AGP Executive Report

Newborn Heart Care in Alabama: Tanner Health became the first U.S. organization to use Powerful Medical’s PMcardio AI ECG platform, aiming to speed up detection of heart attacks across west Georgia and east Alabama. Pulmonary Embolism Tech: Huntsville Hospital performed the first-in-human pulmonary embolism procedure using Inquis Medical’s new AVENTUS catheter with 360° directional aspiration. Suicide Prevention Funding: The VA awarded more than $3.8M in Alabama grants to nine community groups supporting Veterans’ suicide prevention. Women’s Cancer Policy: Sen. Elissa Slotkin introduced a bill to expand ovarian cancer prevention and care, with Alabama Sen. Katie Britt as a cosponsor. Mental Health Research: Binghamton University research suggests memory accuracy can start dropping by midlife, with brain changes tied to recalling the wrong details. ACA Refunds: Trump began mailing $500 checks to nearly 1M Americans in 30 states using the federal ACA marketplace, including Alabama. Abortion “Shield Laws” Fight: Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana urged the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down abortion shield laws protecting medication providers in New York, California and Massachusetts. Digital Twins for Critical Illness: UVM won up to $38M to build AI “twins” that could help test treatments for severe infections and burns before use in patients. Breast Cancer Fundraiser Update: Montgomery’s Action 8 “Tickled Pink” breast cancer event was postponed to Oct. 17 due to rain risk.

TikTok Settlement Watch: Alabama’s $100M TikTok deal now includes details on costs, with court filings citing $14.2M in legal fees and $2M in litigation expenses for outside counsel, as the agreement also requires new teen usage limits and stronger age checks. Medicare Drug Costs: PEEHIP director David Wales says changes tied to the Inflation Reduction Act have driven Medicare drug costs up sharply, leaving Alabama taxpayers facing a reported $222M more to cover the gap. Workforce Overhaul: Alabama’s workforce system is being restructured to connect people to “high-wage, high-demand” jobs, aiming to reduce barriers like transportation and fragmented services. Rehab Care Billing: CMS will expand an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility review program to facilities billing in the Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee jurisdiction, starting Dec. 14, 2026. Breast Cancer Access: During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligible uninsured Alabama women can get free screening through the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas announced major Rural Health Transformation Program grants to strengthen rural hospitals, clinics, and workforce efforts.

Community Wellness in Selma: Alabama CEAL is partnering with Rose Wilkins’ City Blocks Wellness to bring community-engaged health support to Selma, building spaces for residents to improve well-being and strengthen relationships. River Region Healthcare Focus: Montgomery-area leaders discussed staffing shortages, access to care, affordability, and technology needs at a River Region healthcare conference. Obesity Drug Update: New research presented by UAB shows an amylin-based obesity injection (petrelintide) can drive 10%+ weight loss for many people, with fewer side effects than semaglutide-type drugs. Mental Health on Campus: UA students held the Tide Against Suicide Walk, connecting people to prevention resources and encouraging support through activity and community. Local Wellness Events: Stillman College hosted its 31st annual Walk for Healthy Living to promote movement and health education, especially where care access is limited. Teen Safety Online: Alabama’s TikTok settlement requires teen usage limits and added safety features, with the state set to receive at least $100 million. Public Health Guidance: ADPH shared practical Halloween safety tips, including safer costume choices and warnings about decorative contact lenses. Health System Accountability: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed called for an audit of Jackson Hospital’s finances before any new city funding. Sex Ed Changes: Alabama’s updated K-12 sex education rules take effect, shifting instruction toward sexual risk avoidance and abstinence. Huntington’s Gene Therapy Watch: uniQure reported continued slowing in Huntington’s, but investors reacted to signs efficacy may be starting to wane.

Gene Therapy Update: uniQure reported new Phase I/II data for ifezuntirgene inilparvovec in Huntington’s disease, showing continued slowing of disease progression in high-dose patients, with updated analyses pointing to meaningful benefit at 36 and 48 months. Public Health Policy: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act amendment takes effect Thursday, expanding vape-free rules in indoor public places where nicotine use isn’t allowed. Workforce & Care Access: Chattahoochee Valley Community College received $612,455 in workforce development grants to expand training in medical lab tech, practical nursing, and other high-demand fields. Community Health & Safety: Neighbors plan a rally in response to a deadly Morris Heights fire, citing concerns about emergency resources and building conditions. Mental Health & Youth Tech: Alabama’s TikTok settlement adds teen safety limits and features after the state’s lawsuit over alleged harms to children’s mental health. Cancer Support Events: OpeIika’s Think Pink walk and fundraiser returns Oct. 10, and a separate breast cancer awareness event is set for Oct. 9 in Tuscaloosa.

Synthetic Opioid Alert: Alabama college towns are warning students about cychlorphine, a new synthetic opioid reported as far more potent than fentanyl and not detected by common fentanyl test strips, raising overdose and respiratory-depression risks. Teen Mental Health & Safety: Alabama reached a settlement with TikTok requiring teen-focused limits (including a two-hour daily cap and “productive pauses”), stricter age checks, and a ban on cosmetic filters, with at least $100 million in payments to the state. Long COVID Treatment Trial: PridCor Therapeutics is moving its SHIELD phase 2 study forward, testing a combination antiviral approach aimed at easing long COVID symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues. College Sports Policy: The Senate is set to vote on the Protect College Sports Act, which would give the NCAA authority to enforce uniform rules on eligibility and limit certain restructuring plans. Local EMS Cost Relief: A county-wide StatFlight program in Alabama is approved to help accident victims avoid out-of-pocket costs for air transport. Drug Prices & Patents: A new JAMA study highlights how patent “thickets” have grown, helping keep generic competition delayed and drug prices high.

Teen Mental Health & Social Media: TikTok goes on trial in Alabama over claims it designed addictive features that harm minors’ mental health, with the state alleging content and “safety” tools like Kids Mode are easy to bypass. Legal Accountability: In a related Alabama case, TikTok agreed to a $100M+ settlement that adds teen time limits and stronger verification, aiming to avoid a landmark trial. Workforce & Training: Baptist Health Montgomery says its residency pipeline relies heavily on international medical graduates, with most residents trained outside the U.S. Emergency Preparedness: FEMA awarded more than $72M in Region 4 grants for fire departments and first responders, including nearly $900,000 to Lawrenceburg. Community Mental Health: Troy University students held “Sips and Self-Care” and a “Write One, Take One” suicide awareness table to encourage support and reduce isolation. Medical Innovation: Sagimet Biosciences plans a virtual KOL update on denifanstat acne data and a planned U.S. Phase 3 trial. Public Health Access: Eli Lilly broke ground on a $6.5B Houston manufacturing site for its GLP-1 weight-management medicine.

Teen Mental Health & Safety: TikTok agreed to pay Alabama at least $100 million and roll out teen-focused safeguards, including a two-hour daily limit, restricted overnight access (midnight–6 a.m.), fewer school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and limits on cosmetic filters and personalized feeds. Public Health Policy: North Dakota’s Supreme Court upheld a ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and gender surgeries for minors, rejecting claims that the law violates federal civil rights protections. Local Health & Safety: A head-on crash in Covington County killed a man and sent two others to a Florida hospital; authorities are investigating. Community Care: A missing 67-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s and bipolar disorder was sought in Andalusia, but the search was later canceled. Health Systems & Access: A report on corporate-practice-of-medicine enforcement highlights new scrutiny for health companies operating in the U.S., with Alabama-based NaphCare cited in a New York case. Education & Workforce: New federal data show Russell County colleges awarded 411 degrees/certificates in 2023-24, with General Studies leading.

Teen Mental Health & Social Media: Alabama reached a settlement with TikTok requiring at least $100 million in payments and new teen-safety steps, including a nonpersonalized feed option, limits like a two-hour daily cap and no overnight use, plus prompts to take “productive pauses” during continuous scrolling. Public Health & Consumer Safety: A national recall flagged 1.7 million pounds of sugar across multiple states, with the FDA citing a key reason behind the move—Alabamians are urged to check labels. Healthcare Access & Costs: Alabama’s medical debt burden remains a major concern, with reporting highlighting the state’s high medical debt ranking and weaker protections. Community Support: Central Alabama’s Kids and Kin program is offering free caregiver classes (including safe sleep and peer pressure) through the end of the year, and Project GRACE’s “Pretty in Pink” breast cancer event is set for Oct. 10 in Marion. Emergency Response: A log-truck crash in Elmore County triggered a hazardous materials response after a diesel spill; multiple people were injured and airlifted.

Teen Social Media Protections: Alabama reached a settlement with TikTok requiring at least $100M in payments and new teen safeguards, including a two-hour daily limit, stronger age checks, pauses during continuous use, overnight access limits, and a ban on cosmetic filters—aimed at reducing alleged mental-health harms. Kratom Safety Spotlight: After two Ole Miss students died, kratom is back in the spotlight; officials say toxicology is pending, but kratom was found near both scenes, prompting renewed calls for caution while investigations continue. Medical Debt in Alabama: A new report highlights Alabama’s high medical-debt burden and weak protections, pointing to the state’s lack of Medicaid expansion and a large “coverage gap” that leaves many residents exposed. Public Health & Food Safety: Florida and Louisiana reported rising deaths from the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, underscoring risks from seawater exposure and wounds. Local Health & Safety: A crash in Elmore County involved an overturned log truck and Jeep, triggering a hazardous materials response after a diesel spill; one driver was airlifted and others were treated. Caregiver Support: Marion’s library is hosting free “Kids and Kin” classes for relatives raising children, covering topics from safe sleep to financial literacy through December.

Teen Mental Health & Safety: Alabama reached a settlement with TikTok and ByteDance just before a scheduled trial, requiring at least $100 million to the state (potentially up to $300 million) and new teen protections: a two-hour daily limit, pauses after 15 minutes, midnight-to-6 a.m. restrictions, stronger age checks, and options like non-personalized feeds plus limits on certain filters. Public Health Support: The settlement money is expected to help fund youth mental health services and related programs. Local Care Access: DCH and the Fayette County Hospital Board said their long-running partnership operating Fayette Medical Center can’t continue in its current form, with the lease ending Sept. 30, 2027, while the facility stays open through then. Rural Emergency Response: A new Etowah County EMS service, Alabama Care EMS, is launching to improve ambulance coverage in rural areas with paramedic and transport units. Health & Wellness Events: A Tuscaloosa mother-daughter gathering focuses on mental wellness and suicide prevention, and a Scottsboro library “Lunch & Learn” highlights cancer screening and lifestyle nutrition. Food Safety: The FDA announced a recall of 1.7 million pounds of sugar in multiple states due to possible wheat allergen contamination.

Mental Health Access Deal: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are teaming up to expand no-cost, in-person and virtual mental health services for employer-sponsored plans, adding access through 80 Chrysalis locations across multiple states. Workforce & Training: Alabama A&M’s Environmental Health program earned full national accreditation through August 2032, boosting training for future environmental health professionals. Rural Hospital Watch: DCH Health System says it can’t renew its lease arrangement for Fayette Medical Center, but the hospital will stay open through the end of the current agreement while leaders seek a sustainable model. Public Health & Safety: A crash near Killen left two people dead and sent at least one other person to North Alabama Medical Center. Health Policy Context: A Supreme Court emergency order temporarily allows states to use the revamped SAVE voter eligibility tool, a reminder of how policy decisions can ripple into public trust and access. Community Health Events: Central Triad Church is set to host free health screenings and community resources this Saturday.

TikTok Trial in Montgomery: Alabama’s first major teen-safety case heads to trial as the state argues TikTok and ByteDance made the platform addictive and misled users about safety, with the case expected to last 2–3 weeks. Transgender Rights Push: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Sen. Katie Britt renewed attacks on transgender Americans, including calls to target gender-affirming care and transgender athletes. Vaping Ban Starts Oct. 1: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act expands to cover e-cigarettes and vaping in places where smoking is prohibited, aiming to cut indoor exposure to harmful chemicals. Child Mental Health Support: Alabama’s infant and early childhood mental health consultations highlight classroom/home observations, parenting tools, and free Circle of Security groups for families. PFAS Lawsuit: Birmingham sued major manufacturers over PFAS “forever chemicals” allegedly used in firefighter turnout gear, claiming long-hidden health risks and contamination. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6M in rural health transformation grants to boost prevention, access, and workforce efforts. Local Care Update: Woodland Heights Family Medicine added Dr. Kay Nelson to expand primary care access. Health Tech & Research: UAB researchers reported new findings on how glutamate levels tune brain signaling via AMPA receptors. Community Recovery Effort: A Brewton recovery group trained people to use Narcan during National Save a Life Day. Big Local Project: Brookwood confirmed a $3.2B AI data center plan, with promised community benefits that include school funding and potential new medical opportunities.

Military Academy Nominations: Rep. Terri Sewell is accepting applications for eligible Alabama students in the 7th District to seek U.S. service academy nominations, with packets due Nov. 18 and an info session set for Sept. 29 in Marion. Vaping Rules in Alabama: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act expands to cover e-cigarettes and vaping devices starting Oct. 1, treating them like smoking in enclosed public places. Rare Disease Advocacy: A Huntsville woman with short bowel syndrome turned a difficult diagnosis into healthcare advocacy through Alabama Rare and a community-led research initiative. UAB Gene Therapy Milestone: UAB has dosed the first patient worldwide in a first-in-human gene therapy trial for BAG3-associated dilated cardiomyopathy. Public Health & Safety Funding: FEMA awarded more than $72 million across the Southeast to support fire departments and first responders, including health and wellness initiatives. Kratom Scrutiny: Packaged kratom was found in separate death investigations involving two Ole Miss students, renewing debate over safety and legality. Senior Care Costs: A new report highlights how long-term care savings stretch less than many expect, with Medicare not covering long-term care the way families assume. Victim Compensation Boost: Alabama’s Crime Victims Compensation Commission approved higher payouts for some violent-crime claim categories, including medical and funeral expenses.

Rural Health Funding: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt highlighted Alabama’s $203 million rural health investment, urging CMS leaders to see it as “life and death” for residents facing long drives for care. Long COVID Research: PridCor Therapeutics says it has started the Phase 2 SHIELD study at Mount Sinai, ordering study drug ahead of enrollment for a combination antiviral approach in about 150 Long COVID adults. State Health Costs: The Alabama State Employees’ Insurance Board approved the first premium increase in 11 years, raising rates by $15 starting Jan. 1 due to rising healthcare costs and projected deficits. Public Health & Safety: A new Alabama law takes effect Oct. 1 banning e-cigarettes and vapes in places where smoking is prohibited. Kratom Crackdown: Reports tied packaged kratom to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, renewing questions about the substance’s risks and Alabama’s ban. Suicide Prevention: South Central Alabama Mental Health is training everyday residents in QPR, a step-by-step crisis intervention approach.

Vaping Ban: Alabama’s updated Clean Indoor Air Act adds electronic nicotine delivery systems to the existing smoking restrictions, with the statewide public-place ban taking effect Oct. 1 (homes are not covered). Public Health Funding: HHS/HRSA announced $300,000 in federal support to expand telehealth access for rural and underserved Alabamians, plus nutrition services and provider training. Telehealth & Training: A Self Regional Healthcare Foundation donation of an ultrasound epidural/lumbar puncture skills trainer supports hands-on simulation for family medicine residents. Youth Sports Oversight: State Rep. David Faulkner says he plans to file legislation creating an Alabama Commission on Youth Sports to improve safety and accountability for volunteer coaching. Local Health Grants: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama awarded Be Healthy grants to four West Alabama schools, including health science and school-based wellness initiatives. Safety in Schools: The vaping law change is aimed at reducing secondhand exposure at venues like school events, stadiums, libraries, and other enclosed public places. Community Health Events: Bras Across the Causeway marks its 10th anniversary with a breast cancer patient assistance 5K/1-mile run and festival Oct. 10 in Mobile.

Suicide Prevention: A Suicide Prevention Awareness 5K in the RSA community drew 167 participants to raise awareness, share resources, and encourage proactive support during National Suicide Prevention Month. Insurance & Access: Federal officials canceled about 315,000 Marketplace plans covering roughly 760,000 people, leaving many families scrambling to confirm coverage to avoid surprise bills and delayed care. AI in Health Decisions: A Utah law signed in 2026 requires insurers to disclose when AI is used in prior authorization reviews starting Jan. 1, 2027, and bars AI from being the sole reason for denials. Maternal & Hormone Health: Alabama coverage highlights Black women pushing back against dismissals of serious hormonal symptoms, noting the renaming of PCOS to PMOS and the need for better recognition and care. Rural Care Funding: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt and CMS leader Dr. Mehmet Oz tout $203 million for Alabama rural health upgrades, including telehealth and workforce support. Nursing Home Watch: CMS star-rating updates spotlight strong performers in Alabama counties alongside lower-rated facilities, underscoring ongoing quality and staffing concerns.