Healthy Connections, Inc.

10/26/2026

The race is on. The CDC reports that seasonal flu activity is increasing in many parts of the country, even though it remains low nationally. That makes now a good time for Arkansas families to get ahead of flu before school, work, travel and holiday plans pick up. Read the latest update: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/flu-activity-is-rising/

Flu shots are available at Healthy Connections. Walk in, make an appointment or ask about receiving one during today’s medical visit. For many people with health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is $0, although coverage varies by plan. Stay on track and make your pit stop now. Call 888-710-8220.

10/23/2026

A little pink. A lot of support. Our Healthy Connections team wore pink this week to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and stand with those affected by breast cancer. We honor survivors, support those facing treatment, and remember loved ones we have lost.

Thank you to every team member who participated. For many of our employees, patients, and families, this cause is deeply personal. To everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer: we see you, we care, and we stand with you.

10/23/2026

Healthy Connections is helping shape the future of health care in Arkansas. CEO Tony Calandro is representing our organization on a new statewide advisory board formed by Heartland Whole Health Institute, founded by philanthropist Alice Walton. As one of just two Federally Qualified Health Center organizations represented, we are proud to bring our communities’ needs to the table alongside leaders from Arkansas Children’s, UAMS, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, and other prominent organizations.

This work has a clear purpose: strengthen physician training in Arkansas and create more opportunities for patients to receive care. With primary care and women’s health among our communities’ greatest needs, we thank Heartland for its leadership and are honored to contribute our experience. Read how Healthy Connections is helping move Arkansas health care forward: https://healthy-connections.org/news/heartland-whole-health-institute-advisory-board/

10/22/2026

Healthcare coverage can look great on paper. But does it work with the doctors, clinics, prescriptions and pharmacy you actually use?

This week on Living Well with Healthy Connections, we talk about why your everyday healthcare should be part of the conversation before making coverage decisions. Read the full Living Well article: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/medicare-open-enrollment-help/ To learn more about Healthy Connections or request an appointment, call 888-710-8220.

10/21/2026

Fangs Just Wanna Have Fun: Mena Blood Drive October 22

Give a little blood. Do a lot of good. Healthy Connections in Mena will host an Our Blood Institute blood drive on Thursday, October 22, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Donations will take place in the bloodmobile.

Donors will receive a Halloween-themed T-shirt and one free entry to the Little Rock Zoo, while supplies last. A photo ID is required. Make an appointment and help support patients who depend on donated blood: https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/700940

10/21/2026

A refill question is easier to solve before the last dose is gone. This , we’re recognizing National Pharmacy Week and the pharmacy teams who help our communities manage their medications and get answers to important questions.

Healthy Connections Pharmacy in Mena can help patients and caregivers with practical questions such as, “What should I do if I miss a dose?” and “Who can help if my refill is getting low?” Do not stop or change a medication without professional guidance. Read the article: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/healthy-connections-pharmacy/. For pharmacy service information, call 888-710-8220 or visit https://healthy-connections.org/services/pharmacy/.

10/16/2026

Supporting HIV and hepatitis screening starts with strong community care and partnerships. Absalom H. Tilley, MD, and Leslie Ward, MD, represented Healthy Connections at the 2026 FOCUS Partner Summit, where healthcare and public health partners shared approaches to screening and connecting patients with care.

Healthy Connections receives support through a Gilead FOCUS grant to promote HIV and hepatitis screening in the communities we serve. Learn more about this work: https://healthy-connections.org/news/focus-partner-summit-2026/

10/15/2026

familiar Healthy Connections leader is taking the next step in her hometown. Jessica Hood, APRN, PMHNP-BC, begins seeing patients October 19 with Evolve Behavioral Health at Malvern Teeter Plaza. A lifelong Malvern resident with nearly two decades of healthcare experience, Jessica provides mental health evaluations, treatment, and medication management for patients ages 7–75, including care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related conditions.

Appointments are available now, with in-person visits in Malvern and telehealth appointments from any Healthy Connections clinic. Call 800-409-6250 to schedule. Learn more about Jessica, her services, and her approach to care: https://healthy-connections.org/news/jessica-hood-mental-health-malvern/

10/14/2026

Questions about flu shots are normal, and the answers can be personal. Your age, health history, allergies, and previous experiences can all matter. Bring your questions to a Healthy Connections provider and get clear information based on your individual needs. Read our new guide: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/questions-about-flu-shots/

Flu shots are available at Healthy Connections. Walk in, make an appointment, or ask about receiving yours during today’s visit. If you have health insurance, your flu shot will likely be covered, often at no cost to you. Stay on track and make your pit stop today. Call 888-710-8220.

10/13/2026

Congratulations to our September 2026 Employees of the Month! We're proud to recognize Abbie Smith, LPN, of Sheridan (East Communities) and Brittany Mayberry, LPN, of Mount Ida (West Communities) for their outstanding dedication to patients and coworkers.

Both were nominated by their teammates for going above and beyond, helping patients access care, and demonstrating our pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence every day. Thank you, Abbie and Brittany, for the difference you make! Read more about their recognition: https://healthy-connections.org/news/healthy-connections-employee-of-the-month-september-2026/

10/02/2026

A great day connecting with women in our community! Healthy Connections joined yesterday’s Women’s Health Expo + Retail Therapy at the Oaklawn Event Center in Hot Springs, where we provided skin cancer screenings and shared information about our services. It was great to see so many women come together for a day of health education, community resources, and shopping with local businesses.

Women’s health is one of the many services we offer in Hot Springs and at select other Healthy Connections locations. Whether you’re keeping up with routine care or have a concern you want to discuss, we’re here to help. Call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org to learn more or request an appointment.

10/02/2026

Arkadelphia kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with color, community, and a shared purpose at last night’s Paint the Night Pink 5K. Hosted by the City of Arkadelphia, the downtown event brought families together to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, and support those affected by breast cancer.

Healthy Connections was proud to be part of the evening. Thank you to Kristin Brown, APRN, and Jessica and Cindy from our Arkadelphia clinic for representing us and connecting with our neighbors. Have questions about your health or preventive care? Call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org to request an appointment.

10/01/2026

A meaningful career. A four-day workweek. More time for life outside of work. At Healthy Connections, we know those things belong together. Our four-day workweek is a big reason to take a closer look—and the opportunity to help our Arkansas neighbors get the care they need is a reason to build your career here. From patient care to the people who keep our clinics running, every role matters.

For more than 25 years, Healthy Connections has served our communities with a commitment to Community, Compassion, and Excellence. As we grow, we’re looking for people who bring skill, heart, and pride to their work. Ready for a career that makes a difference while leaving more room for family, friends, and everything else that matters to you? Check out our current openings and apply at www.healthy-connections.org/careers. Schedules vary by position.

Explore our current job openings and take the next step in growing your career with Healthy Connections.

09/30/2026

Before the next refill is due, take two minutes to see what is left. Then use the rest of a 20-minute health reset to update your medication list, write down one care question and decide whether it is time to schedule a visit.

Our full October Health Reset includes a seven-item checklist for Arkansas families, including refill planning, fall care questions and when to ask about flu or other routine vaccines. Start with one task today, then read the checklist: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/october-health-reset/ For location-specific appointment or service information, call Healthy Connections at 888-710-8220.

09/28/2026

School, sports, work, and family plans can keep every week moving at full speed. Flu can bring that busy schedule to a sudden stop. A flu shot can add protection and help keep your family focused on the people, activities, and moments that matter.

Stay on track this fall. Make a pit stop at Healthy Connections for your flu shot. Most insurance plans cover flu shots with no out-of-pocket cost. Coverage may vary, so check with your plan. Learn more at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/flu-shots-at-healthy-connections/ or call 888-710-8220 for current availability or an appointment.

Flu shots at Healthy Connections are available across Arkansas. Learn when to get vaccinated, who may benefit and how to make your pit stop.

09/27/2026

The Walk Ins took the field Saturday in Texarkana! Employees from Healthy Connections Texarkana, De Queen and other locations teamed up for the Friends for a Cause Kickball Tournament. We didn’t bring home the championship, but we had a great time supporting the community, meeting people and representing Healthy Connections.

And yes, we take walk-ins. Healthy Connections Texarkana is located at 903 Arkansas Blvd. and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Need care? Walk in, call 888-710-8220 or visit healthy-connections.org to learn more.

09/24/2026

Preventive care is about more than going to the doctor when something feels wrong. Regular check-ins, screenings, vaccines, medication reviews and conversations with your healthcare provider can help you stay ahead of health concerns and make informed decisions about your care.

In this week’s Living Well Podcast from Healthy Connections, Tom and Joan Bennett talk about why feeling fine doesn’t always mean there’s nothing worth checking. Watch their conversation, then learn more about making preventive care part of your plan:
https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/preventive-care-after-65/

09/23/2026

If the to-do list is still running through your head at bedtime, start smaller than a full reset. Set a bedtime reminder tonight, take a 10-minute walk tomorrow, or send one text: “I’ve had a lot on my mind. Do you have time to talk this week?” Those small steps can help create breathing room before stress starts affecting sleep, patience, energy, or focus.

For this Wellness Wednesday, read three practical ways to reduce stress and learn when it may be time to seek more support: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/ways-to-reduce-stress/. For information or appointments with Evolve Behavioral Health, call 800-409-6250 or visit https://evolvebhs.com.

09/21/2026

Nearly 50 years in dentistry, and Dr.David Brewer, DDS, still enjoys taking care of patients.

In Episode 26 of Connected Podcast by Healthy Connections, Jack sits down with Dr. Brewer to talk about the path that took him from El Dorado to a longtime dental practice in Malvern and now to Healthy Connections Hot Springs Chippewa. Dr. Brewer shares his approach to patient care, what has kept him in dentistry for nearly five decades, and a little about life away from the dental chair — including his love of fingerstyle guitar and Chet Atkins.

Watch the full episode right here.

Dr. Brewer is seeing dental patients at Healthy Connections Hot Springs Chippewa on Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. Learn more or request an appointment at:
https://healthy-connections.org/services/dental/

09/21/2026