NP Week: Saluting the Heart of Our Healthcare
As the nation marks the 2023 National Nurse Practitioner Week from Nov. 12-18, Healthy Connections proudly shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Established in 1965 by Drs. Loretta Ford and Henry Silver, the nurse practitioner (NP) profession has grown into a community of over 355,000 dedicated professionals, and we are immensely grateful for the vital role they play in our healthcare system.
At Healthy Connections, where our philosophy is grounded in Community, Compassion, and Excellence, our NPs are at the forefront of delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. They blend clinical expertise with a commitment to disease prevention, offering a comprehensive perspective that addresses the nation’s healthcare challenges. In over 1 billion visits annually nationwide, NPs provide primary, acute, specialty, and long-term care across diverse healthcare settings.
We invite you to explore the complete list of our exceptional providers, including our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, at Healthy Connections Providers. Each name on that list represents a commitment to excellence and compassionate care.
As we celebrate NP Week, Healthy Connections extends sincere appreciation to our NPs for embodying the spirit of our Community Health Network each and every day.
“Our Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners exemplify the heart of our healthcare mission,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Their dedication is a testament to the quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services we provide.”
Patients seeking information or appointments with our exceptional NPs can call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org.
Join us in honoring the remarkable contributions of our NPs during this National Nurse Practitioner Week, as we continue our 25th-anniversary journey of caring for our communities with excellence.
Healthy Connections Congratulates Susan Singleton, Finalist for Arkansas Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year 2023
Healthy Connections, a leading Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Western and Central Arkansas, extends its congratulations to Susan Singleton, Chief Financial Officer, for her outstanding achievement as a finalist for the prestigious Arkansas Business Nonprofit Organization CFO of the Year 2023 award.
Singleton’s impressive 26-year career and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on Healthy Connections and the healthcare community. Her financial leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and its continued commitment to the core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
“The healthcare industry, especially in the not-for-profit world, isn’t always just about budgets and numbers. It’s about the caring and the hope that we instill in the patients we see. The one person who has been dedicated and committed to doing just that is Susan Singleton. We are very proud of her nomination for this prestigious award,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
Singleton’s journey is a testament to personal and professional growth, where she has skillfully managed finances and operations, driving improvements in workflows, processes, and operational efficiencies, ultimately better positioning Healthy Connections to balance its mission and margin.
“Susan embodies an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Her approach to financial management has elevated our ability to fulfill our mission, offering quality healthcare services to those we serve,” Calandro said.
Healthy Connections remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to individuals and families across Western and Central Arkansas.
Call 888-710-8220 for appointments and visit https://healthy-connections.org for more information.
About Healthy Connections: Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a 25-year history of providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities in Western and Central Arkansas. The organization is guided by the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Healthy Connections is excited to introduce the newest member of our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic, Autumn Morales, APRN.
Autumn Morales is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in De Queen, Sevier County, and the surrounding areas. With a strong commitment to quality healthcare, she is here to provide the best care to you and your family.
“I’ve known a little bit about Healthy Connections for a while,” Morales said. “I’ve known some of the good programs that they have, some of the sliding scale fees for patients that may be in underserved areas. And I think that’s a phenomenal thing, and I’m super excited to be able to serve patients that are in that area as well as all the other patients.”
Morales’ roots run deep in Southwest Arkansas, having lived here her entire life and graduating from Nashville High School. Her local ties and extensive nursing experience make her a valuable addition to our Healthy Connections family.
“I’ve always wanted to do healthcare,” Morales said. “It’s something I’ve been passionate about, and I’m dedicated to providing quality care for families in the De Queen area.”
Autumn and her husband, Hasler, have called De Queen home since 2016. They are actively involved in the community and their local church, New Life De Queen. Autumn is not just a healthcare provider but a community member who cares deeply about the well-being of her neighbors.
As part of Healthy Connections, Autumn Morales aligns perfectly with our three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. She embodies these principles by serving the community, showing deep compassion for her patients, and maintaining a commitment to excellence in healthcare.
The Healthy Connections De Queen clinic serves patients for primary care/family medicine, Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction, HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and care, and more. It features providers who speak both English and Spanish including Carolin Hockersmith, APRN; Inja Brown, APRN; and Inja Brown, APRN. Morales speaks both English and some Spanish. She and Martin worked together at AmCare Clinic in De Queen.
“We are thrilled to welcome Autumn Morales to our De Queen clinic. Her passion for providing top-notch healthcare aligns perfectly with Healthy Connections’ mission to serve our community,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “With Angela Martin and Autumn Morales now on our De Queen clinic team, we have an amazing roster of providers dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients.”
The De Queen clinic, located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, catering to both pediatric and family medicine patients.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most health insurance. There is also a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing excellent healthcare services to the De Queen community, and with Autumn Morales on board, we’re more prepared than ever to meet your healthcare needs. We look forward to serving you and your family.
Healthy Connections is thrilled to welcome back experienced Family Nurse Practitioner Angela Martin, APRN, to our healthcare team at the De Queen clinic.
Angela is now accepting patients at the De Queen clinic, conveniently located at 1206 W. Collin Raye Drive. Schedule primary care/family medicine appointments by calling 888-710-8220.
With more than 30 years of nursing experience and 13 years as a nurse practitioner, she is deeply rooted in De Queen, having called it home for more than two decades. Angela previously worked at Healthy Connections. Other area locales included the Martin Family Medical Clinic and De Queen Medical Center.
“We are thrilled to have Angela back with us at Healthy Connections in De Queen. Her unwavering commitment to community healthcare perfectly aligns with our mission, and her expertise will undoubtedly benefit our patients,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc.
In her family practice clinic, Angela is dedicated to caring for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Healthy Connections De Queen operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, offering services to both pediatric and family medicine patients. Other providers at this location include Carolin Hockersmith, APRN, and Inja Brown, APRN.
As a family nurse practitioner, she brings specialized educational and clinical training to family practice, with a strong focus on long-term health and wellness, particularly emphasizing preventive care.
“When I was an ER nurse, I often saw patients who didn’t need to be in the ER. They needed care in a clinic setting. At the time, there weren’t many providers in De Queen, and I simply wanted to be there to help people,” Angela said of her initial journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Healthy Connections, a nonprofit organization based in Mena, has been serving the healthcare needs of children and adults throughout West-Central Arkansas since its establishment in 1998. From its humble beginnings as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has grown to offer essential health and dental services to families from diverse backgrounds.
For those seeking quality healthcare from Angela, please call (888) 710-8220 to schedule an appointment and experience the excellence of care she brings to the De Queen community.
Heath Larner, LPC, has been appointed as the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Services at
Evolve Behavioral Health Services, a vital component of the
Healthy Connections Community Health Network. This announcement underscores Heath’s dedication to the three core pillars of Healthy Connections: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Larner’s career trajectory is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the field of mental health. He began his journey with a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida and explored diverse professional avenues, including running his cleaning business. However, his true calling beckoned, leading him to pursue a career in therapy.
In 2022, Larner transitioned to Evolve Behavioral Health Services, enriching the team with his extensive experience and unique perspective.
Heath’s professional journey took an unconventional path as he embarked on graduate studies at Central Arkansas at the age of 37. By the age of 40, he had earned his degree, embarking on a fulfilling career as a therapist. His distinctive life experience equips him with a remarkable outlook when helping individuals on their mental health journeys.
Larner’s therapeutic approach embraces individuals of various age groups, with a particular affinity for those old enough to engage in cognitive processes, starting from age 9 and beyond. He employs cognitive behavioral therapy as his primary therapeutic modality, complemented by insights drawn from his background as a preacher. This holistic approach fosters compassion and facilitates healing.
“I’m really big on what we think we’ve become. I spend a lot of time trying to get people to think the right way about themselves, about others, about life in general,” Larner said. “And as we improve our thoughts and our thoughts get healthier, our perspective gets healthier.”
Evolve Behavioral Health Services plays a crucial role within the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, collaborating seamlessly with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. This partnership allows Evolve to provide individual, family, and group mental health therapy, in addition to medication management by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), all within the state of Arkansas.
“Heath’s dedication to improving mental health aligns perfectly with the mission of Evolve and Healthy Connections,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make in our community.”
To learn more about Evolve Behavioral Health Services, please visit their website at www.evolvebhs.com. Individuals seeking mental health support are encouraged to reach out without hesitation. Appointments with Evolve can be scheduled by calling 800-409-6250.
Evolve Behavioral Health Services and Healthy Connections share a common vision—to promote mental well-being and improve the lives of individuals in our community. Their partnership strengthens their ability to provide the highest quality of care, reflecting their dedication to a healthier and happier society.
About Heath Larner, LPC
Heath Larner, LPC, is the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Services at Evolve Behavioral Health Services, part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network. With a unique journey to the field of mental health, Heath is dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental well-being through cognitive behavioral therapy and compassionate care.
About Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Evolve Behavioral Health Services is committed to delivering comprehensive mental health therapy and medication management within the Healthy Connections Community Health Network. Their mission is rooted in the values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, providing individuals with the tools to lead healthier and happier lives.
About Healthy Connections Community Health Network
Healthy Connections Community Health Network is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Healthy Connections offers quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services, anchored in the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
In the battle against the flu, taking the right steps can mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a severe, even life-threatening illness. One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated annually.
Here at Healthy Connections, we understand the importance of this preventive measure, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone. Our Community Health Network clinics across Arkansas are proud to offer flu shots, and we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your health. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance. We accept various forms of coverage, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most insurance plans. For those without insurance, we are making the vaccine accessible for just $35.
So, why should you choose Healthy Connections for your flu shot?
- Firstly, our experienced nurses administer the vaccine safely and effectively. Your health is in capable hands.
- Secondly, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why we offer convenient appointments designed to fit your schedule, including evening slots at select locations.
- Lastly, our commitment to affordable, high-quality care is unwavering. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the flu shot is magnified. Both the flu and COVID-19 share respiratory symptoms, and vaccination reduces your risk of contracting and spreading these illnesses.
In addition to COVID-19 concerns, consider these factors:
- Experts anticipate a more severe flu season.
- Some flu strains may be less responsive to the vaccine.
- Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
- It provides protection for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier you? Call us at 888-710-8220 to schedule your appointment today.
Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you safe and well.
