February Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is proud to announce our February 2024 Employees of the Month: Charlotte Craig from our West Communities and Andrea Pilcher from our East Communities.

These recognitions are a testament to their outstanding contributions and embodiment of our core values: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Each month, we celebrate team members who exemplify these principles, making a significant impact in their roles and in the lives of those we serve.

Charlotte Craig, a billing specialist who has been with Healthy Connections since 2017, works remotely to ensure the seamless operation of our financial services. Charlotte’s role is critical in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of our billing processes, directly affecting our ability to care for patients and support our staff. A colleague’s nomination praised her, stating, “Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help anyone. She is so kind and good-hearted, truly wanting the best for our patients and coworkers. She strives to ensure that our patients are taken care of in a timely manner, demonstrating her commitment to compassion and excellence in every task she undertakes.”

Andrea Pilcher, our East Communities winner, has been a pivotal part of Healthy Connections since 2016, serving as a Clinical Territory Lead at the Hot Springs Central clinic. Andrea’s role is instrumental in mentoring new nurses and providers, ensuring they receive top-notch training and support. Her dedication to excellence is evident in the way she goes above and beyond for her team, as highlighted by a coworker: “She provides excellent training and has ensured that both nurses and providers’ onboarding experience and training are of the highest quality.” Andrea’s efforts significantly enhance our clinical operations, contributing to the overall health and well-being of our communities.

We are delighted to honor Charlotte Craig and Andrea Pilcher for their exceptional contributions to Healthy Connections. Their dedication to our pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence not only strengthens our team but also inspires others to achieve their best. Congratulations to both Charlotte and Andrea on this well-deserved recognition.

Justin Wise Wins Sheridan’s Community Service Award

We are excited to share some wonderful news from our Healthy Connections family!

This week, Justin Wise, our Practice Manager for the East Communities, including Sheridan, was honored with the Larry Freier Community Service Award by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce. This award is a recognition of Justin’s dedication and service to the communities of Sheridan and Grant County.

Justin, although relatively new to the Healthy Connections team, has been a significant presence in Sheridan for many years. It’s not the first time he has been recognized for his community service; he also received this award as a teenager. Justin’s commitment to the community is evident in his involvement in local events and initiatives, and his service on several boards, including the Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

At Healthy Connections, our core values are Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Justin perfectly exemplifies these values, making a substantial impact not just within our organization but also in the broader community. His efforts inspire us all and align with our mission to provide quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to our communities.

Please join us in congratulating Justin Wise on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to have him as part of our team and are excited about the positive impact he will continue to have in our East Communities and beyond.

Healthy Connections Announces Sheridan Clinic Reopening

Healthy Connections is excited to announce the Sheridan clinic reopening, marking a new chapter in healthcare for the community. With extensive renovations completed, we are proud to unveil our new location at 1409 S. Rock St., Suite B in Sheridan. This transformation has created a modern healthcare facility designed to cater to the diverse needs of every patient.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Comprehensive Care

Featuring state-of-the-art exam rooms, a dedicated telehealth services suite, and a fully-equipped lab, our clinic is poised to offer comprehensive primary care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. To accommodate our patients’ busy schedules, we’ve introduced extended hours at our medical clinic in Sheridan, operating from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, ensuring healthcare is accessible to everyone in Grant County.

Welcome Dr. Marty Hearyman: A New Face of Care in Sheridan

We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Marty Hearyman as a recent addition to our team. As a new healthcare provider in Sheridan, Dr. Hearyman’s extensive experience and unique background as a former college football player and high school coach enrich our primary care services.

Exciting Developments: New Provider and Future Services

Healthy Connections is not only excited about the introduction of a new provider to the Sheridan Clinic but is also planning to offer additional health services at this location in the future. These expansions will enhance our capacity to serve the community with an even broader range of healthcare options, demonstrating our commitment to evolving with the healthcare needs of our patients.

Comprehensive Healthcare Access for Sheridan Patients

Patients at our Sheridan location have access to the full suite of services provided by Healthy Connections across west and central Arkansas. This ensures that whether you need specialized care or access to a variety of health services, comprehensive healthcare is within reach.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Dedicated to making healthcare accessible to all, Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances, including United Healthcare and Humana. Our sliding fee scale medical care in Sheridan ensures that uninsured patients can also receive the care they need at affordable rates.

A Message from Our CEO

Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, shares his enthusiasm for the reopening and the clinic’s dedication to excellence. “The Healthy Connections clinic renovation reflects our unwavering commitment to serving the community with the highest standards of care.”

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the new Healthy Connections Sheridan Clinic firsthand. To schedule your appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website. Discover more about our primary care services in Sheridan and our dedicated team at Healthy Connections Sheridan Clinic.

Students Can Partipate in Sealants Without School

Healthy Connections is gearing up for the Polk County Dental Sealant Project, in proud collaboration with the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Dental Hygiene School. This project is aimed at providing vital dental care and sealants to students from 2nd to 6th grade within the Mena School District, Ouachita River School District, and Cossatot River School District.

Mark Your Calendars!

Appointments are available on Thursday, February 22nd. Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to receive essential dental care!

Is Your Child’s School Not Participating? No Problem!

If your child’s school isn’t part of this initiative or if you haven’t received a form, you can still participate! Download the Registration and Consent Forms on this page, and return them to us at Healthy Connections Dental via fax (866-573-0761, ATTN: Dental), email (awright@healthy-connections.org), or drop them off in person (136 Health Park Lane, Mena, AR) by Tuesday, February 20th, 5:30 PM.

We’ll confirm your appointment time upon receipt of the forms. If the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, let us know! We’re here to accommodate your needs.

SEALANT Q & A

  • What are dental sealants? Thin, protective coatings for the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing decay.
  • Why are they important? Sealants keep out germs and food, reducing the risk of decay and the need for future dental work.
  • Can my child still brush their teeth? Absolutely! Sealants don’t replace good hygiene habits; they enhance them.

Plus, learn about Fluoride Varnish! A treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Don’t miss out on this chance to protect your child’s smile. Visit Healthy Connections Dental today for more information and to secure your spot.

Let’s keep those smiles bright and healthy together!

Introducing Horizons: Your Health, Our Experts

Welcome to Horizons, the official blog of Healthy Connections, where “Your Health. Our Experts.” is not just a tagline—it’s our commitment to you. As we continue to celebrate more than 25 years of serving the communities of Western and Central Arkansas, we’re excited to launch a platform that brings you closer to the wealth of knowledge our health professionals hold. Horizons is found at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons, your new go-to resource for health tips, advice, and information.

At Healthy Connections, we understand that navigating the world of health and wellness can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created Horizons—a space where our expert providers, including doctors, APRNs, PAs, dentists, hygienists, therapists, and more, share their insights, experiences, and advice to empower you on your health journey.

What You Can Expect from Horizons

  • Expert Advice: Our blog features content written by our diverse team of healthcare providers. From the latest OBGYN tips to effective exercise routines, from dental care best practices to mental health support, our experts cover a wide range of topics to ensure your health needs are met.
  • Practical Health Tips: Horizons is designed to offer practical, actionable advice that you can incorporate into your daily life. Whether it’s strategies for managing stress, nutritional guidance, or preventive care measures, our goal is to help you live a healthier, happier life.
  • Latest Health News and Research: Stay informed with the latest health news and research explained in clear, understandable language. Our providers break down complex medical information into digestible insights, keeping you informed and engaged with the newest developments in healthcare.

Join Us on the Journey

As part of our philosophy built on Community, Compassion, and Excellence, we believe that informed patients make empowered patients. Horizons is more than just a blog; it’s a reflection of our dedication to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

We invite you to explore Horizons, bookmark our page, and join us as we embark on this new chapter. Together, let’s create a future where health and wellness are accessible to all, supported by the knowledge and expertise of Healthy Connections’ trusted providers.

Visit us today at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons and take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow. Your health. Our experts. Your journey to wellness starts here.

January 2024 Employees of the Month

We are proud to announce our January 2024 Healthy Connections Employees of the Month. These employees were nominated by their peers and chosen for exemplifying our three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Mariah Tilligkeit (East Communities)

Mariah is a patient care coordinator (PCC) at the Russellville clinic. She joined Healthy Connections in 2022 and has been a valuable member of our team ever since. In the nomination, coworkers said this about Mariah:

“Mariah is great with patients and knows when to ask questions. She is very observant and notices when patients need help with their insurance or sliding fee scale. She is always receptive to learning new things. You can trust her to do her job correctly and efficiently. Glad to have her on the HCI team!”

Mariah, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and compassion. You are a true asset to Healthy Connections.

Kayla Penny (West Communities)

Kayla is a referral assistant at the Mena Street location. She has been working at Healthy Connections since 2022 and has shown remarkable skills and initiative. In the nomination, coworkers said this about Kayla:

“Kayla played a major role in doubling the amount of annual wellness visits provided to our patients. She is very friendly with all patients and co-workers, always having a smile and positive attitude. She is willing to assist with any tasks and participate in any events as needed. She provides an excellent representation of Healthy Connections to the communities we serve.”

Kayla, thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and excellence. You are a great example of what Healthy Connections stands for.

As winners, they will receive a credit to the Healthy Connections HC Hub Company Store. Do you know who should be the next employee of the month? Nominate them on HC Hub today!