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 actively monitoring information from the state about measles in southern Iowa, and while there are no cases in Cass County, officials are asking the community to be prepared in case of exposure.

“We routinely prepare for infectious disease outbreaks, including measles, influenza, or others. We have a comprehensive measles response plan in place, and we are currently reviewing that plan with our team so that we are ready to respond effectively if measles reaches our community. Our goal is always to keep our community, patients, and team safe,” said Cass Health Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bireline.

As of August 27, Iowa Health and Human Services has reported a total of 19 confirmed cases of measles.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air, and symptoms often start with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever of 101 or higher. The most visible symptom is a rash of red bumps that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

“It’s critical for the community to know what to do if they have been exposed and develop symptoms. We ask that you stay home, isolate yourself from others, and call Cass Health at 243-3250. From there, we can provide guidance about testing, managing symptoms, and how you can safely be seen, evaluated, and tested,” said Bireline.

“We have designated negative air pressure rooms to care for patients with highly contagious illnesses such as measles. If someone is concerned they may have measles, we ask they call ahead of their arrival to Cass Health so that our team can meet them and move them directly to an appropriate treatment area, minimizing potential exposure to other patients and staff,” said Bireline.

In case of emergency, individuals should always go to the nearest emergency department, and whenever possible call ahead if measles is suspected.

The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is known to be effective; one dose is 93% effective, and the recommended two doses are 97% effective. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose can be given as early as 28 days later. An additional option for earlier protection includes an early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age. This dose does not count toward the routine series, so the vaccine will still be given on schedule as recommended. The MMR vaccine is available at the Cass Health Immunization Room. Walk-ins are welcome; patients should check in at Registration first. The Immunization Room is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Atlantic, IA— September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions team is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide. With support from local partners, they are hosting a free community walk on Thursday, September 10, 2026, beginning at 7:00 pm at City Park in Atlantic. 

Each year, organizations like Senior Life Solutions work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, improve access to care, and educate the public about the warning signs of suicide and how to help those in need. The walk is co-hosted by Cass Health, Healthy Cass County, and the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness, with additional support provided by Atlantic Parks & Recreation and Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that, “Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person’s job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together. This year’s theme — Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. —highlights the importance of strengthening connections that protect people before a crisis occurs, making sure everyone knows where to turn and knows it before they need it, building communities where people feel safe reaching out for help, and supporting recovery and healing long after a crisis has ended.” 

Karmen Roland, Director of Senior Life Solutions commented, “The theme this year is great because we are stronger together, and we all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Whether you’re a part of a church, school, workplace, or other community, we can all help build spaces where people feel connected, valued, and supported, so that people have a safe space to seek help.” 

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call, text, or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

For more information about the walk, call 712-250-8100.  

Cass Health’s 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. This program is managed in conjunction with Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information or if you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please call 712-250-8100. 

Atlantic, IA – The Founder and Executive Director of The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia will be presenting at Glow & Grow: A Women’s Health Retreat on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 2^nd at Bluebird Hill.

Executive Director Kelly D. Hawthorne, PhD, PT and Founder Kathy Good will present about what it means to be a caregiver and provide practical information and support for those who are caring for family members or loved ones. Attendees will also receive a free copy of The Caregiver’s Handbook. Topics in the presentation will include:

• Who is considered a caregiver and the important role caregivers play.
• Facts and statistics about caregiving, including the unique impact on women.
• Factors that can make caregiving easier or more stressful.
• The types of support caregivers need and ways that support can be provided.
• The importance of recognizing when help is needed and seeking support.

The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia is a place of continuous discovery to think differently about aging and dementia. The Center looks to disrupt the stigma and stereotypes that exist about aging and dementia. Services and education offered focus on how people with chronic conditions, including dementia, and older adults can live well with meaning and purpose. The Innovation Center houses the Center for Memory Health, the Family Caregivers Center, Community Connections, and the Age & Dementia Friendly Smart Showroom & Kiosks.

“Caregiving will never be easy, but at the DeWolf Innovation Center and Family Caregivers Center, we provide ways to support caregivers and make their task easier. Through Replication Design Partners like Cass Health Public Health, we are able to share those resources and support with even more caregivers in our communities,” said Good.

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. Evening sessions with different topics will be held on both Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3.

Details and 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 — Construction at Cass Health is continuing, and patients and visitors will soon notice changes in the Radiology hallway as work begins on a new PET/CT suite. The addition will bring PET/CT services in-house, providing patients with greater access to this important diagnostic imaging technology close to home.

Currently, PET/CT services at Cass Health are provided through a mobile unit that visits the hospital several times each month.

“We’re really excited to bring PET/CT in-house,” said Jess Sandbothe, Director of Radiology. “PET scans can help identify and stage cancer, evaluate heart disease, and assess some brain disorders. It’s very similar to a CT scan, except during a PET scan, you’re given a very small amount of a radioactive tracer through an IV. Our radiologists then look to see how that radioactive tracer is taken up and processed by the body at a molecular level. Because many cancer cells are more metabolically active than healthy cells, they often absorb more of the tracer and can be identified on the PET scan. This provides valuable information that helps physicians to diagnose, evaluate how well treatment is working, and make informed decisions about the next steps in a patient’s care.”

Construction and renovation of the new imaging suite are expected to continue through the end of 2026. During this time, the long hallway between the Main Entrance and Cafeteria will be partially closed.

Patients who need Radiology services will still be able to access the department as usual. The hallway will be closed just beyond the Radiology entrance and waiting room. Patients and visitors heading towards the cafeteria or Human Resources department will use an alternative route and hallway.

Meanwhile, construction continues on the back side of the hospital, where a third operating room will be built. Rehab Services is also under construction for an expansion, and cranes are expected to arrive at the end of August for steel erection of the new spaces.

“Overall, the construction project is going well. Any construction project creates a lot of extra noise and some inconveniences for patients and staff, so we are grateful to everyone being patient with us through this process,” said Mitch Whiley, Chief Information Officer.

Patients and visitors may notice additional noise and may be directed to exam rooms in other locations to help minimize the impact of construction noise.

Parking is also impacted by the construction project. Patients and visitors should use Parking Lot A by the Main Entrance, or Parking Lot C by Rehab Services and the Emergency Department.

“This is a great time to use eCheck-In whenever possible. It helps expedite the Registration process, and due to limited parking, lines at Registration can be longer than usual,” said Whiley. For patients who have a MyChart account, eCheck-In enables you to review your address, health information, insurance, and sign consents from your phone or laptop, making the process of checking in faster. Patients can sign up for a MyChart account at Cass Health Medical Records.

Construction may continue to impact parking, entrances, or wayfinding in the building. Patients and visitors are asked to watch for any construction-related signs and ask any employees for assistance in navigating the building. The entire project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.

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.