AGP Executive Report

Street-Medicine Training Grant: MetroHealth in Cleveland won a $2.5M federal HRSA grant to expand street medicine training for doctors, sending residents to meet people experiencing homelessness in shelters and encampments. Wrong-Leg Amputation Lawsuits: Multiple reports highlight Ohio patients alleging hospitals amputated the wrong leg, renewing pressure on surgical safety and accountability. Measles Alerts in Ohio: Health officials reported measles cases and possible exposures, including at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and in other Ohio communities, urging vaccination checks. ADAMHS Ethics Questions: A Dayton Daily News investigation found an ethics “revolving door” concern tied to a Montgomery County ADAMHS director appointment, after she stepped down from the board shortly before being hired. Healthcare Access & Coverage Scams: As nearly 1M people nationwide begin receiving $500 HealthCare.gov refunds, Ohio consumers are warned to watch for copycat scams. Public Health on Campus: A mumps outbreak tied to San Diego State raised concerns after a Toledo-area game, underscoring the need for MMR protection. Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike reignited debate over lethal injection failures and Ohio’s own troubled execution history.

Failed execution raises health-and-safety alarms: Tennessee inmate Christa Pike remains in critical condition after lawyers say a botched lethal injection used multiple needles and caused blistering and burning, renewing scrutiny of how executions are carried out. Public health policy at risk: Federal lawmakers urge USDA to delay new SNAP stocking rules, warning Ohio-area retailers could lose authorization and reduce access to food for households that rely on it. Drug pricing settlement with local ripple effects: Ohio is among states tied to a major multistate Sandoz/Fougera deal over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with AGs pushing consumers to file claims for restitution. Care rights for seniors: October is National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, spotlighting dignity, choice, and the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program’s role in resolving concerns. Workplace and safety in health-adjacent industries: Purdue reports fewer agricultural confined-space incidents in 2025, but still flags ongoing prevention gaps and fatal risks. Local health and community services: USPS highlights dog-bite prevention after thousands of carrier attacks, and a Sylvania Senior Center wellness fair offers free resources for adults 55+. Health access and coverage changes: Reporting on $500 ACA refund checks and prior-authorization rules in Original Medicare underscores shifting costs and barriers for patients.

Cancer Breakthrough: A new study presented at ASCO reports daraxonrasib nearly doubling overall survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, with KRAS mutations common across many tumors. Public Health Alert: Wood County confirmed a measles case in Bowling Green and listed exposure spots at BGSU, Pagliai’s Restaurant, Wood County Hospital ER, and Falcon Health Center—officials urge anyone unprotected to watch for symptoms. Hospital Update: UPMC has finalized its acquisition of Trinity Health System in Ohio Valley, rebranding Trinity facilities as UPMC Trinity and expanding care access locally. Maternal Recovery: AIM Women’s Center launched a perinatal recovery program for pregnant and postpartum women in Jefferson, Harrison, and Belmont counties, funded through OneOhio Recovery Foundation. Patient Safety Lawsuit: A Meigs County woman says a hospital amputated the wrong leg, leaving her a double amputee, while the hospital cites an avoidable “adverse surgical event.” Health Data Privacy: A class-action firm is investigating a reported Saber Healthcare data breach affecting residents across multiple states. Policy & Costs: Ohio’s SNAP administration funding loss and the rollout of Trump’s $500 ACA refund checks highlight ongoing affordability pressures for families. Local Infrastructure: Vermilion’s pavement study found nearly 40% of roads in poor or failing condition, warning the budget can’t keep up.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration began mailing $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, targeting people who bought coverage through the federal marketplace and were charged exchange user fees; Ohio is included, while state-run exchange states like New York are not. Hospital Leadership: Cleveland Clinic named Rami Hazzi, M.D., as VP/Chief Medical Officer of Euclid Hospital, effective Oct. 12. Patient Safety Lawsuit: An Ohio woman, Sharon Jacks, sued Selby General Hospital alleging surgeons amputated the wrong leg, leaving her a double amputee. Health Policy & Costs: Senate Democrats blocked a GOP “Ratepayer Protection Act” aimed at data-center energy costs, a fight tied to Ohio Sen. Jon Husted’s reelection. Public Health & Prevention: Ohio’s lung disease risk factors rank 21st nationally, with the state also flagged for high smoking rates; local efforts continue to push screenings and prevention, including a Hamilton County cancer education bus schedule. Community Health Support: After overdose loss, one West Chester widow is leading grief groups for people who feel isolated by “overdose grief,” and a Lake County 911 center approved AI review of emergency medical dispatch calls to improve compliance.

Health Care Safety & Lawsuits: An Ohio woman, Sharon Jacks, says a surgeon amputated the wrong leg during a below-the-knee procedure, leaving her a double amputee and prompting a lawsuit against the hospital and medical team. Public Health & Food Safety: CDC declared the end of a Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry flocks after 1,253 illnesses across 46 states and Puerto Rico. Food System Trust: A new survey finds only 31% of Americans strongly believe the U.S. food system is safe, as food traceability enforcement delays and a withdrawn salmonella plan face renewed scrutiny. Ohio Health Policy & Access: Ohio will lose an estimated $38M to administer SNAP as the federal share of administrative costs drops, with metro counties hit hardest. Cancer & Exercise: A study reports a 12-month exercise program improved attention and memory in breast cancer survivors, with related research suggesting possible effects on epigenetic aging. Technology in Hospitals: Ohio State researchers report ICU CGM hypoglycemia alerts can reliably signal impending low blood sugar and support faster clinical response. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement resolves a Labcorp-linked AMCA data breach, with Michigan’s share totaling $2.3M. Community Wellness: Ohio State students are leaning into intramural sports and group fitness for both activity and social connection. Local Health & Environment: Gov. DeWine is moving to end mandatory E-Check vehicle emissions testing in Northeast Ohio after federal ozone standards were met. Public Safety: A Princeton City Schools bus driver strike is set to begin Thursday, disrupting transport for thousands while schools plan to stay open with remote options.

Ohio Maternal Health: A Columbus jury deadlocked in the Lindsay Clancy postpartum-depression case, putting renewed focus on how common postpartum depression is and why support groups, counseling, and medication matter. Wrong-Limb Lawsuit: An Ohio woman is suing a hospital surgeon after an alleged wrong-leg amputation left her with double amputation. Drug Safety & Access: Federal officials unsealed indictments tied to a counterfeit Ozempic scheme, while Ohio also faces warnings about a new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, that can’t be detected by standard test strips. Public Health & Prevention: Walgreens is running drive-up vaccination clinics in Zanesville with boosters for flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, shingles, Tdap, and hepatitis B. Community Health Support: A Zanesville-area blood drive is planned to help address ongoing national blood shortages. Local Health & Wellness Workforce: Cincinnati is ranked among the top U.S. cities for veterinarian supply, highlighting strong pet health access. Air Quality Milestone: Ohio reached federal air-quality attainment statewide for the first time in decades, with major improvements in Cleveland ozone and Canton lead levels. Road Safety: A Middletown crash is under investigation after a baby died the same day as the weekend collision that also seriously injured the child’s 16-year-old father.

Emerging Drug Alert: Hamilton County officials say a synthetic opioid called cychlorphine—estimated 4 to 10 times as potent as fentanyl—has been detected in limited samples, sometimes alongside fentanyl, prompting prevention talks as young people could encounter it in counterfeit pills. Public Health: Ohio’s measles situation keeps expanding: Ashland County confirmed its first case, pushing the state’s 2026 total to 180, with health teams working to identify and notify possible exposures. Food Safety: FDA-linked recall coverage warns nearly 2 million pounds of brown and powdered sugar sold in multiple states, including Ohio, may contain wheat kernels, raising risk for people with wheat allergies. Local Health & Wellness: Youngstown State’s Madeleine Haggerty Dental Hygiene Program marks 50 years with an Oct. 23 open house and alumni reception, highlighting decades of training for dental hygienists. Community Mental Health: Bobcat ArtsCare at Ohio’s universities is expanding access to arts experiences—visual, performing, literary, and outdoor—to help students manage stress and support well-being. Health Care in Corrections: In Arizona, inmate attorneys urge the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a state request to delay a court-ordered prison health care takeover, arguing medical and mental health neglect is ongoing. Safety & Care Access: A crash involving a school bus and pickup in Austintown sent occupants for evaluation but reported no injuries, with the driver facing a failure-to-yield citation. Cardiovascular Innovation: Sun Pharma and LIB Therapeutics announced a global licensing deal for lerodalcibep (PCSK9 inhibitor) with EU approval, aiming to expand LDL-lowering options.

Public Health & Safety: Cincinnati City Council advanced stricter rules for public parking security to curb car break-ins and stolen firearms, with a tougher “B” version expected to take effect after a final vote. Food Safety: The FDA issued a major sugar recall affecting Ohio and seven other states after possible wheat contamination, a key risk for people with wheat allergies. Healthcare Access & Policy: A federal agency sued Ohio-based Bon Secours Mercy Health over alleged antisemitism and religious/racial discrimination against a Jewish orthopedic surgeon in Youngstown. Mental & Behavioral Health: Nationwide Children’s and poison center data show intentional substance exposures at school rose sharply among younger kids from 2000–2024, while serious outcomes remain highest for teens. Community Health: Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey finds most adults think brain health habits should start before 40, but many don’t know how—highlighting exercise, sleep, Mediterranean-style eating, socializing, and mental challenges. Local Health Alerts: A Toledo woman was hospitalized after being shot at a gas station; police say the case is under investigation. Injury & Risk: Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal I-480 crash that killed an Akron woman in Brooklyn Heights.

ALS disclosure and parenting: A USA TODAY story follows a Swedish mom with ALS who waited too long to tell her teen son, highlighting how families can balance anticipatory grief with keeping trust and offering reassurance. Ohio disability health access: Ohio State researchers report people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are less likely to be evaluated for kidney transplants and, once evaluated, nearly 40% less likely to receive one—suggesting gaps in the transplant care pipeline. Breast cancer surgery innovation in Ohio: Cleveland Clinic became the first Ohio hospital to perform an FDA-cleared robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, aiming for smaller incisions, better cosmetic outcomes, and faster recovery. Medicaid coverage loss looming: Ohio is set to remove thousands of lawfully present refugees and similar groups from Medicaid on Oct. 1, with the exact number disputed by counties. Healthy aging policy push: Ohio’s Governor’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging lays out a statewide plan to support older Ohioans, tying demographic change to economic development and emerging tech. Food safety recall: Nearly 1.7 million pounds of brown and powdered sugar sold in Ohio and seven states are recalled over possible undeclared wheat kernels. Community health & caregiving: The annual Upper Ohio Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s moved to Wheeling University’s indoor track to keep the fundraiser going rain or shine.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Ohio is among states that will require Medicaid enrollees to submit medical proof for illness-based work exemptions starting in January, not rely on self-attestation—raising barriers for people who are too sick to work but can’t afford care. Health Care Discrimination Lawsuit: The U.S. EEOC sued Mercy Health in Youngstown, alleging a Jewish orthopedic surgeon was fired after antisemitic remarks and adverse treatment. School Health Access: Nationwide Children’s expanded the West High School health center in Columbus with added dental care and more capacity, aiming to close gaps in preventive pediatric dental visits. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA actions include a large sugar recall affecting multiple states due to contamination/allergen concerns, with Ohio residents urged to check batch numbers. Local Safety & Care: Columbus firefighters reported two people critically injured after jumping from a second-story window during a house fire; investigators are determining the cause. Ohio Wellness in the News: A new study highlights a gap between employer expectations and how educators teach AI skills for future jobs, including in health-related classrooms.

Food Safety Alert: FDA is warning Ohio residents about a hepatitis A outbreak tied to imported La Serranita black clams from Ecuador; CDC/FDA say 37 people were sickened and most hospitalized, with Ohio among possible distribution states. Local Health: Cincinnati officials say the cyclospora outbreak is over, but investigators reported about 6,000 cases statewide this year. Housing & Health: Cincinnati tenants at A L’aise say leaks, water damage, and possible mold linger months after July flooding, raising concerns about breathing and sleep. Medicaid Access: As Medicaid work requirements roll in, some Republican-led states are demanding faster medical documentation for “frail” exemptions, with advocates warning it could block people from getting care. Public Health & Safety: Ohio lawmakers advanced bills including hospital workplace-violence planning and changes to school discipline and driver’s license suspensions. Community Health: A Cleveland lupus walk drew participants including a local chef who raised more than $3,500 to support awareness and research.

Food Safety Alert: FDA classified a recall of about 1.7 million pounds of light brown and powdered sugar as Class II due to possible undeclared wheat contamination, affecting select batches (MHD26223–MHD26229) sold in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas—check UPCs and batch codes, and return for a refund or dispose. Local Health & Care: Two Cincinnati home-healthcare workers face Medicaid fraud charges tied to alleged billing while clients were away or traveling. Pediatric Heart Update: A Westfield toddler is recovering after receiving a donor heart in September following severe illness and heart failure support with a Berlin Heart device at Cincinnati Children’s. Public Health Watch: Ashland County reported its first measles case, urging residents to review MMR status and watch for symptoms. Community Support: Logan-Hocking School District partnered with Hocking College, the Joe Burrow Foundation, and 740 Rescue Kitchen to expand no-questions-asked food help for families. Falls Prevention: A Senior Health Fair highlighted resources during Falls Prevention Awareness Week. Workforce & Access: UC joined a new $18 million effort to address Ohio’s behavioral health workforce shortage.

Measles Watch in Ohio: Toledo-Lucas County health officials confirmed an Amtrak passenger with measles arrived Sept. 13, triggering contact tracing and active monitoring for exposed people who may still be within the 21-day window. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA announced a voluntary recall of nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar products (light brown and powdered sugar) due to possible wheat allergen contamination, with distribution including Ohio. Opioid Alert: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states, including Ohio, after being linked to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee—raising urgency for overdose prevention and testing. Mental Health Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are expanding no-cost, in-person and virtual mental health services for employer plans, including Ohio locations. Maternal/Child Health Funding: ProMedica’s Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital is set to expand with a mobile NICU supported by the Greater Toledo Home Giveaway, covering regions from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor. Local Care Expansion: WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s is building a new Robert Sonneborn Family Pediatric Outpatient Center in Wheeling, opening in early 2027 with sick/well wings and an after-hours clinic. Health Policy (Medicaid): CMS guidance on Medicaid “medical frailty” exclusions for community engagement requirements is out, but states still face major implementation questions and ongoing litigation. Workforce Stress: Sylvania Health Care employees report months of missed or late paychecks amid management changes.

Public Health Alert: Cincinnati Health Department is warning of a possible measles exposure at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Emergency Dept. after two out-of-state patients confirmed with measles visited earlier this month; officials say anyone who was there during the exposure window and develops symptoms should call their provider first. Medicaid & Fraud Enforcement: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced indictments of 18 Medicaid providers for alleged fraud totaling more than $355,000, including Cincinnati-area cases involving inflated or falsified home-health billing. Patient Data Protection: Ohio’s AG actions are part of a multistate push tied to a Labcorp/AMCA patient data breach, with settlements requiring stronger safeguards for sensitive health information handled by vendors. Women’s Health Research: OSU researchers received a $3 million DoD grant to study how menopause affects the mental and physical health of women veterans. Care Access & Community: Wright State will host a SOAR summit focused on mental health research that better represents overlooked Ohio populations. Local Wellness Cause: Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Circleville raised $26,275 toward a $38,000 goal to support caregiver support and brain-health research.

Behavioral Health Collaboration: Marion leaders kicked off a communitywide push to strengthen mental health care by bringing together health care, education, and government partners at Ohio State University at Marion. Food Insecurity in Schools: Ohio schools are partnering with local food banks and classroom supports as hunger rises, including a hydroponics program feeding the West Ohio Food Bank. Public Safety & Health Equity: Cincinnati City Council is split on whether to require security cameras for surface parking lots and garages, amid police data showing more stolen firearms taken from vehicles. Healthcare Policy Watch: The Trump administration is moving to gut Head Start, proposing major rule changes that would strip out parts of the program tied to health screenings, nutrition help, and disability services. Maternal & Child Health: A record-setting IVF story from Ohio highlights how a frozen embryo created in 1994 led to a 2025 birth. Public Health Workforce Under Pressure: A new study finds most state and local public health leaders faced threats or harassment during COVID, with many leaving the field early.

Heart Health & Touring: Lionel Richie is pausing his tour after a heart procedure for atrial fibrillation (A-fib), with his team saying the surgery went “perfectly” and he’ll return soon. Public Health: Ohio is seeing its third measles outbreak of 2026, now at 196 cases across 16 counties, with most cases among unvaccinated people; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital also reported possible exposure at its emergency department. Environmental Health: Clermont County filed a federal lawsuit against Duke Energy and others over coal ash at the former Beckjord Power Plant, alleging unlined ponds threaten drinking water for 145,000 residents. Local Care & Services: OhioHealth created a Safe Haven Baby Box in Kenton, adding to the state’s network of newborn drop-off options. Cancer Research Funding: New multi-million-dollar grants aim to accelerate hairy cell leukemia research, investing nearly $7 million over five years. Workforce & Access: UC joins an $18 million scholarship push to address Ohio’s behavioral health workforce shortage. Community & Learning: Rudolph Academy launched a free Medical Terminology Game with a 250-term study set and assessment.