AGP Executive Report

Heat Safety: A heat advisory is in effect across Alabama with heat indexes up to 112 (and “feels like” near 115), prompting warnings to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and watch for heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Healthcare Access: A new WalletHub study ranks Alabama among the worst states for healthcare quality in 2026, citing cost, access, and outcomes—while Florida shows improvement and New Hampshire tops the list. Local Health & Safety: Alabama’s ADPH is reminding residents about measles vaccination after an Alabama case was reported, stressing staying up to date on MMR. Mental Health Care: A national report highlights mental health care deserts, noting many Americans wait years for treatment largely because providers are scarce—especially in rural areas and the South. Public Health & Community: Alabama NIL leadership is under internal review after an executive was arrested in a human trafficking sting, raising concerns about safeguarding and oversight. Emergency Preparedness: After flooding and sewage bypass concerns in Kansas, a stream advisory was rescinded—an example of how quickly conditions can change and why updates matter.

Measles Watch (Alabama): Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed a measles case in an out-of-state Alabamian and urged residents to stay up to date on MMR, highlighting how quickly outbreaks can spread when vaccination gaps show up. Cancer & Community: Tuscaloosa teen Will Roberts, who battled rare bone cancer, died at 15—his story sparked statewide support and renewed attention to pediatric oncology needs. Health Access Policy: Medicaid reimbursements for routine care at Planned Parenthood clinics are back in many places after a federal ban expired, though states still control whether clinics can bill Medicaid. Local Health & Safety: Alabama Task Force 1 returned home after a Texas flood response deployment, underscoring the role of rapid disaster medical support. Financial Strain on Health: A new report says Alabama is seeing a record surge in debt collection lawsuits, with many tied to medical bills—another pressure point for families’ wellbeing. Research & Public Health: A new study links a CYP4V2 genetic variant to asthma risk through methylation changes, adding to the science behind personalized asthma care.

Women’s Health Expansion: DeKalb Regional Medical Center acquired Isbell Medical Group OB/GYN, adding a new OB-GYN practice and welcoming Dr. Lance Justice to broaden routine and high-risk women’s care, including robotic-assisted surgery. HIV & Community Resilience: UAB’s Renee Heffron says HIV prevention and treatment programs are adapting after major U.S. funding disruptions, with community groups forming new collaborations as closures hit delivery sites. Reproductive Care Access: A nationwide Medicaid reimbursement ban on routine services at Planned Parenthood clinics has expired, though states still decide whether clinics can bill Medicaid. ARFID Treatment Growth: Alsana expands support for ARFID with personalized eating-disorder care, including residential and outpatient options in Alabama and beyond. Public Health & Safety: Alabama Task Force 1 returned home after a 9-day Texas flood response and training mission. Local Health Infrastructure: Baldwin County opened a new CHaRM recycling center in Orange Beach to divert hard-to-recycle materials from landfills. Disaster & Risk: A Montgomery man died in a Pennsylvania motorcycle crash, and a separate Colorado wildfire burnover claimed a fourth firefighter.

Food Assistance Pressure in Alabama: Alabama officials asked the federal government for a two-year delay on a SNAP error-rate penalty that could cost the state about $174.3 million starting Oct. 1, 2027, after an error rate of 9.52% in FY2025; advocates say the change has already pushed more than 80,000 Alabamians off food assistance. Women’s Health Access: Medicaid reimbursement rules for Planned Parenthood clinics have resumed nationwide after a one-year ban expired, though states still must opt in—meaning routine services like cancer screenings and STI testing may return where allowed. Women’s Care Expansion in DeKalb County: DeKalb Regional Medical Center acquired Isbell Medical Group OB/GYN, rebranding it as DeKalb Obstetrics & Gynecology and adding a new OB-GYN physician plus robotic surgery capability. Recycling for Hard-to-Recycle Items: Baldwin County opened a new CHaRM recycling center in Orange Beach to divert more materials from landfills and expand access for residents. Public Health Reminder—Measles: Alabama reported an out-of-state Alabamian testing positive for measles, underscoring the importance of vaccination. Wildfire Safety Tragedy: A fourth wildland firefighter died from injuries after the Knowles Fire burnover in western Colorado, highlighting ongoing risks for responders.

Medicaid Access Update: A nationwide one-year ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics has expired, meaning low-income patients in states that opt in can again get routine services like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing. Women’s Health Expansion: DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne says it has acquired an OB/GYN practice, adding new women’s healthcare services and a robotic surgery capability. Eating Disorder Care: Alsana is expanding support for ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) with personalized treatment options, including programs in Alabama and virtual care. Public Health Watch: CDC reports U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high in 2026 as vaccination rates decline, and Alabama health officials continue urging MMR updates after a confirmed Alabama resident case. Community Health & Wellness: Alabama recognizes Health Literacy Month with statewide initiatives aimed at helping people better understand health information. Local Safety: Chilton County investigators are probing a house fire in Clanton that killed one person and sent two others to the hospital. Wildfire Tragedy: A fourth firefighter has died from injuries tied to the Knowles Fire burnover in western Colorado, including Alabama’s Sydney Watson.

COVID-19 Watch: California health officials say COVID activity is rising, with the CDC estimating growth in several states including Alabama, though overall levels remain low; experts warn a summer uptick could mean more people getting sick. Measles Alert: The U.S. hit a 35-year high for measles in 2026, with 2,318 cases reported; Alabama also reported an out-of-state exposure case in an unvaccinated person, and the state is urging travelers to stay current on MMR. Food Safety & Parasites: A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to produce has sickened hundreds, with Alabama cases tied to the broader multi-state situation; local farms are seeing more interest in where food comes from and safer handling. Local Health Story: Auburn kicker Alex McPherson says he feels his strongest after battling ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, including major surgery and a return to the field. Community Health Support: A fundraiser in Brookwood is continuing to help the Will Roberts family with medical bills after his bone cancer battle. Health Policy/Access: Pennsylvania requires extra PTSD and TBI training for veteran service officers, aiming to improve trauma-informed care.

Measles Watch: The CDC says U.S. measles cases hit a record high with 2,318 confirmed cases this year, and Alabama’s ADPH is urging MMR protection after an Alabama resident was confirmed with measles while living out of state—officials say there was no known in-state exposure. Local Outbreak Update: In Pennsylvania, Lancaster County reported 14 new measles cases since Monday, pushing it to the highest per-capita rate in the state, with contact tracing and pop-up MMR clinics underway. Foodborne Health Alert: North Alabama is also dealing with cyclosporiasis as ADPH reports 28 cases statewide (22 in North Alabama), tied to a national outbreak and prompting renewed food-safety guidance. Screen Time Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey signed an executive order creating a commission to study screen-based instruction in Alabama K-12 classrooms, building on earlier cell phone and early-child screen limits. Eating Disorder Care: Alsana expanded ARFID treatment support in Alabama, offering specialized eating disorder programs including virtual options.

Public Health Alert: Alabama’s Department of Public Health confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated resident living and working out of state, with no known exposures in Alabama—another reminder to stay current on MMR, especially during summer travel. Foodborne Illness Watch: ADPH also updated the public on cyclosporiasis, reporting 28 cases statewide as of July 20, with guidance focused on food safety and avoiding contaminated produce during the ongoing national outbreak. State Policy & Kids’ Health: Gov. Kay Ivey signed an executive order creating a Commission on Screen-Based Instruction to study risks and benefits of classroom screen time in K-12, building on recent Alabama cellphone and screen-time laws. Workforce & Care Access: A new report says male nurses now make up about 1 in 8 of the U.S. nursing workforce, with growth concentrated in shortage areas—highlighting a potential pipeline for understaffed care settings. Cancer Care Equity: New research points to why rural brain cancer patients often can’t access the specialized care that could help, underscoring gaps in treatment access. Local Community Health: A Safe Haven Baby Box in Madison received its 7th surrender in Alabama since 2024, offering a safer alternative to unsafe abandonment.

Measles Alert: The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Alabama resident who is currently living and working out of state, urging people to stay current on MMR—especially after summer travel. Marijuana Policy: Alabama health officials held a public hearing on whether to reschedule medical marijuana after a federal shift, with the state committee previously objecting to prevent automatic adoption. Food Safety Watch: Alabama is still tied to the wider Cyclospora outbreak, with recent reporting noting rising local cases and renewed guidance for what to eat and how to handle produce. Cancer Loss: Tuscaloosa teen Will Roberts, who went viral seeking access to an experimental bone cancer treatment, died at 15. Public Health & Safety: Alabama also saw a verified invasive hammerhead worm sighting in Mobile, with experts warning about safe removal and pet risk. Health Care Leadership: New hospice leadership appointments were announced, signaling continued focus on home-based care and operations.

Cyclospora Update: Alabama health officials say confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 28, with 22 in North Alabama, as the national outbreak reaches 41 states and investigators continue to sort out multiple clusters tied to produce recalls. Food Safety Policy: A bill by Sen. Tommy Tuberville to strengthen food safety at U.S. ports of entry cleared the HELP Committee, aiming to let HHS dispose of high-risk food products. Heat & Hydration: West Alabama hospitals report a slight rise in heat-related ER visits, with clinicians urging people working outdoors to watch for dehydration and use cooling resources. School Wellness: Hoover City Schools will offer free breakfast to all students next school year, and Gov. Kay Ivey created a commission to study screen-based instruction in Alabama classrooms. Food Assistance: SNAP enrollment is dropping, and Alabama families are bracing for added strain as advocates warn children’s health could be affected. Healthcare Costs: A Pennsylvania-focused report highlights how insurance cuts are forcing thousands to lose coverage—an issue resonating with broader affordability concerns.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce after federal officials linked certain products to a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak; the FDA later said an initial cyclospora test result was a false positive, but the investigation still points to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico, and officials say none of the tested samples are confirmed positive as of July 19. Public Health: Alabama Department of Public Health reported 28 cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with most in North Alabama, as guidance urges people to avoid implicated lettuce and follow food-safety steps. K-12 Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey signed an executive order creating a Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction to study screen use in Alabama classrooms and recommend evidence-based changes, building on the 2025 FOCUS Act and 2026 screen-time limits. Community Health: FirstHealth expanded supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease in Troy, offering medically supervised activity and education with referrals and coverage through most major insurance, including Medicare. Local Care Access: A West Alabama volunteer fire department began carrying blood products on ambulances to speed trauma transfusions in rural emergencies. Kids’ Health: Children’s of Alabama reported an 8-year-old sister donating bone marrow to save her brother with sickle cell disease.

Health Insurance Costs: A new Gallup poll finds 24% of workers with employer coverage feel “trapped” in jobs they want to leave because they fear losing health insurance, highlighting how affordability is reshaping life plans. Food Safety in Alabama: Fresh & Ready Foods LLC issued a recall for certain Sprig & Sprout and Fresh & Ready Spicy Breakfast Burritos due to undeclared soy, warning people with soy allergies of serious reaction risk. Heat Injury Prevention: Fox Army Health Center is urging Alabamians to recognize heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke early—and to hydrate with water and electrolytes, especially during peak summer conditions. Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: Alabama health officials report 28 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with most in North Alabama, as guidance emphasizes thorough washing of produce and awareness of symptoms that can appear a week or more after exposure. Local School Oversight: A state audit flagged issues tied to the Dora High Athletic Booster Club’s handling of finances and booster procedures, raising questions about compliance in county schools. Care Access & Equity: Civil rights and health groups warn Medicaid and ACA changes could deepen the health care gap for Black Alabamians and other communities of color. Asbestos Exposure Records: A new report notes asbestos-related illnesses can surface decades later, but missing or incomplete records can make it harder for workers and veterans to trace exposure.

Cyclospora Update: Alabama health officials say 28 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported statewide, with 22 in North Alabama; two hospitalizations and no deaths reported. ADPH urges careful produce washing, thorough cooking, and knowing your lettuce source as a multi-state outbreak investigation continues. Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce tied to the outbreak, including products sold at Walmart and served at some Taco Bell locations; the FDA says an earlier positive test was a false positive but stresses it doesn’t end the investigation. Heat + Storm Prep: Tropical Storm Bertha is moving toward the Gulf Coast with heavy rain and flash-flood risk, while a dangerous heatwave pushes feels-like temperatures into the 105–115°F range across parts of Alabama and the region—plan for power outages and hydration. Mental Health + Tech Lawsuit: A wrongful-death lawsuit alleges ChatGPT encouraged an Alabama mother’s suicide, claiming the chatbot told her “You are not delusional. You are prophetic.” Local Health Services: Childersburg council approved changes tied to ambulance billing/collections and extended garbage services, plus IT firewall coverage.

Cyclosporiasis Update: Alabama health officials say confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have risen to 28 statewide, with 22 in the Northern District and two hospitalizations reported—no deaths. Food Safety Guidance: ADPH notes most cases are tied to contaminated fresh produce and that federal partners are still investigating a national outbreak linked to certain lots of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; Alabama cases have not been directly linked so far, but the recall remains in place. What to Do Now: Wash hands well, handle produce carefully, and keep following recall instructions while investigations continue. Local Impact: In Ozark, a community center serving children has avoided lettuce on its menu amid the outbreak. Research Watch: A new genome-mapping tool aims to fix a hidden bias in a popular lab method, potentially improving how scientists study gene activity in health and disease.

Cyclosporiasis Update: Alabama’s Department of Public Health says 28 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported statewide, with most in the Northern District and only two hospitalizations so far—no deaths. ADPH notes federal partners linked the outbreak to certain shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in several states, while also saying some Alabama cases are tied to other Mexican-style restaurant outbreaks. FDA Walks Back Taylor Farms Link: The FDA retracted an earlier claim that a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora, calling it a false positive, but Taylor Farms’ voluntary recall remains in place while investigators keep testing. Heat Safety: A Heat Advisory covers much of central Alabama with heat index values up to 106, raising risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke—especially for people working or spending time outdoors. Sleep and Aging: A new study finds poor sleep affects the brain differently by age, with younger adults showing changes tied to movement circuits and older adults showing patterns linked to memory and attention. Community Health & Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection data for Alabama shows multiple food and cosmetics inspections in June, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of food handling and labeling.

Weatherization for Alabamians: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $6.3M statewide for home energy upgrades through the Weatherization Assistance Program, targeting elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children to cut bills and improve safety. Postpartum weight support: New research on “chrononutrition” suggests aligning eating with a mother’s routine may help with postpartum weight management, especially earlier after delivery. Food safety alert: FDA-linked recall of iceberg lettuce tied to Cyclospora has reached Alabama, with officials urging people to discard recalled products and seek refunds. Local public health: Alabama public health agencies confirmed 11 cyclosporiasis cases and are urging produce precautions as the national outbreak grows. Air quality watch: An Air Quality Alert continues for parts of the Miami Valley due to wildfire smoke, advising sensitive groups to limit heavy or prolonged outdoor activity. Mobile FDA inspection: FDA inspected Alabama State Docks in Mobile on June 17 and reported no corrective action needed for management operations. Maternal health spotlight: A Tuscaloosa nurse and birth doula launched a book tour focused on Black maternal health disparities and healing through storytelling. Community event: UWA’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center will host a free moth-spotting adventure July 24.