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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Healthy Connections Hot Springs Village Clinic Wins Big at The Village Voice Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards
We are proud to announce that the Healthy Connections Hot Springs Village Clinic has won in all four categories for which we were named a finalist at The Village Voice Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. This recognition underscores the exceptional care and dedication our team provides to the Hot Springs Village community.
Award Wins Include:
- Man of the Year: Zachary Geiling APRN has been honored with the prestigious Man of the Year award, recognizing his significant contributions to the community.
- Best Medical Clinic: Our clinic has been recognized as the top medical clinic in the area, reflecting our commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare.
- Best Physician/APRN: Zachary Geiling APRN, known for his expertise and compassionate care, has been named Best Physician/APRN for the second consecutive year.
- Best Nurse: Katie Brewer, whose dedication and professionalism have deeply impacted our patients, has won the Best Nurse award.
Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements: “Winning these awards is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion that our team at the Hot Springs Village Clinic brings to their patients every day. Zachary, Katie, and the entire team have made an extraordinary impact on the community, and these awards are well-deserved. We are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of care to the residents of Hot Springs Village.”
Clinic Information: The Hot Springs Village Clinic is conveniently open Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, offering extended hours to better serve our patients. Our team of dedicated providers includes Zachary Geiling APRN, Matthew Huskey APRN, and Dr. Pittman Moore, OBGYN. We offer a wide range of services, including primary care, women’s health, HIV treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), sick visits, wellness visits, physicals (DOT, school, and sports), and more.
We accept Medicaid, ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most major insurance plans. Additionally, we offer a sliding-fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all members of our community.
About Healthy Connections: Healthy Connections has been providing exceptional medical, dental, and behavioral health services across Arkansas for over 25 years. Our Hot Springs Village Clinic is a proud part of this tradition, dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of our community with excellence, compassion, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
We congratulate Zachary Geiling APRN, Katie Brewer, and the entire team at Hot Springs Village Clinic on their outstanding achievements and thank them for their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care. We look forward to continuing our mission of enhancing the health and well-being of the Hot Springs Village community.
Chronic Care Management at Healthy Connections
At Healthy Connections, we understand that managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re proud to offer Chronic Care Management (CCM) services to help you stay connected and in control of your health. Whether you’re dealing with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or any other chronic condition, our team is here to provide you with the support and resources you need.
Our CCM services are designed to ensure that you receive coordinated care tailored to your individual needs. With CCM, you’ll have access to a dedicated healthcare team that works closely with you to manage your condition, monitor your progress, and make adjustments to your care plan as needed. This connected care approach helps prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and improve your overall quality of life.
By enrolling in our Chronic Care Management program, you’ll benefit from:
- Personalized Care Plans: Our providers work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your unique health needs and goals. This plan includes regular check-ins, medication management, and coordination with specialists to ensure you’re receiving comprehensive care.
- 24/7 Access to Support: With CCM, you’re never alone in your healthcare journey. Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, provide guidance, and address any concerns you may have.
- Proactive Health Management: We believe in taking a proactive approach to healthcare. Our CCM services focus on early intervention and preventive care, helping you stay ahead of potential health issues.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing high-quality care to our patients, and our Chronic Care Management services are an extension of that commitment. If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition, we encourage you to learn more about how CCM can help you live a healthier, more connected life.
To find out more about our Chronic Care Management services or to schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at healthy-connections.org/chronic.
Take the next step towards better health and get the connected care you need with Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections’ Hot Springs Village Clinic Now Open on Fridays
Healthy Connections, Inc. is proud to announce the expansion of operating hours at our Hot Springs Village clinic. Starting this week, the clinic will now be open on Fridays from 7:45 AM to 6:00 PM, offering the same comprehensive primary care services that our community has come to rely on from Monday through Thursday.
This extension of hours is a direct response to the overwhelming demand for our services. Family Nurse Practitioner Zachary Geiling, APRN, who was named Provider of the Year in Hot Springs Village last year, has been instrumental in our clinic’s success. Geiling’s dedication and exceptional care have led to a fully booked schedule from Monday to Thursday. To better serve our patients, Family Nurse Practitioner Matthew Huskey, APRN, will be joining the team to provide care on Fridays.
“Our patients are our top priority,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are grateful to the people of Hot Springs Village, Jessieville, Fountain Lake, and the surrounding areas for making this clinic a success. We are thrilled to expand our hours to include Fridays, ensuring that our community has even greater access to the high-quality healthcare services they need.”
The Hot Springs Village clinic offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, family medicine, sick visits, wellness visits, physicals (school, sports, DOT), immunodeficiency care, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction. Additionally, the clinic features specialized women’s health services, gynecology, and bioidentical hormone treatments provided by Dr. Pittman Moore, MD.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and is in-network for most health insurance plans. For patients without insurance, we offer a sliding-fee scale to ensure that everyone can receive the care they need.
Patients are welcome for both appointments and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220. For more information about our Hot Springs Village clinic, please visit www.healthy-connections.org/hsv.
By extending our hours and increasing our staff, Healthy Connections continues to uphold its mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve. We look forward to welcoming more patients and providing the exceptional healthcare services that have become the hallmark of our clinic.
Healthy Connections Welcomes Matthew Huskey, APRN
Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Matthew Huskey, APRN, has joined our team as a Family Nurse Practitioner. With his extensive background in nursing and commitment to providing compassionate care, Matthew will be seeing patients at our Mount Ida, Hot Springs Chippewa, and Hot Springs Village Clinics.
Background and Experience
Matthew Huskey brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role at Healthy Connections. After completing his Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and UAMS College of Nursing in 2012, he joined Hamilton West Family Medicine in 2018. His clinical background includes working in emergency rooms and intensive care units, equipping him with a comprehensive skill set to handle a wide range of medical conditions.
“Growing up on a farm in Hope, Arkansas, I developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community,” Matthew said. “I was inspired to pursue nursing after my son had surgery and received exceptional care from a male nurse. It was then that I realized my calling to help others in their times of need.”
Comprehensive Patient Care
Matthew Huskey will be providing a variety of services at Healthy Connections, including primary care, HIV treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), sick visits, wellness visits, and physicals (DOT, School, Sports). He is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from young children to the elderly. His approach to patient care is rooted in treating each individual like family.
“I have a simple philosophy when it comes to patient care,” Matthew said. “I treat every patient as if they were a family member. I will never do anything for a patient that I wouldn’t do for my own mother. When I walk into a room, I see a cousin, a brother, a sister, not just a patient. This approach ensures that I provide the highest quality of care and build strong, trusting relationships with my patients.”
Commitment to the Community
Matthew’s connection to rural communities aligns perfectly with Healthy Connections’ mission to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations.
“I grew up in a rural area where healthcare was often hard to come by. My personal mission is to offer the best quality care to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Matthew shares.
Healthy Connections CEO, Tony Calandro, expressed his enthusiasm for Matthew joining the team: “We are thrilled to have Matthew Huskey on board. His dedication to patient care and his experience in both acute and chronic conditions make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that our patients will greatly benefit from his expertise and compassionate approach.”
Join Us in Welcoming Matthew Huskey
Patients seeking appointments with Matthew Huskey at our Mount Ida, Hot Springs Chippewa, or Hot Springs Village Clinics can call 888-710-8220. Healthy Connections is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, ArKids 1st, and is in-network for most health insurance plans. A sliding-fee scale is also available for patients without insurance who qualify.
Healthy Connections is dedicated to powering communities through caring connections, and we are excited to have Matthew Huskey join us in this mission. His passion for healthcare and commitment to treating patients with the utmost respect and care aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our patients and the community.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 888-710-8220.
