(Cass Co) The Cass County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Grace McAfee, Cass County Wellness Coordinator, read the proclamation which states that Mental Health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well being; and all individuals experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives and awareness and prevention are effective ways to reduce the burden of mental health conditions. And, there is a strong body of research that supports specific tools that all individuals can use to better handle challenges and protect their health and well being, and with early and effective treatment those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full productive lives.
A ‘Make it OK’ display is located in the hallway on the main level of the Cass County Courthouse. Make it Ok is a campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illnesses.
As the number one area of concern in the 2022 Health Improvement Plan, Cass County has continuously worked to spread awareness of Mental Health. Members of the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness attended to show their support those members included representatives from Cass County Extension, Public Health, Zion Integrated Behavioral Health, Healthy Cass, Senior Life Solutions, Southwest Iowa Region Mental Health & Disability Services, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa, and Family Crisis & Intervention.
To help promote Mental Health, the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness will host a Mental Wellness Panel on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Griswold Community Building (601 2nd Street, Griswold, Iowa 51535). A free meal will be provided at 5:30 pm. The presentation will begin at 6:00 pm. Community members of all ages are welcome to join as we discuss resiliency strategies, emotional support for our youth, and local resources for therapy and crisis situations. No pre-registration is required. If you have any further questions, please contact Grace McAfee at (712) 250-8170 or mcage@casshealth.org.
To find out more about Mental Wellness Events happening across Cass County in May be sure to follow the Healthy Cass Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/HealthyCassCounty.
