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and patient-focused care across Arkansas.
The CHQR badges recognize health centers that have made notable quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, and health information technology based on the most recent Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period. Healthy Connections has been awarded the following CHQR badges:
- Access Enhancer: Recognizes health centers that achieve Health Center Quality Leader or National Quality Leader recognition and demonstrate a 5% increase in total patients for consecutive years, including those receiving mental health, substance use disorder, vision, dental, or enabling services.
- Health Disparities Reducer: Awarded to health centers that, in addition to meeting the criteria for the Access Enhancer badge, demonstrate at least a 10% improvement in clinical quality measures for specific conditions such as low birth weight, hypertension control, and uncontrolled diabetes among one or more racial/ethnic groups while maintaining or improving overall clinical quality.
- Addressing Social Risk Factors: This badge is given to health centers that collect data on patient social risk factors and have increased the percentage of patients receiving enabling services over the last two UDS reporting years.
- Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality: Recognizes health centers that have adopted an electronic health record (EHR) system, offered telehealth services, exchanged clinical information online with key providers, engaged patients through health IT, and collected data on patient social risk factors.
In addition to the CHQR badges, Healthy Connections has earned PCMH status, a model of care that places the patient at the center of the healthcare experience. This recognition emphasizes the importance of the relationship between patients and their care teams, which include physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and social workers. The PCMH model focuses on providing comprehensive care that meets the physical and mental health needs of patients while respecting their preferences, values, and cultural needs.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc., expressed his gratitude to the staff and the community for their roles in achieving these honors. “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. I want to personally thank each member of our staff for their commitment to excellence and for going above and beyond to ensure our patients receive the best care possible,” said Calandro. “We are also deeply grateful to our community for their unwavering support and trust in us. It is this partnership that drives us to continually improve and innovate in the delivery of healthcare.”
For more than 25 years, Healthy Connections has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Arkansas, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services. The organization is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or financial situation. With the recent recognitions, Healthy Connections continues to lead the way in healthcare excellence.
For more information about Healthy Connections and its services, visit https://healthy-connections.org.
Chronic Care Management at Healthy Connections
At Healthy Connections, we understand that managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re proud to offer Chronic Care Management (CCM) services to help you stay connected and in control of your health. Whether you’re dealing with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or any other chronic condition, our team is here to provide you with the support and resources you need.
Our CCM services are designed to ensure that you receive coordinated care tailored to your individual needs. With CCM, you’ll have access to a dedicated healthcare team that works closely with you to manage your condition, monitor your progress, and make adjustments to your care plan as needed. This connected care approach helps prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and improve your overall quality of life.
By enrolling in our Chronic Care Management program, you’ll benefit from:
- Personalized Care Plans: Our providers work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your unique health needs and goals. This plan includes regular check-ins, medication management, and coordination with specialists to ensure you’re receiving comprehensive care.
- 24/7 Access to Support: With CCM, you’re never alone in your healthcare journey. Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, provide guidance, and address any concerns you may have.
- Proactive Health Management: We believe in taking a proactive approach to healthcare. Our CCM services focus on early intervention and preventive care, helping you stay ahead of potential health issues.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing high-quality care to our patients, and our Chronic Care Management services are an extension of that commitment. If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition, we encourage you to learn more about how CCM can help you live a healthier, more connected life.
To find out more about our Chronic Care Management services or to schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at healthy-connections.org/chronic.
Take the next step towards better health and get the connected care you need with Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections’ Hot Springs Village Clinic Now Open on Fridays
Healthy Connections, Inc. is proud to announce the expansion of operating hours at our Hot Springs Village clinic. Starting this week, the clinic will now be open on Fridays from 7:45 AM to 6:00 PM, offering the same comprehensive primary care services that our community has come to rely on from Monday through Thursday.
This extension of hours is a direct response to the overwhelming demand for our services. Family Nurse Practitioner Zachary Geiling, APRN, who was named Provider of the Year in Hot Springs Village last year, has been instrumental in our clinic’s success. Geiling’s dedication and exceptional care have led to a fully booked schedule from Monday to Thursday. To better serve our patients, Family Nurse Practitioner Matthew Huskey, APRN, will be joining the team to provide care on Fridays.
“Our patients are our top priority,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are grateful to the people of Hot Springs Village, Jessieville, Fountain Lake, and the surrounding areas for making this clinic a success. We are thrilled to expand our hours to include Fridays, ensuring that our community has even greater access to the high-quality healthcare services they need.”
The Hot Springs Village clinic offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, family medicine, sick visits, wellness visits, physicals (school, sports, DOT), immunodeficiency care, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction. Additionally, the clinic features specialized women’s health services, gynecology, and bioidentical hormone treatments provided by Dr. Pittman Moore, MD.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and is in-network for most health insurance plans. For patients without insurance, we offer a sliding-fee scale to ensure that everyone can receive the care they need.
Patients are welcome for both appointments and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220. For more information about our Hot Springs Village clinic, please visit www.healthy-connections.org/hsv.
By extending our hours and increasing our staff, Healthy Connections continues to uphold its mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve. We look forward to welcoming more patients and providing the exceptional healthcare services that have become the hallmark of our clinic.
