AGP Executive Report

Alabama Food Safety: A new Alabama law starting July 1 creates one statewide inspection system for food trucks, letting operators get a single certificate and operate anywhere in the state without repeating local permitting. School Safety: Alabama also took effect July 1 with new guidelines for how schools handle student threats, including a definition of a “credible threat” and faster hearing timelines. Public Health Alerts: Michigan health officials are warning about a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, urging careful handwashing and produce handling as more than 170 cases are reported. Local Health & Community: Hale County is seeking baby item donations for a community baby shower and “Today’s Mom” program that supports healthy pregnancies and early childhood development. Care Access: Ascension Sacred Heart launched a new emergency medicine residency program to address regional physician shortages across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. Health Fraud Watch: The FBI’s Birmingham office is urging people to report suspected health care fraud and protect insurance information, citing a local Medicaid billing settlement.

Heat Safety: A north Alabama heat advisory was extended through Thursday evening for Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence counties, with highs in the mid- to upper 90s and heat index values around 105–110 as a high-pressure dome limits storms. Child Safety & Health: Tuscaloosa authorities say a 9-month-old died after being left home alone for about eight hours; the mother faces felony child abuse charges, with an autopsy pending. Public Health Research: UAB-led work in The Lancet HIV finds that engaging both partners during pregnancy—using home-based couple counseling—dramatically boosts joint HIV testing and improves maternal and child health outcomes. Medical Leadership: UAB anesthesiology assistant professor Carrie Atcheson was elected to Alabama’s Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama board. Water Safety Tips: West Alabama pool and lake safety experts urge parents to choose bright, fluorescent swimsuit colors so kids are easier to spot underwater during emergencies. Clinical Advances: New frontline chronic myeloid leukemia guidance highlights asciminib’s strong results in a major trial, positioning it as a valuable first-line option.

Nicotine Policy Watch: A new look at FDA nicotine pouch decisions and Alabama’s tightening adult-access rules highlights the push for stronger retail oversight and limits to protect youth. Heat Safety: Alabama EMS and doctors warn that humidity makes heat deadly fast, with heat exhaustion and heat cramps driving calls and most deaths preventable. Local Health Access: Montgomery’s Jackson Hospital says it won’t begin a July 1 closure process while talks continue with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Medicaid Accountability: A Phenix City provider agreed to repay $300,000 after allegations it billed Medicaid for services not provided to vulnerable children. Women’s Health: Spring View Hospital added board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Eric Griffin, expanding minimally invasive gynecology and pelvic care. Child Welfare Response: Birmingham approved a regional, trauma-informed child abuse response team with Clay House Child Advocacy Center. Community Support for Seniors: Wiregrass 211 launches Comfort Call Day to reduce dangerous loneliness among homebound older adults. Public Health & Prevention: Alabama tick hotspots roundup and a heart-health study tie neighborhood conditions to long-term cardiovascular risk.

Wildfire Safety: A federal union says fatigue and safety concerns are growing after an “explosive” start to the Western fire season that killed three wildland firefighters in Colorado, including Alabama’s Sydney Watson of Warrior, plus two others identified by federal officials. Heat & Power Costs: Alabama residents are facing expanded heat advisories; local guidance focuses on hydration, cooling pets, and lowering energy bills by adjusting thermostats, sealing drafts, and using smart controls. Mental Health Support: Montgomery Behavioral Health launched a monthly Family Night to help families better support loved ones during residential recovery and after discharge. Assistive Communication Gains: A new U.S. study finds high-tech assistive communication can improve quality of life by 65% and deliver a 3.3x economic return, with many users reporting better ability to express needs and preferences. Road Safety & Food Costs: Vestavia Hills approved higher school meal prices for 2026-27, while Alabama continues to see traffic-crash reports including a fatal Sumter County crash.

Pulmonology Access: Baxter Health added Dr. Gerald Belopolsky to its Pulmonology Clinic, bringing more than 30 years of pulmonary and critical care experience and expertise in lung disease and advanced airway procedures. Food Safety Alert: The USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat (lot code 15326A, “best if used by” June 28, 2026) sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, warning of an undeclared egg allergen due to mislabeling—consumers should discard or return the product. Heat Safety in Alabama: Alabama issued its first heat advisory of the season, urging residents—especially older adults, kids, and people with chronic conditions—to take precautions as heat index values push into triple digits. Emergency Reminder: UAB experts warn that a “cool” parked car can heat up fast once the engine is off, and there’s no safe amount of time to leave children or pets inside, even with windows cracked. Nursing Workforce Pipeline: Covista and Advocate Health launched a nursing collaboration through Chamberlain University, offering scholarships, clinical experience, and loan repayment support to expand access to practice-ready nurses. Community Health Support: Alabama allocated $6.3M for home weatherization grants to cut energy bills for low-income residents, with local application periods set by community agencies. Mental Health Access: Sequoia Ridge Wellness expanded residential mental health care in the Southeast, with a Montgomery-based flagship offering voluntary treatment for adults. Blood Supply Push: Blood Assurance is offering $40 e-gift cards to donors during June 29–July 7 as local blood supplies run low ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Food Safety Alert: USDA warned shoppers not to eat certain Private Selection Honey Dijon boneless chicken breasts because the label may omit an egg allergen after the wrong back label was applied; the product was sold at Fred Meyer and Kroger stores, including in Alabama. Wildfire Tragedy: Federal officials identified three firefighters killed responding to Colorado’s Knowles Fire, including Sydney Watson of Warrior, Alabama, as investigations continue after a burnover incident. Heat & Health: With extreme heat building across the eastern U.S., Alabama readers are reminded to beat the heat—hydration, limiting outdoor time, and using cooling options—while local advisories highlight dangerous conditions. Local Care Access: Jackson Hospital in Montgomery said talks with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama are continuing as it navigates bankruptcy and works to protect emergency services. Community Wellness: Tuscaloosa is launching a conflict-resolution workshop series aimed at helping residents de-escalate disputes before they escalate into public safety problems. Workforce Snapshot: Alabama’s labor market report shows the strongest online hiring demand for registered nurses and customer service/retail roles, with healthcare still a major driver.

Heat Safety: A Heat Advisory is in effect for Central Alabama Monday through Tuesday, with heat index values of 105–110°F and a “major” risk for heat illness—officials urge limiting outdoor time, staying hydrated, and watching for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Food & Public Health Policy: Alabama’s new law taking effect July 2 will let food trucks use one statewide health and fire inspection certification instead of repeating inspections city-by-city, cutting red tape for operators and inspectors. SNAP Watch: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate rose to 9.52% in fiscal year 2025, which could trigger a major state cost-share bill—DHR says the rate reflects unintentional errors, not fraud, and points to training and process changes. Animal Health: Alabama agriculture officials are tightening entry requirements for warm-blooded animals from Texas and New Mexico to help prevent New World Screwworm from entering the state. Local Care Access: The Perry County School System and the Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children launched “No Child Without a Bed,” using a $20,000 Mark Cuban Foundation grant to provide sleep packages for children lacking beds. Research & Rehab: UAH researchers report continuous low-intensity ultrasound may help shift immune cells from inflammation toward tissue repair after joint injury, a potential non-invasive approach for preventing post-traumatic arthritis.

Heat Safety: A Heat Advisory is in effect across parts of Alabama from Monday, June 29 at 11 a.m. through Tuesday, June 30 at 9 p.m., with heat index values up to 105 degrees—officials urge residents to watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Food Assistance Costs: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate rose to 9.52% for fiscal year 2025, putting the state on track for a potential $200 million price tag in about a year unless error rates drop. Animal Health Alert: Alabama agriculture officials are tightening entry requirements to keep the New World Screwworm out after detections in Texas and New Mexico, coordinating with USDA on monitoring and movement controls. Child Health & Stability: The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children and Perry County Schools launched “No Child Without a Bed,” aiming to provide sleep packages to children lacking beds, backed by a $20,000 Mark Cuban Foundation grant. Hospital Leadership: Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz was elected to lead the Alabama Hospital Association Board of Trustees, focusing on access, quality, and long-term hospital sustainability. Food Safety Recall/Alerts: USDA issued major food safety actions, including a public health alert for Private Selection raw chicken breasts due to an undeclared egg allergen, sold in multiple states including Alabama.

Summer EBT in Alabama: Alabama SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is back for eligible families, with a one-time $120 per school-aged child to help cover groceries during summer break. Public Health & Food Safety: A recall flagged more than 5,000 pounds of ready-to-eat pasta salad across seven states, including Alabama, due to possible undeclared allergens. Maternal Mental Health: A new report finds a big jump in state maternal mental health bills—up 46% in 2025—though only a few are considered substantive for screening and treatment. Heat Safety: Alabama is bracing for dangerous humid heat and heat-stress risk over the July 4 stretch, with guidance to cool down and hydrate. Local Injury Update: Two people were ejected and one was injured after two bass boats collided on Lake Mitchell in Coosa County, with the injured passenger taken to a Montgomery hospital. Eye Health on the Coast: Gulf Coast eye doctors warn that intense UV and glare make sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection a must to help prevent long-term damage. Community Wellness: A 5K in Atlanta supporting HBCU scholarships also included a health fair, tying fitness and wellness to education access.

Summer EBT (Alabama SUN Bucks): Alabama DHR, with the state education department, says eligible kids will get one-time Summer EBT benefits again this summer—$120 per school-aged child—automatically for many families on SNAP/TANF/Medicaid, with others able to apply online. Food Safety Recall: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad (5-lb tubs) in Alabama and six other states after concerns about undeclared allergens and possible mislabeling; shoppers are urged to check use-by dates and product codes. Heat Health: Alabama is bracing for dangerous, humid heat ahead of the July 4 weekend, with officials warning about heat stress and urging hydration and cooling precautions. Boating Safety: Two bass boats collided on Lake Mitchell in Coosa County, ejecting one passenger who was taken to a Montgomery hospital for treatment. Community Wellness: A large Atlanta 5K for HBCU scholarships also included a health fair, tying education support to wellness and screenings.

Heat Safety: Alabama is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity with heat indexes forecast to top 109, and officials are reminding pet owners that dogs can develop heat illness quickly—especially when humidity blocks cooling. Energy Assistance: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $6.3M in weatherization grants to cut energy bills for low-income households, with extra focus on seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. Food Access: Jackson County Schools will distribute free food boxes June 29 for registered students (pre-K through 12th grade), with pickup at Kevin Duke’s Career and Innovation Academy. Public Health & Food Alerts: The USDA issued a public health alert for raw boneless chicken breast products sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Alabama, due to an undeclared allergen. Local Health Care Stability: Jackson Hospital in Montgomery postponed a decision on possible closure, extending time for leaders to pursue options while the hospital’s financial crisis remains unresolved. Mental Health Care: Cullman’s SOAR Counseling & Consulting was named a 2026 Best of Alabama winner for therapy and counseling services. Child Health Outreach: An Enterprise pediatrician is using a social media series to share timely health updates for parents and reduce misinformation-driven fear. Cancer Care Access: A St. Clair County father is seeking help after Medicaid denied a request for lifesaving surgery for his 17-year-old daughter with aggressive bone cancer.

Heat & Safety: Alabama is bracing for a major heat wave with heat indices topping 106°F in North Alabama, plus humidity that can push “feels like” temperatures past triple digits—officials urge hydration, shade, and cooling centers. Public Health Alert: USDA/FSIS issued an alert for Kroger Private Selection Honey Dijon boneless chicken breasts with rib meat because eggs are undeclared on the label, raising allergy risk. EMS Upgrade: HHEMS-Marshall EMS launched a Pre-Hospital Blood Administration Program, letting trained paramedics give blood products before patients reach the hospital. Nutrition & Aging: New research highlights vitamin B12’s role beyond anemia—low B12 may affect brain and muscle energy, helping explain “aging-like” symptoms. Local Healthcare Leadership: Coosa Valley Medical Center CEO Glenn Sisk was elected to the Alabama Hospital Association board of trustees. Workforce & Access: Alabama Arise and IPSF say investing in public transit could help close the state’s workforce shortage by improving access to jobs. Community Health: Wallace State added new fall 2026 programs in facility maintenance and advanced baking & pastry to meet local job demand.

Public Health Alert: USDA flagged a misbranded Kroger/Fred Meyer “Honey Dijon” boneless chicken product that may contain undeclared eggs, urging anyone who bought it to check lot code 15326A and avoid eating it. Heat & Safety: Alabama is bracing for heat index values above 100° and “feels like” up to 109°, with humidity making cooling harder—hydration and cooling strategies matter. Food Security: San Diego County approved a $9.2B budget that backfills federal food-assistance cuts, highlighting how eligibility/work rules can leave families without meals. Maternal Health Research: A $8M grant will study long-term effects of Type 2 diabetes treatment during pregnancy on children. Community Health Care: UAB received a $10M gift to expand its Alzheimer’s center, aiming to grow care and research capacity. Local Care Expansion: Infirmary Health bought a former Kohl’s building in Spanish Fort to redevelop a regional operations and support hub for South Alabama. Nursing Spotlight: UAB’s Dalana Mitchell, a perinatal nurse navigator, was named April Employee of the Month. Nutrition Tips: Alabama Extension shared how to pick sweeter watermelon—taste matters, and ripe melons are key.

Maternal Health Research: UAB researchers won an $8 million federal grant to study long-term outcomes for children exposed in utero to metformin during pregnancy, including how metformin plus insulin may affect risks like large-for-gestational-age births. Rural Care Boost: UAB also received a $10 million gift to expand rural primary-care training through the Goodrich Rural Innovation in Training for Alabama (GRIT), aiming to grow residency spots and strengthen rural clinic capacity. Homelessness Support: The Salvation Army of Tuscaloosa launched HOMEward Bound, a mobile outreach effort delivering meals and connecting people to services across the city each Saturday. School Safety Oversight: A DOJ audit says the University of Alabama’s violence-prevention grant is making progress, but calls for stronger documentation safeguards for grant-funded work. Public Health Alerts: ADPH closed Mobile County shellfish growing waters after possible bacterial contamination tied to recent rainfall, with monitoring continuing. COVID-19 Watch: CDC data warns the South and West could see bigger summer COVID-19 increases if a less-recognized variant spreads. Heat Safety: Local officials reminded residents to prevent heat illness with hydration, shade/rest, and knowing warning signs.

Public Health Leadership: Marshall County’s Dr. Billy Pitts was elected to the NACCHO board, representing local health departments across the Southeast and aiming to strengthen the public health workforce. Food Access & Aging Support: A Shoals-area group is urging residents to use free elderly-care and nutrition resources, while a county response to federal SNAP work rules highlights how quickly food assistance needs can spike. Rural Health & Clinics: Atmore Community Hospital says its ACH Complete Care primary clinic closed, underscoring ongoing financial and staffing pressures on Alabama rural care. Maternal & Infant Safety: Russell Medical in Alexander City opened a Safe Haven Baby Box for anonymous infant surrender, designed to alert ER staff immediately. Nutrition Policy: A federal judge blocked SNAP soda-and-candy limits in other states, a move that could complicate Alabama’s similar efforts. Community Brain Health: Livingston-area partners hosted a dementia awareness and screening fair to help older adults spot early warning signs. Water Safety: Dothan received an ADEM drinking-water testing violation notice after a sampling deadline was missed by a day, though officials say results were within safe limits. Health Care Fraud: Alabama’s AG announced a $300,000 settlement tied to a National Healthcare Fraud Takedown involving Teen University. Local Health Education: Tuscaloosa students explored medicine at a Shelton State exploration camp with hands-on training at DCH Regional Medical Center. Sports & Health Policy: Alabama’s high school shot clock rule moves forward, aiming to speed up games and reduce clock-stalling tactics.

Mental Health Breakthrough: A Mass General Brigham randomized trial found that using personalized functional brain imaging to guide accelerated TMS can improve outcomes for treatment-resistant depression, outperforming traditional scalp-based targeting. Alabama Medicaid Accountability: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced two $300,000 settlements tied to the 2026 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown, including a Phenix City provider (Teen University) and a Tuskegee care facility accused of billing Medicaid for required life-skills services that weren’t routinely delivered. Maternal Health Access: A Georgia-to-Florida midwifery reform debate highlights how licensing barriers can limit respectful, evidence-based maternity care and widen disparities. Public Health & Food Safety: Alabama fish consumption guidance was updated after mercury testing, with state health officials urging residents to follow the new advisories. Community Health Resources: Alabama Extension promoted National Pollinator Week with practical steps—native plants and water sources—to support pollinators that underpin healthy food systems.