(Atlantic, Iowa)  – Cass Health in Atlantic reports Grace McAfee has been hired as the new Community Wellness Coordinator for Cass County. She began her role on Monday, January 15th. McAfee’s primary focus area will be promoting and communicating wellness initiatives for individuals and groups around Cass County. She will collaborate closely with other local groups focused on community health and wellness.

The Cass County Wellness Coordinator position is housed out of Cass Health but is uniquely funded by Cass County Extension, Cass Health, Cass County Board of Supervisors, and the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. Grace will spend her first few months meeting with local organizations to see where she can be of assistance.

Beth Olsen, Director of Cass County Public Health states, “Grace will be a huge asset to our community as we tackle the biggest needs in Cass County, as identified on our 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment.” Olsen noted that the top needs from the public survey included mental health, childcare, housing, older adult services and support, physical fitness and outdoor recreation, healthy food access and awareness, and substance misuse and addiction.

Grace is a Cass County Native who grew up just outside of Wiota. After high school, she attended Iowa State University to obtain her degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences Education. Following graduation, Grace and her husband, Tyler McAfee, moved back to the area and now live on an acreage just outside of Anita with their son. Previously, Grace taught at CAM Community School District for three years.

McAfee said “I am excited to collaborate with local groups and provide them support to further improve health and wellness opportunities across Cass County,” and noted that the role is truly designed to focus on connection and expanding opportunities for all residents.

The wellness coordinator role was created to maintain and expand collaboration with key community partners, including those in education, healthcare, social services, mental health, local and state government, extension, public health, and economic development, developing and implementing sustainable strategies to address high-priority community health issues.

If you have an upcoming meeting or event that you would like Grace to attend, she can be reached at (712) 250-8170 or mcage@casshealth.org.