When it comes to patient health, the connection between medical care and medication management is critical. At Healthy Connections, that connection has grown into a comprehensive, patient-centered pharmacy program designed to make healthcare easier, more affordable, and more effective. Through Healthy Connections Pharmacy Services—which includes our Mena Community Pharmacy, the soon-to-open Malvern Teeter Plaza Community Pharmacy, and a team of clinical pharmacists working throughout our clinics—patients can access everything they need for better health in one place.
“Pharmacy is really that bridge between what’s prescribed and what’s achieved in a patient’s health,” said Ann Calandro, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services for Healthy Connections. “We want to make sure our patients have access to their medications and understand how to use them safely and effectively. It’s not just about filling prescriptions—it’s about connecting care.”
Building a Better Pharmacy Experience
Healthy Connections Pharmacy Services goes beyond traditional dispensing. The Mena Community Pharmacy, located inside the Mena clinic, provides prescription fills, medication counseling, and support services to patients of all ages. The Malvern Teeter Plaza Community Pharmacy—scheduled to open soon—will expand that access to Central Arkansas, operating with the same convenient model and patient-first philosophy.
Both pharmacies will maintain consistent hours, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, giving patients the ability to pick up prescriptions on the same day as their appointments.
“Having the pharmacy right here in the clinic really changes things,” said Alicia Kalinowski, PharmD, pharmacist at the Mena Community Pharmacy. “Patients can walk straight from their appointment to the pharmacy. We can talk with them face-to-face about their medications, answer questions right away, and make sure they leave confident in their care plan.”
Clinical Expertise at Every Step
Beyond the walls of the pharmacies, Healthy Connections also employs clinical pharmacists who work directly with patients in clinic settings across Arkansas. These pharmacists review complex medication regimens, provide patient education, and collaborate with providers to optimize treatment outcomes.
“We’re embedded with the clinical teams,” said Phi Tang, PharmD, one of Healthy Connections’ clinical pharmacists. “That means we’re in the room with providers, reviewing medications together, and helping identify anything that might cause problems before it happens. It’s a very hands-on, proactive approach to patient safety.”
Expanding Access Through 340B and Compassionate Care
Healthy Connections is a 340B-covered entity, meaning eligible patients can benefit from reduced-cost medications. This program supports the mission of expanding access to high-quality care for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. However, the organization’s pharmacy services go far beyond 340B—they are built on a foundation of compassion and accessibility.
“Our focus is on making sure every patient can afford their medications,” said Sally Kalkbrenner, PharmD, who will serve at the new Malvern Teeter Plaza Community Pharmacy. “For many people, pharmacy is where the care plan really comes together. We’re here to help them understand their prescriptions, manage side effects, and feel supported every step of the way.”
The Complete Circle of Care
With community pharmacies, clinical pharmacists, and an unwavering focus on patient education, Healthy Connections Pharmacy Services represents the next step in the organization’s integrated healthcare model. It’s about closing gaps in communication, improving adherence, and ensuring that every prescription supports the patient’s overall health.
“Our pharmacists are an essential part of the care team,” Dr. Calandro said. “They’re not just dispensing medication—they’re empowering people to take charge of their health. That’s what makes pharmacy such an important part of what we do at Healthy Connections.”
Healthy Connections also partners with Dr. Gwen Herzig, PharmD, who supports operations and collaboration through her work in Little Rock. Dr. Herzig is the owner of ParkWest Pharmacy and contributes her experience in community pharmacy and patient advocacy to strengthen the organization’s statewide impact.
Get Connected with Pharmacy Care
Healthy Connections Pharmacy Services continues to grow, serving communities across Arkansas through Community, Compassion, and Excellence—the three pillars that define everything we do.
For more information about Healthy Connections Pharmacy Services, visit healthy-connections.org/services/pharmacy or call 888-710-8220.
For direct assistance from the Mena Community Pharmacy, call 870-242-1938.
Healthy Connections: Your health. Our experts.