(Atlantic, IA) – Cass County Wellness Coordinator Grace McAfee says, “In a powerful show of collaboration, three Cass County school districts came together for the first-ever Hope Squad Advisor Training on November 18th at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic, Iowa. The event brought together 22 school staff and administrators who are committed to strengthening mental health supports for students across the county. During the training, 14 new Hope Squad advisors were certified to lead peer-based suicide prevention programs in their schools.”

Hope Squad is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that empowers students to notice warning signs of suicide, break the silence surrounding mental health struggles, and connect peers to trusted adults. With all three districts joining forces, Cass County is taking a united step forward to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and valued. According to Eric Workman, Hope Squad CEO, their program “Empowers students to look out for one another. When young people feel connected to each other, it changes the school culture in a way that can truly save lives. Cass County is setting an incredible example by investing in a program like ours that thrives when students, adults, and communities work together.”

Recent data from the Iowa Youth Survey underscores just how critical this work is. In Iowa, 30% of teens in grades 6th–11th reported feeling sad or hopeless within the last 12 months. Of those students, 21% said they had experienced suicidal ideation. The local collaborative of mental health community partners stated these numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the mental health challenges facing today’s youth—and the importance of proactive, school-based solutions. The initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Iowa West Foundation, APEX Wind Energy, the Cass County Community Foundation, Cass Health and community supporters who share a vision for a healthier, more hopeful future.

(Photo courtesy Grace McAfee)

Iowa West Foundation CEO Brenda Mainwaring says “The Iowa West Foundation is proud to support Hope Squad across all three Cass County school districts. Our investment has helped leverage generous community support, and we’re encouraged by the momentum it’s created. Empowering young people with the tools to build belonging and care for one another will have a lasting impact on their lives and their rural communities.” Throughout the day-long training, advisors participated in interactive sessions focused on relationship-building, identifying signs of distress, and guiding Hope Squad members through peer support strategies. School administrators also joined portions of the training to learn how the program will be implemented within their buildings.

After the training, advisors will take what they’ve learned back to their school districts to begin the student peer selection process. During this process, students identify peers they feel are approachable, compassionate, and willing to lend a listening ear to those in need. This step marks the beginning of a collaborative movement among all Cass County School Districts to create stronger, more connected school communities. Erin Kilmer Griswold, newly trained Hope Squad Advisor, commented “We believe the students who will be selected as peer leaders are already the ones their classmates turn to. Our students are natural listeners, and I’m excited to give them the tools and confidence to support those conversations in a healthy, informed way and strengthen the well-being of their friends.”

About the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness
The Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness brings together people to reduce stigma, identify mental health gaps, and unite community partners to make a meaningful impact on mental well-being in Cass County. Want to get involved in wellness in Cass County? Please contact Grace McAfee, Wellness Coordinator, at mcage@casshealth.org.