AGP Executive Report

PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a first-of-its-kind federal settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” requiring a $22.5M civil penalty plus about $450M total in cleanup and drinking-water support across West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Local Health Alert: Butler County health officials confirmed another bat tested positive for rabies, the 4th case in a month, urging pet owners to keep rabies vaccines current and to avoid handling bats. Cancer Support in Ohio: Loving Laura’s Curls launched in Northwest Ohio, collecting and professionally refreshing donated wigs to gift free to women facing cancer. Medical Innovation (Ohio): Ohio State researchers say a first-ever leishmaniasis vaccine is moving toward human testing after strong animal results. Workforce & Care Access: Edison State Community College is accepting applications for nursing and respiratory care programs, including RN/BSN pathways. Community Mental Health: RiverValley Behavioral Health named Youth Mental Health Art Contest finalists, with Hancock County students recognized across multiple grade divisions. Healthcare Systems Watch: The Lown Institute ranked Ohio State Wexner Medical Center No. 1 in its 2026 social responsibility index.

Public Health & Safety: A 3-year-old was killed after a car crashed into an outdoor dining area at City Barbeque in Beachwood on Father’s Day; police charged the driver with aggravated vehicular homicide. Local EMS Capacity: Austintown may receive $1M for a new standalone ambulance bay to house township ambulances and improve 911 response as private EMS capacity strains. School Health & Facilities: Columbiana School District is continuing HVAC and roofing upgrades, while West Branch school board hired a new treasurer as districts manage budgets tied to student services. Mental Health Crisis Response: West Virginia opened registration for the 988 & Crisis Intervention Team Summit in Parkersburg, bringing together first responders and behavioral health leaders. Healthcare Fraud Watch (Ohio): Ohio AG indicted six Medicaid providers for stealing about $326,824, including alleged fabricated behavioral-health services and billing misconduct. Youth Online Safety: YouTube settled a lawsuit alleging child social media addiction harms, while Ohio’s social media rules for minors continue to face legal scrutiny.

SNAP Soda Ban Blocked: A federal judge stopped a Trump-backed USDA effort to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and other sugary items, saying Congress didn’t authorize cutting eligible foods—potentially impacting 13.5 million recipients across 23 states. SNAP Timing in Ohio: July SNAP deposits start July 1 and vary by state schedule and holidays, with recipients needing to check their local issuance calendar. OhioHealth Oversight: Ohio State released its final report on a Wexner Medical Center doctor named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, finding no involvement in crimes but flagging likely policy violations for outside consulting. Health Care Admin Tech: A House panel moved to halt funding for an AI prior-authorization model (WISeR) being tested in Ohio and other states, after early approval-rate concerns. Local Health Wins: Springfield’s health fair data shows a major hypertension improvement, with 92% of adults landing in normal blood-pressure range in 2025. Public Health Research: OSU researchers report that tiny amounts of H5N1 can infect dairy cows, with the virus targeting mammary glands and raising questions about transmission. Cancer Genetics: A Wayne State-led study highlights a naturally occurring genetic variant (TGFBR1*6A) linked to colorectal cancer risk, including a protective effect in carriers.

Ohio Behavioral Health Oversight: Ohio’s Department of Behavioral Health rolled out enhanced oversight and accountability for mental health and addiction programs, aiming to tighten provider reviews, renewals, and fraud/waste coordination. Medicare Fraud in Ohio: A Westlake physician was ordered to pay about $1 million in restitution after pleading guilty in a Medicare fraud case tied to medically unnecessary braces and genetic testing. Sleep Meds Caution: A “To Your Good Health” Q&A warns that common sleep drugs can affect sleep stages tied to brain cleanup, reinforcing that these meds may not be ideal for regular use. Whooping Cough Alert: CDC data show pertussis cases rising fast nationwide, with Ohio among the hardest-hit states and deaths concentrated in unvaccinated infants. Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Health officials are spotlighting a tick-bite-triggered meat allergy that’s increasing, with new treatments now approved. Medicaid/ACA Coverage Pressure: A new analysis says Ohio could lose about 51,000 jobs by 2029 if Medicaid and ACA coverage changes take effect, underscoring health coverage ripple effects. Local Heat Help: Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) opens July 1 to help eligible households pay electric bills and get air conditioning or repairs. Community Health & Safety: A Warren child was injured after being struck by a firetruck, and local courts and services continue to adjust after incidents like a courthouse fire.

School Meals & Community: Heartwood Community School is trying something unusual in lunchrooms—family-style meals at round tables with students and teachers, aiming to build a daily “bonding” culture. Public Health & Housing Support: Respite of Hope is expanding temporary housing plus medical and support services for homeless patients leaving local hospitals. Data Centers & Local Impact: Ohio voters won’t see a proposed constitutional amendment limiting large data centers this fall; organizers are pushing for a 2027 ballot instead as communities weigh power, water, and quality-of-life concerns. Kids Online Safety: A federal appeals court ruled Ohio can require parental consent for social media use by children under 16, saying it doesn’t violate free speech. Health Care Industry Milestone: Bobbie says it hit the milestone of feeding 1 million babies and reached production capacity at its Ohio manufacturing facility. Transit & Clean Energy: WRTA broke ground on a $6.5M bus barn in Youngstown with charging for up to 20 EV buses. Menopause Care Access: A growing wave of state action is pushing insurers and Medicaid to cover menopause treatment. Safety Alerts: Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating fatal and serious crashes, including a Turnpike crash in Lorain County and an ATV collision in Erie County.

Medicaid & Food Cuts: Ohio advocates warn the GOP “One Big Beautiful Bill” could strip health coverage and SNAP from hundreds of thousands of Ohioans, with many residents unaware they’re affected through Medicaid managed care. Local Health Access: Cincinnati Children’s Loveland Primary Care has opened, adding checkups, sick visits, screenings, vaccinations, and on-site behavioral health for kids. Public Health Preparedness: A Health Collaborative coalition says proposed federal cuts could eliminate the Hospital Preparedness Program that supports disaster response and emergency coordination across Southwest Ohio. School Safety & Tech: Beaver Local schools discussed Ohio’s new AI and cybersecurity requirements for districts, with policies due by July 1. Community Wellness Support: An Ohio Valley Health Center received a donated portable bone density scanner in memory of Kathy Corabi. Air Quality Alert: The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency issued an ozone alert for the region, urging residents to reduce exposure and limit activities that worsen air pollution. Severe Weather: Reports describe a fresh Midwest tornado outbreak, including deaths and major damage in parts of Illinois and Indiana.

Medicare Access: CMS’s WISeR prior-authorization pilot is rolling out in Ohio and other states, using AI to review requests for services like epidural injections and nerve stimulation—critics warn it could mean more delays and denials for patients. Public Health Alert: Whooping cough is rising, with Ohio among the hardest-hit states (280+ cases) and CDC reporting two child deaths in 2026 as summer peaks—parents are urged to watch for early, easily missed symptoms. Mental Health Watch: A new report finds mental or behavioral health concerns remain high among college students and young adults, with about 22% of Ohio young adults saying their mental health was “not good” for at least 14 days in the past month. Local Care Story: A Cleveland Clinic surgeon performed open-heart surgeries for a father and son about a year apart; they’re now training for the Sydney Marathon together. Community Health Careers: Ohio University Chillicothe is hosting a free Bobcat Nursing Camp (June 26) for high school students and recent grads, with hands-on lab time and campus tours. Nutrition Trend Check: Electrolyte drinks and powders are booming, but the coverage raises the question: do you actually need them, or are you better off with regular hydration and food?

Workforce & Training: Ohio University Chillicothe is hosting a free Bobcat Nursing Camp for area high school juniors, seniors, and recent grads on June 26, with hands-on skills practice, simulation lab tours, and faculty meet-and-greets. Nutrition for Heart Health: A new roundup highlights foods beyond pomegranate juice that may help lower blood pressure, pointing to nitrates in leafy greens and beets, plus potassium, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Health Innovation in Ohio: Ohio University President Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez will keynote WIIC 2026 on Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island, bringing together healthcare and innovation leaders June 24-25. Access to Care for Disabilities: HelloNation explains how Ohio’s waiver waiting list classifications work for adults with disabilities, stressing the role of documentation and how families can request re-review if needs change. Public Health Support: Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) opens July 1 to help eligible households pay electric bills, get air conditioners/fans, or repair central air—especially for people with medical conditions or older adults. Local Health Costs Watch: Medicaid spending reports show notable local swings across Ohio communities, including big increases in categories like ambulance/transport, dental, and pathology/lab services. Safety & Emergencies: OSHP reports a fatal pedestrian crash in Perry Township and a fiery head-on crash involving an OSHP cruiser in Lake County; both remain under investigation.

Medicaid spending snapshot (Ohio communities): New data show big swings in local Medicaid billing across Ohio—Cleveland’s Dental Services jumped to $10.77M in 2024, while Portsmouth’s Ambulance/Transport rose to $2.95M and Shaker Heights’ Medicine Services/Procedures climbed to $4.85M. Other notable increases include Lyndhurst Dental Services (+301% to $269,897), Franklin Furnace Medicine Services/Procedures (+616% to $66,721), and Englewood Alcohol/Drug Abuse Treatment (+23.1% to $32,169). Disability care access: HelloNation explains how Ohio’s Medicaid waiver waiting list works, breaking down “immediate need” vs “current need” and why documentation can shape when adults with disabilities get services. Social media rules for minors: A federal appeals court restored Ohio’s parental-consent limits for kids under 16, reviving the Social Media Parental Notification Act after earlier legal challenges. Public health & safety: A crash in northwest Ohio left one dead and one injured after a motorcycle was hit on U.S. 6 in Williams County. Caregiving recognition: A Lorain-area caregiver, Sheila Moore, received a national Excellence in Caregiving Award after state recognition.

Public Health Alert: The CDC reports measles has spread to 41 states and caused three deaths, with 30 active outbreaks still driving transmission—Ohio is among the affected jurisdictions. Food Safety: Fry Pie Factory recalled pepperoni rolls sold in Ohio and parts of West Virginia because milk wasn’t listed on the label and refrigeration temperatures may have been off, raising foodborne illness risk for people with milk allergies. Cancer Research: Baylor-led findings show neutrophils can help triple-negative breast cancer metastasize, pointing to new immune-targeted treatment ideas. Brain Health Research: University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve/VA researchers identified a molecular driver of age-related cognitive decline tied to blood-brain barrier weakening, suggesting a possible therapeutic target. Local Health & Care Access: Align ENT + Allergy partnered with Michigan Ear Institute and Lakeshore ENT to expand physician-led ENT, allergy, and audiology care into Michigan and Ohio. Road Safety: Ohio Turnpike crashes in Lorain County killed a 28-year-old woman and injured three children; another OSHP train-track crash in York Township sent a driver to a local hospital with minor injuries. Health Policy Watch: A federal appeals court allowed Ohio to enforce parental consent rules for children’s social media use under 16.

Healthcare Costs & Competition: A new White House Council of Economic Advisers report says banning “anti-competitive” hospital contracting could cut hospital and physician prices by about 18% and lower employer insurance premiums, potentially saving families and individuals money. Medicare Oversight: CMS finalized a rule to strengthen oversight of accrediting organizations that monitor thousands of providers, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and align accreditation with Medicare standards. Pediatric Wellness Event: “Walk with a Doc” in the region highlights pediatric weight management with practical guidance on setting realistic wellness goals and staying active. Dental Care Access: An Ohio State residency-born website helps dentists identify dental implant systems from X-rays when patient records are missing, now used by thousands worldwide. Public Health Infrastructure: Columbus Zoo is moving ahead with a $175 million standalone aquarium planned to open in 2029, funded partly by a major foundation gift. Policy & Families: A federal appeals court cleared Ohio’s parental consent requirement for social media accounts for kids under 16, reversing a lower court block. Local Sustainability: Mount Vernon earned Silver status in MORPC’s Sustainable2050 program, joining other Ohio communities taking practical steps on sustainability.

Healthcare Access & Costs: A KFF analysis says ACA Marketplace deductibles jumped 37% in 2026 to an average $3,786, with many people shifting to cheaper, higher-deductible bronze plans—meaning coverage may not feel usable when you need care. Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s Social Media Parental Notification Act for kids under 16 can move forward after a divided Sixth Circuit ruling, restoring the parental consent requirement aimed at protecting children’s mental health. Local Health Workforce: Ohio is facing a 15% nursing shortage, and a summer program at Miami Valley Hospital is giving nearly 50 high school students hands-on training with Wright State and Premier Health. Cincinnati-Area Health & Community: Resilience is relocating its headquarters to Blue Ash and expanding sterile injectable manufacturing, with plans to hire about 200 workers. Caregiving & Family Well-Being: A study using Ohio Fatherhood Survey data links paid paternity leave to lower anxiety and depression in new dads. Health-Related Tragedy: A father and son both underwent major heart procedures at Cleveland Clinic a year apart, sharing a rare story of recovery and resilience. Community Support: NOCAC received two grants totaling $35,000 to expand fresh food and housing stability programming across northwest Ohio.

Ohio University Funding & Student Well-Being: OHIO’s Board of Trustees reviewed the Dynamic Strategy plan, highlighted R1 momentum, and approved extending its Scholarship Match Program through 2031 (with a $2M annual cap), while Student Affairs recognized staff driving student success and crisis support. Opioid Recovery in Jail: Geauga County commissioners approved $46,358 from opioid-settlement funds for Lake Geauga Recovery Centers’ inmate treatment and aftercare, citing strong recovery outcomes and discharge planning. Nutrition & Food Trust: Danone’s Danimals is rolling out a reformulation and a stronger nutrition education push aimed at making kids’ snacks more nutrient-dense and easier for parents to understand. Tick-Bite Health Alert: A Powassan virus case in New Hampshire underscores tick-bite risks across the Great Lakes and Northeast during peak summer tick season. Local Pharma Manufacturing Growth: Resilience announced it’s relocating its headquarters to Blue Ash, expanding Ohio’s sterile manufacturing footprint. Medical Cannabis Access Change: Kentucky rescinded out-of-state medical cannabis access, requiring purchases from in-state licensed dispensaries starting July 1. Fraud Enforcement: DOJ announced expanded federal-state cooperation in Ohio to prosecute fraud, including health care fraud and major Medicaid-related cases. Community Health & Safety: Chardon-area updates spotlight county government efforts to better connect with residents, including responding to public needs and concerns.

Health Care Costs & Competition: OhioHealth reached a proposed settlement with the Ohio AG and DOJ to stop enforcing contract terms that block insurers from steering patients to lower-cost care, a move aimed at improving price transparency and competition. Public Health & Prevention: A low-cost rabies vaccination clinic is set for July 25 in Columbiana County, with $5 doses and guidance on what to do after possible animal exposure. Mental Health in Jails: Belmont County adopted a resolution supporting the Stepping Up Initiative, formalizing efforts to reduce the number of people with mental illness cycling through the jail and connect them to services. Community Wellness Events: Salem City Health District will host its Health Resource Fair Saturday with hands-only CPR demos, “glitter germs” handwashing education, and free kid activities plus lunch. Grief Support Innovation: Threshold Residential Services installed a “Wind Phone” in its Community Sensory Garden to give people a quiet space to process grief and talk to departed loved ones. Food Access Pressure: A WalletHub look at fast-food costs finds Ohio residents are spending a larger share of income on fast food than many would like, underscoring ongoing affordability strain. Gun Safety Reminder: Authorities reported a 2-year-old died after an accidental shooting in Defiance County, stressing the need to keep firearms unloaded and secured around children.

OhioHealth Antitrust Settlement: OhioHealth reached a proposed deal with the DOJ and Ohio AG to stop enforcing contract terms that limit insurers from sharing lower-cost options with patients—no penalties, and OhioHealth says its practices were lawful. State Health Policy: The Ohio House passed HB 692 to update Ohio’s septic law, trimming routine inspections without probable cause and tightening limits on how boards can restrict system installs. Care Access & Support: Ohio’s Summer EBT/Sun Bucks program will distribute $120 per eligible child across summer months to help cover nutritious meals when school’s out. Public Health Alerts: Canton Public Health reported the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pool of the season, and reminded residents to take standard bite-prevention precautions. Mental Health & Aging: A UC Davis study links loneliness (not just being alone) to faster cognitive and physical decline in older adults. Opioid Treatment Expansion: An NIH grant will expand an Ohio primary-care model for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Local Safety: Fairfield Township police say a 29-year-old motorcyclist died from injuries after a crash last week; he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Opioid Treatment Access: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a primary-care model that helps clinicians prescribe medication for opioid use disorder, scaling to about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics with partner health systems. Clinical Knowledge for Providers: Ohio University Libraries is adding UpToDate access starting July 1, giving students and clinicians point-of-care, evidence-based guidance. Tick Season in Ohio: A new local explainer warns ticks are showing up in more suburban areas, with deer ticks and Lyme risk top of mind, plus practical prevention tips for people and pets. Pediatric Care Expansion: Parkview Health and Cincinnati Children’s finalized a joint operating agreement to expand pediatric emergency, inpatient, specialty, and primary care in Fort Wayne, aiming to reduce family travel and transfers. Youth Safety on the Road: Cincinnati released data showing about 24% of crashes from 2023-2025 happened within 1,000 feet of schools, with speeding and distracted driving flagged as key problems. Public Health Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohio should abolish the death penalty, arguing it isn’t a deterrent and citing long delays before executions. Community Health & Safety: Covington’s June 20 e-waste, foam recycling, and paper shred event offers free disposal for residents and nonprofits, supporting safer waste handling.