Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is pleased to announce that Angie Turner, CMA, has been named the latest recipient of the ROSE Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to service excellence and compassionate care.
Turner graduated from Iowa Western Community College in 2000 and joined Cass Health in 2002. From the start, she knew she wanted a career that allowed her to build meaningful connections with both patients and providers.
“I went to school to become a CMA because I knew I wanted to work closely with both patients and practitioners. I love seeing all our patients and my coworkers. Since I have been here for a long time, we have patients that I have known since they were born, that are now starting to have kids of their own, and it’s fun to see them grow up. We also have patients that come regularly, and you get to know them well on a professional and personal level,” she said.
For the last 18 years, she has worked alongside Dr. Angela Weppler, who nominated Turner for the award for her ability to keep their office running efficiently while also ensuring patients get the care they need on time and delivered with compassion.
Dr. Weppler wrote, “I have often described how things get done in our office as ‘magic,’ meaning that I have no idea how things get done, but Angie always makes it happen seemingly effortlessly. She has an excellent instinct for sorting out what’s urgent and makes sure our patients are not only cared for but know that we care about them. This has been, in my opinion potentially lifesaving to patients as in one instance, she noted a patient who was due for a pap smear, found the time for us to get it done at that visit and ultimately, was responsible for getting an endometrial cancer diagnosed before the patient even had symptoms. I cannot even begin to mention how much more I can get done with preventative care and disease management because she makes my office flow manageable. Angie has made me a better doctor, mother, and daughter by doing all of the little things she does, which I am sure she thinks is just doing her job and that it is nothing special. That in itself is what makes her and so many of our staff at Cass Health particularly special.”
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 by anytime online at casshealth.org/rose.
Atlantic, IA — A Community Baby Shower will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 10 to 11:30 am at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. This free event is geared towards all new and expecting mothers in southwest and west central Iowa.
Any women who are pregnant, planning for the future, or who have an infant less than six months old are encouraged to attend along with their support person. All attendees can enter to win prizes, pick up free baby supplies, learn more about community resources, and enjoy refreshments while meeting individuals from local organizations. Drawings for door prizes will be held, including one drawing for a Graco jogger stroller.
“Our Community Baby Shower last year was a success, and we are excited to offer this fun event again this year to expecting moms. There are so many things to learn about as a new mom, and we hope that this event helps local parents feel more connected, prepared, and excited for the arrival of their baby,” said Megan Roberts, Director of Public Health.
Participating organizations include Cass Health, Cass County ISU Extension, Iowa Total Care, Wellpoint, Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services, Catholic Charities, Firefly, and WIC.
For more information, or if you need transportation to the event, please call 712-243-7552.
Cass Health is excited to welcome Gynecologist Dr. Amy Bingaman, who will begin providing care to patients on Thursday, April 2.
Dr. Amy Bingaman has been in practice since 2006. She graduated from Drake University and earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Iowa. Dr. Bingaman is a proud United States Navy veteran, having served almost 9 years on active duty. She completed her OB/GYN internship and residency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia.
“I served in the United States Navy, where I completed my internship and residency training, followed by an additional four years of service in Virginia. I returned to Iowa 15 years ago and have been practicing full-spectrum OB/GYN ever since,” said Dr. Bingaman.
After deciding to open her own practice, Dr. Bingaman now serves patients across central and western Iowa at multiple hospitals and clinics.
“My practice today is more focused on full-spectrum gynecologic care through every phase of life. I provide care with a particular focus on peri- and postmenopausal care including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, robotic surgery, adolescent gynecology, and LGBTQ care. I’m very dedicated to offering personalized treatment options that support and improve my patients’ lives,” said Dr. Bingaman.
Dr. Bingaman is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and a member of both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Iowa Medical Society.
Patients interested in appointments can call 712-243-2850.
ATLANTIC, IA – Cass Health announced that it is now providing mental health services in its primary care clinic, Atlantic Medical Center, RHC.
“We are excited to further expand our healthcare services for the community, especially in a specialty like mental health where rural areas like ours have a shortage of providers. Adding this service in our primary care clinic also hopefully removes some of the stigma or unease around seeking mental health care,” said Melissa Maas, Director of Primary Care.
After a small construction project to revamp existing space within Atlantic Medical Center, the mental health clinic is now open and seeing patients. The clinical staff is currently comprised of a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, and one therapist.
Dr. Greg Keller is a psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Montana, earning a bachelor’s degree in Cellular Molecular Biology. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City. Dr. Keller then completed his general adult psychiatry residency through the Creighton University and University of Nebraska combined training program, where he earned multiple awards, including Resident of the Year. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Cyndi Wu is a dually certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarkson College in 2007, her Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarkson College in 2014, and her PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati in 2026.
Mental Health Therapist Gentri Meier earned an undergraduate degree from Wartburg College followed by a master’s degree from Drake University. She has experience in forensic community treatment, care coordination across southern Iowa, and school-based therapy in multiple districts. Meier is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and uses various modalities such as CBT, EMDR, and play and art therapy.
Patients interested in appointments can call 712-243-7481 to speak with Brandi Schmitt, Mental Health Coordinator.
Cass Health is proud to announce that Brittni Schmidt, RN, BSN, CEN was selected as one of the 2026 Great Iowa Nurses. Great Iowa Nurses is a non-profit program that recognizes nurses in Iowa and spotlights qualities that demonstrate efforts beyond those expected of a nurse within their normal duties.
Schmidt serves as the Director of Educational Services at Cass Health. She first earned her RN in 2019, followed by her BSN in 2020, and is currently on track to complete her Master of Science in Nursing this December.
In her role at Cass Health, Schmidt oversees multiple aspects of education and training. Perhaps most notably, she oversees nursing students and nurse apprentices. Her nominators wrote, “When an idea was born for a nurse apprenticeship, we needed the right leader to make it happen … her passion for education makes her perfect for this new program. She collaborated with leadership to shape an apprenticeship and now oversees the next generation of nurses. We believe that if we want exceptional care for ourselves & loved ones, then we bear the responsibility of teaching exceptional care. Brittni’s contribution to nursing is just that – blending clinical best practices and ongoing education with high expectations for compassion, communication, and integrity. Her legacy will be the LPNs and RNs whom she teaches and impacts.”
Schmidt said, “When I found out that I was being recognized as one of the Great Iowa Nurses, the first thing I thought about was how much I love my job! I think that when you really love what you do that it shows in the quality of your work. It makes me very happy that what I do has a positive impact on our team and the future of healthcare. It is incredibly fulfilling to help people discover their potential, build their skills, and grow them into the best versions of themselves.”
“Brittni is an exceptional leader who is widely respected across our organization for her professionalism, credibility, and collaborative approach,” said Kolton Hewlett, Chief Financial Officer at Cass Health. “Through her work in education, mentorship, and workforce development, she is helping shape the next generation of nurses while strengthening the future of care at Cass Health. Her impact extends well beyond her role, and this recognition reflects the meaningful contributions she makes every day.”
Originally called 100 Great Iowa Nurses, the recognition was established in 2004 and hosted by the University of Iowa until 2020. In 2022, with the support of Mary Greeley Medical Center, the program, now called Great Iowa Nurses, returned to recognize Iowa nurses that routinely go above and beyond every day and take that extra step to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients. These great nurses share their experience and knowledge to improve the health of their communities. They also take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, serving as role models for everyone they work with, especially those just entering the profession.
Cass Health announced today it has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This marks the tenth year in a row that Cass Health has achieved this impressive national recognition. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.
Brett Altman, Cass Health CEO, noted, “For the past 10 consecutive years, this honor has served as a powerful vote of confidence from our neighbors. We are deeply grateful to the communities we serve for trusting us with their personal health care needs. While we strive for perfection every day, we are never complacent; we remain committed to challenging the status quo and delivering the meaningful improvements our patients deserve.”
“The delivery of care within rural communities is perhaps more complex today than at any point in recent memory. This year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals have emerged as true leaders – committed to their mission through a powerful combination of resilience, dedication and innovation,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We’re delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their Top 100 status.”
Now in its 16th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations, quality, patient perspective and finance.
Cass Health is pleased to announce a new partnership with Above + Beyond Cancer, an Iowa‑based nonprofit dedicated to elevating the mind, body, and spirit of individuals impacted by cancer. Together, the organizations will expand access to evidence‑based programs designed to support cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers.
To celebrate the partnership and provide community members an opportunity to learn more, Cass Health will host an open house on Monday, February 16, from noon to 2 p.m. in Conference Room 2. Cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by cancer are all encouraged to attend.
Founded in 2011 by Oncologist Dr. Richard Deming, Above + Beyond Cancer offers a wide range of free programs. These include fitness classes, meditation, cycling, nutrition education, urban pole walking, book club, and a cancer education series. The Above + Beyond Cancer Hotel Program also provides free lodging for cancer patients in Iowa who must travel more than 50 miles to receive treatment.
Above + Beyond Cancer’s mission is to elevate the mind, body, and spirit of patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout the cancer journey—an effort that aligns closely with Cass Health’s commitment to supporting patients and the greater community.
After a decade of transformative leadership that elevated Cass Health into a nationally recognized regional healthcare hub, Chief Executive Officer Brett Altman has announced his retirement. Altman will remain a part of the leadership team through January 1, 2027—his official 10-year anniversary—to ensure a seamless transition for the organization.
The Cass Health Board of Trustees will initiate a search for a successor, evaluating qualified candidates to lead the organization through its next phase of strategic expansion. “The next several months will focus on identifying the right leader to build upon the incredible gains we have made together,” said Altman. “It has been the honor of my career to serve this community, and I am confident that the momentum we have built together will propel Cass Health to even greater heights.”
A Legacy of Excellence and Expansion
Since joining Cass Health in 2017, Altman has overseen an era of unprecedented growth. Under his tenure, the organization doubled its market share and patient base, now serving more than 36,000 residents across southwest and west-central Iowa.
Mike Klocke, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, noted that Altman’s “well-organized framework for growth” redefined the hospital’s future. Notable achievements include:
Future-Focused Transition
Altman’s departure comes as Cass Health executes a robust five-year strategic plan, including facility expansions and remodels scheduled through 2028. “Because of our nationwide reputation as one of the best rural hospitals in the country, I have no doubt we will attract stellar candidates,” Klocke said. “Cass Health is positioned as a premier employer and provider, and the framework is in place for the next leader to hit the ground running.”
Reflections on a 36-Year Career
Altman’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 36-year career in healthcare leadership. Prior to Cass Health, he served as President & CEO of Skiff Medical Center in Newton, IA. Throughout his career, Altman has been a vocal advocate for streamlining healthcare complexity. “Ideally, more time should be spent delivering timely care rather than navigating the complexities of healthcare, jumping through insurance hoops, and obtaining pharmaceutical & medical authorizations,” Altman reflected.
In his announcement, Altman expressed deep gratitude: “I have been fortunate to collaborate with a team that genuinely cares about our patients and each other. Our staff is the best in the business. It is a privilege to conclude my career as CEO of Cass Health.”
About Cass Health
Cass Health is a regional healthcare hub located in Atlantic, Iowa, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. For more information on services and career opportunities, visit casshealth.org.
Cass Health Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Matt Weresh, a distinguished physician with more than 30 years of service in Iowa, announced his retirement effective May 2026. Dr. Weresh will complete his final orthopedic surgeries at Cass Health during the first week of April.
Dr. Weresh relocated his practice to Cass Health in 2017 and has since provided expert care in a wide range of procedures, from complex hip and knee joint replacements to general surgeries. He was a pioneer in the region—the first orthopedic surgeon to serve central Iowa with specialty training in trauma and fracture care, areas which remained primary interests throughout his career. His impactful work has been published in several national articles and presented at numerous conferences in the fields of hip, knee, and general trauma/fracture care.
“Dr. Weresh’s impact on orthopedic care in this region cannot be overstated,” said Brett Altman, Chief Executive Officer at Cass Health. “His expertise, particularly in trauma and joint replacement, has served our community exceptionally well. While we will deeply miss his contributions and dedication, we are well-prepared for this transition and excited to announce a significant expansion of our orthopedic capabilities to meet the growing needs of our patients. Thanks to Dr. Weresh pioneering the way, Cass Health will be offering our most robust orthopedic care with six 5-star professionals much like Dr. Weresh.”
Cass Health has been proactively planning for Dr. Weresh’s retirement and is expanding its orthopedic team to offer more comprehensive services. This strategic expansion ensures continuity of high-quality care and introduces new specialized expertise.
Currently, the orthopedic team includes Dr. Dan Hatz, Dr. Caliste Hsu, and Zachary Hollingsworth, PA-C. Dr. Hatz provides comprehensive orthopedic care including hip, knee, and shoulders. Dr. Hsu specializes exclusively in hand and microvascular procedures including carpal tunnel release, arthritis management, and traumatic injury repairs. Hollingsworth is a dedicated physician assistant to the orthopedic team, specializing in surgical and inpatient follow-up care, assisting in orthopedic and general surgeries, and coordinating comprehensive patient evaluation and clinical orders.
Cass Health also recently partnered with MD West ONE, the region’s largest private practice for orthopedics, neurosurgery, and spine care. Four physicians from MD West ONE will begin practicing at Cass Health in February 2026: Dr. Todd Sekundiak, Dr. Kimberly Turman, Dr. Charles Rosipal, and Dr. Jordan Lacy.
Dr. Todd Sekundiak is a nationally recognized leader in joint replacement, who specializes in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, including the innovative “Jiffy Knee” procedure.
Dr. Kimberly Turman is an expert in arthroscopy and reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, and hip, and has a particular passion for sports medicine.
Dr. Charles Rosipal has advanced fellowship training in shoulder instability and rotator cuff repair.
Additionally, Neurosurgeon Dr. Jordan Lacy will return to Cass Health. Specializing in complex spine conditions, Dr. Lacy provides expert diagnostics and surgical procedures for back and neck health.
“This next chapter of orthopedic care at Cass Health is really exciting for us and our patients. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Weresh’s service here, and we look forward to working with a team that continues his legacy of excellence,” said Altman.
To encourage Cass County households to test for radon, Cass Health purchased 500 radon test kits from the American Lung Association that are being distributed for free.
Radon is a gas that can enter homes through the ground, and Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the country. Radon is invisible and odorless, so testing is the only way to detect it. Winter is a good time of year to test for radon, and the US Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month.
“We know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and we know that lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer. Every homeowner in Iowa should test for radon — regardless of the age or location of their home — to protect the health of everyone living there,” said Brett Altman, Cass Health Chief Executive Officer.
Through a partnership with the Cass County Library Association, radon tests are available at every library in the county. Any homeowner in Cass County can stop by a library to request a free test kit. Homeowners will be asked for a few details such as their name, address, zip code, and phone number. This information may be used to conduct follow-up calls with homeowners about the test and their results and report on how the tests were distributed in each community.
Each kit includes directions on how to use the test and mail it in for evaluation. Results will be sent directly to the homeowner. Cass Health is also providing information with each test regarding what the results mean, mitigation companies, and additional resources to learn about radon.
“Over the past year, Cass Health has started looking more deeply into how we can impact our local cancer incidence rates. Preventing cancer is the ultimate goal, and providing free radon tests is just one way we can start to tackle this huge issue. Over the coming months and years, we will continue to evaluate how we can contribute to cancer prevention through resources like radon tests and community education,” said Altman.