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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.
Healthy Connections Welcomes Matthew Huskey, APRN
Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Matthew Huskey, APRN, has joined our team as a Family Nurse Practitioner. With his extensive background in nursing and commitment to providing compassionate care, Matthew will be seeing patients at our Mount Ida, Hot Springs Chippewa, and Hot Springs Village Clinics.
Background and Experience
Matthew Huskey brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role at Healthy Connections. After completing his Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and UAMS College of Nursing in 2012, he joined Hamilton West Family Medicine in 2018. His clinical background includes working in emergency rooms and intensive care units, equipping him with a comprehensive skill set to handle a wide range of medical conditions.
“Growing up on a farm in Hope, Arkansas, I developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community,” Matthew said. “I was inspired to pursue nursing after my son had surgery and received exceptional care from a male nurse. It was then that I realized my calling to help others in their times of need.”
Comprehensive Patient Care
Matthew Huskey will be providing a variety of services at Healthy Connections, including primary care, HIV treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), sick visits, wellness visits, and physicals (DOT, School, Sports). He is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from young children to the elderly. His approach to patient care is rooted in treating each individual like family.
“I have a simple philosophy when it comes to patient care,” Matthew said. “I treat every patient as if they were a family member. I will never do anything for a patient that I wouldn’t do for my own mother. When I walk into a room, I see a cousin, a brother, a sister, not just a patient. This approach ensures that I provide the highest quality of care and build strong, trusting relationships with my patients.”
Commitment to the Community
Matthew’s connection to rural communities aligns perfectly with Healthy Connections’ mission to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations.
“I grew up in a rural area where healthcare was often hard to come by. My personal mission is to offer the best quality care to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Matthew shares.
Healthy Connections CEO, Tony Calandro, expressed his enthusiasm for Matthew joining the team: “We are thrilled to have Matthew Huskey on board. His dedication to patient care and his experience in both acute and chronic conditions make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that our patients will greatly benefit from his expertise and compassionate approach.”
Join Us in Welcoming Matthew Huskey
Patients seeking appointments with Matthew Huskey at our Mount Ida, Hot Springs Chippewa, or Hot Springs Village Clinics can call 888-710-8220. Healthy Connections is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and is in-network for most health insurance plans. A sliding-fee scale is also available for patients without insurance who qualify.
Healthy Connections is dedicated to powering communities through caring connections, and we are excited to have Matthew Huskey join us in this mission. His passion for healthcare and commitment to treating patients with the utmost respect and care aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our patients and the community.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 888-710-8220.
Announcing Our July 2024 Employees of the Month: Kim Brown and Sharon Maechler
Healthy Connections is thrilled to announce our July 2024 Employees of the Month, Kim Brown and Sharon Maechler. Their dedication to patient care and their exemplary work ethic embody the core values and mission of Healthy Connections, making them invaluable members of our team.
Kim Brown – Patient Care Coordinator, Little Rock Midtown Clinic (East Communities)
Kim Brown has been with Healthy Connections since 2022 and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to exceptional patient care. According to her coworkers, Kim goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that every patient feels valued and appreciated. Her positive attitude and dedication have earned her countless kudos from both team members and patients. One nomination stated, “Almost every time I am in the Midtown Clinic, I receive kudos from other team members and patients. Patients oftentimes express how Kim makes them feel valued and appreciated.”
Kim embodies our mission statement and core values of Compassion, Community, and Excellence in her daily work. Her can-do attitude and spirit are perfect for Healthy Connections, making her a deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month honor. Her coworkers value her contributions, and patients love the service she provides. We are proud to have Kim as part of our team and celebrate her outstanding achievements.
Sharon Maechler – Referral Coordinator, Mena Street Location
Sharon Maechler joined Healthy Connections in 2023 and has quickly become an essential part of the Mena Street team. As a referral coordinator, Sharon works diligently to ensure that our patients are taken care of with their referrals, often going out of her way to secure earlier appointments for those in need. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. One nomination highlighted, “Sharon always works hard daily to make sure our patients are taken care of and have appointments set up with their specialists. Countless times Sharon has gone out of her way to make sure a patient has an earlier appointment when they are scheduled out later than they should be with a referral.”
Sharon’s coworkers have praised her as a pleasure to work with, and several patients have expressed their gratitude for her efficient and timely assistance with referrals. Her outstanding work ethic and commitment to patient care make her a fantastic coworker and a well-deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month award. We are honored to have Sharon on our team and appreciate her dedication to providing exceptional service to our patients.
Please join us in congratulating Kim Brown and Sharon Maechler for their remarkable contributions to Healthy Connections. Their hard work and dedication are what make our organization thrive, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
