Carter Anderson, Author at Cass Health

Atlantic, IA – The Cass Health Nurses Honor Guard will be holding a fundraising event at Pizza Ranch in Atlantic on Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 8 pm.

Portions of every dine-in or take-out purchase will directly support the Nurses Honor Guard’s mission to honor the dedicated nurses who devoted their lives to caring for others. Proceeds from this event will be used to help fund ceremonial tributes, community outreach, and scholarships for local students pursuing a career in nursing.

Founded in 2003, this national organization has more than 250 groups across the United States. The Nurses Honor Guard is a volunteer program made up of current and former nurses that attend the services of nurses who have passed away, as well as parades, honor walks, living tributes, and more. The Cass Health chapter was founded in 2024 and has grown quickly. Current or former nurses interested in joining this volunteer organization can call 712-243-7575 for more information.

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is excited to announce that Jessica Handel of Patient Financial Services has been named the latest recipient of the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award for her outstanding dedication to patient advocacy and compassionate service.

Handel has worked at Cass Health for a combined 13.5 years, beginning her career in patient registration in 2010. After a brief time away, she returned to registration in 2017 before transitioning to the billing department in 2018.

“I love to problem solve. I try to achieve the best outcomes for our patients in every aspect of the billing/insurance process,” Handel said.

Handel was nominated by coworker Cindy Petty, who wrote, “Jessica Handel consistently goes above and beyond in her role to support our patients in ways that often go unseen, but never unfelt.”

Although Handel does not typically work directly with patients, she regularly identifies situations where patients may need additional assistance and takes proactive steps to ensure they receive the support they need. “Jess’s work is a powerful reminder that patient care extends far beyond direct clinical interactions. Her quiet advocacy, attention to detail, and willingness to invest her time for the benefit of others embody the true spirit of service,” Petty wrote.

Upon receiving the award, Handel expressed her appreciation for her coworkers and the opportunity to serve patients at Cass Health.

“I am extremely honored and thankful! I thank Cindy Petty for the nomination and for the kind words,” Handel said. “I have been truly blessed to work at Cass Health where our focus is on our patients first. We have some of the best people caring for our patients!”

The ROSE Award was created to honor and celebrate non-nursing employees of Cass Health who exemplify dedication, compassion, and a commitment to service excellence in carrying out their duties and advancing the goals and mission of Cass Health. The criteria are being knowledgeable and efficient, being compassionate and respectful, working with the care team, and going above and beyond for others. Nominations can be made at any time online at casshealth.org/rose.

Atlantic, Iowa – Cass Health is offering low-cost wellness draw appointments on October 29-31 and November 5-7 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Cass Health Laboratory located at 1501 E. 10th Street in Atlantic.

A general blood screening is available for $30, with additional tests offered for a small fee. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 712-243-3250 or by visiting casshealth.org/laboratory.

The $30 screening includes glucose, hemoglobin, white blood count, red blood count, hematocrit, liver function, kidney function, and a lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides).

Routine lab work can provide valuable information about your overall health and help you and your healthcare provider have more informed conversations about your care.

Participants should fast overnight before their appointment. A small amount of water or black coffee the morning of the blood draw is permitted.

Atlantic, Iowa – Cass Health’s next Healthy U presentation will be held Thursday, October 29, at noon in Conference Room 2. This program will introduce attendees to the Family Caregivers Center of Atlantic and the support and resources available to those caring for an adult with chronic conditions or age-related needs such as dementia or cancer.

Many people provide care for a loved one without necessarily thinking of themselves as a caregiver. Family caregiving can include regularly checking in on someone, attending medical appointments, providing transportation, helping with day-to-day needs, and more.

During the presentation, attendees will learn how the Family Caregivers Center connects family caregivers with trusted information, emotional support, and helpful resources as they navigate caregiving responsibilities.

Whether providing occasional assistance to a loved one or managing caregiving responsibilities every day, attendees will learn about things that can help make the caregiving journey a little easier.

Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.

ATLANTIC, IOWA — Cass Health invites local women to make their health a priority while enjoying a fun and relaxing evening at Mammos & Mocktails on Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 8 pm at Cass Health.

Mammos & Mocktails offers women an opportunity to complete their annual mammogram in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy seasonal mocktails, appetizers and snacks, chair massages, and time with friends.

Appointments are required for mammograms, and space is limited. Women can schedule an appointment through MyChart, by calling the Cass Health Radiology Department at 712-243-7450, or online at casshealth.org/mammos-mocktails.

Cass Health recommends that women receive a breast cancer screening once a year beginning at age 40. Women are encouraged to talk with their primary care provider about their family history and personal risk factors, as some women may need to begin screenings earlier or receive additional screenings.

Women ages 21–64 may also be eligible for free cancer screenings, including mammograms, Pap tests, HPV tests, and other services. For more information about eligibility or enrollment, contact Cass County Public Health at 712-243-7551.

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health’s next Healthy U presentation, “Help or Hype? Taking a Closer Look at the Latest Mental Health and Wellness Trends,” will be held Thursday, September 17, at noon in Conference Room 2.

Kacey Peterson, LMHC, Senior Life Solutions program therapist, will examine several mental health self-help products and practices frequently promoted online and through social media advertising. Topics will include aromatherapy, electronic journaling, breathing necklaces, weighted blankets, earthing mats and biofeedback devices that claim to help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety.

The presentation will help attendees better understand these popular trends and consider which tools may be useful additions to their wellness routines. Participants will also receive a one-page reference chart summarizing the products and practices discussed.

ATLANTIC, Iowa — Cass Health will host a free Siblings Class on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the OB Navigator Room at Cass Health.

The one-hour class is designed for children ages 2–10 who are preparing to welcome a new baby and whose mother is at or beyond 34 weeks of pregnancy. Through hands-on activities, children will learn how to swaddle, feed, diaper and safely hold a newborn.

Each participant will receive an older sibling certificate and a teddy bear to take home.

Reservations are required. To register, call the Cass Health OB Department at 712-250-8862.

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is alerting patients about a phishing email currently circulating that uses the MyChart name and logo to appear legitimate. MyChart is Epic’s patient portal that is utilized by hospitals nationwide, including Cass Health.

The fraudulent emails may reference a “2026 MyChart Senior Health Package,” Medicare-related wellness benefits, or a free health kit. Recipients may be prompted to click a button or link to confirm their address or provide additional information. These emails are not legitimate MyChart communications.

Anyone who receives an email like this should not click any links or buttons, reply to the message, or provide personal, medical, financial, or insurance information. Recipients are encouraged to report the email as phishing or junk through their email provider and then delete it.

Scammers often use familiar names, logos, and language to make fraudulent messages appear trustworthy. Cass Health encourages patients to use caution when receiving unexpected MyChart messages and to avoid clicking links or providing information if they are unsure whether a communication is legitimate.

Cass Health also encourages community members to share this warning with family and friends who use MyChart to help spread awareness of the scam.

Atlantic, IA – The August session of Healthy U will focus on Skilled Care: Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Home, presented by Cass Health’s Care Coordination team. The session will be held on Thursday, August 20, at noon in Conference Room 2.

Navigating the transition from a hospital stay back to home can feel overwhelming for patients and their families. During this free presentation, the Care Coordination team will explain what skilled care is, who may benefit from it, and how it can support recovery after a hospitalization. Attendees will also learn about the role skilled care plays in helping patients regain strength, improve independence, and safely transition back home after a hospital stay.

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health’s blood drive partner, LifeServe Blood Center, is reporting critically low blood supplies both locally and nationwide, prompting an urgent call for blood donors ahead of the Cass Health Blood Drive on Tuesday, August 11.

According to LifeServe, supplies of O-negative, O-positive, and A-negative blood have fallen to just a one- to two-day supply, while several other blood types are at similarly concerning levels. The organization reports that donations have lagged behind hospital demand by approximately 2,500 units during July, creating significant strain on the blood supply.

Every donation has the potential to help patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and other medical emergencies. LifeServe supplies blood products to more than 175 hospitals throughout Iowa and the surrounding region, helping ensure blood is available when patients need it most.

“Blood donations are one of the simplest ways community members can make an immediate impact,” said Cass Health Laboratory Director Laura Wieser. “We encourage anyone who is eligible to consider donating on August 11 to help replenish the blood supply and support patients across our region.”

The Cass Health Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, August 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2 at Cass Health. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled at casshealth.org/community/lifeserve.