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 Announces Clark Roberts, APRN, Joining Sheridan Clinic
Healthy Connections is proud to announce the addition of Clark Roberts, APRN, to the Sheridan Clinic team. Roberts brings a wealth of experience in family medicine and a strong commitment to providing compassionate patient care. His arrival aligns with Healthy Connections’ mission of offering accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Recently relocating to Sheridan, Roberts is eager to meet and serve the community.
Commitment to Community Healthcare
Roberts’ approach to healthcare is deeply rooted in the principles of compassion, excellence, and community service. With extensive experience in rural and underserved areas, he brings a deep understanding of the unique healthcare challenges and opportunities within community settings. “Joining the Sheridan community is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Roberts. “I look forward to forming lasting connections and ensuring that everyone has access to the quality care they deserve.”
Journey to Family Medicine
Inspired by the impact of nursing on a family member’s health, Roberts embarked on a path that led from being an ER nurse to achieving a Master’s degree in Nursing and specializing in family practice. This journey reflects his desire to positively influence the health and well-being of his patients. “Every patient presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on their health,” Roberts shared.
Excellence in Comprehensive Care
Roberts’ expertise spans a wide range of healthcare services, from primary care for all ages to specialized treatments such as Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) and HIV care. He is committed to a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of patient care. “Providing comprehensive, empathetic care is my primary goal, ensuring each patient receives the continuum of care they need,” he stated.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, expressed his enthusiasm for Roberts’ addition, “Clark Roberts is distinguished by his compassionate approach and dedication to healthcare. His broad expertise and patient-centric approach are tremendous assets to our clinic in Sheridan.”
A New Chapter in Healthcare and Community Engagement
Roberts has already relocated to Sheridan and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the community. “As a healthcare partner, I aim to provide personalized care that meets the diverse needs of our patients,” Roberts said, extending an invitation to the community to visit the Sheridan Clinic for their healthcare needs.
With the addition of Clark Roberts, APRN, Healthy Connections reinforces its commitment to improving community health through dedicated service and quality care. Roberts’ expertise and dedication to healthcare excellence and community engagement are set to make a significant impact on the Sheridan Clinic and the community it serves.
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.
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.
Navigating a Healthier Future: The Four C’s of Comprehensive HIV Care and the Power of U=U
By Dr. Sharon Meador MD
Physician
Healthy Connections
Sharon Meador, MD
In the face of HIV, a disease that has touched countless lives globally, our mission at Healthy Connections has never been more critical. As we navigate the complexities of HIV care, our guiding principles, rooted in the Four C’s: Crisis, Condoms, Cultures, and Community, are bolstered by the transformative message of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). This pivotal concept underscores that effectively treating HIV to the point where the virus becomes undetectable in blood tests results in zero risk of transmission through sex or from mother to child, marking a monumental step in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Crisis: The First Step is Knowledge
The HIV epidemic remains a pressing health crisis, with an estimated 1.2 million people worldwide living with HIV. Confidential testing is the cornerstone of our approach, allowing individuals to gain vital knowledge about their status and the latest in treatment advancements. Understanding that nearly 20% of people living with HIV are unaware of their condition, we advocate for everyone to be tested at least once. The journey to managing HIV often begins with a simple step: taking one pill a day. This treatment approach has transformed HIV into a manageable condition, significantly enhancing quality of life.
Condoms: More Than Prevention
Condoms stand as our first line of defense against HIV transmission. Their correct and consistent use can dramatically reduce the risk of HIV, underscoring our dedication to sexual health education and access to condoms. Beyond HIV, condoms are instrumental in preventing other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), reinforcing their role in a comprehensive sexual health strategy.
Cultures: Embracing Diversity with Sensitivity
Understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential in our approach to HIV prevention and care. Our services are designed to be culturally sensitive, acknowledging the diverse beliefs and practices that influence health behaviors. This respect for diversity enhances our ability to connect with communities on a deeper level, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and supported.
Community: A United Front Against Stigma
Our final ‘C’ highlights the indispensable role of the community in overcoming HIV-related stigma and discrimination. By fostering a supportive network through HIV support groups and comprehensive care services, we strive to create a space where individuals can find not just medical care but also a sense of belonging and acceptance.
U=U: A Message of Hope and Transformation
The U=U campaign is a beacon of hope, offering a powerful testament to the advances in HIV treatment. By achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load, individuals living with HIV can lead healthy, fulfilling lives without fear of transmitting the virus to others. This message is integral to our education and treatment strategies, emphasizing that with proper treatment, HIV is not a barrier to a full, healthy life.
At Healthy Connections, we are committed to a world where comprehensive HIV care is accessible to all, guided by the principles of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Join us in this vital journey by reaching out for testing, treatment, and support. We have locations throughout central and western Arkansas that can provide help and hope. Call us at 888-710-8220. Learn more about our services at https://healthy-connections.org.
Together, we can navigate a healthier future for everyone affected by HIV.
Dr. Sharon Meador is a dedicated physician at the Little Rock Midtown clinic of Healthy Connections, a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) celebrating more than 25 years of community care. As a certified HIV Specialist, Dr. Meador provides primary care, HIV treatment, MAT, LGBTQ+ services, PrEP, and more. She is also a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Medical Provider. For appointments, call 888-710-8220. Discover how we embody our philosophy of Community, Compassion, and Excellence at www.healthy-connections.org.
