AGP Executive Report

Measles: Ohio’s count has reached 231, with a new case in Trumbull County; Ashtabula County reports 41. Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated. Flu Prevention: ONU HealthWise Pharmacy will offer flu shots at Lima’s West Ohio Food Bank on Oct. 12, including high-dose vaccines for people 65 and older. Environmental Health: A Canfield company must assess human health risks after a 2024 chemical spill and is studying cleanup options. In St. Bernard, a waste facility is replacing faulty tanks and making other changes before reopening after odor complaints. Ohio Health Industry: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany. Research: Nationwide Children’s Hospital researchers helped map differences in immune-system aging, a step toward identifying future disease risks.

Measles Watch: Ashtabula County’s tally has risen to 41 cases, while a Findlay case has prompted health officials to monitor urgent-care and ER visitors for symptoms through Oct. 20. West Nile: Ashtabula officials detected the virus in another mosquito sample; no human cases have been confirmed there. Parkinson’s Research: A University of Cincinnati-led study found that people with Parkinson’s who were more physically active had slower declines in movement and thinking over time. Local Health Access: Dayton community advocates are urging city leaders to create a board to guide plans for a public hospital, nearly a year after voters approved a levy to help launch the effort. Behavioral Health: A northwest Ohio board received a $180,000 grant for supported employment services for people with substance-use challenges.

Measles Watch: Findlay’s confirmed case has prompted symptom monitoring for urgent-care and ER visitors through Oct. 20, as health officials conduct contact tracing. Prescription Costs: A U.S. customs rule taking effect Oct. 22 could disrupt Americans’ access to lower-cost medicines from Canada. Toledo resident Susan Hooper says she relies on two Canadian prescriptions. Parkinson’s Research: A study following nearly 300 people in the Cincinnati Cohort found that higher physical activity was associated with slower declines in thinking and movement. Everyday Wellness: Eligible Northeast Ohio health-plan members can now use NationsBenefits cards at participating Acme Fresh Market stores for approved groceries and over-the-counter health products. Recovery Support: Izzy’s House has expanded sober-living options in Lima, with homes for men, women and couples also available in Dayton and Cincinnati. Ohio Health Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in New Albany, a major addition to the state’s health-care manufacturing sector.

Maternal Health: Ohio officials are touting $13.5 million in new funding for maternal home visits, aimed at supporting families and improving care. Greater Cincinnati Access: UC Health and HealthSource of Ohio plan to expand care with a new Batavia facility, bringing services to Clermont County. Food and Wellness: Farmers markets are helping fill grocery gaps; a 2025 report classified 67 Ohio counties as food deserts. Prevention: Jefferson County’s health commissioner is urging flu vaccination and scheduling clinics after local flu shots fell to 332 last year, from 539 in 2024. Medical Advances: Ohio State Wexner announced smaller-incision spine surgery and a new implant for thumb arthritis, while also earning recognition for supporting healthcare workers’ well-being.

Care Access: UC Health and HealthSource of Ohio aim to expand care in Batavia. Separately, Ohio’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative has delivered more than $64 million in services and opened 29 clinics, many based in schools. Caregiver Wellness: UC physician Natalie Kreitzer received a $2.5 million NIH grant to test a remote support program for family caregivers of people with serious traumatic brain injuries. Public Health: Measles continues to spread, with Ohio’s outbreak reaching 206 cases; a newly reported Findlay case prompted contact tracing. Hamilton County Public Health also confirmed its first West Nile case of 2026 in Symmes Township. Family Support: Carroll County’s health district has taken over WIC services, offering eligible families food assistance, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. Cancer Care: University Hospitals has expanded its Orange cancer center, adding infusion capacity and space intended to help patients get care sooner.

Cancer Care & Prevention: A UC College of Medicine researcher, Natalie Kreitzer, won a 5-year, $2.5M NIH R01 to test CG-Well, a web/phone caregiver wellness program for families supporting people with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Screening Focus: The NCCN held a two-day summit on expanding cancer prevention and screening, highlighting patient-friendly screening guides and equity-focused policy ideas. Mental Health in the Community: LifeAct’s Move for Mental Health 5K/1-mile walk is set for Oct. 11 in Cleveland to fund school-based anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention education. Local Health Access: Riverain Technologies will offer its FDA-cleared ClearRead Chest AI through RapidAI’s enterprise platform, aiming to plug into existing hospital imaging and reporting workflows. Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s new recreational marijuana rules took effect Monday, tightening limits on flower, vapes, edibles, and THC potency. Health Systems & Costs: Columbus teachers are pushing back on rising district health insurance costs, warning it could reduce take-home pay. Health Equity & Infrastructure: A new behavioral health levy renewal in Washington County would fund prevention and crisis/treatment services, with no levy money going to administration.

Healthcare & Research Investment: Reuters reports global drugmakers including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Roche are committing billions to expand U.S. manufacturing and R&D, aiming to strengthen supply chains as trade rules shift. Local Health Access: Lawmakers are urging CMS to reconsider a proposed Medicare rule that would limit reimbursement for remote health monitoring to in-house staff—arguing it could cut care for rural seniors. Pediatric Care Spotlight: U.S. News ranked University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals in multiple specialties. Public Health Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak topped 1,000 cases, while New York declared a disaster emergency as cases rise in rural areas. Food & Nutrition Safety: The FDA issued a recall for more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade over undeclared food dyes. Community Wellness & Prevention: Planned Parenthood launched menopause care services in Cincinnati and Dayton. Ohio Health Workforce: Washington State College of Ohio earned nursing accreditation for its ADN and RN-to-BSN programs. Local Business Closures: Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and abruptly closed 12 restaurants, with 34 locations still operating.

Food & Drink Safety: PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including Ohio, after FDA flagged undeclared artificial yellow dyes (Yellow No. 5/6) on four flavors; consumers are urged to check lot codes and best-by dates. Public Health: Measles continues to surge nationally, with Pennsylvania topping 1,000 cases and New York declaring a disaster emergency to expand who can give MMR shots and order testing—an Ohio-relevant reminder to verify vaccination status. Local Health & Care: agilon health (based in Westerville) set its Q3 2026 earnings release for Nov. 4, a signal for ongoing shifts in value-based care partnerships. Community & Wellness Access: Ohio’s minimum wage rises to $11.40 in 2027, a cost-of-living pressure point that affects health access for low-wage workers. Workplace Culture: Parkview Health earned Great Place to Work certification, highlighting job satisfaction and retention as part of care quality. Elections & Health Policy Context: Early voting is underway in Ohio for the Nov. 3 election, with a proposed voter-ID amendment on the ballot.

Local Health Access: Primary Health Solutions broke ground on an Eaton Community Health Center to expand primary, dental, and behavioral health services in Preble County, aiming to open by early summer 2027. Public Health—Vaccines: Ohio doctors backed childhood vaccines amid a wider political split as measles cases surge nationally; Pennsylvania reported more than 1,000 cases, the biggest outbreak in decades. Infectious Disease—Mosquitoes: Hamilton County confirmed its first human West Nile virus case this year after mosquito surveillance. Food & Drug Safety: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of select 28-ounce Gatorade flavors sold in 37 states, including Ohio, due to undeclared Yellow 5/Yellow 6 dyes. Major Ohio Pharma Investment: Bayer announced a $2.2 billion modular manufacturing campus in New Albany, projecting about 600 permanent jobs plus 1,500 construction jobs. Cincinnati Courts: Jury selection began in the Rodney Hinton Jr. murder trial tied to the killing of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson. Safety & Community: Euclid is considering adding 11 more blue-light safety cameras, raising program costs toward ~$870,500.

Community Health & Fundraising: The Bulwark raised $430K+ for the Springfield Haitian Community Help and Support Center, aiming to cover legal help, food, medication, transportation, and rent. Local Care & Access: A Mahoning Valley veterinary clinic is marking 50 years in business, highlighting the difference between independent practices and corporate models. Maternal & Movement Health: A doctor explains how IT band syndrome can flare after pregnancy/postpartum and why a simple daily stretch plan helped one runner return to pain-free activity. Heart Health in Ohio: Hundreds joined a local heart walk to fight heart disease and support community efforts. Major Pharma Investment: Bayer announced a $2.2B pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in New Albany, with drug substance and product modules planned for 2031 and 2034. Public Health & Safety: Ohio also saw a measles case confirmed in Findlay/Bowling Green-area coverage, with officials listing possible exposure sites. Sports Safety: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase left a game early after a suspected concussion.

Cancer Care Update: The FDA cleared Eli Lilly’s Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) as a first-treatment daily pill for adults with previously untreated CLL/SLL in select patients, adding a new option families will discuss with oncologists. Hospital Ownership Watch: UPMC took over CommonSpirit Trinity Health System in eastern Ohio, bringing four hospitals and clinics under the UPMC Trinity name—patients are urged to double-check insurance networks and appointments. Public Health Alert: An alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to a single seed lot has grown to 76 illnesses across 16 states, with E. coli and Salmonella cases still being reported as recalls expand. Food Safety: Trader Joe’s and Walmart frozen berry recalls widened due to possible E. coli contamination—important for families who eat berries without cooking. Local Safety: Springdale police are investigating a shooting at Twenty-Two Ultra Lounge that sent one person to the hospital. Health & Wellness: A new report highlights that hearing loss can be tied to more than age or loud noise, including lifestyle habits and certain medical factors.

Medicaid Sleep Access: A Nationwide Children’s Hospital-led study finds kids on Medicaid are far more likely to get sleep testing in some states than others—up to four times—highlighting uneven access tied to where families live and neighborhood makeup. Wrong-Limb Surgery Lawsuit: An Ohio woman, Sharon Jacks, is suing Selby General Hospital after surgeons amputated her left leg instead of the right, leaving her to lose both legs and raising questions about safety checks and consent. Pediatric Care Moment in Sports: Caitlin Clark joined the “Hawkeye Wave” from Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital during the Ohio State game, spotlighting how hospitals and sports can connect families. Local Health & Safety: A suspected OVI driver hit an officer during a Butler County homecoming parade, sending the officer to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Workforce & Health Costs Link: Nearly 1,400 workers were laid off at Ohio’s Navistar truck plant days before a Trump rally, underscoring how job shocks can ripple into household stability and healthcare affordability. Pharma Investment in Ohio: Bayer plans a major $2.2B manufacturing plant in New Albany, aiming to expand drug production and jobs.

Workforce & Health Equity: Springfield’s Navistar plant shut down with nearly 1,400 layoffs just days before a Trump rally, a reminder that job loss and rising costs hit families’ health and stability fast. Ohio Medicaid Update: Next Generation MyCare is now statewide for Ohio’s dual-eligible residents, shifting how Medicare and Medicaid claims are processed and sending auto-assignment letters with a 60-day switch window. Patient Safety in the Spotlight: A woman in Marietta sued Marietta Hospital alleging surgeons amputated the wrong leg, with the hospital saying it retrained staff and tightened safety requirements. Public Health & Food Safety: A frozen berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, with additional lots pulled from Walmart and Trader Joe’s across many states including Ohio. Mental Health Seasonality: A local clinician explains seasonal depression (SAD) symptoms and why changes in sleep, mood, and energy can spiral into isolation. Health Care Costs & Coverage: ACA Marketplace plan selections fell as premiums rose, while coverage choices for 2027 remain a major concern for Ohioans. Community & Family Support: Luvs announced diaper giveaways and donations aimed at easing child-care costs for families. Medical Ethics & Trauma: The botched execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee is renewing national scrutiny of lethal injection practices and the medical risks involved.

Cancer Care & Drug Approval: The FDA expanded Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) to frontline treatment for select adults with previously untreated CLL/SLL, based on BRUIN CLL-313 results showing major progression-free survival benefits. Public Health Access: A new KFF analysis finds Medicare Advantage plan choices shrinking for 2027, with Ohio losing eight plans for the typical enrollee—raising stakes for people managing chronic conditions. Health in Corrections: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Arizona’s bid to block a court-ordered receiver takeover of prison healthcare, keeping oversight in place for inmates’ physical and mental care. Ohio Community Health Events: Marshall Health Network announced October screening and breast cancer awareness activities, including wellness blood profiles, vascular screenings, and low-dose coronary calcium CT scans. Mental Health & Justice: Mahoning County added Rachel Wagner as a justice system behavioral health navigator to connect people with mental health needs to care across the legal system. Affordability Focus: Ohio credit unions highlighted ways they’re helping residents manage rising costs, including strategies for credit card debt and medicine affordability. Safety & Care Delivery: Franklin County’s correctional center completed its annual inspection with no deficiencies noted, including health care delivery protocols. Local Wellness & Prevention: Solon and Rooted in Trees planted about 1,100 native trees and shrubs to strengthen the local ecosystem and stormwater management.

Capital Punishment Watch: Christa Pike’s botched Tennessee execution has reignited the death-penalty debate, raising the legal question of whether a state can try again after a failed lethal injection; Ohio remains under Gov. DeWine’s de facto moratorium, with executions paused since 2018. Public Health—Measles: Ohio’s measles outbreak has spread to four more counties, bringing cases to 206 across 20 counties; health officials say most cases are in unvaccinated people and urge earlier MMR shots. Food Safety: An FDA warning letter to Middlefield’s Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative cited Listeria in the plant, but was posted online months after it was issued—prompting fresh concern for consumers. Biomanufacturing Jobs: Bayer plans a $2.2B pharma manufacturing site in New Albany, targeting about 600 jobs plus 1,500 construction roles, with modules expected to come online in 2031 and 2034. Care Access: Reserve Care ended its joint venture with University Hospitals, aiming to reduce “clunky” transitions and improve timely hospice access starting Jan. 1, 2027. Cancer Research: A new report finds rising colon cancer in adolescents and young adults, often diagnosed at later stages. Veterans Housing: VA awarded $32.2M in Ohio grants to help homeless or at-risk Veterans secure stable housing and supportive services.

Street-Medicine Training Grant: MetroHealth in Cleveland won a $2.5M federal HRSA grant to expand street medicine training for doctors, sending residents to meet people experiencing homelessness in shelters and encampments. Wrong-Leg Amputation Lawsuits: Multiple reports highlight Ohio patients alleging hospitals amputated the wrong leg, renewing pressure on surgical safety and accountability. Measles Alerts in Ohio: Health officials reported measles cases and possible exposures, including at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and in other Ohio communities, urging vaccination checks. ADAMHS Ethics Questions: A Dayton Daily News investigation found an ethics “revolving door” concern tied to a Montgomery County ADAMHS director appointment, after she stepped down from the board shortly before being hired. Healthcare Access & Coverage Scams: As nearly 1M people nationwide begin receiving $500 HealthCare.gov refunds, Ohio consumers are warned to watch for copycat scams. Public Health on Campus: A mumps outbreak tied to San Diego State raised concerns after a Toledo-area game, underscoring the need for MMR protection. Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike reignited debate over lethal injection failures and Ohio’s own troubled execution history.