AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety: Toledo police say the Old West End Festival shooting that left 12 people injured stemmed from a dispute between rival groups, with gunfire exchanged after a chase and fight; investigators are still searching for suspects. Violence as a Health Issue: Dayton leaders are working to secure state funding and expand violence-fighting strategies, framing violence interruption as a community-wide public health crisis. Food & Supplement Safety: The FDA expanded a Salmonella outbreak recall tied to moringa leaf powder supplements, now linked to 119 illnesses across 36 states, with 32 hospitalizations. Cancer Screening Access: Ohio State researchers report unmet health-related social needs—especially housing instability and transportation barriers—are linked to lower colorectal cancer screening rates, with the biggest impact for ages 50–64. Local Wellness & Care: AAA7’s long-term care ombudsman program highlights volunteer roles that help seniors access rights and reduce isolation. Ohio Health Tech: VA is rolling out new electronic health record systems in Ohio and Kentucky. Community Health Tips: Nationwide Children’s Hospital finds moderate screen time after concussion may speed recovery compared with too little or too much. Health & Daily Living: A “Dear Dr. Roach” Q&A explains why constipation can linger after colonoscopy and when to consider medication causes or probiotics. Wellness in the Community: A Lisbon cyclist will pilot a blind athlete on an 863-mile Race Across the West, spotlighting inclusive endurance sports.

Local Health Access: The Christ Hospital’s Liberty Township Birthing Center opened Cincinnati’s first breast milk dispensary, partnering with the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank so families with a prescription can get pasteurized, screened donor milk closer to home. Health Care Workforce & Training: Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Tressel and JobsOhio announced a $300M JobsOhio Experiential Learning Initiative to help Ohio employers upskill and hire for in-demand technical roles, including healthcare. Patient Safety & Care Quality: A West Chester nursing home lost a lawsuit after a jury found it caused an 83-year-old resident’s death in 2024, according to court reporting. Public Health & Prevention: Dermatologists warn shoppers to be careful buying Korean sunscreen online, citing safety concerns and urging people to check what they’re getting. Community Wellness Support: Game Changers and the Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation launched a health and wellness scholarship aimed at expanding careers beyond traditional medical paths. Health Tech in Ohio: 4U Solutions and Headsafe US partnered to expand access in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to Nurochek, an FDA-cleared portable EEG tool that can aid concussion diagnosis. Fraud Watch: Ohio Auditor of State’s investigators pursued a former Jackson County Combined General Health District employee for theft tied to double-paid hours across public jobs. Safety Update: Toledo officials say nine of 12 people injured in a festival shooting have been released from hospitals, with no arrests yet and a dispute between rival groups cited as a possible spark.

Medicaid Caregiver Fight: Ohio lawmakers removed a proposal that would have banned Medicaid payments to paid family caregivers after disabled residents and advocates pushed back hard at the Statehouse. Public Health Policy: Ohio lawmakers also reversed course on home healthcare limits after backlash, keeping more people able to receive care at home. Maternal Mental Health: A new look at postpartum depression highlights how rates have risen and why it’s more than “baby blues,” with untreated cases linked to serious risks. Emergency Preparedness: After the Toledo Old West End Festival shooting, local doctors stressed the value of free “Stop the Bleed” training for life-saving bleeding control. Air Quality: Toledo officials explained how ground-level ozone forms in summer and who should take extra precautions. Community Health Services: Southwoods Health marked 30 years of expanding access to care in the Mahoning Valley, including surgery, imaging, rehab, home health, and sleep medicine. Sports & Health Tech: Research on AI in healthcare found transparency can boost trust, but higher diagnostic accuracy may not always increase patient trust. EMS Week: Gov. DeWine signed a bill creating “EMS Week in Ohio” to spotlight emergency medical services.

Public Health & Access: A new study presented at SLEEP 2026 finds rural Ohio patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to be referred for evaluation than urban patients, even after accounting for individual and neighborhood factors—highlighting a referral gap that could delay diagnosis and treatment. Infectious Disease Watch: Ohio tick risk is rising as tick populations expand, with experts pointing to growing Lyme disease numbers and urging long sleeves, repellent, and regular tick checks. Community Safety: Toledo police continue a manhunt after a shooting near the Old West End Festival left 12 people wounded; officials say it appears at least two people fired and may have been “shooting at each other,” with victims reported stable and improving. Health Policy & Fraud: Ohio and federal partners announced a crackdown on SNAP benefit fraud, issuing violations to 19 retailers across Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Local Health Systems: Cleveland EMS is shifting toward prevention and community-connected care, expanding follow-ups after 911 calls and support for frequent users and chronic conditions. Healthcare Coverage: A KFF update reviews how Title X and Medicaid funding pressures have affected Planned Parenthood clinic access since 2025.

Medicaid & Caregiving: Gov. DeWine signed emergency rules to tighten Medicaid provider revalidation, aiming to curb fraud—while disabled Ohioans and family caregivers warn proposed limits on paying family caregivers for help with daily tasks could leave people stuck in bed. Public Health Policy: The DOJ reached a resolution with Cleveland Clinic over pediatric “gender-affirming care,” including commitments not to provide sex-rejecting procedures for minors. Juvenile Justice: DeWine and DYS broke ground on four smaller, downsized juvenile corrections facilities in Northeast Ohio to replace a large Cuyahoga Hills site, citing safer, more personalized treatment. Safety & Health Access: USPS launched a “Dog Bite Awareness” campaign after thousands of dog attacks on mail carriers, urging customers to secure pets during delivery hours. Local Health & Wellness Community: Riverfest celebrated the Mahoning River’s environmental rebound, and a Salem soap box derby highlighted inclusive recreation for kids with special needs. Ohio Crime With Health Impact: Police continued searching after a Toledo street festival shooting left 12 injured, including two in critical condition, with investigators saying gunmen may have been firing at each other.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Gunfire near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left at least 12 people wounded, including two in critical condition, as police searched for at least two suspects and urged anyone with photos or videos to come forward; organizers canceled the rest of the event. West Chester Police Use of Force: Bodycam footage described a West Chester officer fatally shooting a 39-year-old man after he allegedly held a knife to a woman’s throat; the woman was treated and released, and multiple agencies are investigating. Mental Health Access (Central Ohio): A local psychiatrist highlighted how to find help through Ohio mental health partners and reminded residents to call or text 988 during crises. Nutrition & Inflammation Study (OSU): Researchers reported tomato-soy juice rich in plant compounds lowered inflammation-related blood markers in adults with obesity after four weeks. Local Health & Safety Funding: Painesville officials sought a FEMA grant to add firefighter-paramedics, citing nearly doubled call volume since staffing cuts. Community Wellness Events: Champaign County Library listed upcoming creative and hiking-themed programs for June.

Community Safety: A mass shooting near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left at least 12 people wounded, including two in critical condition, with victims reported ages 14 to 61. Toledo police say the gunfire may have involved at least two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other,” and they’re still searching for suspects after victims were transported to nearby hospitals. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the incident deeply concerning, saying summer festivals should be safe spaces for families. Local Response: Police urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while investigators review video and ask anyone with photos or clips to come forward. Health Angle: With multiple victims rushed to medical centers, the incident highlights how quickly public events can turn into emergency care surges for local hospitals.

Heart-Brain Link: A new Ohio State Wexner Medical Center study finds heart attack survivors are about 5% more likely to develop cognitive impairment later, underscoring the need to control blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and other heart risks. Kids’ Health in Schools: The American Academy of Pediatrics says recess is essential—not a reward—and warns schools not to cut it for discipline or academics, tying movement breaks to stress regulation and long-term well-being. Substance Use Safety: Ohio’s new law clarifies K-12 schools can carry and administer naloxone/Narcan, as overdose reversal access becomes a bigger focus amid rising teen overdoses. Mental Health Records Access: A report highlights how families struggle to get long-dead relatives’ psychiatric records, with some states changing rules slowly. Community Health Funding: The Janie Altmeyer Think Pink Fund donated $90,000 to WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s Breast Care Center to support patient testing and comfort needs. Local Wellness Access: West Chester’s new Kroger Marketplace adds a pharmacy with drive-thru plus food options like sushi and Murray’s Cheese, expanding everyday health-related convenience. Public Health & Safety: A new Wheeling task force aims to tackle homelessness with a broad mix of faith, health, public safety, and community voices.

Medicaid & fraud enforcement: Ohio Attorney General Yost sued Superior Air-Ground Ambulance over alleged deceptive out-of-network billing and missing required cost estimates, adding to a broader push to crack down on health care fraud. Care access for complex needs: UC and Ohio State researchers found adults with developmental disabilities in integrated psychiatric-and-primary care had lower odds of emergency visits and hospitalization, pointing to better co-located care models. Public health & safety: Ohio lawmakers are weighing guardrails on license plate reader data sharing as privacy concerns grow, while Ohio also faces lead-line replacement debate—mandating replacement statewide could cost billions and strain local budgets. Community wellness & prevention: A beginner kayaking class series at Ottawa Metro Park highlights how outdoor activity can support physical and mental health, and USPS launched a dog-bite prevention campaign after thousands of carrier attacks. Local health services: Riverview Health of Defiance is adding PA-C Karen Westhoven with new primary-care appointment hours, expanding access close to home. Health-adjacent local news: A roundabout project in Rossford is disrupting business traffic, and a serious Fulton County crash involving a USPS mail truck sent a mail carrier to Toledo for serious injuries.

Men’s Mental Health: A Richland County push is expanding suicide prevention for men ages 24–59, citing that Ohio men made up about 80% of suicide deaths in 2023–2024 and that stigma keeps many from asking for help. Faster Antibiotic Resistance Testing: Cleveland researchers presented a modified culture method that can rapidly detect fidaxomicin-resistant C. difficile, aiming to cut lab workload and speed up effective treatment. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced a False Claims Act settlement tied to an Ohio psychiatric hospital operator, and separate reporting highlights how federal enforcement is targeting Medicaid fraud across states. Cancer Care Access: Connecticut enacted insurance coverage for scalp cooling therapy to help reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss, joining a growing list of states expanding coverage. Public Health in the Environment: New research reports antidepressant drugs showing up in waterways near wastewater plant discharge sites, raising concerns for aquatic life. Safety & Care in Ohio: Police said a North Ridgeville crash that killed a teen will not lead to charges, while Cleveland EMS reported a 13-year-old seriously injured after being hit by a car. Community Health Awareness: Health departments promoted free Narcan access ahead of summer events.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: DOJ and Ohio leaders announced new fraud charges tied to more than $42 million, including alleged fake children’s behavioral health services and luxury-car spending, plus an FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list and a new federal-state data-sharing push. State Medicaid Oversight: DeWine’s administration says it will suspend payments to 49 high-risk Medicaid home care providers after fraud red flags, as enforcement ramps up. Local Behavioral Health Fraud: Ohio AG says a Greater Cincinnati clinic owner is accused of more than $12 million in Medicaid fraud for services allegedly billed for kids at after-school programs that weren’t provided. Food & Wellness Access: My Village Yoga in Cleveland is expanding free community yoga led by Black instructors, aiming to improve mental wellness and access. Community Health Support: Lima is continuing an air conditioner program for seniors, with donations needed to reach hundreds of units. Hospital Care Milestone: Saint Joseph London plans a June 25 centennial garden dedication for patients, families, and caregivers. Public Health Safety: Ohio is rolling out SNAP fraud protections, including card-lock steps for out-of-state and online purchases.

SNAP Fraud Crackdown: Ohio House Bill 163 would move SNAP EBT cards to chip-enabled technology to cut skimming theft; the House passed it 90-0 and it now heads to the Senate. Medicaid Enforcement: The DeWine administration is cutting off Medicaid payments to 49 providers flagged for waste, fraud, or abuse, as federal and state leaders roll out a broader fraud-fighting push. Behavioral Health Billing Allegations: DOJ says 14 people were indicted in schemes totaling more than $50M, including claims for children’s behavioral health services that prosecutors say were never provided. Public Health Risk Watch: A flesh-eating “new world screwworm” has been confirmed in Texas—officials are working on quarantines and sterile fly releases; Ohio’s proximity is being closely watched. Safety & Care Access: OSU agreed to a $100M settlement with hundreds of former student athletes alleging abuse by a campus doctor, while dermatologists warn that a return to tanning beds can raise skin cancer risk. Community Health Tech: Eight startups were selected for an American Heart Association heart-and-brain health accelerator.

OSU Settlement: Ohio State approved a roughly $100 million deal to resolve claims from nearly 300 former student athletes abused by team doctor Richard Strauss, with one plaintiff still holding out as the October trial date looms. Medicaid Fraud Scrutiny: Ohio lawmakers and oversight officials held hearings focused on Medicaid waiver fraud, including allegations tied to home-care billing in Ohio and calls for tougher controls. Caregiving Stress: A new AARP-backed look at Ohio caregivers finds many are paying out of pocket, juggling work, and nearing burnout—raising questions about how (and whether) Medicaid supports family care. Nursing Home Lawsuit: The estate of a woman who died after a colon perforation-related decline is suing a Warren nursing facility, alleging missed constipation monitoring after surgery. Public Health & Safety: An Akron Water Plant chlorine-related incident sent three people to hospitals and triggered a shelter-in-place order that has since been lifted. Workforce & Training: Ohio announced $5M for workforce partnerships, including local manufacturing and skilled-trades programs, plus a Mahoning Valley grant to expand youth-to-career pipelines. Local Health Infrastructure: University of Cincinnati imaging research center aims to speed MRI innovation, while Valley Hospice plans to expand palliative care. Community Health Access: Warren schools reported measurable drops in chronic absenteeism after adding on-site health services and mental health partnerships.

Statehouse Health Funding: Ohio lawmakers unveiled a $3.7B capital budget that includes millions for a new behavioral health hospital and a youth psychiatric facility, plus major central Ohio projects like zoo upgrades and the Poindexter Village African American Museum. Medicaid Fraud Oversight: A new Ohio Medicaid waiver fraud task force hearing opened with claims of $1.2B in losses tied to poorly managed waiver programs, putting more scrutiny on how care is billed. Cancer Screening Guidance: A doctor highlights updated breast cancer screening recommendations and the common confusion about when mammograms should start, urging patients to talk risk level with their clinicians. RSV Treatment Research: Early lab findings suggest a common arthritis drug may interfere with RSV spread in the respiratory tract, though experts warn lab results don’t always translate to real-world care. Skin Health & Tanning: OSU Wexner dermatology experts warn that both indoor and outdoor tanning cause DNA damage and raise skin cancer risk, especially for teens. Community Wellness Events: The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend in Wheeling drew thousands for runs, youth events, and a Tough As Nails challenge—an upbeat reminder that movement and community support go hand in hand. Public Health Safety: Ohio Statehouse data center protests continued with residents raising long-term water and health concerns as lawmakers weigh the projects.

Health Q&A: A “To Your Good Health” column explains MGUS and why even “high-risk” results still translate to strong yearly odds for avoiding multiple myeloma. Federal Funding: Rep. Marcy Kaptur announced $7.76M+ in HHS support for northwest Ohio health centers, Head Start, and University of Toledo cancer research and training. Local Health Systems: Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic for Mission Day, highlighting faith-based care at the intergenerational campus. Public Health & Safety: Champion trustees approved updated mutual aid EMS billing rates, aiming to keep coverage steady when understaffed departments need help. Community Wellness Access: Toledo Library partners with a local nonprofit to provide free summer lunches, supporting kids facing food insecurity. Food Safety Warning: FDA/CDC reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses and recalls. Health Care Workforce/Research: University of Cincinnati opened an imaging research center focused on MR development, boosting local medical research capacity. Animal Health & Welfare: Toledo Humane Society is treating 39 dogs rescued from severe neglect, with grooming and rehab underway.

Medicaid & Health Policy: A new wave of political debate is swirling around Ohio Medicaid fraud claims, with Dr. Mehmet Oz defending Gov. Mike DeWine’s approach while critics argue the state isn’t doing enough. Public Health & Safety: Minster’s swim pool is closed after a mechanical pump issue prompted precautionary hospital checks for 14 swimmers over possible chlorine exposure. Cancer Research: An Ohio man whose wife died of cervical cancer is urging lawmakers to boost NIH cancer research funding, arguing federal support can extend lives and improve outcomes. Healthcare Systems: WVU Health System and Independence Health System signed a definitive agreement for WVU to acquire Independence, with a late-September/early-October 2026 target pending approvals. Community Wellness: Toledo Library and a local nonprofit are again offering free summer weekday lunches for youth at 13 branches, no income limits and no registration needed. Local Environment & Health Risk: Clermont County commissioners plan to sue former and current Beckjord plant owners over coal ash handling, citing potential drinking-water risks tied to contaminants. Workforce & Access to Care: Toledo Public Schools is hosting a bus driver recruitment event with on-the-spot test drives and interviews, aiming to ease staffing shortages that can delay services. Prevention & Lifestyle: New reporting highlights how gardeners can underestimate UV exposure and increase skin cancer risk without consistent sun protection. Health & Relationships: Experts weigh how marriage can affect health—often through social support—while stressing that staying in a chronically stressful relationship isn’t automatically beneficial.