Healthy Connections, Inc.

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/

10/09/2026

Before the final months of the year become even busier, take a few minutes to check in on your health. The October issue of *The Good Years* brings together practical information about health coverage, preventive care, wellness visits, medication lists, dental care, primary care, and managing stress.

Get ready for what comes next with helpful information from Healthy Connections. Read the full October issue at https://healthy-connections.org/news/the-good-years-october-2026/

10/08/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, but the best first step is not comparing plans. Start by gathering your Annual Notice of Change, a current prescription list, the names of the providers you rely on and the pharmacy you use. Having those details in one place makes it easier to review what may be changing for 2027.

The Living Well Podcast and guide walks you through a practical Medicare Open Enrollment preparation checklist and explains where to find official plan information. Healthy Connections does not recommend specific Medicare plans. Read the full article at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/medicare-open-enrollment-preparation/ or call 888-710-8220 for information about Healthy Connections services or appointments.

10/07/2026

A flu-season plan is easier to make before a child is home sick and everyone is trying to adjust. Talk with your Healthy Connections or My Kids Pediatric Clinic provider about flu vaccination, practice hand and cough habits, check your school’s absence policy, and keep your child’s clinic number where you can find it. Some children may need two flu-vaccine doses based on age and vaccination history.

Our Wellness Wednesday guide helps Arkansas families plan for home and school, including when to call a healthcare professional and when emergency care is needed. Read it at https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/flu-season-tips-for-kids/. For My Kids Pediatric Clinic information or appointments, visit https://healthy-connections.org/services/my-kids-pediatrics/ or call 888-710-8220 or just walk in during normal clinic hours at any location.

10/05/2026

Those who served deserve a community that shows up for them. Healthy Connections joined the 2026 Veteran Stand Down on October 2–3 at the Hot Springs Community Resource Center, where veterans experiencing homelessness could connect with free resources for health, housing, benefits, legal assistance, and employment. Thank you to Scars & Stripes Veteran Services, the resource center, and our fellow community partners for bringing this support together.

A special thank-you to Dr. Absalom Tilley, our new dentist, Dr. David Brewer, Amy Kosters, LCSW, Brian Kosters, LPC, and Traci Brannigan, who attended at different times throughout the event. We appreciate each of you for sharing your time and helping veterans connect with Healthy Connections. For information about our medical, dental, and behavioral health services, call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org.

10/05/2026

That follow-up after an urgent-care visit. The medication question you meant to ask. The routine checkup that keeps slipping past a full fall calendar. Before the year-end rush, start with one health task that has been waiting. Our checklist explains when primary care may be a good place to start for preventive care, follow-up, ongoing conditions, and new non-emergency concerns—and what to bring to make the visit count.

Read the fall primary care checklist: https://healthy-connections.org/horizons-health-blog/primary-care-in-arkansas/ Healthy Connections is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serving Arkansas communities. For information or appointments, call 888-710-8220. Same-day appointments, walk-ins, and telehealth availability vary by clinic, service, and clinical appropriateness.

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.

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.

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