Our vision is to be the healthiest county in the state of Iowa.

Our mission is to be a community-focused network promoting the health & well-being of Cass County residents.

Meeting: October 13, 2025, from 12-1 pm.

• The October Healthy Cass County meeting was held in person at Cass Health.
• Topic: Community Health Needs Assessment Data Review

Meeting Attendees:

Bernard Pettinger - Cass County Supervisor, Erin Juhl - ZION Integrated Behavioral Health, Amanda Wahlert - ZION Integrated Behavioral Health, Shelley Flanery - St. Gregory Recovery, Lora Kanning - Cass County Conservation, Mery-Beth Roskens - WISC, Jeff Christensen - Parks & Rec, Christina Bettini - RSVP, Chelsie Rush - A Community For Kids, Kate Olson - Cass County Iowa State Extension, Wendy Richter - Family Crisis, Erika Kirchhoff - Thriving Families, Sara Andersen - Cass Health, Nikkole Cordeman - Connections Area Agency on Aging, Jennifer Arp - Cass Health, Kaycee Anstey - Nishna Valley YMCA, JoAnne Olsen - Heartland Family Services, Megan Roberts - Public Health, Grace McAfee - Public Health, Lilly Barber - Cass Health Intern

Community Health Needs Assessment Data Review:



Megan Roberts presented an overview of findings from the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHA), incorporating data from the Iowa Cancer Registry, CDC, SAMHSA, Iowa Youth Survey, Healthy People 2030, Cancer.org, and the Iowa Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

This data highlights key areas of concern for our community, including Mental Health, Healthy Eating & Active Living, Cancer, Senior Services, Substance Misuse, Childcare, Housing, and Violence & Crime. We will use this combined data to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan, to be completed in January. This plan will identify key partners and organizations that will lead efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of our community.

Community Wellness Updates:

Healthy Cass County Coalition Meeting Agenda Schedule:

As many of you know, our 2025 Community Health Assessment Summit was held on September 30th. The data collected from this process will be used to guide the development of the Healthy Cass Meeting Schedule, ensuring our efforts remain focused on what matters most to Cass County residents.

We anticipate having the schedule finalized by the end of October. Following that, we’ll align our meetings and initiatives with the community’s identified priorities. This intentional approach will help ensure that each meeting is meaningful, impactful, and centered on improving the overall health and well-being of our community.

Volunteerism Task Force

If you signed up to be a part of our "Volunteerism Task Force," be on the lookout for an email coming soon with a poll asking for the best time to meet. Thank you!

Coalition Member Updates:

Alma Clausen, ZION IBH - ZION's Chasing Wellness and October Toilet Talk Newsletters are attached below.

Produce in the Park Update: Ciara Hoegh

• Boo-Tique Market will be Saturday, October 18th, 10 am - Noon at the Nishna Valley YMCA. There will be free bounce houses, face painting, horse rides, food trucks, and of course, local foods and crafts.
• Please see flyer attached below for more information.

Erika Kirchoff, Thriving Families- Attached below are several training opportunities designed for families and/or professionals who work with families. Some sessions are available virtually, while others are offered in person in Council Bluffs.

Want to be involved?

Email mcage@casshealth.org to learn more about partner opportunities. Stay Involved This Summer at the Healthy Cass County Coalition Booths

• WIC Clinics - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month

Urgent Needs Guide