Hot Springs provider recognized for outstanding compassion, leadership, and clinical excellence
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Rick Agre, RNP, has been named the 2025 recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Rick, a board-certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and Wound Care Specialist, serves patients at the Hot Springs Central clinic and also leads as the Practice Manager for Healthy Connections’ East Communities Clinic. Since joining the organization in 2020, Rick has exemplified the highest standards of patient care, clinical expertise, and professional leadership.
The DAISY Award is an internationally respected honor presented to nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and excellence in clinical care. Established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, the award is a global symbol of gratitude to nurses who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and communities.
Rick earned his nomination from colleague Andrea Pilcher, who shared the following story:
“During a challenging and traumatic period for my family, my father suffered an accident that resulted in the amputation of several fingers. Without hesitation, Rick began compiling a comprehensive list of necessary supplies to ensure proper care, detailing the frequency of wound cleaning and identifying key indicators for effective healing. He also took the initiative to ensure we had the necessary knowledge of various healthcare facilities to which we might need to be referred. Throughout this time, he consistently checked in on my father’s progress, asking how he was doing, and I would share with him updates and photos of the healing process. Rick’s compassion and dedication to others are truly remarkable; he has a heart of gold and genuinely cares for everyone around him.”
Jessica Hood, Director of Nursing and DAISY Award Coordinator at Healthy Connections, emphasized the importance of Rick’s actions and how they reflected the spirit of the award. “The DAISY Award is about recognizing those moments when a nurse’s compassion profoundly impacts a patient or family,” Hood said. “Rick’s story captures that perfectly. In a time of crisis, he didn’t just provide excellent clinical care—he offered guidance, support, and kindness when it was needed most. That is exactly what the DAISY Award is intended to honor.”
Rick’s contributions go far beyond clinical knowledge. In the Wound Care Suite at Hot Springs Central, he is known for taking time to educate patients and their families, ensuring they understand every step of the healing process. His leadership as a practice manager has helped shape the standard of care across multiple clinics, reinforcing Healthy Connections’ commitment to excellence.
Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro praised Rick’s dedication and leadership, stating, “Rick is the kind of provider every organization hopes for—dedicated, capable, and compassionate. He reflects the very best of our mission of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. We are proud to honor him with the 2025 DAISY Award.”
Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has been providing trusted medical, dental, and behavioral health services across Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. From primary care and specialty services to comprehensive community outreach, Healthy Connections ensures that patients of all ages and backgrounds receive accessible, affordable care—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
In addition to honoring Rick Agre, Healthy Connections proudly recognizes all of the 2025 DAISY Award nominees for their commitment to care and compassion. Nominees included:
- Ana Victoriano
- Shona Palmer
- Katie Brewer
- Zach Geiling
- Terry Flemens
- Casey Chambers
- Brittany Mayberry
- Lennethea Green
- Elaine Muse
- Autumn Morales
Each nominee was recognized for the positive impact they have made in the lives of their patients, colleagues, and communities.
The compassion, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by Rick Agre and all the DAISY Award nominees exemplify Healthy Connections’ core pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, which continue to drive the organization’s mission to serve Arkansas communities with high-quality, patient-centered care.
More information about the DAISY Foundation and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses can be found at www.daisyfoundation.org.
Healthcare professionals interested in joining the Healthy Connections team can learn more and apply at: www.healthy-connections.org/careers.
