Highsmith Clinic to continue serving patients in partnership with Healthy Connections
A partnership between the William A. Highsmith, MD, Clinic and Healthy Connections, Inc., will enable it to continue to take care of its patients during “Doc’s” recovery.
Starting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Healthy Connections Family Nurse Practitioner Ty Humphreys will see Dr. Highsmith’s patients at the Sheridan location at 21 Opportunity Dr. Call the clinic’s number (870) 942-9833 for appointments or questions. He works in collaboration with Healthy Connections’ Dr. Absalom H. Tilley, of Malvern.
In early March, “Doc” Highsmith fell from a ladder and suffered head trauma. He is still involved in the recovery process and is not yet able to return to see his patients at the clinic. Under this partnership, the clinic will continue to operate with assistance from Healthy Connections.
“Our prayers are with “Doc” Highsmith, his wife, Sherry, his family, friends, and patients,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are proud to be able to step in and continue his legacy of quality healthcare for his patients in Sheridan.”
The partnership comes with the blessing of Sherry, who said she has been working on a solution for several weeks but has been involved with Dr. Highsmith’s care.
William A. Highsmith, MD
“Come see us. Support the community. Team Highsmith,” she said.
The clinic staff, who have been wearing Team Highsmith shirts at the clinic to show support, will continue to serve this clinic as team members with Healthy Connections.
The clinic will temporarily close on Monday, April 10, and Tuesday, April 11, for staff training and the transition process. It will re-open on April 12 and hours will be 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
As a tribute to Dr. Highsmith and the clinic he built, the clinic will be known as Healthy Connections Sheridan Highsmith. Learn more about this clinic at www.healthy-connections.org/sheridan-highsmith.
Healthy Connections, Inc., is a Mena-based non-profit organization defined as a Community Health Center or Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC). What it means for patients is that Medicaid, Medicare, and most health insurance are accepted and no patients are turned away. Healthy Connections also has a sliding-fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.
Ty Humpheys, APRN
Healthy Connections has locations across Central and Southwest Arkansas, including nearby Malvern, Haskell, Arkadelphia, and Hot Springs. At some locations, Healthy Connections also offers behavioral health and dental services.
To get started in Sheridan, the Healthy Connections Mobile Medical Unit will be parked in the Highsmith Clinic parking lot. Humphreys has been at Healthy Connections’ Chippewa location in Hot Springs. He sees patients for primary care/family medicine as well as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, and HIV patients for treatment and care including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
A giant card with dozens of signatures from his patients is on display in the waiting room.
If you wish to donate to the Highsmith Family, an account has been set up at Reliance Bank, 108 South Main St., Sheridan, AR 72150. Donors can also call (855) 365-7359 and ask for the William and Angela Sullivan, “Doc” Highsmith Fund.Click here for more information.
