Welcome Clay McDowell, APRN, to Healthy Connections
Healthy Connections welcomes Family Nurse Practitioner Clay McDowell, APRN, to our team. Clay brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication to providing quality healthcare. He will be seeing patients at both the Mt. Ida Clinic, located at 534 Luzerne Street, and the Mena Clinic at 136 Health Park Lane. Patients can schedule appointments with Clay or any of our providers by calling 888-710-8220.
From Carpenter to Care Provider
Clay McDowell’s journey to becoming a nurse practitioner is both inspiring and distinctive. Initially, Clay pursued a career in carpentry, building houses and honing his skills in property development. His transition from carpentry to nursing reflects his adaptability and commitment to serving others. Clay recalls, “I always wanted to be a carpenter and build houses. So that’s what I did until I was 28 years old.” However, the housing crisis in 2008 prompted him to reconsider his career path. Inspired by his wife’s suggestion, Clay decided to explore nursing, leading him to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing from National Park College in 2011, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2018 and a Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) in 2024 from Walden University.
Dedication to Rural Health
Clay’s commitment to rural health and community service is evident in his own words: “I liked what they stood for. Rural Health. Bringing healthcare to my community. The more I found out about Healthy Connections, the more I wanted to work for this organization. I’m looking forward to being at the Mt. Ida Clinic to serve my people and over at Mena as well.” His passion aligns perfectly with Healthy Connections’ mission to provide accessible and compassionate healthcare to underserved areas.
Professional Services and Patient Care
At Healthy Connections, Clay will be providing a range of services, including primary care, family medicine, management of immune deficiency conditions, opioid addiction treatment, wellness services, and physical examinations. His comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of life are addressed, from newborn through geriatric care. “We want to see the patient as healthy as they can be and functioning as best they can for their life situation,” Clay emphasizes.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, expressed his enthusiasm for Clay joining the team: “We are thrilled to have Clay join our Healthy Connections family. His dedication to rural health and his extensive experience in nursing make him a valuable addition to our clinics in Mt. Ida and Mena. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our communities.”
A Personal Connection to Mt. Ida
Clay’s deep love for Mt. Ida and his commitment to the community are integral to his identity. Having grown up in Arkansas and traveled extensively, Clay and his family have always held a special place for Mt. Ida. “Out of all the places we’ve been, Mt. Ida, Arkansas is one of the best and we will always have a place here. This is my home. I’m looking forward to serving my community here where I call home,” he says. Clay’s connection to the area is further strengthened by his active membership in Lake Ouachita Baptist Church and his enjoyment of outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Schedule With Clay
We invite you to schedule an appointment with Clay McDowell, APRN, or any of our dedicated providers at Healthy Connections. To book an appointment, please call 888-710-8220. We are here to provide you and your family with compassionate and comprehensive healthcare services.
June 2024 Healthy Connections Shining STAR Employees of the Month
We are delighted to announce the June 2024 Healthy Connections Shining STAR employees of the month. Each month, we recognize outstanding team members from our East and West Communities who exemplify our three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. This month, we are proud to honor Sheridan’s Clark Roberts (East) and Mena’s David Jumper (West).
East Communities Winner: Clark Roberts
Clark Roberts, a Family Nurse Practitioner at our Sheridan Clinic, joined Healthy Connections earlier this year and has quickly become a valued member of our team. Nominated by his peers, Clark’s dedication to his community is evident in his compassionate approach to patient care. His nomination highlighted his respectful treatment of patients and his commitment to excellence in his work. As one nominator wrote, “Clark cares deeply about his community and this shows through his compassion in his work. He treats his patients with respect and high regard which exemplifies his excellence.”
West Communities Winner: David Jumper
David Jumper, a Computer Support Technician based in Mena, has been with Healthy Connections since 2021. Known for his exceptional technical support and unwavering commitment to helping colleagues, David embodies the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. His peers appreciate his readiness to assist and his positive impact on the workplace.
Both Clark and David were selected from a pool of outstanding nominations by senior management. As winners, they will receive a credit to the HC Hub Company Store to choose some Healthy Connections swag.
Please join us in congratulating Clark and David on their well-deserved recognition. We encourage all employees to continue nominating their deserving coworkers for the Shining STAR program. Together, we celebrate those who make Healthy Connections a place of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
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.
Healthy Connections, a leading provider of community health services across Western and Central Arkansas, is excited to announce the appointment of Ron G. Sellers, MBA, as its new Executive Vice President of Operations. Sellers brings to the organization a rich background in healthcare management, with extensive experience in enhancing operational efficiency and patient care.
“I’m here to help grow the organization, continue the mission, vision, and values of Healthy Connections, and to expand services the patient population that we’re reaching,” he said.
Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services throughout Western and Central Arkansas. Sellers’ commitment to the organization’s core values of community, compassion, and excellence is evident and aligns with his personal and professional aspirations to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.
“One of the reasons I joined Healthy Connections and stayed in the FQHC model is because of what it stands for, what we’re here to do, the patient population that we’re here to serve,” said Sellers, who comes to Healthy Connections after working at another FQHC.
With a strong focus on operational excellence and strategic growth, Sellers is poised to make significant contributions to Healthy Connections. His approach to leadership, deeply rooted in a commitment to service and community engagement, underscores Healthy Connections’ ongoing efforts to provide exceptional healthcare services.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, welcomed Sellers, highlighting his strategic vision and commitment to healthcare excellence as invaluable to the organization’s mission.
“With Ron’s leadership, we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to provide high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve,” said Calandro.
Sellers’ educational background includes a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Union University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Ottawa University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
For more information or to schedule appointments, please call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org.
