(Cass County) Healthy Cass County invites community members, organizations, and local leaders to attend its July Healthy Cass County Meeting on Monday, July 13th at noon at the Cass County Community Center (805 W 10th St., Atlantic, IA 50020). The focus will be on the growing success of Hope Squad programs across Cass County schools. The discussion aligns with the Cass County Community Health Improvement Plan along with Iowa State Health Improvement Plan Focus Area 2.2: Children and Youth – Increase Prevention Programming for Youth Ages 0–18.
According to the press release, in November 2025, sixteen teachers and school staff from across Cass County completed Hope Squad Advisor training, bringing the nation’s leading peer-to-peer suicide prevention program to local school districts. Hope Squad equips students to recognize when their peers may be struggling, encourages them to ask the simple but powerful question, “How are you doing?”, and teaches them when to involve a trusted adult if a situation becomes too overwhelming.
Since completing their training, Hope Squad Advisors have worked tirelessly to establish and grow the program within their schools. Today, more than 90 students across Cass County serve as members of their school’s Hope Squad, helping create a culture where students look out for one another, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and connect classmates to trusted adults when support is needed.
During the July Healthy Cass County Meeting, Hope Squad Advisors and school staff will share the successes they have experienced during the program’s first year, along with the lessons learned and challenges they’ve encountered while implementing Hope Squad in their school communities.
The meeting is designed to serve as a collaborative conversation between schools and the broader community. Community organizations, businesses, service providers, and residents will have the opportunity to learn how Hope Squad is changing lives while exploring ways they can support the program moving into its second year.
Topics of discussion will include:
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Celebrating Hope Squad successes across Cass County schools
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Sharing implementation experiences and lessons learned
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Identifying challenges schools continue to face
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Exploring community partnerships that can strengthen student mental health
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Connecting schools with local resources and organizations
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Building sustainable support for Hope Squad as programs continue to grow
Hope Squad is built on the belief that students are often the first to recognize when a friend is struggling. By empowering youth to care for one another and ensuring trusted adults are ready to respond, Hope Squad strengthens the network of support surrounding students and helps create safer, healthier school communities.
Healthy Cass County encourages all community members who care about the well-being of local youth to attend. Whether you represent a community organization, business, faith community, healthcare provider, or simply want to support the next generation, your partnership can help make Year Two of Hope Squad even stronger.
The Healthy Cass Coalition is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Cass County residents by fostering community collaboration and supporting local initiatives. Through partnerships and community engagement, the coalition addresses key issues like food security, mental wellness, and overall public health. If you’re interested in learning more or signing up for updates, please reach out to Grace McAfee at mcage@casshealth.org or call 712-250-8170.
