On 01.29.25, Healthy Connections is unveiling something new – a transformation that will make connecting with us easier, faster, and better than ever before.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the big day. We can’t wait to share how this will enhance your experience with us.
Visit www.healthy-connections.org regularly for more details.
Healthy Connections is excited to announce that Dr. Leslie Ward, MD, has earned the prestigious HIV Specialist™ (AAHIVS) credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). This significant achievement highlights Dr. Ward’s exceptional expertise and commitment to providing comprehensive, inclusive, and cutting-edge care for patients living with or at risk for HIV.
With her AAHIVS certification, Dr. Ward provides advanced HIV care services to patients across Arkansas, including:
Dr. Ward welcomes patients at the following Healthy Connections locations:
Healthy Connections is proud to make high-quality care accessible to all. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and offer a sliding fee scale for qualifying patients without insurance.
Dr. Ward’s AAHIVS credential confirms her commitment to supporting the highest standards of HIV care. This credential, awarded by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, requires rigorous qualifications, including direct HIV patient care and 45+ hours of HIV-related continuing education. Patients can trust that Dr. Ward stays at the forefront of medical advancements in HIV treatment and prevention.
For expert HIV care, including PrEP, PEP, and specialized services, trust Healthy Connections to meet your needs with compassion and excellence.
Discover expert HIV care in Arkansas with Dr. Leslie Ward, Certified HIV Specialist™ (AAHIVS). Visit Healthy Connections clinics in Hot Springs, Russellville, or Mount Ida. Call 888-710-8220!
Matt York, APRN, a Family Nurse Practitioner with Healthy Connections and My Kids Pediatric Clinic at the Hot Springs Central location, was recently featured on THV11’s The Vine at Nine program. During the segment, Matt shared valuable insights into the wide range of services offered at Healthy Connections, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare for all ages.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Matt provides comprehensive care, treating patients from newborns to adults. In the interview, Matt explained, “I see both kids and adults, and we cover a full spectrum of care, from wellness exams to sick visits, school physicals, and more.” He highlighted the variety of services available at Healthy Connections, ensuring families have access to quality care at every stage of life.
When discussing the current season’s health challenges, Matt addressed the importance of staying on top of sicknewomenss prevention. “This time of year, we see a lot of respiratory issues, like walking pneumonia,” he noted. “We do testing for different viruses to help identify the issue and guide treatment.” He also emphasized the importance of preventative care: “Keeping kids healthy involves good diet, exercise, and staying up to date with vaccines.”
Healthy Connections prides itself on being a “one-stop shop” for families, offering a variety of services under one roof. Matt discussed the convenience of receiving care for both children and adults at the same location: “It’s great to be able to see an entire family in one visit. It saves time and makes it easier for families to manage their healthcare.”
In addition to pediatric and family care, Healthy Connections also provides specialized services such as women’s health, addiction treatment, and more. Matt pointed out, “We aim to make healthcare more accessible by offering a wide range of services that meet the needs of every family member.”
At Healthy Connections, we understand how important it is for families to stay on top of their health. Whether you’re scheduling a wellness exam or need care for a current illness, our team is here to help. As Matt said, “Healthy Connections is truly a one-stop shop for all your family’s healthcare needs.”
To schedule an appointment with Matt York or any of our providers, call us at 888-710-8220. You can also visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.
As we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month coming in February, we are thrilled to unveil the details of our annual Polk County Sealant Project 2025 – a pivotal initiative in our ongoing commitment to promoting oral health among Mena’s youth.
Since its inception, the Polk County Sealant Project has stood as a beacon of preventive dental care in Mena. In collaboration with the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Hygiene School, this program aims to provide essential dental care to students in the Mena School District, Ouachita River School District, and the Cossatot River School District.
Dental sealants, a proven preventive measure in dentistry since the 1960s, are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Extensive studies conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others have demonstrated their efficacy and safety.
These invisible shields act as a barrier, blocking up to 80% of cavity-causing germs and food particles from the pits and grooves of the back teeth. This preventative measure not only safeguards children’s dental health but also contributes to significant long-term savings by averting future dental procedures.
National Children’s Dental Health Month CelebrationFebruary, designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, serves as a fitting backdrop for our Polk County Sealant Project. This month-long celebration underscores the importance of instilling good oral health habits in children and raises awareness about the significance of preventive dental care.
This year’s project is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 20, and Thursday, February 27. However, please note that dates are subject to change based on demand. The tentative schedule designates specific schools for each day:
To participate, parents and guardians are requested to complete the student/patient registration form, which will be sent home with students and needs to be returned by January 30, 2025. This form is crucial for your child’s screening and the application of sealants/fluoride at the Healthy Connections Mena clinic at 136 Health Park Lane.
If you reside outside Polk County, your child can still benefit from dental sealants at either our Mena or Hot Springs clinics. Simply call us at 888-710-8220, and we can work out the details. Appointments are available at your convenience, not limited to the specified project dates.
Beyond the Polk County Sealant Project, Healthy Connections extends its commitment to oral health through a range of dental services for all ages. With locations in Mena and Hot Springs, our dental programs cater to the diverse needs of our communities.
In addition to dental sealants, our program includes the application of fluoride varnish, a dental treatment designed to prevent tooth decay. This treatment is applied on the top and sides of teeth with a small brush, hardening upon contact with saliva.
While dental sealants are a powerful tool in preventing tooth decay, there are additional measures to consider. Alongside using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water, maintaining a healthy diet and seeing your dentist regularly are effective ways to protect teeth from decay. Selecting a toothpaste containing fluoride and consulting with your dentist or pediatrician about water fluoridation are essential steps in maintaining your child’s dental health.
We encourage you to share this information within your network, using #HealthySmilesMena on social media. For any inquiries or further information about our dental programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for joining us in this important community health initiative. At Healthy Connections, we believe in building a healthier Arkansas– one smile at a time.
Healthy Connections Names December 2024 Employees of the MonthHealthy Connections is proud to acknowledge Len and Linda for their dedication to our mission. Their efforts contribute significantly to upholding our core values and ensuring that patients receive quality care every day. Congratulations to both honorees on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to their continued impact on our organization.
Due to worsening weather and road conditions, all Healthy Connections clinics are now closed for the remainder of Thursday, January 9, and will remain closed on Friday, January 10.
We hope to reopen for normal hours at all locations on Monday, January 13, at 7:45 a.m.
For questions or assistance regarding your appointment, please call us at 888-710-8220.
Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our patients and staff. Stay safe!
| Clinic | Thursday, January 9 | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Arkadelphia | Closed at 1:45 pm | Closed |
| De Queen | Closed at 11 a.m. | Closed |
| Haskell | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs Central | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs Chippewa | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs McAuley | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs Village | Closed at 1:15 pm | Closed |
| Little Rock Midtown | Closed at 2:15 PM | Closed |
| Malvern Teeter Plaza | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Malvern Pinnacle | Closed at 1 pm | Closed |
| Mena | Closed at 11 a.m. | Closed |
| Mount Ida | Closed at 11 a.m. | Closed |
| Russellville | Closed at 1:30 pm | Closed |
| Texarkana | Closed at 1:45 pm | Closed |
| Sheridan | Closed at 2:30 pm | Closed |