Atlantic, IA — The next Thrive Iowa Alliance meeting is on Monday, August 24^th at noon at the Cass County Community Center. The topic for the meeting is Strong in Recovery: Ready to Work.

Thrive Iowa Alliance meetings are held monthly with the goal of connecting local partners with ongoing education and information to better assist families in our community. This month’s panelists include Shawn Duff, Advanced Services; Sara Harris, Advanced Services; Scott Zimmerman, Heartland Family Services; Shawn Jimmerson, Volunteer; Randall McQueeney, IowaWorks; and Sari McLaren, Recovery Sponsor.

“Re-entering the workforce while working through recovery is not an easy task. It takes people and systems that are willing to take chances on the unknown. Coming together to support these individuals is another step in the continued improvement of our communities,” said Kristen Brooks, Cass Health Thrive Iowa Coordinator.

Thrive Iowa is a collaborative, community-driven initiative focused on strengthening partnerships, improving access to resources, and helping individuals and families achieve greater stability and well-being. Through a secure digital platform, Thrive Iowa brings together community organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, businesses, and faith-based partners to create a more coordinated approach to serving individuals and families.

Cass County community members, employers, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, educational institutions, and local leaders are encouraged to attend. Questions can be directed to Brooks at 712-250-8266.

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 – Cass Health invites women of all ages to attend Glow & Grow: A Women’s Health Retreat at Bluebird Hill in Atlantic on September 2-3, 2026.

Based on feedback from previous attendees, this year’s event has expanded to include a new daytime session on Wednesday, September 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evening sessions will be held on both Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3, giving participants three unique opportunities to learn, connect, and focus on their health.

“Each session offers something different, and the planning committee has created three outstanding lineups with engaging presentations designed to educate and inspire women at every stage of life,” said Ann McCurdy, Director of Marketing & Communications.

The Wednesday afternoon session will feature presentations on caregiving, heart health, joint pain and aging, and Tai Chi.

“We’re especially excited to welcome Kathy Good, Founder, and Kelly Hawthorne, PhD, PT, Executive Director of The Chris and Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging and Dementia,” said Megan Roberts, Director of Public Health. “Many women in our community are caring for aging loved ones, and we believe the resources, practical strategies, and information they will share will be incredibly valuable.”

Wednesday evening’s program includes presentations on understanding lab values, guided meditation, insulin resistance, and a panel discussion exploring popular health topics and trends circulating on social media.

“We’ve all seen health advice online or on television and wondered whether it’s accurate or effective,” said McCurdy. “Our panel will separate fact from fiction, discuss some of the most talked-about health trends, and answer questions from the audience.”

The retreat concludes Thursday evening with presentations on perimenopause and menopause, strength and mobility, cyclic lifestyle, healthy habits, and a sunset yoga session.

“Dr. Amy Bingaman will kick off Thursday’s session by discussing perimenopause and menopause—topics that affect every woman,” said McCurdy. “We’ll also spend a portion of the evening with an outdoor yoga session, so we encourage attendees to dress comfortably in athletic wear.”

Registration is $20 per session and includes a meal and gift for attending. Women interested in attending all three sessions can register for the discounted rate of $50.

Registration is available online at casshealth.org/glowandgrow or in person at the Cass Health Gift Shop. For more information, contact the Cass Health Marketing & Communications Department at 712-243-7405.

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. 

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health will host an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class on Monday, August 31, 2026 in their Education Center at 1500 E. 10^th Street.

Scott Carver, CRNA will instruct the class that runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Six Continuing Education (CE) credits will be provided upon completion of the course and evaluation. The objectives of the class include learning a systematic approach to cardiopulmonary emergencies, understanding emergency interventions, and improving high-quality CPR.

ACLS class is intended for EMS volunteers, nurses, providers, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Questions and registration inquiries can be sent via email to vinsk@casshealth.org.

ATLANTIC, IA – Families are encouraged to attend the Family Fun Day at the Cass County Fair on Saturday, July 25th from 10 am to 1 pm. This event features games and activities all at no cost and is presented by presented by Cass Health Public Health and its community initiatives, Healthy Cass County, Thrive Iowa of Cass County, and Pinwheels for Prevention, in partnership with local organizations.

“We have almost twenty different booths and activities that families can choose from. You can paint a mural, play yard games, try out water fights, and so much more,” said Cass Health Thrive Coordinator Kristen Brooks.

To start the day, families should pick up a passport at the Healthy Cass County booth inside the commercial buildings. From there, each family can collect stickers in their passport as they participate in different activities throughout the fair. Cards with at least six stickers can be turned in for a prize.

Participating organizations include the Atlantic Fire Department, Cass County Tourism/ Conservation, Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services, ISU Extension/Iowa Learning Farms, Cass County Farm Bureau, 4-H Youth Council, Atlantic Public Library, Heartland Family Services, Headstart/Early Headstart, WIC, Catholic Charities, Atlantic Police Department and Cass County 4-H.

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Atlantic, IA – The July session of Healthy U will be presented by Cass Health’s Registered Dietitian Sarah Andersen, RD, LD and will focus on understanding ultra-processed foods and how they fit into a healthy lifestyle. The session will take place on Thursday, July 16 at noon in Conference Room 2. 

“Ultra-processed foods are everywhere, and it can be confusing to know what foods to choose and how they impact our health. We’ll break down what ultra-processed foods are, how to identify them, and share practical strategies for building balanced meals while still enjoying the foods you love,” said Andersen. 

Andersen earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University and completed her Iowa State Dietetic Internship in 2018. She is a credentialed Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and is a State of Iowa Licensed Dietitian. She is a member of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. 

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 — The next Thrive Iowa Alliance meeting is Lifting Together: Why the Community Wins When At-Risk Families Thrive. The meeting is Monday, July 27th at noon in Conference Room 2 at Cass Health in Atlantic.

Thrive Iowa Alliance meetings are held monthly with the goal of connecting local partners with ongoing education and information to better assist families in our community. Three local professionals will present Lifting Together — Erika Kirchhoff, Network Outreach Coordinator, Child and Family Resource Network; Gentri Meier, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Cass Health; and Laena Sonntag, Social Worker Supervisor, Iowa Health & Human Services.

Thrive Iowa is a collaborative, community-driven initiative focused on strengthening partnerships, improving access to resources, and helping individuals and families achieve greater stability and well-being. Through coordinated services and shared community responsibility, Thrive Iowa works to create stronger outcomes for families and communities across Iowa.

Through a secure digital platform, Thrive Iowa brings together community organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, businesses, and faith-based partners to create a more coordinated approach to serving individuals and families. The initiative focuses on improving communication among organizations to help families more easily access resources and support within the community.

Cass County community members, employers, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, educational institutions, and local leaders are encouraged to attend. Questions can be directed to Kristen Brooks, Cass Health Thrive Iowa Coordinator at 712-250-8266.

Atlantic, IA — Kalli Rush, DPM is now seeing patients at Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa. As a foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Rush provides care in clinic at Atlantic Medical Center, and she will also perform surgeries in Atlantic. 

“We are delighted that Dr. Rush is joining our team. Since Dr. Egertsen came to Cass Health in 2023, we’ve seen a continued demand for podiatry care. Having Dr. Rush here now enables us to expand access to care for our patients and community,” said Melissa Maas, Director of Primary Care. 

Dr. Rush lives in the rural Griswold area. She earned a Master of Science in Public Health from George Washington University in 2018 and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University in 2022. She completed her residency at the University Health Lakewood Medical Center in 2025. She is currently board-eligible according to the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She is licensed to practice in Nebraska and Iowa, and she is an active member of the ACFAS, APMA, and ABFAS. 

Appointments with Dr. Rush can be made by calling 712-243-2850. 

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