Atlantic, IA—Cass Health will begin administering seasonal vaccines for influenza on Thursday, October 1. Flu shots and FluMist are both available, as well as high-dose flu shots for patients over the age of 65. FluMist is an option for patients ages 2 through 49.
Walk-ins are welcome during normal Immunization Room hours; all patients should check-in at Registration first. The Immunization Room is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm.
The annual Ayzlee’s Family Flu Clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 21 from 5 to 7 pm. This clinic is specifically for young families and will include children’s activities and snacks. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. The event will be held inside the Cass Health Main Entrance.
Cass Health will administer flu vaccines, via injection or FluMist, at local schools. A clinic will be held at the Atlantic Schools on Tuesday, October 13, Griswold School on Wednesday, October 14, and CAM Schools on Thursday, October 15. The required consent will be distributed by the schools; parents must return the consent form to the school by Monday, October 5. Or, to download and print a copy of the consent, visit casshealth.org/vaccines.
Patients can also receive seasonal vaccines at Cass Health clinics in Anita, Griswold, and Massena. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is recommended.
To make an appointment for Ayzlee’s Family Flu Clinic, please call 712-243-2850.
Atlantic, IA—As part of the organization’s efforts to help combat rising cancer rates in Cass County and southwest Iowa, Cass Health is providing free classes on exercise and cooking for young adults.
Geared towards adults ages 21 through 45, the goal of these classes is to support people as they build healthier lifestyles that may help prevent cancer later in life.
The Cooking Class is a four-week series that starts on Monday, September 21. Held in partnership with Cass County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, these classes will focus on the role of nutrition in cancer prevention, how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, meal planning, and more.
The Exercise Class is an eight-week series that begins on Tuesday, September 22. Held in partnership with numerous local organizations, these classes will focus on the role of exercise in cancer prevention, building a habit of physical activity, and learning about exercise from local experts. Each week participants will try a different type of exercise.
Both classes are being provided for free, and participants who attend at least 75% of the class series will receive a $50 gift card.
Details and the online registration form can be found at casshealth.org/community/cancerpreventionclasses.
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.
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.
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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 2nd 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:
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 24th 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.