AGP Executive Report

Maternal health in Alabama: New reporting spotlights a “maternal care desert” problem—families face long gaps in care, worsening outcomes and access during pregnancy and postpartum. Cancer screening in Perry County: The Urology Health Foundation will offer free prostate cancer screenings Aug. 22 (ages 40+), with a PSA blood test and no appointment needed at the Perry County Health Department in Marion. Nutrition & aging: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production, raising concerns about frailty risk in older adults. School attendance rules: Perry County Schools reminds families that Alabama’s compulsory attendance law requires 180 instructional days and counts absences even in virtual/remote learning. Community health & safety: Alabama’s health department urges residents to take heat precautions as dangerous temperatures move through the state. Local health workforce: Beaufort Memorial adds fellowship-trained hand surgeon Mark P. Smith to expand specialized orthopedic care.

Maternal Health in Alabama: A new report spotlights Alabama’s maternal care “desert,” warning that too many families lack nearby, timely support during pregnancy and birth. Pediatric ADHD Care: Alabama data shows 45% of children with ADHD receive behavior treatment, raising questions about access and follow-through. Heat Safety: Alabama public health officials urge residents to recognize warning signs of heat-related illness as dangerous conditions persist. Hospital Expansion in Hoover: Groundbreaking begins on South Haven Surgical Plaza, an 80,000-square-foot outpatient facility planned to expand surgical, diagnostic, and imaging services locally. Food Safety in Montgomery: Chris’ Hotdogs celebrates a major jump to a 98 health rating after ventilation, air purification, pest control, and facility upgrades. Nutrition & Aging Research: UAB and Cornell researchers link vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production in older adults, pointing to frailty risk. Community Health Support: A Scottsboro fishing tournament raised a record $254,896 for congenital heart disease research at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Local Care Access: East Alabama Health is set to take over operations at Medical Center Barbour, aiming to stabilize services. Public Health & COVID Politics: A Senate panel moves forward in contempt proceedings tied to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s COVID-19 testimony.

New Outpatient Care in Hoover: City leaders broke ground on the South Haven Surgical Plaza at Stadium Trace Village, a planned 80,000-square-foot, four-story outpatient center with six operating rooms, procedure rooms, and imaging—aimed at expanding access for Hoover and nearby communities. Food Safety Win in Montgomery: Chris’ Hotdogs celebrated a jump to a 98 health rating after new owners upgraded ventilation, air purification, pest control, duct work, and counters. Veterans Access: The DAR unveiled a tactile, braille U.S. flag display at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center to help visually-impaired veterans “feel” the pledge and access information. Maternal Care Alarm: A March of Dimes report says 1 in 3 Alabama counties are maternal health care deserts, forcing many pregnant people to travel long distances for prenatal and postpartum care. ADHD Treatment in Alabama: New reporting highlights that about 45% of Alabama children with ADHD receive behavior treatment, with experts pointing to therapy as a key option. Nutrition Research: UAB-linked study coverage ties vitamin B12 deficiency to muscle weakness and frailty, showing how low B12 can disrupt energy-making in muscle cells. Heat Safety Reminder: Alabama health officials urged residents to recognize heat illness warning signs as dangerous heat persists.

Maternal Health Crisis: A new March of Dimes report says 1 in 3 Alabama counties are maternal health care deserts, leaving expectant mothers with long drives for prenatal and postpartum care—an issue highlighted by a Lowndes County mother who had to travel to Montgomery for appointments. ADHD Care Access: Alabama data show about 45% of children with ADHD received behavior treatment from 2020 to 2023, reinforcing expert recommendations that therapy skills can be a key part of care. Extreme Heat Safety: Savannah opened cooling centers during an extreme heat warning, with heat index values near 114–115 and reminders to hydrate, avoid direct sun, and treat heat illness as an emergency. Rural Hospital Updates: Hale County Hospital is getting a $250,000 boost for a new CT scanner, ultrasound equipment, and IV pumps—aimed at reducing the need to travel for care. Coastal Health Alert: Health officials warn about rising Vibrio vulnificus risk as warm Gulf waters spread the rare “flesh-eating” bacteria, which can move fast and be deadly. Community Health Support: River Region United Way launched its 2026 fundraising campaign to back youth opportunities, healthy communities, and financial security across the region.

Heat Safety in Alabama: The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents about dangerous triple-digit temperatures, urging extra caution for people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney issues, older adults, children, and those on certain medications; officials recommend staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing, using SPF 15+, and cutting strenuous activity during peak heat. Food Safety Watch: Jefferson County health inspections found recurring problems like poor handwashing and training lapses at multiple restaurants, including employees touching faces before food prep and expired food-handler training. Rural Hospital Funding: UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair secured a $750,000 grant through Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program to buy equipment and expand local services. New Health Tech for Costs: An Alabama A&M student finalist in an AWS AI competition built CareLens AI, aiming to help people estimate care costs before choosing urgent care or the ER. Kidney Research Update: UAB-linked coverage highlights 2-year eGFR findings in IgA nephropathy from a phase 3 trial of sibeprenlimab. Community Health Support: River Region United Way kicked off its 2026 fundraising campaign with a $2.2 million goal to back youth, healthy communities, and financial security programs.

Heat Safety in Alabama: The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents about dangerous heat and who’s most at risk, including older adults, kids, people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor circulation, past stroke, and those on certain meds; officials urge staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing and hats, using SPF 15+, and cutting strenuous activity during peak heat, with guidance on spotting heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Antibiotics Update: A new study finds most Americans still believe you should always finish antibiotics even after you feel better, but researchers say that advice is outdated for many infections and that treatment length should be tailored. B12 and Muscle Health: UAB-linked research reports vitamin B12 deficiency can impair muscle energy production in lab studies, adding to concerns about weakness and frailty in older adults. Local Health & Community: Alabama’s public health push also includes heat precautions for school sports, plus a reminder that heat illness can escalate fast without prompt care. Public Health Alerts: Alabama officials also issued warnings about dangerous conditions tied to extreme heat.

Mental Health Treatment: The VA launched a new clinical trial testing psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, with Alabama sites including the Birmingham VA Health Care System and the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. Public Health & Safety: Alabama health officials issued renewed warnings as extreme heat moves in, urging residents to watch for heat illness signs and take precautions during dangerous conditions. Infectious Disease Alert: Vibrio vulnificus deaths and cases are rising along the Gulf Coast; Alabama reported 16 vibriosis cases with one death, prompting reminders that even small cuts can be risky in warm coastal waters. Food Safety: Whole Foods and other retailers expanded recalls tied to a jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak, with hundreds sickened across multiple states. Local Care Access: East Alabama Health will take over operations at Medical Center Barbour, starting Oct. 1, as the region works to keep services available. Community Health & Wellness: Alabama’s prisons begin a tobacco-free push under a new ADOC initiative, aiming for phased implementation by October.

Stroke & heart prevention in pharmacies: A new “Stroke Belt” pilot in rural areas trained pharmacy technicians to screen and refer high-risk patients, with Alabama included among participating states. Food safety alerts: Whole Foods and other retailers expanded recalls tied to salmonella in jalapeño products, following earlier outbreaks that have sickened hundreds nationwide. Cyclosporiasis in Alabama: Alabama health officials report cyclosporiasis cases now topping 100, with most infections concentrated in North Alabama and linked to a Mexican restaurant chain. Gulf Coast “flesh-eating” bacteria warning: Alabama public health urged extra caution around warm coastal waters after reports of vibriosis/vibrio-related illness, especially for people with open wounds. Sepsis Awareness Month: Alabama will recognize September as Sepsis Awareness Month to push earlier recognition of a potentially deadly infection response. Mental health in the spotlight: Northeast Alabama’s Out of the Shadows Summit returns Sept. 1 with sessions on trauma, caregiver wellness, and AI in mental health care. Local health concerns: Fairfield residents packed a town hall over a proposed data center inside a former Walmart, raising questions about health and environmental impacts. Major child health update: Children’s of Alabama reported a successful brain surgery for 9-year-old Zoey Jones, who has sickle cell anemia and Moyamoya disease.

Food Safety: A major jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella has expanded, with 345 people sickened and 36 hospitalized, pulling products sold at Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and more. Medicaid Policy: CMS finalized a rule ending federal Medicaid/CHIP funding for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender-related surgeries for minors, effective Oct. 13 (state-only coverage may still be possible). Alabama Research: UAB researchers are challenging long-held cancer DNA-replication assumptions through work on the origin recognition complex, aiming to improve cancer treatment strategies. Cancer Care Update: UAB’s Jorge Cortes discusses the FDA’s approval of orally disintegrating nilotinib tablets for CML, potentially easing fasting and drug-interaction hassles. Public Health/Heat: Alabama health officials warn residents about heat-related illness signs as dangerous conditions persist across the region. Community Health: University of Alabama freshmen made stress dolls for DCH patients, offering comfort for people dealing with dementia or cancer. Rural Hospitals: New federal legislation would help rural emergency hospitals preserve services and gain flexibility under Medicare. Workforce & Access: Alabama maternal care and maternity-desert coverage challenges remain in focus, with new reporting highlighting gaps for Black mothers.

Maternal Health Crisis in Alabama: A new ACLU of Alabama report says Alabama is the nation’s most dangerous place to be pregnant, with a maternal mortality rate of 65 deaths per 100,000 births overall and 100 per 100,000 among Black Alabamians, citing long travel to care, financial barriers, and gaps in mental-health support. Heat and Mental Health: UAB psychiatry experts warn that extreme heat can worsen anxiety, irritability, and decision-making by draining the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño recalls tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak affecting at least 345 people across 27 states, including Alabama; shoppers are urged to check product lists and avoid recalled items. Nutrition Research: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production in mice, adding to concerns about frailty and muscle weakness in older adults. Maternity Care Access: A March of Dimes report finds more than 34% of U.S. counties are maternity-care deserts, forcing longer trips for labor and delivery. Community Health Support: United Way kicked off a $5 million fundraising drive in Tuscaloosa to back local health and human services.

Heat Safety: Alabama is bracing for dangerous heat with a Heat Advisory for Cherokee, Etowah and Calhoun counties Wednesday, with heat index values around 105°F and guidance to cool down, hydrate, and watch for heat illness signs. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods (including salsa, guacamole and taco dip) after a salmonella-linked jalapeño recall tied to products distributed in 26 states, with Alabama included—health officials say kids under 5, older adults and immunocompromised people face higher risk. Maternal Care Access: March of Dimes reports 1 in 3 U.S. counties remain maternity care deserts, leaving many pregnant people traveling farther for labor and delivery and raising risks for delayed prenatal care and complications. Hospital Quality: Crestwood Medical Center in Alabama was recognized for a zero MRSA infection rate over a recent CMS reporting period, highlighting ongoing infection-prevention efforts. Nutrition Research: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to reduced muscle energy production in mice, adding to concerns about frailty and muscle weakness in older adults. Local Health Costs: Hoover Medicaid spending for procedures/professional services jumped sharply in 2024, reflecting changing local utilization patterns. Water Security: Iran-linked hackers targeted more U.S. water infrastructure, including Alabama, with officials reporting limited disruption and no confirmed water quality impact.

Radiation Safety Tech: UAB startup LifeNuclear is building TheraGuide, a digital platform to help patients and caregivers follow radiation safety instructions after radiopharmaceutical therapy, replacing hard-to-read paper directions with interactive, personalized guidance. Maternal Health Access: A March of Dimes report highlights “maternity care deserts,” where many counties lack birthing facilities or obstetric clinicians, raising risks for pregnancy outcomes—especially for Black moms and babies—and spotlights Alabama midwife Nadia Gramby’s work filling gaps. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling multiple jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold nationwide (including Alabama) after jalapeños were linked to a Salmonella outbreak; retailers like Walmart and Target are pulling affected items with “best if used by” dates through Aug. 16, 2026. Vaccines Policy: A new Trump executive order would change federal childhood vaccine recommendations and encourage states to review school requirements, but Alabama’s current rules remain in place—prompting concerns from parents and clinicians. Mental Health Research: The VA is testing psilocybin therapy for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, with Alabama sites including Birmingham VA and Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. Public Health & Community: A free “Monte’s Wellness Clinic” in Guntersville (Aug. 17) offers low-income pet owners free vaccines, wellness exams, and food, plus spay/neuter opportunities.

Infant Safety Tech: Alabama’s Department of Public Health launched a free Wiregrass Infant Net for Safety (W.I.N.S.) app, adding back-seat hot car alerts, safe-sleep games, vaccine reminders, recall/weather alerts, and CPR/choking videos for caregivers in 10 Wiregrass counties. Mental Health Research: The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is joining a national clinical trial testing psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression in veterans, including those with PTSD. Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and related prepared foods tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak; the FDA/CDC link illnesses to Mexican-grown jalapeños and report hundreds sickened across 27 states, with many cases tied to Mexican-style restaurants. Public Health Risk Watch: Louisiana health officials warned beachgoers about a rise in vibrio vulnificus infections, a rare but fast-moving “flesh-eating” bacteria that can enter through open wounds or raw shellfish. Care Access Funding: UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair received $750,000 from community partners to buy medical equipment and expand care in St. Clair County. Everyday Wellness: A sleep survey and local HVAC guidance suggest cooler bedroom temps—around 60–67°F—for better sleep during Alabama’s hot stretch.

Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms recalled finished products tied to a Salmonella risk after jalapeños were linked to a multistate outbreak that has sickened hundreds, with Alabama among the distribution states; separate recalls also hit Walmart shoppers, including Bettergoods pistachio nut butter jars flagged for Salmonella. Mental Health Research: A new NHS trial found that a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin, paired with structured psychological support, produced large improvements for treatment-resistant depression over six weeks. Hospital Access & Policy: Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill allowing the state to seize Norwood Hospital through eminent domain so it can be transferred or leased to a qualified nonprofit and potentially finish stalled construction. Public Health & Risk: Louisiana health officials reported deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with all cases traced to wounds exposed to warm coastal water. Alabama Politics & Health: Sen. Katie Britt pushed to permanently close a “hemp loophole” aimed at keeping intoxicating hemp-derived THC products away from minors, while Sen. Tommy Tuberville renewed calls for legal scrutiny of Dr. Anthony Fauci over COVID-19 decisions.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers should check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars with a 28 January 2027 expiry date; a specific lot was recalled after routine testing found Salmonella, with distribution reported in 19 states including Alabama. Public Health & Coastal Safety: Louisiana health officials confirmed five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2026; all nine cases were linked to wounds exposed to warm seawater or brackish water, not raw shellfish—an important Gulf Coast warning for anyone with cuts or piercings. COVID Legal Fallout: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Dr. Anthony Fauci could face lawsuits from Alabamians tied to COVID-19, arguing Fauci lacks a state pardon even though he has a federal one. Child Protection Policy: Sen. Katie Britt pushed to permanently close a “hemp loophole” that lets intoxicating hemp-derived THC products reach minors, opposing an extension. Community Health Infrastructure: ALDOT opened public input for a SR-227 road diet and resurfacing project in Guntersville, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow. Local Health & Wellness: Jefferson County volunteers removed trash along Valley Creek in the 16th annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup, supporting cleaner waterways and safer recreation.

Public Health Alert: Louisiana is reporting a rise in severe Vibrio vulnificus infections, with five deaths this year tied to coastal water exposure and open wounds—officials urge people to avoid getting cuts in salt or brackish water, especially during warmer months. Local Community & Wellness: Hundreds of volunteers joined the 16th annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup along Valley Creek in Jefferson County, removing trash before it reaches waterways—an effort tied to better water quality and healthier outdoor recreation. Healthcare & Accountability: A Jefferson County jury awarded $5 million to a Sylacauga woman who says UAB Hospital’s provider foundation mishandled sodium monitoring during a liver-failure stay, leading to locked-in syndrome and lasting paralysis. Food Safety: Multiple states are tracking Salmonella linked to recalled jalapeños and related products, with Alabama shoppers advised to check for affected items. Workforce & Care Access: Eli Lilly’s $6+ billion Huntsville manufacturing investment is drawing attention for its potential to expand the local healthcare and education pipeline tied to the company’s hiring needs.