CEO Tony Calandro represents one of two Federally Qualified Health Center organizations on a statewide board guiding physician training expansion.
Healthy Connections, Inc. is helping shape Arkansas’ health care future through a new statewide advisory board formed by Heartland Whole Health Institute, founded by philanthropist Alice Walton. Chief Executive Officer Tony Calandro represents Healthy Connections on the board, bringing the needs of patients throughout Western and Central Arkansas into discussions about expanding physician training and improving access to care.
Healthy Connections is one of two Federally Qualified Health Center organizations represented on the advisory board. Calandro participated in the board’s kickoff meeting before the Institute’s public announcement in October 2026.
“We are honored to represent Healthy Connections and the communities we serve in this important effort,” Calandro said. “We thank Heartland Whole Health Institute for bringing these organizations together and Alice Walton for her commitment to improving health care in Arkansas. We are proud to contribute our experience and help create more opportunities for patients to receive the care they need.”
Bringing Community Health Experience to Statewide Leadership
The advisory board brings Healthy Connections together with leaders from medical education, health systems, and public service. Participating organizations include:
- Alice L. Walton School of Medicine
- Arkansas Children’s
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
- Arkansas Department of Human Services
- Healthy Connections, Inc.
- Mainline Health Systems, Inc.
- Mercy Northwest Arkansas
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
- St. Bernards Medical Center
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
- Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks
Healthy Connections and Mainline Health Systems bring the perspective of Federally Qualified Health Centers to the board. These organizations understand the practical challenges of delivering community-based care, including recruiting providers and helping patients overcome barriers to receiving services.
“The patients we serve deserve a voice in decisions about the future of health care in Arkansas,” Calandro said. “We know how important it is for a family to have a provider they can turn to and services they can reach. Our responsibility is to bring those everyday needs into these statewide conversations.”
Expanding Physician Training in Arkansas
The board will advise Heartland’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Technical Assistance Center. Graduate medical education includes residency and fellowship training, during which physicians build clinical experience after medical school.
The center helps organizations evaluate and develop training opportunities through planning, financial analysis, accreditation guidance, and partnership development.
Research released by the Institute identifies approximately 430 annual medical school graduates in Arkansas compared with 375 entry-level residency positions. The research also identifies potential capacity for approximately 500 additional residency positions statewide.
Those findings highlight an opportunity to strengthen the connection between educating physicians in Arkansas and building a workforce that serves Arkansas communities.
“Strengthening Arkansas’ physician workforce requires more than any single organization can accomplish alone,” said Claude Pirtle, MD, president of Heartland Whole Health Institute, in the Institute’s announcement.
Why This Matters for Healthy Connections Patients
For Healthy Connections, the long-term value of this work is its potential to create more opportunities for care. Primary care and women’s health are among the organization’s greatest areas of need.
Stronger training relationships could help introduce physicians to community health center practice and the communities Healthy Connections serves. Over time, those relationships could support recruitment, strengthen care teams, and help patients maintain access to providers close to home.
Patients may also benefit from a stronger regional physician workforce beyond Healthy Connections, including more options for specialty referrals and follow-up care.
“We want to explore opportunities that help more patients receive care and help providers build lasting careers serving those patients,” Calandro said. “This work is still beginning, but we believe Healthy Connections has valuable experience to contribute.”
A Shared Commitment to Whole-Person Health
Heartland Whole Health Institute’s focus on whole-person health aligns with Healthy Connections’ approach to medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
For Healthy Connections, whole-person care means recognizing that health needs are connected. A patient’s physical health, mental health, oral health, and ability to obtain services can all affect the care that person needs.
Participation on the advisory board provides an opportunity to bring that experience into workforce planning and conversations with future training partners.
“Whole-person care is at the heart of our work,” Calandro said. “We appreciate Heartland’s leadership and its commitment to improving quality, reducing costs, and expanding access. We are proud to work alongside others who share a commitment to healthier Arkansas communities.”
Healthy Connections will contribute its experience as the advisory board identifies priorities and explores opportunities for collaboration. Its participation reflects a commitment to serving patients today while helping prepare Arkansas’ health care workforce for the future.
Learn more about the initiative in Heartland Whole Health Institute’s advisory board announcement.
About Healthy Connections
Based in Mena, Healthy Connections is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services throughout Western and Central Arkansas. For more than 25 years, the organization has worked to improve access to quality care through its pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. For information or appointments, visit healthy-connections.org or call 888-710-8220.
About Heartland Whole Health Institute
Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton, Heartland Whole Health Institute works to transform health care through a whole-person approach that considers physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Through research, advocacy, and education, the Institute advances efforts to improve quality, reduce costs, and expand access in the Heartland and across the country. Learn more at heartlandwholehealth.org.
