AGP Executive Report

Public Health Watch: The CDC says U.S. measles cases have climbed to 3,294—about 1,000 more than all of last year—after five straight weeks of triple-digit increases, with Ohio among the states seeing spread. Food Safety: Federal officials declared the nation’s largest recorded cyclospora outbreak over, tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; the source is no longer in stores, but the recall’s impact is still being felt. Local Weather & Health: A flood watch is in effect for parts of central and southern Ohio starting Sept. 12, with heavy rain and localized flooding possible—especially around Columbus and along and southeast of I-71. Healthcare Access & Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, will get $500 Obamacare refunds for overcharged federal exchange “user fees.” Community Health Support: OhioHealth is expanding as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, aiming to strengthen student-athlete wellness and sports medicine across 16 sports. Mental Health & Care Systems: A two-year state grant will fund supported employment and placement services for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs through the Four County ADAMhs Board.

ACA Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, will get $500 checks in October after “user fees” from the federal Obamacare exchange were allegedly overcharged. Cancer Care Navigation: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODH announced a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation program to give families of children with cancer one point of contact to find help faster. Student-Athlete Health: OhioHealth is named Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, expanding sports medicine support for student-athletes. Public Health & Safety: A 79-year-old man died after an SUV hit him on Morse Road in Columbus; multiple people were also hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash with a rollover in Hamilton. Medication Recall: FDA classified a nationwide ramipril (blood pressure) recall affecting more than 28,000 bottles as Class II. Tech & Kids: California passed new rules limiting addictive social media features for kids under 16 and restricting AI chatbot toys. Research: A study suggests adding genetic risk scores to FRAX may modestly improve fracture prediction in postmenopausal women.

Medical Transportation Access: Crown Care NEMT says its private-pay non-emergency rides are now live nationwide, with online booking and confirmed vehicle/driver details within two business hours. Food Safety in Ohio: Walmart recalled Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states, including Ohio, due to possible E. coli contamination; check lot code 6040 01-6 and best-by Feb. 9, 2028. Public Health Watch: Ohio’s cyclospora outbreak is easing again, with 70 new cases reported this week after a much higher prior total. Health Costs & Coverage: Trump announced about 1 million people in 30 states using Healthcare.gov could get $500 rebate checks starting in October, tied to alleged excess fees. Addiction Trends: A CDC-linked analysis says U.S. overdose deaths have fallen recently, with factors including wider naloxone access and more harm-reduction supplies. Local Safety & Care: Cincinnati police say a 24-day-old baby’s death is being treated as homicide, with the father facing murder charges. Health Science Outreach: Bayer launched a nationwide “Science Delivers” tour, including stops in Ohio, to counter health and science misinformation. Community Health & Violence: A Dayton man allegedly stole a police cruiser and crashed into a home during an arrest, injuring seven officers.

Health Equity in Dayton: A new State of Black Dayton report says Black residents in Montgomery County face low-to-very-low health outcomes at nearly 70%, alongside big gaps in school readiness and income—while local leaders frame the data as both resiliency and renewal. Early Childhood & Care Access: Head Start leaders in the Miami Valley are pushing back on proposed federal funding caps and classroom ratio changes that could disrupt early learning plus health screening for thousands of families. Local Mental Health Funding: Warren County voters will decide Nov. 3 on renewing a 1-mill, five-year mental health levy, with the board citing rising outpatient services and support for 24/7 crisis response. Food Safety: Cyclospora cases keep climbing, with CDC reporting nearly 20,000 confirmed U.S. illnesses this season and major impacts on produce growers and safety systems. Public Health Alerts: Geauga Public Health confirmed 33 measles cases, underscoring declining vaccination rates. Child Safety: Ohio State research finds many child crash injuries involve improper or missing restraints, with early transitions between car seat and booster stages linked to worse outcomes. Cincinnati Kids’ Care: Cincinnati Children’s is expanding school-based support with a Mobile Care Center. Community Health & Safety: A West Chester pool accident left two toddlers hospitalized, with one child still in critical condition. Health Costs & Coverage: A report on “site-of-service” billing highlights how the same procedure can cost far more depending on where it’s performed. Local Wellness Infrastructure: Campbell Hall at Ohio State reopened after a major renovation focused on education, health, and well-being.

Measles Watch: Ohio reports 122 measles cases this year, mostly in Northeast Ohio (Geauga 32, Ashtabula 27). Health officials say cases cluster among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people; MMR is described as highly effective and “very safe.” Youth Vaccines: Youngstown City Health District and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host two free back-to-school vaccine clinics (Sept. 12 and Oct. 3). Cannabis & Youth Risk: In Hamilton, parents and prevention groups met about high-THC products and youth exposure as recreational dispensaries move forward. Local Water Safety Costs: Archbold council approved extra funding for a granulated activated carbon water system fix after earlier costs proved too low. EMS Innovation: North Texas launched a prehospital whole blood program to improve survival in life-threatening blood loss emergencies. Community Health Access: OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville will hold a Sept. 10 ribbon-cutting for the public. School Health & Staffing: A nationwide school bus driver shortage continues to strain routes and student access, with Ohio facing a reported day-to-day shortage.

Rural Pharmacy Access: Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health announced $3.15M in Rural Health Transformation Program Pharmacy Initiative awards to boost pharmacy connectivity in rural areas, aiming to close medication access gaps. Water & Winter Health: Ohio EPA awarded $1.08M via H2Ohio chloride reduction grants to 16 communities to cut road-salt pollution while keeping roads safe. Public Health Watch: Local measles cases in Michigan are being tied to declining childhood vaccination rates—an Ohio-relevant reminder as outbreaks become harder to control. Food Safety: A major Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry flocks has grown to 1,061 reported cases across 46 states, with children hit hardest. Community Health & Care: Ashtabula Regional Medical Center earned an A grade in the Lown Institute Hospital Index for social responsibility. Safety & Injury: Two drivers were hurt in an I-75 crash involving a Mercedes and a semi near U.S. 40. Health Policy & Equity: Ohio State Bar Foundation racial justice grants approved $375K for 12 nonprofits. Tobacco Regulation: FDA says R.J. Reynolds is selling flavored Vuse pods in Ohio without authorization. Local Health Reminder: Ohio’s Summer Crisis HEAP program is open through Sept. 30 for eligible households needing help paying electric bills or repairing/adding air conditioning, including for people with qualifying medical conditions.

School Meals Access: A new 2026 State of School Lunch Report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal reach and participation, with New Mexico, New York, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. close behind—highlighting how breakfast and lunch programs can reduce daily food gaps for students. Public Health & Food Safety: Walmart recalled a frozen Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend in 16 states, including Ohio, tied to an E. coli outbreak; shoppers are told to check lot code 6040 01-6 and “best if used by” Feb. 9, 2028, and throw it out or return it for a refund. Child Safety: U.S. Marshals announced 79 missing children ages 6–17 were found in Ohio during Operation Meridian, with cases involving suspected trafficking, abuse, neglect and runaways, and referrals to medical and psychological services. Local Health Systems: Bowling Green issued a drinking-water notice after orthophosphate levels fell below required limits for multiple days; the city says it’s not an emergency, but people with severe kidney disease or on dialysis should ask a clinician. Behavioral Health Growth: Armor Health named its first Regional VP of Client Relations, while Beacon Behavioral Health Partners expanded in Texas by acquiring Prime Psychiatry and Invicta.

Pediatric Cancer Support: Ohio’s Department of Health launched a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation Program to give families a single point of contact for help after a child is diagnosed with cancer, expanding beyond existing Complex Medical Help supports. Rural Access to Care: OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital earned Critical Access Hospital designation, boosting Medicare reimbursement flexibility and helping sustain local services. Childhood Vision: Gov. Mike DeWine is set to receive a national children’s vision award for expanding OhioSEE, which provides follow-up eye exams and glasses for kids who fail school screenings. Mental Health in Schools: A therapy dog program in Ohio is being used to help students process trauma, with local groups emphasizing early, compassionate support. Suicide Prevention Month: A Rossford coffee shop is hosting community support for people affected by suicide, including a “Stay” latte fundraiser for local prevention efforts. Public Health & Safety: The FBI warned Ohio parents about rising sextortion targeting teens, urging families to talk early and watch for online coercion. Nutrition Policy: Ohio paused a planned SNAP sugary drink purchase ban after a federal request for more guidance. Healthcare Workforce Spotlight: Forbes named 18 Ohio employers among best for tech workers, with Cincinnati Children’s ranking highest in the state.

Food insecurity in Ohio: A new report finds more than half of households using Ohio food banks are forced to choose between essentials—like utilities, transportation, medicine, or rent—raising long-term health concerns for families. Political violence and public health: Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton used her medical training at Cleveland’s Labor Day parade, helping two people during emergencies, after an armed suspect lunged at her at the Canfield Fair and injured attendees. Hospital and care access: A new outpatient suicide-care clinic opened in Vermont, highlighting a specialized model for reducing suicide attempts—an approach that resonates with Ohio’s mental health needs. Scams and consumer safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Lebanon tied for 56th in Ohio for July scam reports, with healthcare/Medicare scams among the most common. Local health system impact: Evergreen Management announced two new Ohio memory care communities in Miamisburg and Akron, expanding dementia-focused support. Safety on Ohio roads: Two people, including a teen, were seriously injured in an Adams County crash involving a garbage truck. Care and accountability: A Cleveland police dispatcher was arrested and charged after her child tested positive for marijuana, with the case moving through municipal court.

Political Safety in Ohio: An armed man, Patrick Havas, 38, was arrested after allegedly pushing through a crowd and lunging toward Democratic Ohio governor nominee Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair, injuring multiple people; Acton was unharmed and stayed to help the injured, while authorities said two handguns and brass knuckles were recovered and no weapons were brandished. Attorney General & Consumer Tech Protections: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement aimed at protecting children and teens on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and “productive pauses,” with Ohio expected to receive $319M over 10 years. Back-to-School Health Conversations: Ohio education and commerce officials urged families to talk early about responsible alcohol use, informed cannabis decisions, and smart financial habits as students head back to campus. Public Health & Mental Health Access: Vermont opened a specialized outpatient suicide care clinic (Asha Clinic) focused on evidence-based treatment to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Local Aging Support: Ohio University’s AGES program highlights intergenerational learning by connecting students with older adults and gerontology training. Government Watch: Auditor of State’s office listed upcoming Ohio audit releases for Sept. 8, including multiple local entities and health-related departments.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont’s new Asha Clinic opened as a specialized outpatient model for suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients to proven therapies that reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Rural Pharmacy Network: Ohio Pharmacists Association won a $2M Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Initiative grant to build a health information exchange network across 73 counties, aiming to improve medication safety and chronic care. Food Safety Recall: Walmart expanded an E. coli O145 outbreak recall to include Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states, including Ohio—check freezers and best-by dates. Nutrition Policy: Ohio paused a planned SNAP sugary drink purchase ban after a federal request, delaying implementation while guidance and public input are handled. Infant Health Spotlight: A new piece flags Ohio’s high infant mortality and racial disparities, tying outcomes to access to prenatal and maternal care. Local Health & Safety: Columbus police investigated a fatal pedestrian crash on Gender Road during heavy rain; officials also continue investigating other local incidents. Community Health Research: USGS-led monitoring found restored Lake Erie coastal wetland habitat is being used continuously by millions of aquatic animals after reconnection.

Cancer Research (Ohio): Ohio State researchers say blocking a protein called SET could make glioblastoma cells easier to kill with existing treatments, including radiation, pointing to a potential new drug target. Suicide Prevention (Ohio): Ohio’s SOAR project is hosting a Sept. 15 “Community Conversation” in Jackson focused on suicide prevention and resilience, with OSU Wexner Medical Center research findings shared by local partners. Public Health Access (Northwest Ohio): Mercy Health’s mobile mammography unit is scheduled to visit Perrysburg and Rossford in September, offering 3D mammograms for women 40+ by appointment. Health Policy/Pharmacy (Ohio): A local pharmacist is awaiting data after a new state transparency law aimed at pharmacy benefit managers, with expectations the change could save millions. Food for Seniors (Ohio): A new Meals on Wheels provider, LifeCare Alliance, is taking over the contract for several counties after a prior provider closed due to financial issues. Safety/Heat (Ohio region): Reports highlight heat-related medical calls during major football events, underscoring the need for hydration and cooling plans. Crash (Wooster, Ohio): Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a pickup crash that killed an 11-year-old after the truck struck a Madison Avenue home.

Mobile Health Access: Mercy Health’s mobile mammography unit is coming to Perrysburg and Rossford this month, offering 3D mammograms for women 40+ by appointment (Sept. 14, 21 in Perrysburg; Sept. 29 in Rossford). Suicide Care Expansion: UVM Health Network opens the Asha Clinic in Burlington, a specialized outpatient program focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to improve access to proven therapies. Public Health Watch: Human rights groups say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in 2026’s first eight months, warning Haiti lacks capacity to receive and reintegrate returnees—especially at border points with limited services. Safety & Injury Updates (Ohio): A 34-year-old woman died after being struck by a truck backing up in the docking area at Summa Barberton Citizens Hospital; officials say an investigation is underway. Community Wellness: A two-mile peace walk in Springfield drew 100+ participants honoring Pierre Damas Bel, reflecting local efforts to support mental wellness and unity after a suicide.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused only on suicide care, led by suicide researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to expand evidence-based treatment locally. Cancer Side-Effect Breakthrough: A new study explores psilocybin as a potential way to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-related nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy), which can force patients to cut back on treatment. Mental Health Crisis Infrastructure (Ohio): Cleveland’s The Centers is preparing to open Cuyahoga County’s first behavioral health crisis center, offering 24/7 crisis stabilization and integrated services without referrals. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample in Williams County, prompting bite-prevention guidance even without reported human cases. Food Safety: Walmart frozen berry products were recalled in multiple states over E. coli risk, including Ohio. Caregiving & Health Equity: A report highlights how cuts to federal programs and workers can hit local health coalitions hardest, shifting staff time away from care delivery. SNAP Policy Update (Ohio): Ohio paused a planned SNAP sugary drink restriction after a federal request for more steps before implementation.

Suicide Care Access: A new Asha Clinic in Burlington, Vermont is opening as a specialized outpatient model focused only on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to connect patients to proven therapies that reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Medical Spas Compliance: A new explainer warns that medical spas face real healthcare regulatory risk beyond cash-pay models, with ownership, provider supervision, privacy, marketing, and data security all becoming deal-breakers in investor due diligence. Vascular Care Recognition: Memorial Health System’s vascular surgery team earned the top three-star SVS VQI Commitment to Vascular Quality Improvement Award for long-term follow-up, quality projects, and registry participation. Youth Mental Health & Screens: A Stanford Medicine study finds that social media warning labels can reduce young people’s intended use and boost awareness of mental health harms. Food Safety Recall: Walmart’s Great Value frozen berry products are being recalled in 16 states, including Ohio, over possible E. coli contamination tied to a broader outbreak. Rural Health Funding: Ohio received $3.15 million in federal support to help rural prescribers and pharmacies prevent fraudulent controlled-substance shopping across multiple providers. Behavioral Health Leadership: Montgomery County ADAMHS appointed Teresa Russell as its next executive director, overseeing jail intervention and crisis services starting Nov. 30.

Cancer Care Breakthrough: A new rat study in Science suggests psilocybin taken before chemotherapy could prevent painful peripheral neuropathy, a common chemo side effect; human trials haven’t started yet. Public Health Alerts: Ashtabula County health officials say West Nile virus is back after positive mosquito samples, and Ohio’s infectious dashboard now lists 27 measles cases in the county. Food Safety for Families: A new local database update compiles Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky restaurant inspection results, highlighting the latest safety issues. Local Health System Operations: Ohio County Healthcare completed its switch to Medline as its prime medical-surgical supply vendor, aiming to streamline procurement and delivery. Medication Recall: The FDA announced a nationwide recall of certain epinephrine injection lots due to sterility and cracked-vial/particulate concerns. Immigration & Mental Health: A new segment highlights how losing Temporary Protected Status and being required to wear an electronic monitor can affect an Ohio college student’s mental health and school performance. Community Wellness: One longtime donor in Steubenville hit 120 blood donations over 62 years, underscoring ongoing local blood supply needs.