AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: The CDC and FDA say a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the ingredient after the traceback, and officials say there’s no ongoing risk at those restaurants. Public Health & Access: A new VA study will test psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, aiming to enroll at least 240 participants across five VA sites. Local Health Care Politics: Jefferson County commissioners debated the sale of the old Cooper Green Mercy Hospital property to UAB, with critics saying the deal shortchanges taxpayers while supporters frame it as a path to improve indigent care. Health Tech Investment: A robotics company raised $6M to expand an autonomous vascular imaging platform, starting with dialysis patients. Community Mobility: Cullman Area Rural Transit System reported a 29% ridership jump in July, driven largely by trips to medical care and work. Mental Health & Wellness: Researchers propose a “reproductive resilience” framework linking reproduction to longer somatic health, offering a fresh angle on aging and sex differences in disease risk.

Food Safety Alerts: A multistate salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has expanded to 27 states, with Alabama among the affected; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers, and health officials say there’s no ongoing risk from those restaurants. Pantry Recall: FDA recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alabama, due to possible salmonella contamination—no illnesses reported yet. Public Health Watch: Alabama is seeing a rise in cyclosporiasis, with 85 cases statewide and more than 70% in North Alabama; officials urge people to recognize symptoms and seek treatment. Youth Tobacco Prevention: The Alabama Department of Public Health is seeking proposals for grants to help shift norms around tobacco and protect kids from nicotine initiation and secondhand smoke. Care for Families: A nine-year-old Alabama girl with severe sickle cell disease is preparing for brain surgery to reduce future stroke risk. Community Support: Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s 15th annual job fair in Selma brings 75+ employers to connect residents with training and work.

Medicaid Watch: Alabama lawmakers are pushing for closer review after reports that stricter criteria are leaving disabled children losing Medicaid waiver services during redeterminations, sometimes after years of eligibility. Public Health Alert: Alabama health officials confirmed a rabid raccoon in Montgomery’s Dalraida area, urging pet owners to keep rabies shots up to date and to report unusual wildlife behavior. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alabama, due to possible Salmonella contamination. HIV Prevention Equity: New research presented at AIDS 2026 found inequities in uptake of the newer injectable PrEP drug lenacapavir, with lower adoption among Black, Hispanic, and younger people. Local Care Access: DCH Health System is expanding its West Alabama palliative care program with outpatient follow-up after hospital stays. School Health & Staffing: Alabama districts report widespread educator shortages heading into the school year, including health and physical education roles. Disease Update: Alabama’s cyclosporiasis count is rising, with most cases in North Alabama and additional hospitalizations reported.

UAB’s National Spotlight: U.S. News ranked UAB Hospital No. 1 in Alabama and highlighted national specialty wins, including rheumatology (No. 11) and obstetrics/gynecology (No. 48), with other Alabama hospitals also earning top regional honors. Norwood Hospital Access Worry: Two hospital operators remain in talks to take over Norwood Hospital after years of vacancy, raising concerns about local care access while property owner Medical Properties Trust weighs next steps. Food Safety Alert: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states due to possible salmonella, urging shoppers—especially older adults and people with weakened immune systems—to check lot details. Cyclospora Lettuce Recall: Health officials are warning consumers about a Cyclospora-linked shredded iceberg lettuce recall affecting 27 states, including Alabama, and recommending label checks and safer whole-head options. Pipeline Fight With Health Impacts: An environmental group sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permits for a gas pipeline route through Alabama’s Black Belt, arguing the process sidesteps protections for waterways and species. Community Health Support: Accordia Health marked National Health Center Week by promoting expanded access to affordable primary care across Alabama. Local Wellness Events: Alabama State’s Buzz Run 5K set for Aug. 15 and a Baldwin County rodeo fundraiser for youth mental health and resiliency (Aug. 6-8) both aim to boost community well-being.

Medical Training in Alabama: Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga welcomed three Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine students for clinical rotations, continuing a partnership that has trained 65 ACOM students since 2013. Top Hospital Spotlight: UAB Hospital landed No. 1 in Alabama in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings, with national specialty rankings in rheumatology and obstetrics/gynecology plus high-performing marks across multiple areas. Food Safety Alert: The FDA posted a recall for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states due to possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported yet, but shoppers are urged to check the lot code and throw it out or return it. Maternal Health Data: WalletHub ranked Alabama among the worst states for having a baby, citing high costs and weaker access to pediatric and maternity-related care. Fraud & Seniors: A free Fraud & Scam Summit in Marshall County will focus on identity theft and financial exploitation targeting older adults, caregivers, and professionals. Health Care Legal Watch: A federal jury awarded an Alabama man $88 million in a Medtronic hernia mesh case, the first to go to trial.

Cyclospora Update for Alabama: Health officials say Alabama’s Cyclospora outbreak is growing, with most cases in North Alabama; reports cite 28 cases statewide in one update and 85 cases (78 lab-confirmed) in another, with links to Mexican-style restaurant chains and travel tied to a broader multi-state rise. Food Safety—What to Do: A CDC-focused explainer urges rinsing produce under clean running tap water, avoiding soap/bleach “washes,” refrigerating cut foods quickly, and seeking care early since treatment is often recommended even when symptoms vary. Medication & Weight-Loss Culture: Alabama Barker says she’s responding to body-shaming by taking the highest dose of Ozempic, reigniting debate over GLP-1 use and social media pressure. Medicaid Scrutiny: A family says stricter reviews led to a denial of Medicaid benefits for a child with complex medical needs, raising concerns about access to home-based care. Public Health Alerts—Recalls: Walmart-linked nut butter and Publix frozen berry recalls continue over Salmonella and E. coli risks, with Alabama included in affected states.

COVID Accountability Watch: Sen. Tommy Tuberville is pushing harder to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci criminally accountable, arguing Alabama could pursue charges if he’s elected governor after Fauci invoked the Fifth during a Senate hearing. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold in eight states, including Alabama, after E. coli concerns tied to reported illnesses and hospitalizations; shoppers are urged to throw out or return the products. Public Health—Cyclospora: Alabama’s cyclospora count is rising, with the state reporting 28 cases plus two hospitalizations as the outbreak spreads. Health Fraud Enforcement: The Justice Department announced major fraud actions across the Southeast, including Alabama cases tied to alleged tax-credit fraud and other schemes, as federal-state data-sharing ramps up. Local Health Access: UAB Family Medicine East opened in Trussville, expanding primary care options for patients in the area. Education & Outcomes: Alabama virtual schools are under scrutiny after state data showed many students not meeting basic reading and math targets.

Heat Safety for Athletes: National athletic training groups are urging schools and colleges to change how they condition football linemen, warning that punishment drills and early preseason exertion testing can contribute to heatstroke deaths. Food Safety in Alabama: Publix is expanding a recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries due to possible E. coli contamination; shoppers are told not to eat the products and to return them for a refund. Mosquito-Borne Illness Watch: Federal health officials confirmed a rare La Crosse virus case in Claiborne County, Tennessee, highlighting the risk of neuroinvasive disease from mosquito bites. Health Policy & Access: Arkansas Medicaid leadership says work requirements could reduce enrollment in its ARHome program, raising questions about where people will go for coverage next. Community Health Support: A Healthy Communities Food Initiative in Eutaw will distribute nutritious food to more than 100 families, with volunteer help still needed. Local Health Education: Hale County CLIMB students visited UAB for hands-on microbiology and anatomy learning as part of a pipeline into healthcare careers. Public Health & Accountability: Alabama’s ADOC defense spending since 2020 is reported at $68M amid ongoing concerns about excessive force and oversight.

Blood Supply Watch: The American Red Cross declared a rare national blood supply crisis, and UAB doctors say hospital shortages could follow if donations stay low. Maternal Health: A CDC study found gestational hypertension rates rose in every state from 2016 to 2024, with Alabama among the higher-rate states. Prison Oversight: Alabama has spent $68M since 2020 defending ADOC in excessive-force litigation, raising fresh calls for accountability. Public Health & Food Safety: Publix expanded recalls of frozen berries after E. coli concerns, with reports of hospitalizations. Pregnancy Care Trend: High blood pressure during pregnancy is becoming more common nationwide, increasing risks for mothers and babies. Local Education & Wellness: Orange Beach schools reported record gains in its state education update, including improvements tied to classroom and safety outcomes. Health Policy Politics: Louisiana and other states are launching investigations into Anthony Fauci after his Senate testimony, keeping COVID-era accountability in the spotlight. Community Health Access: A Congressional job fair in Selma will connect residents with employers, including health services and staffing agencies.

Blood Supply Watch: The American Red Cross declared a rare national blood supply crisis, and UAB doctors say hospitals could feel shortages as donations and inventory run low—UAB says its supply is currently safe, but a blood drive is underway. Food Safety Alert: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries after possible E. coli O145 contamination, warning customers not to eat the products and to discard or return them for a refund. Community Health Access: Good Samaritan Health Clinic in Cullman is partnering with Alabama Lions Sight for reduced-price mobile eye exams on Aug. 26 and Sept. 30, aiming to reach people who need vision care regardless of clinic status. Local Care & Recovery: A man was hospitalized after a life-threatening shooting on Montgomery’s Eastern Boulevard, with police asking for tips as the investigation continues. Health & Policy: Big Ten and SEC leaders endorsed a bipartisan college sports bill, a reminder that rules affecting student-athletes can ripple into health, safety, and opportunity.

Food Safety Alert: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries after E. coli O145 illnesses, including 12 reported cases and four hospitalizations; the recall covers Alabama and seven other states, and shoppers are urged not to eat the affected lots and to discard or return them for a refund. Community Health: Watch Me Grow Inc. hosted its 6th annual ACEs Awareness Community Resource Fair at City Park, offering free back-to-school essentials and connecting families to mental and behavioral health resources while highlighting how childhood trauma can affect lifelong health. Local Eye Care Access: Good Samaritan Health Clinic in Cullman is partnering with Alabama Lions Sight Mobile Eye Clinic for reduced-fee vision exams on Aug. 26 and Sept. 30, with exams open to the public. Public Safety & Health: Montgomery police report a man in life-threatening condition after a Friday shooting on Eastern Boulevard; investigators are asking for tips. Health Workforce/Training: Walker County’s Heman Drummond Center for Innovation is delayed until September, with expectations of about 900 students starting the new career-technical hub.

Food Safety Recall: Publix is expanding its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberry and mixed-berry recall after E. coli illnesses and hospitalizations, including in Alabama; the FDA says the products may be contaminated, and shoppers should throw away or return affected items. Public Health Alert: The FDA also issued a public health alert for certain frozen burritos sold at Costco due to an undeclared egg allergen, urging people to discard or return the specific lots. Local Care Access: A 6-year-old with sickle cell anemia at Children’s of Alabama received a bone marrow transplant from her mother, with doctors reporting encouraging progress. Health Costs at Home: A new report highlights how much home caregiver prices vary by state, with families often surprised by costs during sudden health crises. Community Health & Safety: A Homewood restaurant was temporarily closed after a very low health inspection score, with inspectors citing issues like temperature control problems and pest activity. Alabama Innovation: Simparo Inc., backed by Innovate Alabama, announced its fourth U.S. patent for a thumb CMC reconstruction suture-locking mechanism. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ is expanding fraud-fighting partnerships with Alabama and other states to improve data sharing and investigations tied to Medicaid and SNAP.

Food Safety Alert: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise Organic frozen whole blueberries and whole mixed berries sold in Alabama and seven other states after an E. coli outbreak linked to hospitalizations; FDA says 12 illnesses and 4 hospital stays have been reported so far, and shoppers should not eat the affected bags and should discard or return them for a refund. Public Health & Prevention: Alabama health officials confirmed a measles case in an Alabama resident and urged travelers to stay up to date on MMR vaccination as measles outbreaks continue to spread in other states. Medicare & Cancer Care: A Medicare pay cut is sparking a specialty battle over skin cancer treatment, with lawmakers pushing to protect access to an office-based, image-guided radiation option. Health Policy & Access: A new report says many states improved care for children, older adults and workers, but warns impending federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP could undo progress—Alabama ranked among the lowest states. Program Integrity: DOJ announced expanded fraud-fighting partnerships with Alabama and other states targeting Medicaid and SNAP, aiming to improve data sharing and investigations. Community Health Workforce: Rural health grants are funding pathways for high school students to earn medical assistant certificates and expand eye and dental services in underserved areas.

Food Safety Alert: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen berries after an E. coli O145 outbreak sickened 12 people and hospitalized four, pulling all GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries (10- and 48-ounce bags) sold in Alabama and seven other states; the FDA urges shoppers to check freezers and discard or return any recalled items. Public Health: ADPH confirmed a measles case in an Alabama resident who is unvaccinated and not linked to known Alabama exposures, reminding travelers to stay up to date on MMR because measles can spread before symptoms appear. Health Workforce & Training: LBW Community College nursing students held a pinning ceremony as Alabama faces a nursing shortage, with students completing about 200 hours of hands-on experience per semester before earning their RN associate’s degree. Care Access & Coverage: A new report says ACA Marketplace enrollment dropped sharply after enhanced federal subsidies expired, with Louisiana among the states seeing the biggest declines—an affordability warning for families trying to keep coverage. Local Housing Health Risks: Residents of Homewood’s Park at Buckingham apartments say conditions are unsafe after the city declared the complex unfit and ordered some people to vacate, citing pests and mold concerns.

Medicare Access: Publix pharmacies are joining the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, letting eligible Plan D beneficiaries fill certain weight-management GLP-1 prescriptions through Dec. 31, 2027. Food Safety: Publix is recalling GreenWise Organic frozen whole blueberries and whole mixed berries due to possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination, with all lots pulled “out of an abundance of caution.” Public Health Alerts: The American Red Cross has declared a nationwide blood supply crisis, warning donations are down to a four-year summer low and urging appointments for all blood types. Mental Health Research: A new study in Nature Mental Health reports scientists can use biological and behavioral markers to better predict which depression treatments will work, aiming to cut trial-and-error. Community Health & Preparedness: Alabama Cooperative Extension hosted a storm-prep workshop on tree safety and storm-resilient landscaping along the Gulf Coast. Healthcare Access Expansion: ArchWell Health opened a new clinic in Jacksonville, focusing on primary care for underserved adults 60+ on Medicare Advantage. Substance Use Policy: Virginia is creating a Regulated Products Enforcement Unit to crack down on vaping, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom. Opioid Funding: New York announced nearly $6 million for youth-focused recovery and outreach centers using opioid settlement funds.

Feral Swine Funding: USDA is putting $35 million toward partnerships to fight feral swine, part of a $105 million effort aimed at protecting farms, landscapes, and human and livestock health. Food Safety Alert: Publix is recalling GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries in multiple states, including Alabama, due to possible E. coli O145 contamination that can cause severe illness and, for some people, serious complications. Diabetes Nutrition Research: A new review says there’s no solid proof that low-carbohydrate diets can prolong partial remission in type 1 diabetes, warning against using them as a remission strategy. Mosquito Season Watch (Alabama): Alabama’s heat and humidity are driving especially high mosquito activity, with peak biting often at dawn and dusk—plan for protection outdoors. Prison Oversight: Alabama corrections officials say federal oversight was dismissed at Tutwiler after sustained compliance, while lawmakers push for more document access and accountability. Public Health & Community: A Huntsville town hall spotlighted healthcare and education concerns as the state’s north Alabama growth continues.