AGP Executive Report

Medical Cannabis Milestone: Alabama made its first state-sanctioned medical marijuana purchase in Montgomery, with Amanda Taylor—who has multiple sclerosis—buying products at Callie’s Apothecary and calling it a historic step for patient access. Public Health—Substance Risks: A new report says kratom poisonings and hospitalizations surged 1,200% over the past decade, as regulators struggle to keep up with rising dangers and states weigh bans or limits. Health Alerts—Vaping: Alabama health officials are warning teens and young adults that vaping can still cause nicotine addiction and harm lungs and the brain, even when marketed as safer. Care Access—Kidney Breakthrough: A CAR T-cell clinical trial enabled two highly sensitized patients with end-stage kidney disease to finally receive compatible transplants, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Local Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Barfield Health Care ranked No. 2 in Marshall County in Q1 2026 and earned a 5-star overall rating, while Marshall Manor’s ownership and CMS rating were also detailed for the quarter. Community Health Jobs: TARCOG announced a tri-county career fair to hire case managers and expand support for older adults and people with disabilities.

College Sports Reform: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in Washington supporting the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, arguing the current system is “broken” and pointing to how spending and NIL rules have ballooned rosters and reshaped competition. Public Health Alert: Alabama health officials are warning Gulf Coast residents about vibriosis as warm-water Vibrio bacteria spread; six cases have been reported in Alabama in 2026, while Florida has already logged five. Women’s Health Access: Complete Women’s Care of Alabama launched a new mobile-friendly website for patients in Birmingham and Alabaster, adding online scheduling, bill pay, and easier access to records. Rural Hospital Coverage: East Alabama Health will take over operations of Bullock County Rural Emergency Hospital in Union Springs to keep emergency services stable for local residents. Nutrition Support: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines increased under new federal poverty benchmarks, expanding eligibility for more pregnant people, new parents, and children. Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s medical cannabis program officially begins with Callie’s Apothecary opening in Montgomery, with North Alabama patients still waiting on local dispensary rollout.

WIC Access in Focus: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines have increased, meaning more pregnant people, new parents, and families with kids under 5 may qualify; the program offers food benefits plus nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings highlight a mixed picture across Alabama facilities this quarter—Washington County Nursing Home earned a top 5-star overall rating, Evergreen Nursing Home and Andalusia Manor both scored 4 stars, while Shelby Ridge Nursing Home landed at 2 stars and Diversicare of Oneonta led Blount County but received a 2-star rating. Heart Health Reminder: A Birmingham task force tied to CPR & AED Awareness Week says survival from sudden cardiac arrest is far lower locally than nationally, pushing for more bystander CPR training. Maternal Care Lawsuit: Black midwives are suing Alabama (along with Georgia and Mississippi), arguing state rules requiring collaborative practice agreements and hospital-style birth-center regulations block culturally appropriate care. Pine Forest Threat: Alabama researchers warn brown spot needle blight is spreading across most counties, threatening loblolly and longleaf pines that support the state’s forest economy.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS released new rules that could add work, education, or community engagement requirements for many Medicaid adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, while exempting groups like pregnant people, people with disabilities, and many caregivers. WIC Boost in Alabama: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines and benefits increased for 2026, with more families likely to qualify; pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women and kids up to age 5 can apply through local county health departments or WIC agencies. Rural Hospital Support: Alabama officials and Regions Bank highlighted early wins from the Alabama Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, including a $100,000 donation to Cullman Regional Medical Center, underscoring how partnerships can help keep rural care running. Hospital Affordability Push: A commentary argues hospital pricing and billing practices are driving unaffordable care, pointing to policy choices that protect big hospital systems from competition. Tick-Bite Allergy Warning: Health coverage spotlights Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially serious allergy linked to tick bites that can trigger reactions after eating red meat or certain dairy products. AI Hallucinations in Research: A report describes how fabricated references can slip into biomedical papers when AI tools are used, raising concerns about accuracy in medical publishing. Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Alabama’s Senior Medicare Patrol urges beneficiaries and caregivers to watch statements, avoid sharing Medicare numbers, and get free help/resources during June 1–5. School Meals for Summer: Tuscaloosa County Schools and other districts are running free summer meal programs for kids 18 and under, helping bridge nutrition gaps when school is out. Public Health & Safety: A lawmaker proposal targets nitrous oxide “laughing gas” sales after rising misuse and fatal poisonings, while Alabama also continues public reminders for tick protection.

Food Security in Summer: Enterprise’s Hunger Patrol bus is back for the summer, delivering meals to kids under 18 during June 1–July 24 with multiple neighborhood stops each day. Workplace Health & Nursing Care: Agape Care Group was named a Nurse.com Top Workplace for Nursing, citing employee survey feedback on support, respect, and career growth. Community Health Access: Baptist HealthPlace at Seven Pines opens June 2, adding primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, rehab, and lab services (no emergency care; nearest ER is about 3 miles away). Public Health & Safety Staffing: A new report highlights Alabama’s strong safety manager ratio nationally, pointing to the growing role of workplace safety leaders as regulations expand. Local Development for Wellness: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed outlined plans to revitalize west Montgomery, with the Fairview Farmers Market transformation aimed at improving access to fresh food and wellness resources. Mental Health in Schools: Kirkwood School District is considering excused mental health days for 2026–2027, but notes the challenge of requiring professional documentation. Healthcare Accountability: Attorneys for Jermaine Tyler’s family are pressing for transparency and an independent investigation after his death following a Prattville Police response.

Prison Health Care Scrutiny: Alabama’s new $500M prison healthcare contract with NaphCare is drawing national attention after reports of problems in other states, raising questions about quality and oversight. Mental Health Access in Alabama: A new psychiatric urgent care model is expanding same-day help, and Bryce Young’s foundation is spotlighting youth mental health with a camp message that encourages kids to talk early. Memory Care Support: Caring Days in West Alabama is running a motorcycle fundraiser to keep adult day programs going for people living with memory disorders and related neurological conditions. Hurricane Season Prep (Alabama Gulf Coast): Emergency officials urge residents to review plans now, including alert options and shelter locations, since tropical systems can trigger severe weather far inland. Physician Advocacy Leadership: The Medical Association of the State of Alabama named Evans Brown as director of government relations and public affairs, aiming to strengthen policy influence for doctors and patients. Public Health Policy Watch: New federal CalFresh rules took effect for some able-bodied adults, requiring work or volunteer participation to keep benefits.

Cocaine treatment breakthrough: A new U.S. trial found a single dose of psilocybin plus psychotherapy led to more cocaine-abstinent days and a lower risk of relapse at 180 days than an active placebo plus therapy, offering fresh hope for adults with cocaine use disorder. Maternal health warning: Alabama advocates marked Preeclampsia Awareness Month by stressing postpartum preeclampsia can hit days or weeks after delivery, with red flags like severe headaches, swelling, chest pain, and vision changes that need urgent care. Hot car danger: After a Tuscaloosa County toddler was found dead in a vehicle left for an extended period, officials and Safe Kids Tuscaloosa urged parents to never leave children unattended in cars, even briefly. Medical cannabis moves forward in Alabama: Alabama’s medical marijuana program is progressing, with Callie’s Apothecary opening in Montgomery and more dispensaries expected soon after the commission’s licensing decisions. Weight-loss tech: Signos secured $20M to expand continuous glucose monitoring beyond diabetes into weight loss, pairing glucose data with coaching and app insights. Community support: A Huntsville nonprofit expanded its “7&7” baby shower to help 40 mothers with essential supplies and education. Nursing recognition: A Moore Regional Hospital nurse won a DAISY Award for empathy and hands-on support for a patient’s family.

Maternal Health: Alabama advocates are using Preeclampsia Awareness Month to stress that postpartum preeclampsia can strike days or even weeks after delivery. Warning signs include severe headaches, swelling in hands/feet/face, high blood pressure, chest pain, and blurred vision—untreated cases can lead to seizures, stroke, organ damage, and death. Mental Health Access: Alabama is expanding the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model, with Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare and Highland Health Systems approved to transition, joining AltaPointe and Wellstone in a “no wrong door” approach. Substance Use Treatment Research: A UAB-led randomized trial reports psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise for cocaine use disorder, adding to growing interest in psychedelic-assisted treatment. Medical Cannabis in Alabama: The state’s long-stalled medical marijuana program is moving forward: Callie’s Apothecary opened in Montgomery May 4, with more dispensaries expected, and licenses approved for up to 12 locations statewide. Food Security: The Greystone YMCA in Birmingham is launching free fresh food distributions starting June 1 with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, aiming to help families during summer meal gaps. Public Health & Safety: Alabama is also seeing urgent health-related community news, including a nurse’s sudden death at Children’s of Alabama and a case involving a mother accused of killing her 17-month-old via a feeding-tube “concoction.”

Mental Health Court Order: A Tuscaloosa County judge ordered forced medication for a jail inmate charged with capital murder of a DCH nurse, citing a psychiatrist’s letter that the man refused meds, stayed on suicide watch, and posed escalating danger. Maternal Heart Health: UAB researchers report pregnant women have worse cardiovascular health than non-pregnant peers, with lower activity, less favorable cholesterol, and higher BMI driving the gap. Nursing Home Ownership: CMS data show Northway Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham is owned by Northport Holding Operations, LLC, with a Q1 overall rating of 2 and no fines/penalties reported. Public Safety Infrastructure: Foley is moving toward a fourth fire station on East Fern Avenue, with design in 2026 and construction targeted for 2027 to improve coverage as the north side grows. Workforce Pipeline: Alabama’s broader health-care staffing challenge gets a boost in other states as a hybrid K-12 medical assistant pathway lets students graduate with certificates and real hospital experience. Water Conservation Alert: Marbury Water System customers in parts of Autauga, Elmore, and Chilton counties face emergency conservation rules due to maintenance cutting supply roughly in half. Workplace Safety: OSHA details follow-up on a fatal roofing fall at Mississippi University for Women, including prior similar citations for the contractor.

Mental Health Access: A new Alabama Regional Medical Services health and wellness center opened in North Birmingham to expand support for underserved adults and children. Cardiovascular Health in Pregnancy: UAB researchers report pregnant women have worse heart health than non-pregnant peers, driven by lower activity, cholesterol changes, and higher BMI. Food Security: Alabama’s America 250 kickoff includes a “Grow More Give More” gardening challenge aimed at boosting fresh produce donations to fight food insecurity. Public Health & Safety Tech: Tanner Health in west Georgia/east Alabama launched a bilingual AI voice assistant to cut call center hold times and help patients manage appointments and prescriptions. Invasive Species Watch: Alabama officials confirmed an invasive Asian longhorned tick in DeKalb County and urge pet owners to use tick prevention and get bites checked. Community Mental Wellness: Selma held its fourth annual Mental Health Awareness Day to reduce stigma and connect residents with local resources. Cancer Update: A Tuscaloosa teen with rare bone cancer says the disease has spread to his brain, with the family preparing the next treatment plan. Water Rates: Central Alabama Water held a workshop on rate structure options as revenue and treated-water capacity pressures shape future pricing. Workplace Health: A Children’s of Alabama employee died after a medical emergency at work.

Alzheimer’s Awareness in Boaz: The Boaz City Council signed a proclamation for June Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, with local advocates urging residents to “paint the town purple” using lights, ribbons, and community-friendly displays. Heart Health Fundraiser: The Castin’ N Catchin’ Fishing tournament in Scottsboro raised more than $200,000 for Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center, topping $1 million since it began in 2016. Nursing Home Quality Check: Greenbriar at the Altamont in Jefferson County maintained a 3-star CMS rating in early 2026, with no fines or penalties reported in Q1. Behavioral Health Access Expansion: Alabama approved two more community mental health centers to transition into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model, aiming for more coordinated mental health and substance use care. HIV Prevention Info: A local health piece highlights PrEP as an option to greatly reduce HIV risk when taken as directed, alongside safer-sex practices. Emergency Preparedness Funding: Rep. Dale Strong secured $2.597 million for backup generators for Huntsville Hospital’s Women and Children department to protect care during power outages and extreme weather. Food Insecurity Pressure: A report notes more Americans are going hungry, with families missing meals rising sharply compared with 2020. Heat Safety Warning (Out of State, Still a Lesson): Houston officials report a steep surge in heat-related ER visits and stress preparedness as summer begins.

Medicare Coverage Update: AngioDynamics says Palmetto GBA issued a final Medicare coverage guide for NanoKnife irreversible electroporation (IRE) for favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, effective July 5, 2026—an important reimbursement step for patients and clinicians. Rural Health Funding: Alabama leaders discussed how to use $203 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program, with ideas ranging from maternal/fetal care and mental health to EMS “treat-in-place” models that could reduce unnecessary ambulance transports. Hospital Capacity & Safety: Congressman Dale Strong announced $2.5M for a generator upgrade at Huntsville Hospital, replacing an aging unit to help keep the entire facility powered during growth and expansion. Public Health Alerts: ADPH says hantavirus risk in Alabama is “low,” urging basic sanitation and home cleanliness while monitoring hospitals for unusual cases. Care Access for Families: HHS is offering states $6M to pilot predictive analytics in child welfare systems, aiming to help caseworkers make faster, safer decisions and reduce unnecessary foster care placements. Mental Health Focus: A new Maternal Mental Health State Report Card finds the U.S. overall grade rose slightly to a C, but major gaps remain in clinical care and structural supports for new mothers. Cancer Treatment Advance: Durvalumab plus BCG earned an FDA nod for bladder cancer, adding another option for patients and clinicians.

Mental Health Access in Alabama: Two more Alabama community mental health centers—Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare and Highland Health Systems—were approved to expand under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model, aiming to cut wait times and improve coordination for people seeking mental health and substance-use care. Child Safety & Medical Risk: A Daphne mother, Kaitlynn Grace Dominick, 22, faces manslaughter and aggravated child abuse charges after prosecutors allege she injected a chemical mixture into her 17-month-old son’s feeding tube, leading to his death. Public Health & Heat: Houston’s summer heat burden is rising fast, with a documented jump in heat-related ER visits from 2019 to 2023, and officials are urging stronger protections for vulnerable residents. Clinical Care Marker: A new study suggests high-sensitivity CRP may better reflect psoriatic arthritis activity than standard CRP, which can miss lower-level inflammation. Community Health Workforce: Alabama’s rural healthcare push continues with a $200M program to boost access.

Glucose Monitoring for Weight Management: Signos raised $20M and partnered with Dexcom and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to expand access to its FDA-cleared over-the-counter glucose monitoring system via Dexcom’s Stelo site. Public Health Safety Warning: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned doctors against using “research-grade” or non-FDA-approved peptides, saying they haven’t been tested for safety or effectiveness for human use. Cardiac Risk & Exercise: UAB researchers reported that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity tracked by wearables is linked to fewer serious cardiovascular events in people with cardiomyopathy gene variants. Nursing Home Quality Checks: CMS data highlighted mixed results in Alabama nursing homes, including a Mobile County facility rated 4 and other centers with lower ratings, based on inspections, staffing, and resident care. Medical Cannabis Access Delays: Alabama patients with cards still face slow dispenser openings, leaving some waiting for recommended treatment. Local Food Impact: Recent rains are hurting Alabama strawberries and other crops, with farmers reporting watery fruit, blight, and higher costs. Health Education: “Wellness Wednesday” focused on understanding pneumonia and sepsis.

Maternal Mental Health: A new 2026 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card says Alabama earned a D (and Mississippi also earned an F in 2025 but a D in 2026), with the U.S. overall improving to a C as a new “Parental Support” category spotlights gaps in paid leave and affordable childcare. Clinical Research Access: Advocate Health is partnering with Lind, an AI tool that helps match cancer patients to clinical trials, aiming to reduce the bottleneck that leaves only about 5% of eligible patients enrolled. Patient Safety & Regulation: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned doctors not to prescribe “research-grade” peptides because they’re not FDA-approved and may be unsafe or inconsistent; the board pointed to social media-driven demand. Local Care & Community Health: USA Health in Mobile says its tight margins limit AI investment, but it’s moving ahead with coding support through embedded partners. Public Health Practical Help: Athens Limestone Wellness Center is hosting a free car seat check on May 28, noting most kids aren’t properly secured. Parkinson’s Trial Update: Jupiter Neurosciences says enrollment is underway for a Phase 2a Parkinson’s trial of JOTROL™.

Alabama Health Warning: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners tells doctors not to prescribe or use “research-grade” peptides, saying they’re not FDA-approved and could carry safety risks. Child Death Case: A Baldwin County mother, Kaitlynn Dominick, faces manslaughter and aggravated child abuse charges after investigators say she mixed a liquid solution and administered it through her 17-month-old’s feeding tube, leading to the child’s death. Mental Health Court Scrutiny: A 120-page complaint alleges suspended Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard delayed involuntary commitment and guardianship hearings, potentially keeping patients hospitalized longer than allowed. Workforce Snapshot: Walker County’s unemployment rate fell to 2.5% in April. Care Access & Staffing: Tuscaloosa County Schools is training and hiring bus drivers, covering CDL costs and offering benefits. Public Health & Safety: A Selma bicyclist died after a crash early Tuesday.