(Atlantic, Iowa) – There have been lots of local events and news recently about mental health in Cass County, in part because mental health was identified as the top health need in the 2021 Cass County Community Health Needs Assessment this spring. If you’re curious about how you can make a difference, Monday, October 25, offers two opportunities for area businesses and individuals to learn how to “Make it OK” at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The sessions are free to attend and open to all people in Cass County. The schedule is as follows:

• Noon – 1 p.m. (Lunch will be served. RSVP required by Oct. 21.)
• 2-3 p.m. (Refreshments will be served. No RSVP required.)

Make It OK is a campaign by the Healthiest State Initiative to “reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding” about mental health. The Healthiest State Initiative is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Iowans.

Jami Haberl, Executive Director of the Healthiest State Initiative, says “Stigma prevents people from getting the help and support they need.” Haberl will be leading the presentations in Cass County. Visit MakeItOK.org/Iowa to learn more. Both sessions will include the same information and will touch on the important role workplaces play in relation to mental health. According to the Healthiest State Initiative, mental health issues are costly for employers, and while work can contribute to mental well-being, work can also negatively affect mental wellness.

The Atlantic Lions Club and Cass County Iowa State University Extension are sponsoring lunch (A-Town Smokeshack and Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts) for attendees of the noon session. Attendees must RSVP by Thursday, October 21 to receive lunch. To RSVP contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870 or call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132. Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts will also be provided to all attendees of the 2 p.m. session, however no RSVP is required. Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling will provide refreshments at both sessions.

Seating will be arranged to allow for social distancing at the October 25 events, and masking is appreciated. A virtual session will be held online at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 4, for those who would rather attend virtually or cannot attend the in-person events. To register for the Nov. 4 virtual event, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com/cassco.

Cass County Make it OK in the Workplace events are supported by Healthy Cass County, Cass County Iowa State University Extension, the Atlantic Lions, the Healthiest State Initiative, and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.