AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is still easing, with the Ohio Department of Health reporting 189 new cases in the last week (down 55%), bringing the 2026 total to 6,063 across 84 counties. Medication Safety: Baxter International recalled multiple injectable products, including 70% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride, over potential fiberglass or metal contamination that could cause blockages or tissue injury. Maternal & Child Health: A Cleveland mother pleaded guilty to starving her 2-year-old son and severely neglecting two other children, with sentencing set for Sept. 30. Community Wellness: Washington County Harvest of Hope in Marietta named Shannon Boone its new executive director to keep its food-rescue and redistribution operation running for food-insecure residents. Access to Care: LetsGetChecked powered by Fuze Health expanded at-home HPV screening with the Onclarity HPV Self-Collection Kit. Addiction Recovery: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced grants supporting overdose-survivor outreach and treatment connections through local DART programs. Digital Health & Youth Safety: Ohio is among states involved in a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement requiring new child-safety protections on Instagram and Facebook.

Ohio Health & Policy: Ohio’s new school cell phone ban kicks in for the 2026-27 school year, limiting student use from start to finish of the instructional day (with exceptions for medical needs, IEP/504 accommodations, and emergencies), while districts decide storage and consequences. Public Health Research: A new Ohio State study found tomato-soy juice lowered pro-inflammatory blood markers in healthy adults with obesity after four weeks, pointing to possible functional-food inflammation benefits. Cancer & Care: Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center board chair Les Wexner stepped down amid ongoing scrutiny tied to Jeffrey Epstein lawsuits, though he remains on the board as chair emeritus. Opioid Safety: A look at Narcan’s rise from tightly controlled antidote to over-the-counter harm-reduction tool highlights how it can reverse overdoses fast—without treating addiction itself. Community Health: Ohio State launched a “We Give Blood” blood donation drive with help from former Buckeye Archie Griffin, aiming to win a $1M grant for student/community wellness programs. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: CDC reports cyclospora cases have surpassed 17,000 nationwide, with two deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations.

Child Safety & Health Policy: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement over alleged teen social media addiction harms, with sweeping changes for Instagram and Facebook (including stronger protections for kids and teens), court approval pending. Public Health Alert: Pennsylvania reported two measles deaths as cases surge nationwide; the CDC says 2026 totals have climbed sharply, with vaccination gaps a key concern. Ohio Health Access: Ohio State University Extension is offering a free “Take Charge of Your Diabetes During the Holidays” program Nov. 5 at Coshocton Regional Medical Center, pairing cooking tips with dietitian guidance for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Overdose Prevention: Geauga County’s “Every Life Matters: Prevention, Recovery and Hope” event Aug. 31 will share resources on medication misuse, overdose prevention, and recovery. Rural Care Innovation: OnMed CareStation is gaining traction as a “clinic-in-a-box” model tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to expand access with remote clinicians and diagnostic tools. Cybersecurity & Healthcare Risk: The FBI and DOJ shut down China-linked hacking tools used against U.S. agencies and networks tied to hospitals and health systems. Local Mobility for Wellness: Metro Now on-demand transit expands in Greater Cincinnati, adding Bond Hill/Roselawn coverage Aug. 30 to help residents reach essentials like grocery stores.

Safe Routes & Bike/Ped Safety: Gov. DeWine and ODOT announced nearly $9M for Safe Routes to School projects and $21M for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure through the Transportation Alternatives Program, aiming to make walking and biking safer for kids and families. Storm Scam Warning: Ohio Department of Aging cautioned residents—especially older adults—about post-storm home repair scams, including pressure tactics and demands for insurance checks. Opioid Recovery Support: Ohio AG’s Office awarded more than $200K to local Drug Abuse Response Team outreach efforts to connect overdose survivors and families with treatment and recovery services. Fresh Food Access: Toledo is launching a pop-up produce market at the Swayne Field redevelopment site to expand affordable, healthy food options with weekly fall hours. Health & Care Expansion: Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio broke ground on a $3.2M expansion adding mental health counseling space and a more accessible food pantry, targeting completion in spring 2027. Driver’s Ed Update: A new Ohio law is driving nearly 30,000 more young drivers to take driver’s education this year, with schools stepping up course capacity.

Opioid Recovery Funding (Ohio): Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson awarded more than $2.5M through the Drug Abuse Response Team (DART) grants to help overdose survivors connect to treatment and recovery, including $84,015 to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and other Mahoning Valley recipients. Statewide Support Access (Ohio): Ohio 211 expanded to serve all 88 counties as a free, 24/7 referral line, with housing listed as the biggest unmet need. Measles Watch (Trumbull County): After a third confirmed measles case, Trumbull schools are stepping up cleaning, symptom checks, and vaccination outreach. Child Safety Sweep (Florida, with Ohio links): Florida’s Operation Statewide Shield recovered 163 missing children and made arrests; investigators say some were found across the U.S., including Ohio. Community Hospice Update (Southern Ohio): Ashland Community Hospice rebranded as Community Horizon Health to better match evolving hospice and palliative needs. Health Costs Snapshot (Maternal Care): A new cost comparison ranks Louisiana among the cheapest states for childbirth, highlighting how insurance and network status can swing out-of-pocket totals. Public Health & Safety Note: A man died after a shooting in Mt. Healthy; police say no arrests yet.

Whole-Health Care Push in Ohio: A new push for a more connected, whole-health healthcare experience argues Ohio patients shouldn’t have to stitch together primary care, prescriptions, specialists, and behavioral health on their own. Opioid Risk in Ohio: OSU-linked research finds illicit fentanyl use is more than double medical use nationwide, with nonfatal overdose risk up to three times higher for illicit users—and Ohio topping the states for illicit fentanyl use. Food Safety Watch: Federal updates highlight ongoing foodborne illness concerns, including a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños sold through major restaurant chains, with Ohio among affected states. Hospital-Acquired Threat: Public health officials warn Candida auris cases are rising in Ohio, especially among patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Access to Food & Care: Dayton leaders urge Ohio and federal officials to limit SNAP and Medicaid disruptions tied to new federal work requirements. Community Health Alerts: West Nile Virus is detected in an Englewood mosquito pool, prompting planned mosquito fogging. Local Health & Safety: Mold delays the start of the school year at a Warren County Catholic school.

Local Health & Safety: A 6-year-old was flown to Akron Children’s Hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Ashland County; officials say injuries are serious but not life-threatening. Public Health Watch: Ohio Valley and state health updates show measles is rising in parts of Ohio while cyclosporiasis is easing in northwest Ohio, with local clinics ramping up MMR coverage to protect kids as school starts. Foodborne Illness: Missouri reported more than 2,000 cyclosporiasis cases, while a new federal lawsuit targets Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over alleged Cyclospora-tainted lettuce. Healthcare Access & Workforce: Community Action of Southern Indiana (CASI) is transitioning programs to Ohio Valley Opportunities (OVO) to avoid service interruptions, including Head Start and housing-related support. Hospice Leadership: Midland Care named Dr. Scott Paxton as its Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Director. Health Tech: VA completed additional go-lives of a new electronic health record system in Indiana, expanding access for thousands of veterans and staff. Wellness & Prevention: A new study highlights how preschool play supports early learning, and doctors warn HPV vaccination gains are being offset by rising HPV-related throat and mouth cancers in men.

Immigration & Health Access: Major U.S. universities, including Ohio State, are urging international students to return before Sept. 15 as new F-1/J-1 rules replace “duration of status,” potentially affecting medical and other long programs. Public Health & Food Safety: Ohio remains tied to the national rise in cyclosporiasis, with Missouri reporting 2,000+ cases and CDC updates lagging—another reminder to watch for outbreaks and follow local guidance. Community Nutrition: Eaton Community Schools is setting its 2026-27 free and reduced-price meal policy, using federal income guidelines to keep breakfast and lunch affordable. Local Care & Mental Health: Toledo’s Helping Others Behavior Health Agency marks one year, offering counseling, assessments, treatment planning, and a group home for girls. Environmental Health & Risk: Ohio’s Piketon natural gas power plan for a massive data center is drawing health concerns tied to the former PORTS uranium site cleanup. Human Services: Marietta’s GoPacks expanded its resource fair with health checks, bike helmets, and family support connections aimed at fighting childhood hunger across the Mid-Ohio Valley. Health Equity & Safety: Springfield, Ohio Haitians face intensified ICE monitoring after TPS ended, raising fears about stress, family stability, and access to care.

Ohio Health & Safety: A Putnam County motorcyclist, Louis Wannemacher (42), was critically injured in a crash on SR 634 near Dupont; troopers say he wasn’t wearing a helmet and the case is under investigation. Community Wellness: A former North Lawrence church is being transformed into “The Vault,” an indoor fitness center aimed at keeping kids active and giving adults more recreation options. Dementia Support: EnergizeCare, a New Albany nonprofit, is expanding respite options for dementia caregivers, including Memory Discos and a planned adult day center called Lisa’s Place in Dublin. Public Health & Food: Ohio Valley health officials say vaccinations are the best defense as measles concerns rise, with Ohio Valley updates noting shifting case patterns. Local Health Access: A nonprofit is helping families “find joy” in the Alzheimer’s journey, highlighting caregiver-friendly activities and respite. Injury & Trauma: A Delaware County doctor who studied the psychology of teenage killers was reported murdered in a case tied to her own teenage daughter, raising alarms about violence and mental health. Fitness Fundraiser: Eta Nu Nu’s Walk with Me Sugar 5k raised about $60,000 for the Columbus Free Clinic, pairing movement with community support.

Ohio Power Reliability: Ohio regulators moved ahead with a formal action against FirstEnergy after Lakewood residents reported grueling, repeated outages that spoiled food and disrupted medical care during dangerous heat. Mental Health & Youth Resilience: OSU Wexner Medical Center’s SOAR study is bringing community forums to Jackson to share findings on back-to-school resilience and suicide prevention. Substance Use Treatment Access: TASC of Southeast Ohio added Justin Saunders as a clinical supervisor to oversee services across Gallia, Jackson and Meigs counties. Hospital Leadership: The Ohio Hospital Association named Sean McGlone as its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 17. Public Health & Safety: A Cleveland teen was left with a concussion after a stairwell beating at Max S. Hayes High School, and Toledo police arrested a woman accused of stabbing and killing a 21-year-old man. Health-Related Research: A new report highlights a little-known link between dementia-like symptoms and epilepsy, pointing to silent seizures as a possible driver. Community Wellness Planning: Dayton is updating its sustainability plan through 2036 with a focus on neighborhoods, public health and quality of life.

Food Safety Watch: CDC reports a nationwide E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with at least 55 illnesses and 1 reported case in Washington; officials urge anyone who bought suspect sprouts to throw them out or return them. Ohio Health Alerts: Cyclospora cases remain a concern, with Michigan and Ohio among the hardest hit as federal updates show confirmed infections still rising even as the pace appears to be easing. Local Public Health & Safety: Ohio Governor DeWine and ODOT announced $2.6M for Athens and Hocking bike-and-pedestrian projects aimed at safer routes and healthier communities. Workplace Wellness: Ohio BWC reopened its Safety Grants program for FY27, putting more than $41M on the table to help employers fund safety equipment and injury prevention. Care Access & Policy: A political push in Ohio frames health care costs and coverage denials as a “kitchen table” issue, spotlighting premiums, pharmacy bills, and provider shortages. Community Health Story: A family’s pediatric cancer journey highlights treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and the need for more pediatric research funding. Health & Food Recall: Whole Foods issued a Salmonella recall affecting jalapeno-containing salsas, guacamole, and dips sold in Ohio and 11 other states. Health Care Rights: A Lucas County family alleges organ/tissue removal without proper consent after a teen’s death, raising questions about donor authorization and hospital notification.

Measles Watch in Ohio Valley: Jefferson County health officials say measles cases are already outpacing all of 2025, with vaccination clinics being considered as outbreaks spread; Public Health Updates: Williams County board discussions highlighted measles coverage goals (MMR) and a slowing cyclosporiasis trend, while Ohio’s broader measles numbers keep climbing; Foodborne Illness Alert: Ohio reporting notes cyclosporiasis cases are still far above normal even as weekly growth slows, urging careful food handling; Correctional Healthcare: Armor Health rolled out an Acute Care for Elders model at Franklin County correctional facilities to better manage complex aging-related needs; School Health & Safety: Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers backpack weight and fit tips to prevent neck and back strain for students; Child Safety & Abuse Cases: Ohio’s “house of horrors” case involving 16 children led to new sexual abuse indictments, following earlier charges tied to a separate investigation; Immigration Enforcement & Health Risks: Deportation flights to Haiti resumed after TPS ended, with advocates warning of escalating danger and health impacts for returnees; Local Wellness in the Community: A Harrison County 4-H program assembled care kits for hospitalized veterans, blending youth service with wellbeing support.

SNAP Update: New federal data shows SNAP enrollment fell more than 13% over a year, dropping from 42.2M (May 2025) to 36.6M (May 2026), as stricter eligibility and work rules tighten. Local Safety: Portage County law enforcement plans an OVI checkpoint on State Route 44 tonight (8–10 p.m.), with added saturation patrols to deter impaired driving. Mobility & Safety Funding: Gov. DeWine and ODOT announced $21M in bicycle and pedestrian grants across 16 counties, including Athens, aimed at safer walking and biking. Primary Care Shortage Plan: NEOMED and Mercy Health expand training in Mercy facilities to help address Ohio’s primary care physician shortage, especially in rural areas. Health Access & Aging: Ohio State partners with Athens County to help older adults plan for extreme heat, flooding, and power outages as they age in place. Public Health Watch: Measles concerns continue after a Pittsburgh case tied to a hospital visit, with health officials urging MMR vaccination and symptom monitoring. Workforce & Care: Mercy Health and NEOMED’s expanded partnership targets keeping clinicians in the region. Community Health & Wellness: A heart-healthy living class highlights sleep as a key part of “Life’s Essential 8.”

Public Health: Cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) cases are still climbing nationwide but the pace is easing, with CDC reporting 15,716 confirmed infections across 47 states plus DC since May 1 and a downward swing in weekly growth; officials also note thousands of additional probable cases are still pending lab confirmation. Local Health Alert: Hamilton County Public Health is urging residents to avoid the Whitewater River and Great Miami River after an untreated sewage discharge from Indiana impacted waterways, warning of E. coli and cryptosporidiosis risks. Measles Watch: Ohio is seeing a small but notable rise in measles activity as confirmed cases appear in multiple counties, with health officials flagging that lower-vaccination communities could see outbreaks as national numbers grow. Healthcare & Tech: Summa Health is rolling out an AI-heavy “technology stack” after its acquisition by HATCo, promising faster diagnoses and more patient tools. Workforce & Education: Chamberlain University opened its 25th campus nationwide, cutting the ribbon on a new Cincinnati nursing pipeline with a full-ride scholarship for a local student. Community Wellness: Oakley Smiles in the Cincinnati area is building support for parents after child loss, offering connection and healing-focused community events.

Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has now spread to 32 states and reached 431 illnesses with 57 hospitalizations and no deaths reported, with Ohio among the affected states; CDC and FDA updates note 86 new cases and five new states in the latest report, and shoppers are urged to check for recalled jalapeño products and avoid serving them. Local Health Workforce: Chamberlain University opened a new Cincinnati-area nursing campus at the Tower at Kenwood, aiming to speed up training amid a regional nurse shortage. Public Health Capacity: A report on the massive cyclosporiasis outbreak says Michigan cases are trending down, with guidance allowing people to resume usual food handling while still avoiding recalled produce. Community Care: Adena Health announced its free Festival of Hope cancer event in Chillicothe on Sept. 12 to support local cancer care. Policy Watch (Ohio): Ohio’s school attendance law now treats 10% absence (for any reason) as “chronically absent,” meaning schools must respond sooner and doctor appointments can count toward triggers. Healthcare Leadership: Les Wexner stepped down as chair of Ohio State University’s medical center board amid renewed scrutiny.

Food Safety & Lawsuits: A Pennsylvania woman is suing Taco Bell and Taylor Farms after being hospitalized with cyclospora, alleging contaminated lettuce from a Meadville Taco Bell meal led to a serious parasite illness that can cause lingering effects. Public Health Research: Ohio State researchers report that a urinary tract infection after a traumatic brain injury can worsen cognitive problems, highlighting a common but often overlooked complication for TBI recovery. Local Health Alerts: Sidney mosquito testing found West Nile virus in one mosquito sample; officials fogged the area and urged residents to prevent bites and drain standing water. Health Policy & Access: Ohioans are protesting cuts tied to SNAP, Medicaid, and education, arguing Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is harming families’ ability to afford food and care. Community & Wellness: A Second Harvest Foodbank leader says hunger demand is rising while funding declines, with many households including seniors, children, or people with disabilities. Ohio Health & Identity: The Ohio BMV tightened documentation for gender-marker changes on driver’s licenses and IDs, drawing criticism from transgender advocates. Healthcare Workforce/Facilities: Mercy Health and Medical Mutual of Ohio’s contract ends in December, setting up a major change for local coverage and care.