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.
Healthy Connections Russellville Welcomes New Family Nurse Practitioner Kaylee Wolfe, APRN
Broadening Primary Care Accessibility in Arkansas with a Focus on Comprehensive Health Services
Healthy Connections, a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operating across Western and Central Arkansas, is excited to announce the addition of Kaylee Wolfe, APRN, to its Russellville clinic. Wolfe, a Family Nurse Practitioner, is actively accepting new patients at 3312 West Main Street, bringing a wide array of essential primary care services to the local and surrounding communities.
Kaylee Wolfe, APRN: Enhancing Local Healthcare with Specialized Services
Offering services ranging from primary care/family medicine to HIV management, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, wellness checks, immunizations, and more, Kaylee Wolfe embodies the comprehensive care model that Healthy Connections is known for. Wolfe’s appointment follows her impactful tenure at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville, bringing valuable experience and a commitment to the health and wellness of the community she knows well.
Reflecting on her new role, Wolfe said, “Returning to serve the River Valley, where my heart truly belongs, has always been my aspiration. I’m eager to contribute to our community’s health by providing a holistic approach to care that prioritizes education, prevention, and comprehensive treatment plans.”
Expanding Services for Diverse Health Needs
The Russellville clinic, open from Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., is a cornerstone of quality and accessible healthcare in the area. Wolfe’s expertise in family medicine, HIV, hepatitis care, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ healthcare complements the already robust services provided by healthcare professionals such as Angelia Paylor, APRN; Leslie Ward, MD; and Pittman Moore, MD.
“Kaylee’s profound understanding of our community’s health necessities and her enthusiastic approach to inclusive care perfectly resonates with our mission,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “Her vast expertise will significantly enhance our ability to extend primary and specialized care to more individuals in Russellville and its vicinities.”
Navigating Healthcare with Flexible Insurance and Payment Options
Recognizing the diverse financial situations of its patients, Healthy Connections Russellville clinic emphasizes ease of access through a flexible approach to payment and insurance. The clinic proudly accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and is in-network for most insurance plans, ensuring that a broad spectrum of patients can receive the care they need without undue financial burden. Furthermore, for patients without insurance, Healthy Connections offers a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size to those who qualify, underscoring its commitment to ensuring no one is denied healthcare services due to financial constraints.
A Dedication to Enhancing Community Health Outcomes
Healthy Connections’ initiative to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services is reflective of its commitment to improving health outcomes and the well-being of communities across Western and Central Arkansas. The integration of Kaylee Wolfe into the Russellville clinic further solidifies Healthy Connections’ role in offering high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services tailored to meet the evolving needs of its patients.
For more detailed information about the range of services provided, insurance and payment options, or to schedule an appointment with Kaylee Wolfe or any of our skilled providers, please call 888-710-8220.
About Healthy Connections
As a premier provider of comprehensive health services in Western and Central Arkansas, Healthy Connections stands committed to delivering exceptional medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Through its status as an FQHC, the organization ensures that comprehensive care is accessible to all, highlighting the importance of health equity and accessibility.
For additional information on Healthy Connections and its services, visit our website at www.healthy-connections.org.
We’re excited to share a recent highlight from Healthy Connections, featuring Dr. Sharon Meador on KATV’s Good Morning Arkansas. Dr. Meador, a dedicated member of our medical team, took the opportunity to discuss the vital role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the field of addiction and recovery, especially concerning opioid use.
At Healthy Connections, we understand that addiction is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about addressing the physical aspects but also nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of those affected. This is where MAT steps in as a cornerstone of our treatment options, combining medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to offer a comprehensive, individualized recovery plan.
Dr. Meador’s appearance on Good Morning Arkansas was more than just an interview; it was a moment to shine a light on the hope and healing that MAT can bring to individuals and families struggling with opioid addiction. It emphasized our commitment to providing cutting-edge, compassionate care to our community, underlining our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Recovery from addiction is a personal journey, one that requires support, understanding, and the right resources. Medication-Assisted Treatment at Healthy Connections offers a path forward, helping individuals regain control of their lives and embark on a path to healing and resilience.
If you or someone you know is facing the challenges of addiction, we’re here to help. Visit our dedicated MAT page at https://healthy-connections.org/mat or call us at 888-710-8220 for more information on how we can support your journey to recovery.
Together, we’re not just confronting addiction; we’re fostering an environment of healing and hope, one patient at a time. Join us at Healthy Connections, where every step towards recovery is a step towards a brighter, healthier future.
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.
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.
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!
