Dr. Leslie Ward Named Best Medical/Family Doctor in The Courier’s Best of the Best 2024 Awards
Healthy Connections is thrilled to announce that Dr. Leslie Ward has been named Best Medical/Family Doctor in The Courier’s Best of the Best 2024 Awards. This prestigious award highlights Dr. Ward’s dedication to providing exceptional care to patients across the River Valley.
Dr. Ward sees patients at Healthy Connections clinics in Russellville, Hot Springs (Central), and Mount Ida. As a board-certified family medicine physician, she offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, wellness visits, and HIV care. She is deeply committed to treating her patients with compassion and care. “I treat all patients like I would want to be treated as a patient,” said Dr. Ward. Her patient-focused philosophy is at the core of her practice, ensuring individualized care for everyone she treats.
Dr. Ward has been passionate about becoming a physician since childhood. “I have wanted to be a physician since I was 11 years old, from my own medical experiences,” she shared. Born and raised in Arkansas, Dr. Ward pursued her education locally, attending Arkansas Tech University and earning her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. She completed two years of training in pediatrics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and two years in family medicine at UAMS.
In addition to her extensive primary care services, Dr. Ward provides specialized care that sets her apart. “We do a few special things that a lot of primary care doctors do not do,” she explained. These include Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction and comprehensive HIV care, including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention. “We have great resources for [opioid addiction treatment] because we do have access to behavioral health,” said Dr. Ward. She emphasized how important it is to her to provide care for patients with a history of addiction. Her ability to manage specialized care in these areas means patients no longer have to travel out of town to see a specialist.
“Dr. Ward’s recognition as Best Medical/Family Doctor reflects her commitment to excellence and improving the health of our communities,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Her compassion and expertise have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to have her on our team.”
The Healthy Connections Russellville clinic, located at 3312 West Main St., next to Walgreens, is open Monday through Thursday from 7:45 am to 6 pm. In addition to Dr. Ward, the clinic is home to Family Nurse Practitioner Kaylee Wolfe, APRN, and OBGYN Dr. Pittman Moore. The clinic provides a wide range of services, including primary care, physicals (including DOT exams), women’s health, bioidentical hormone treatments for men and women, HIV testing and treatment, and addiction treatment.
Patients looking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ward or any of the other providers at Healthy Connections can call 888-710-8220.
For more information about Healthy Connections and the services provided, visit www.healthy-connections.org.
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.
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.
