(Atlantic, Iowa) – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Healthy Cass County is hosting a free suicide prevention training Monday, September 12, 2022, from noon – 1:00 PM. CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means), focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center says “Reducing
access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies.”

The training will be presented by Gina Moulas, who works for Veterans Affairs (VA) in Suicide Prevention as a Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator. Gina is an active
participant in Healthy Cass County. People who visited the Cass County Fair may recognize Gina. Others may have seen her sharing coloring books and other mental health resources at
Produce in the Park. The CALM suicide prevention training is open to the public. To join the meting virtually, contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870.

The meeting will also be broadcast at the Atlantic Public Library meeting room. Anyone is welcome to attend. Food is allowed in the meeting room, and attendees are welcome to bring
their lunch. Additional information from the VA on suicide prevention, including resources on lethal means, can be found at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp. For more information on free mental health trainings and programing available to businesses, schools, churches, and other community groups, contact Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870.

Additional events will be planned for Suicide Awareness Month. Follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty for information, tips, and connection points throughout the
month, as we focus on this important topic.

Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network formed to promote the health and well-being of all people in Cass County. Healthy Cass County meets on the second Monday
of the month from noon-1:00 PM. All people are welcome. Contact Brigham Hoegh for more information.