Healthy Cass County is asking companies and organizations in the area to help share important mental health information by organizing a mental health program (or several). “It may be easier for many people to attend a luncheon and learn at work, or it may be easier to listen to a presentation with your church service organization or group than to attend an event open to the public,” said Anna Killpack. , executive. Director of NAMI Southwest Iowa, a Healthy Cass County partner organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness. “Businesses, churches, and other organizations are well positioned to help provide mental health programs and resources to their members at times and in places that work for them,” says Killpack. Gina Moulas, a Healthy Cass County partner and community involvement and collaboration coordinator in suicide prevention for Nebraska Veterans Affairs and the Western Iowa Health Care System, agrees. “We want to reach people. Let us come to you,” Moulas said. “Evening? Weekend? Early? Late? Please ask. We’ll work with you.”
These mental health programming partners show that the trainings are accessible, but are they relevant to the people of Cass County? Atlantic fire chief Tom Cappel thinks so. Cappel attended a Make It OK presentation last fall and recently commented: “Mental health is a serious issue for our community and our response to people in need can have a significant impact on the outcome of It’s important to be prepared to talk about mental health, work to reduce stigma, and make sure we’re prepared to help those in crisis. how beneficial they are, even if you’re not in charge of emergencies. “
Below is a list of free programs and workouts that can be scheduled for a company, club, church, or other Cass County group upon request. While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Healthy Cass County reminds businesses and organizations that the following programs are available year-round.
Free mental health programs available upon request
Question. Persuade. See. Adult Suicide Prevention Training by ISU Extension.
Duration: 1-1.5 h. Contact: Cass County ISU Extension at 712-243-1132.
Do it right: Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people receiving mental health treatment. This is a mental health stigma reduction workout. Duration: 45 min – 1.5 hours. Contact: Cass County Welfare Coordinator Brigham Hoegh bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870 www.MakeItOK.org/Iowa
Law enforcement training and first responders for escalation when interacting with veterans in crisis: Nationally recognized training developed by VA police for first-time veterans, but provides tools for lifeguards to use when working with anyone suffering from a mental health crisis. . Duration: 2 hours (Note: this training may be shortened) Contact: Gina Moulas, Coordinator of Participation and Community Association for Suicide Prevention, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, gina.moulas@va.gov, 402-810 -0074
CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) is a training in adult suicide prevention related to reducing access to firearms. Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours Contact: Gina Moulas, Coordinator of Participation and Community Association for Suicide Prevention, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, gina.moulas@va.gov, 402-810-0074
Understanding PTSD This training is for people over the age of 12 and can be useful for families of people with PTSD. Duration: 1 h Contact: Gina Moulas, Coordinator of Participation and Community Association for Suicide Prevention, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, gina.moulas@va.gov, 402-810-0074
Community Classroom: Depression and Anxiety Mental health education for adults, and specifically the elderly, including signs, symptoms, ways of working the brain with treatment options and different types of anxiety and general information about depression in the aging population. Duration: 30 min – 1 h Contact: Jessica Duncan 712-318-3080
Faith-based book kits that deal with mental health issues These reading club kits are receiving rave reviews! Available for payment to individuals or organizations in Cass County. Contact: Atlantic Public Library Director Michelle Andersen 712-243-5466 ext. 3
Renewal Rhythms: Negotiating Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekah Lyons (12 books, 1 5-session DVD, 6 DVD study guides)
Holy Vulnerability: Spiritual Practices for Kellye Fabian’s Broken, Embarrassed, Anxious, and Fearful (12 books).
Healthy Cass County is sharing a series of press releases for Mental Health Awareness Month. The previous update highlighted mental health events scheduled in Cass County in May 2022. For this information and more mental health resources, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/ or call l ‘Cass County ISU Extension Office at 712-243-1132.
Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network designed to promote the health and well-being of Cass County residents. Contact Cass County Welfare Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or call 712-249-5870 for more information. Healthy Cass County welcomes participants from all over Cass County. For information on community welfare events or resources, follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty.
