Healthy Connections September 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month
Healthy Connections announces the September 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month: Ilenee Tedford, LPN, of the Hot Springs McAuley Clinic, representing the East Communities, and Stacy Standridge, a remote Medical Coding Specialist representing the West Communities. These employees exemplify Healthy Connections’ pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence in their daily work.
Ilenee Tedford, Hot Springs McAuley Clinic (East Communities)
Ilenee recently transitioned from family practice at the Malvern Teeter clinic to behavioral health at the McAuley clinic. Since joining Healthy Connections in 2023, Ilenee has demonstrated consistent professionalism and empathy. Her coworkers describe her as knowledgeable and kind, saying, “Ilenee ensures everyone she encounters feels welcome and important, patients and co-workers alike!” Her approach to nursing is well-suited to her new role in behavioral health, where she continues to contribute positively to the team and her patients.
Stacy Standridge, Remote Employee (West Communities)
Stacy Standridge has been with Healthy Connections since 2015 and serves as a Medical Coding Specialist. Her role involves creating invoices for patient services to ensure accurate and timely payment. Stacy is recognized for her dedication to forming strong relationships with coworkers and maintaining clear communication across departments. Her colleagues note, “Stacy strives for excellence in everything she does, and it is apparent to everyone that has the pleasure of working with her.”
Healthy Connections values the commitment and professionalism of employees like Ilenee and Stacy. Their efforts reflect the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality care and fostering a compassionate community.
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.
Experience Matters: Trust My Kids Pediatric Clinic for Your Child’s Health
When it comes to your child’s health, experience matters. At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, we are proud to offer the most experienced and dedicated pediatric providers in the area. From wellness visits to sick visits, immunizations, and physicals, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care that keeps your children healthy, happy, and thriving.
Your Children’s Health, Our Pediatric Experts
Dr. Tracy Rowe
Choosing the right healthcare provider for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. My Kids Pediatric Clinic is here to make that decision easier. Our experienced team includes board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners who are passionate about pediatric care and have the expertise to handle a wide range of health needs for children of all ages.
“Children deserve the very best in healthcare,” says Dr. Tracy Rowe, MD, who serves children at our Hot Springs, Malvern, and Arkadelphia locations. “Our goal is to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of each child, ensuring they receive the highest quality treatment possible.”
Matt York APRN
Parents who visit our clinic often share their satisfaction with the care their children receive. Here are just a few reflections from families who have experienced the quality of care at My Kids Pediatric Clinic:
- “Professional, excellent with children, listens and answers all questions.”
- “Can’t ask for a better team for your child’s health care. The team from nurses to reception is fantastic!”
- “Best pediatric clinic I have ever been to. The staff is amazing with my kids. They are excellent at explaining things that you don’t understand and always take time to listen to any and every question you may have. They go above and beyond to make sure your child gets the best care possible.”
Dr. Jeremy Porter
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we understand that life is busy, and getting your child to the doctor can be challenging. That’s why our clinics are open from 7:45 am to 6 pm, offering convenient before- and after-school appointment slots. We also accept walk-ins because we know that sickness doesn’t always schedule itself in advance. Whether you’re in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, or Hot Springs Village, our doors are open to you.
Comprehensive Pediatric Services from Experienced Providers
Matthew Huskey APRN
Our team at My Kids Pediatric Clinic offers a full range of pediatric services to ensure your child receives comprehensive care. From routine wellness visits and immunizations to sick visits and physicals, we are equipped to handle all your child’s healthcare needs.
“Our approach is to provide care that is not only medically excellent but also compassionate and family-centered,” says Matt York, APRN, who sees patients in Hot Springs. “We strive to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families, so they feel supported and confident in the care their children receive.”
Melanie Newman APRN
In addition to our standard pediatric services, we also offer specialized care for children with complex health needs. Our team is experienced in managing chronic conditions and providing ongoing support to ensure your child’s health is closely monitored and well-managed.
Accessible, Affordable, and Inclusive Care
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their family’s financial situation. That’s why we proudly accept Medicare, ArKids 1st, and are in-network for most health insurance plans. For families without insurance, we offer a sliding-fee scale to ensure care is affordable for those who qualify.
As part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, we are committed to serving our communities with compassion and excellence. We understand that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all, and we take the time to listen, understand, and address the unique needs of each child we serve.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Your child’s health is our top priority. With locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, and Hot Springs Village, we are here to serve your family with the highest standard of pediatric care. To schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.mykidspediatric.com.
Experience matters when it comes to your child’s health. Trust My Kids Pediatric Clinic—your local pediatric experts—for comprehensive, compassionate, and convenient care.
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 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.
