Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is proud to announce that Physician Assistant Max Starlin is the newest recipient of the Cass Health Spirit of Volunteerism Award. This award was established to recognize the volunteer efforts of Cass Health employees in their communities.

Starlin and his wife Jordan have been members of Griswold Fire & Rescue for five years. He serves as a firefighter, and she serves as an EMT. Their commitment to Griswold Fire & Rescue includes monthly meetings, trainings, ongoing education, fundraising, and responding to calls.

Starlin received two separate nominations. The first stated, “His willingness to drop everything and assist during emergencies is a testament to his selflessness and courage. He inspires others through his work ethic and willingness to help, whether it’s during training sessions or in emergency calls.”

The second nominator wrote, “As if being a health care provider was not enough to take up most of Max’s days, he finds the time to give back to our community by protecting our homes and farms from fires and responding to search and rescue calls. They can be called out at any time for mutual aid to neighboring fire and rescue departments … and they undergo rescue training that includes responding to motor vehicle accidents, extrication, ice rescue, ropes and grain bins. Fires or accidents can result in tragic events, and only if something happens to us, a loved one or a neighbor do we think about how fortunate we are to have our fire and rescue departments and the people who volunteer their time to train and respond like Max Starlin.”
Starlin responded, “I don’t expect to be recognized as a volunteer. It’s nice, but I don’t do it for those reasons. I volunteer because I grew up in the Griswold community, and now it’s my turn to give back. Jordan and I talked about it for years, and we finally got to a point in our life a few years ago where we felt settled and like it was the right time for us to start into our training and volunteering,” said Starlin.

As to what he loves about his volunteer role, Starlin said, ”it’s the camaraderie. It’s a brotherhood/sisterhood where you make friends, and you form deep bonds, often with people that you never thought you would. You work in challenging situations and circumstances you would otherwise not be in, and it takes a lot of trust to work together. It’s really rewarding,” he said.

As part of the Spirit of Volunteerism Award, the winner receives a $250 check to donate to the non-profit organization of their choosing. Starlin chose Griswold Fire & Rescue and presented the check to Fire Chief JC Wyman at their May meeting.

Atlantic, IA — This May, Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions program is proud to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month by embracing the theme, “Turn Awareness into Action.” Mental health is vital at every stage of life, and we are dedicated to supporting older adults and their caregivers in our rural communities as they navigate mental health challenges.

As we spotlight mental health this month, Senior Life Solutions aims to address the unique mental health needs of older adults in our community by encouraging everyone to:

• Challenge Misconceptions: Mental health struggles are not a normal part of aging. They’re treatable, and with the right support, older adults can thrive.
• Share Stories: By sharing personal experiences, we can break down stigma and inspire others to seek help. Stories of resilience and recovery create a powerful ripple effect.
• Support Caregivers: Caregivers are essential to older adults’ well-being. This month, we’re highlighting tips and resources to help caregivers prioritize their own mental health.
• Foster Connection: Small actions, like checking in with a loved one or initiating a simple conversation, can make a big difference in someone’s day.

“Mental health awareness is just the beginning,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director Karmen Roland, RN. “Turning awareness into action means recognizing the signs of mental health challenges, supporting caregivers, and ensuring older adults in our rural communities feel valued and connected. Together, we can build stronger, more supportive environments for everyone.”

Cass Health invites you to join us in honoring Mental Health Awareness Month by taking action:

• Learn about the signs of depression and anxiety in older adults.
• Reach out to a caregiver or older adult in your life.
• Explore the resources we offer to support mental well-being in our community.

If you’re taking steps to improve your mental health but are still struggling or are not sure where to start on your mental health journey, we encourage you to connect with your healthcare provider or reach out to a member of our team today.

Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis.  If you or someone you know is struggling with a decline in their mental health, our program wants you to know we are here to help. Whether through our program, or another service, our team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support.

For more information or if you or someone you know could benefit from this program, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us today at 712-250-8100.

Atlantic, IA — The Iowa Medical Society and Copic proudly announce that Dr. Elaine Berry is the 2025 recipient of the IMS/Copic Physician Humanitarian Award.

The IMS/Copic Physician Humanitarian Award is presented annually to honor a physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to their community, specifically those individuals who unassumingly volunteer outside the spectrum of their day-to-day lives.

Dr. Berry has been a pillar of the Cass County community since she began her career at Cass Health in 1988. Through 2022, she worked as a Family Medicine physician, primarily at Atlantic Medical Center, but also in satellite clinics in Griswold and Massena. She also provided care to patients in the hospital, obstetrics unit, and the Emergency Department.

Her other roles have included Cass County Medical Examiner, Medical Director for Cass County volunteer Emergency Services, Hospice Medical Director, and her current position as Chief Medical Officer at Cass Health. She has been instrumental in disaster preparedness, EMS advocacy, advancing electronic health records and quality medical care, and mentoring future medical professionals. Dr. Berry has also participated in medical mission trips to Egypt, India, Romania, Dominican Republic and Honduras, has supported newly immigrated families in her church community, and has been active in her local church with the worship team and teaching youth.

Each year, the recipient of this award is asked to designate a $10,000 donation from Copic to be provided to a healthcare-related nonprofit organization within their community. Dr. Berry has designated the Cass Health Foundation to receive this donation, specifically to support the Nurse Apprenticeship program, an innovative initiative to train nurses and address the healthcare workforce shortage.

The Copic Humanitarian award was established in 2001 in memory of Harold E. “Hal” Williamson. Hal was one of the first non-physician board members of Copic. His inspiration and his dedication to going above and beyond led to the establishment of the Copic Medical Foundation. Today, Copic collaborates with state medical societies in offering this award.

Copic is a nationally renowned provider of medical professional liability insurance. Recognized for industry-leading patient safety and risk management programs, Copic works to support and educate healthcare professionals and help make medicine safer for all.

Atlantic, IA — A Community Baby Shower will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, June 8 at two locations in Atlantic. This free event is geared towards all new and expecting mothers in southwest and west central Iowa.

“We want to show our support for new moms and families. This baby shower is a fun way that we can connect with moms in the area while making sure they are aware of all the resources here that can help young families thrive,” said Megan Roberts, Director of Cass County Public Health.

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, make a custom onesie, and enjoy refreshments while talking with representatives from the community.

Participating organizations include Cass Health, Healthy Cass County, Cass County ISU Extension, Iowa Total Care, Wellpoint, ZION Integrated Behavioral Health Services, Molina Healthcare, Catholic Charities, Firefly, WIC, and the Atlantic Public Library.

Two times and locations are being offered for the Community Baby Shower. The first is from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Cass County Community Center, 805 W. 10^th Street. A second session will be offered from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at the Island Community Church, 600 Pine Street. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is thrilled to announce Emmy Benton, RN, BSN is the newest recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day.

Benton has been a nurse since 2016, and she joined the Cass Health Specialty Clinic team in 2020. “I always knew I would have a career where I would help people. It’s just how we were raised — it was instilled in us to always help others,” said Benton.

At the award presentation, she was surprised to hear her name called. “When we saw the banner announcing that the winner was in our department, I never would have guessed it was for me! I could tell you a reason why every nurse in this department is deserving of this award,” she said.

She was nominated by Brittany Knudsen—a fellow nurse at Cass Health— for the care that she provided to Knudsen’s grandparents.

Knudsen wrote: “Emmy met them in their car and explained the provider’s new recommendations for plan of care. Emmy answered all the questions the patient and his wife had. Her compassion and determination allowed them to leave the hospital feeling calm and optimistic. I know how important and meaningful that was to the patient, because he is my grandpa.”

In the nomination, Knudsen also remarked, “Emmy goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient receives not only the best medical care but also holistic support during some of their most vulnerable moments. In addition to her clinical skills, Emmy is a team player who inspires those around her. She continually supports her colleagues, whether through mentorship, assisting with challenging cases, or offering a listening ear when needed. Her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure is a true asset, and her infectious positivity uplifts everyone she works with. Emmy embodies the core values of nursing: care, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of her patients.”

Benton said that it means a lot to be recognized with this award. “You do small things every day. And it doesn’t seem out of the ordinary to me, but those small things are what makes a difference to people.”

Nurses at Cass Health are honored twice annually with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. An online nomination form is available at https://www.casshealth.org/daisy.

Atlantic, IA – The May session of Healthy U will be presented by Kacey Peterson, MS, LMHC on Thursday, May 15, at noon in Conference Room 2.  

Peterson will present “Cultivating Healthy Aging.” The program will include information about easy things older adults can do to change their perspectives, update their routines, improve their mental health, and promote healthy aging. 

Peterson, who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, joined the Cass Health Senior Life Solutions (SLS) team in 2020. She graduated from Drake University in 2005 with a BS in Psychology and in 2010 with her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is licensed by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

Prior to becoming Program Therapist for SLS, where she provides group and individual therapy services, Kacey worked in private practice with children and families in both community and school settings. In 2015 Kacey was honored with the Professional Leadership to a State Chapter Award by the American Mental Health Counselors Association for her service as Board President and Legislative Committee Chair with the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association. In 2019 she was recognized by Drake University’s School of Education with an award for outstanding leadership in her field, and in 2021 she was named Therapist of the Year for her commitment to the patients she serves at SLS. 

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, IA – Cass Health is hosting “Breaking Par: A Men’s Health Event” this summer on Sunday, June 29, at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club. 

The day will start off with a nine-hole best ball par three tournament teeing off at 9:00 am. After golf wraps up, all attendees will enjoy a steak lunch followed by a panel of healthcare professionals. Cass Health presenters will speak on topics like the importance of relationships, physical strength, orthopedics, eye care, and more. Following the panel, flight winners and door prizes will be announced to conclude the event. 

“This event is about engaging men to help them thrive in their lives and create healthier futures by connecting them to Cass Health professionals who want to help break the stigma around men accessing healthcare,” said Dr. Adam Verhoef, who will be one the presenters during the event. 

There are three ticket types available for Breaking Par. All tickets include lunch, program materials, gift, and door prize entries. Single tickets are $40 per person or $160 for a full foursome. Attendees can also choose to skip the golf tournament, and simply attend the lunch and panel presentation, reducing the ticket price to $15 per person. 

Tickets for individuals and teams are available online at casshealth.org/breakingpar. Questions about the event can be directed to the Marketing & Communications Department at 712-243-7487.

Atlantic, IA— For the fifth year in a row, Cass Health has been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This prestigious honor places Cass Health in the top 1% of more than 1,300 critical access hospitals across the country.

Cass Health CEO Brett Altman shared his pride in the organization’s continued success: “Earning a spot in the Top 20 is a tremendous honor—but achieving it five years in a row is simply remarkable. Very few hospitals have ever maintained this level of excellence over time. While we know we’re not perfect, we are always committed to improvement and delivering the best possible care, every single day.”

The Top 20 designation is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, which evaluates rural and critical access hospitals using 36 publicly available metrics across eight performance pillars—including quality, outcomes, patient satisfaction, and financial performance. From this data, the Chartis Center for Rural Health identifies the Top 100, and the NRHA recognizes the highest-performing 20 hospitals from that group.

Altman added: “This recognition reflects the strength of our people. We hire and train the best, we work together to achieve excellence, and we continuously invest in both our organization and our community. We’re proud of our outstanding staff, our supportive board, and the volunteers who make our work possible. Our mission and vision—to provide superior experiences and be one of the best rural hospitals in the nation—are validated by national honors like this. And when you consider that 99.3% of hospitals rank below us in objective data, that’s something worth celebrating.”

Cass Health will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony during the NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference this fall.

Atlantic, IA — Cass Health is looking for local photography to be featured at their facility — and your photo could be chosen to be printed and displayed in Atlantic.

“We recently removed old wallpaper and updated the wall finish in the corridors near Radiology, Emergency, Human Resources, and the cafeteria. It’s now the perfect blank canvas, ready to showcase the works of local photographers, which we think is a fun way to involve the community in making Cass Health a welcoming place,” said Ann McCurdy, Director of Marketing and Communications.

The photo contest is open to the public. Officials at Cass Health will review and select the winning entries, which will be printed as large, framed canvases and installed in the hallways of the first floor.

“Whether you’re a professional photographer, enthusiastic amateur, or a 4-H club member – we hope that people participate and are excited about the prospect of having their works displayed for the community to enjoy,” said McCurdy.

Participants are encouraged to submit their entries at casshealth.org. Entrants are limited to five hi-resolution images per individual, with a limit of 10 MB per file. The recommended minimum file size is 3 MB with a recommended minimum pixel size of 1200 x 1600.

Photos must be original work; no photos that infringe on the trademark, copyright, intellectual or rights of privacy will be accepted. All entries must be received on or before April 28, 2025. The completed artwork will be installed in May and will remain on display for at least one year. Winners will be recognized on a display at Cass Health and casshealth.org.

For more information or to submit photos, visit casshealth.org/photo-contest or call the Marketing and Communications Department at 712-243-7405.