Local Organizations Partner to Host FREE Suicide Prevention Training in Atlantic, Anita, and Griswold….

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoege asks you to please, say “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor. Mental health was identified as the top health need in last year’s 2021 Cass County Community Health Needs Assessment, and local partners continue to make changes and take action to address this need. This month, Healthy Cass County, Cass County ISU Extension, and other area individuals and organizations across the county are partnering to bring a suicide prevention training to Atlantic, Anita, and Griswold. “Question. Persuade. Refer.” (QPR) Is a suicide prevention program delivered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach that teaches three simple steps to help save a life from suicide.

Kimberly Cavalier, Family Wellbeing Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explained “Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help,” . ISU Extension and Outreach will offer QPR in Cass County at three locations on three different dates so Cass County residents can attend this free 60–90-minute training at a date and time that works best for them.

Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh commented, “It’s really amazing that we are able to offer QPR in three different towns. Thanks to the Anita Public Library, Anita Wellness Center, Anita Community Center, Griswold Public Library, and the Atlantic Public Library, we are able to offer this important program across the county. Additionally, all of the organizations were happy to partner, and more than one mentioned the importance of mental health when asked if they would be interested. We’ve got strong commitments to caring for mental health across Cass County.”

Question. Persuade. Refer. in Cass County February 2022:

• Atlantic: February 14, Noon – 1 PM, Cass County Community Center (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic); Hosted in partnership with the USDA, Healthy Cass County, Cass County Extension, and the Atlantic Public Library.
• Anita: February 15, 6:00-7:30 PM, Anita Community Center (805 Main St., Anita);  Hosted in partnership with USDA, Healthy Cass County, Cass County Extension, Anita Public Library, and Anita Health and Wellness Center.
• Griswold: February 21, 5:30 – 7:00 PM, Griswold Public Library (505 Main St., Griswold); Hosted in partnership with USDA, Healthy Cass County, Cass County Extension, and Griswold Public Library.

All QPR sessions in Cass County are being offered at no cost, thanks to a grant from the USDA-NIFA 2020-70028-32728 that provides this training for free for rural communities with large populations of farmers and agricultural related business. All adults in Cass County and surrounding areas are invited to attend a QPR program, especially those who work in agricultural areas, health care, mental health, government, schools, libraries, or anyone who has an interest in learning more about mental health and suicide prevention.

Although not required, registration is appreciated. To register for a QPR session in Cass County visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/ or call Cass County ISU Extension at 712-243-1132.
For more information or to schedule a QPR program for your business or organization, contact Cass County ISU Extension at 712-243-1132. QPR sessions are also offered virtually. For more information on virtual sessions visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/. Participants of in-person QPR sessions are encouraged to wear a face covering indoors, particularly if space is limited, crowds are large, or spaces are poorly ventilated.

Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network that promotes the health and wellbeing of Cass County residents. Healthy Cass County welcomes participants from across the county. For information on community wellness events or resources, follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty. Reach out to Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or call 712-249-5870 for more information.