(Atlantic) September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions team is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and preventing suicide. With support from local partners, they are hosting a free community walk on Thursday, September 10, 2026, beginning at 7:00 pm at City Park in Atlantic.
Each year, organizations like Senior Life Solutions work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, improve access to care, and educate the public about the warning signs of suicide and how to help those in need. The walk is co-hosted by Cass Health, Healthy Cass County, and the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness, with additional support provided by Atlantic Parks & Recreation and Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that “Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person’s job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together. This year’s theme — Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. —highlights the importance of strengthening connections that protect people before a crisis occurs, making sure everyone knows where to turn and knows it before they need it, building communities where people feel safe reaching out for help, and supporting recovery and healing long after a crisis has ended.”
Karmen Roland, Director of Senior Life Solutions, commented, “The theme this year is great because we are stronger together, and we all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Whether you’re a part of a church, school, workplace, or other community, we can all help build spaces where people feel connected, valued, and supported, so that people have a safe space to seek help.”
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call, text, or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For more information about the walk, call 712-250-8100.
Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis. This program is managed in conjunction with Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities. PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information or if you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please call 712-250-8100.
