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Clarion Today
By the People, for the People
Rural Iowa School Hosts 'Kick the Stigma' Mental Health Event
H-D-CAL athletics team up with local organizations to raise awareness and connect students to resources
Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:42pm
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A community-driven event in rural Iowa brings together students, educators, and local mental health organizations to destigmatize conversations around well-being and connect residents to vital resources.Clarion TodayA rural Iowa high school, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, hosted a 'Kick the Stigma' event alongside a soccer doubleheader, bringing together six local mental health organizations to provide resources and raise awareness about the importance of addressing mental health challenges, especially in rural communities.
Why it matters
Mental health issues can be particularly challenging to address in rural areas due to limited access to services and persistent stigma. Events like this help break down those barriers by directly connecting students and community members to available support, while also normalizing open conversations around mental health.
The details
The event featured booths from six local organizations, including Achieve Mental Health, Gift of Giving, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Franklin County Public Health, Prairie Ridge, and the school's own Hope Squad program. Students from the Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer mental health advocacy group, were on hand to connect their classmates to trusted adults who could provide further assistance.
- The 'Kick the Stigma' event took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
- The event was held in conjunction with a soccer doubleheader against Charles City.
The players
Machele Raska
The organizer of the 'Kick the Stigma' event, who emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health resources available in rural Iowa communities.
Nora Dunnwald
A student at Hampton-Dumont-CAL and member of the school's Hope Squad, which empowers students to recognize warning signs in their peers and connect them to trusted adults for help.
Reed Masters
Another Hope Squad member who sees the event as a way to bring the community together around mental health awareness.
What they’re saying
“That is one of the reasons why I keep talking, getting these resources out there, letting people know that they're here and they're willing to help. We just have to keep talking about it, getting the people to say, you know, 'hey, we do have the resources.' You need to go talk to this person and that person. They're there. We just have to keep that word going, that organizations (are) available. It's just keeping the communication open so that people know, yes, we're out in rural Iowa, but we do have the resources. And having them here and you guys can see them is another great resource.”
— Machele Raska, Event Organizer
“It is a peer-nominated organization and essentially sometimes it's hard for kids to just go straight to adults when they're struggling. So we are the connector. Whenever a kid is struggling, whether it be suicidal thoughts or just rough things are going on at home, they can come to us and we can connect them to a trusted adult that can get to the next level and get them some help.”
— Nora Dunnwald, Hope Squad Member
“I see it as more of a community event and especially outside of our school and parents and everybody. They can gather together and really appreciate the students and bring awareness to something. Like, sports, Kick the Stigma, as it is called. And it brings awareness to mental health. And I think it's a great way to get the community together and basically (bring) togetherness.”
— Reed Masters, Hope Squad Member
What’s next
The school's Hope Squad program plans to continue its peer-to-peer mental health advocacy efforts, connecting students to resources and trusted adults who can provide further assistance.
The takeaway
Events like 'Kick the Stigma' demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health challenges, and ensure that rural students and residents have access to the support they need, even in areas with limited resources.
