AGP Executive Report

Statehouse Health Funding: Ohio lawmakers unveiled a $3.7B capital budget that includes millions for a new behavioral health hospital and a youth psychiatric facility, plus major central Ohio projects like zoo upgrades and the Poindexter Village African American Museum. Medicaid Fraud Oversight: A new Ohio Medicaid waiver fraud task force hearing opened with claims of $1.2B in losses tied to poorly managed waiver programs, putting more scrutiny on how care is billed. Cancer Screening Guidance: A doctor highlights updated breast cancer screening recommendations and the common confusion about when mammograms should start, urging patients to talk risk level with their clinicians. RSV Treatment Research: Early lab findings suggest a common arthritis drug may interfere with RSV spread in the respiratory tract, though experts warn lab results don’t always translate to real-world care. Skin Health & Tanning: OSU Wexner dermatology experts warn that both indoor and outdoor tanning cause DNA damage and raise skin cancer risk, especially for teens. Community Wellness Events: The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend in Wheeling drew thousands for runs, youth events, and a Tough As Nails challenge—an upbeat reminder that movement and community support go hand in hand. Public Health Safety: Ohio Statehouse data center protests continued with residents raising long-term water and health concerns as lawmakers weigh the projects.

Health Q&A: A “To Your Good Health” column explains MGUS and why even “high-risk” results still translate to strong yearly odds for avoiding multiple myeloma. Federal Funding: Rep. Marcy Kaptur announced $7.76M+ in HHS support for northwest Ohio health centers, Head Start, and University of Toledo cancer research and training. Local Health Systems: Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic for Mission Day, highlighting faith-based care at the intergenerational campus. Public Health & Safety: Champion trustees approved updated mutual aid EMS billing rates, aiming to keep coverage steady when understaffed departments need help. Community Wellness Access: Toledo Library partners with a local nonprofit to provide free summer lunches, supporting kids facing food insecurity. Food Safety Warning: FDA/CDC reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses and recalls. Health Care Workforce/Research: University of Cincinnati opened an imaging research center focused on MR development, boosting local medical research capacity. Animal Health & Welfare: Toledo Humane Society is treating 39 dogs rescued from severe neglect, with grooming and rehab underway.

Medicaid & Health Policy: A new wave of political debate is swirling around Ohio Medicaid fraud claims, with Dr. Mehmet Oz defending Gov. Mike DeWine’s approach while critics argue the state isn’t doing enough. Public Health & Safety: Minster’s swim pool is closed after a mechanical pump issue prompted precautionary hospital checks for 14 swimmers over possible chlorine exposure. Cancer Research: An Ohio man whose wife died of cervical cancer is urging lawmakers to boost NIH cancer research funding, arguing federal support can extend lives and improve outcomes. Healthcare Systems: WVU Health System and Independence Health System signed a definitive agreement for WVU to acquire Independence, with a late-September/early-October 2026 target pending approvals. Community Wellness: Toledo Library and a local nonprofit are again offering free summer weekday lunches for youth at 13 branches, no income limits and no registration needed. Local Environment & Health Risk: Clermont County commissioners plan to sue former and current Beckjord plant owners over coal ash handling, citing potential drinking-water risks tied to contaminants. Workforce & Access to Care: Toledo Public Schools is hosting a bus driver recruitment event with on-the-spot test drives and interviews, aiming to ease staffing shortages that can delay services. Prevention & Lifestyle: New reporting highlights how gardeners can underestimate UV exposure and increase skin cancer risk without consistent sun protection. Health & Relationships: Experts weigh how marriage can affect health—often through social support—while stressing that staying in a chronically stressful relationship isn’t automatically beneficial.

Hepatitis B Breakthrough: An experimental hepatitis B drug (bepirovirsen) helped about 1 in 5 patients reach a “functional cure,” lowering virus levels enough for the immune system to keep it in check, though researchers say longer follow-up is still needed. Local Health & Safety: A Toledo charter school shooting led to an 18-year-old arrest on felonious assault charges, while Ohio’s ODOT also announced overnight bridge laser-survey closures on the Veterans’ Glass City Skyway. Care Access & Costs: OhioHealth is fighting an antitrust case in federal court over claims it blocks lower-cost insurance options. Community Wellness & Food: OEFFA launched its Farm Tour Series, offering hands-on learning about Ohio farms and soil health. Everyday Health Tips: Dr. Roach answers readers on restless legs syndrome, pointing to common causes like low iron stores and reviewing triggers before medication. Public Health Watch: Tick season is surging in Ohio and nearby states, with guidance focused on creating a “tick-free” yard and using prevention year-round. Health System Moves: Adena Health and Fairfield Medical Center are exploring a partnership after earlier talks with OhioHealth stalled. Health in the News: A snake bite sent a Greene County man to the hospital as a precaution, and a Plain Township house fire tragically killed a 6-year-old.

Caregiver Strain in Ohio: A new AARP Ohio study finds many caregivers for aging parents and other adults are “reaching a breaking point,” with most spending their own money and reporting high stress. Men’s Health Push: Craft Body Scan is launching a Men’s Health Month campaign with a discounted Couples Heart & Lung Scan aimed at getting men to stop putting off preventive care. Local Health System Watch: Fairfield Medical Center and Chillicothe-based Adena are exploring an affiliation after a proposed deal with OhioHealth fell through. Cincinnati Budget & Public Safety: City Council hearings begin on a plan to close a nearly $30M general fund deficit using spending cuts and new revenue, while boosting public safety funding. Community Health Events: OhioHealth Marion General Hospital’s Cancer Survivor Celebration is set for June 24. Public Safety Incidents: A 15-year-old girl died after being pulled from the Licking River; a property maintenance worker was critically injured in a University Heights shooting; and a Canton firefighter suffered minor injuries battling a commercial fire. Violence Update: A man was killed in a northeast Columbus shooting, and a Sandusky man was charged with murder after a fatal shooting.

Bone Health Q&A: A Dear Dr. Roach column tackles severe osteoporosis (DEXA -3.3) and whether Fosamax (alendronate) can cause high blood pressure, noting trial rates were similar to placebo and urging doctors to report rare reactions. Sun Safety: Mid-Ohio Valley Health officials warn that “a little sun is okay,” cloudy days still burn, and “no tan is a safe tan,” pushing sunscreen plus protective clothing to cut skin cancer risk. Volunteer & Community Health: The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department and Red Cross plan volunteer recruitment events in Parkersburg to staff disaster and health emergencies. Local Wellness & Inclusion: Central Ohio’s All Disabilities Festival returns July 12 in Columbus with free family programming and resources for people with disabilities and caregivers. Public Health Outreach: Jackson County Health Department schedules mosquito fogging around parks and ball fields, with residents advised on timing and how to request avoidance areas. Injury & Safety Alerts: A 15-year-old girl was hospitalized after a Licking River kayaking rescue; separately, a motorcyclist was airlifted after a crash in Sidney. Health Policy: Ohio announces new Medicaid fraud prevention initiatives targeting home health and hospice provider enrollment and enforcement. Workplace Safety: A tree-trimming worker was killed in Monroe Township, Michigan, after a tree fell—investigation ongoing.

Public Health & Safety: A 9-year-old boy injured in a Mount Healthy apartment fire has come off a ventilator and is making “miraculous progress,” while investigators and families continue recovery efforts. Medical Research: Ohio State researchers helped solve a decades-old mystery of how removing teichoic acids changes rod-shaped bacteria into soft blobs—work that could sharpen antibiotic thinking. Cancer Care: New phase 3 results for daraxonrasib in advanced pancreatic cancer show a major survival boost, with doctors now looking at other possible uses. Women’s Health: Mercy Health posted June 2026 mobile mammography dates across northeast Ohio, expanding access to 3D screening. Community Health: Toledo nonprofit The Josh Project is teaching kids kayaking and water safety, aiming to cut Ohio drowning deaths. Health Policy: States are pushing back on Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, raising concerns about cuts to health care and education. Local Crashes: A motorcycle crash near Speedway left one seriously injured, and a fatal Henry County two-vehicle crash killed a Leipsic man.

Heart Health & Access: The American Heart Association backed Ohio’s paid leave bill (SB 396) as medical debt grows after heart attacks and strokes, arguing workers need time to recover without losing income. Emergency Response Wins: In Ottawa, Ohio, bystanders and first responders were honored for saving cardiac arrest patients with fast CPR and defibrillator use. Road Safety: A 19-year-old died in a three-vehicle crash in Marion County; a motorcycle crash in south Toledo sent a 47-year-old to UTMC with a serious arm injury; and a separate Ohio 309 crash killed a 19-year-old Caledonia woman. Aviation & Medical Care: Two people were injured in a Muskingum County plane crash, with the pilot taken to Genesis Hospital and the passenger flown to OSU Wexner. Public Health & Harm Reduction: A national report highlights fentanyl test strips as a lifesaving tool amid federal funding pushback. Community Health/Wellness: A hidden healing spring at Pence Springs resort grounds in West Virginia drew renewed interest, spotlighting mineral-water history and wellness claims. Local Safety/Workplace: OSHA is investigating an Ohio crane accident that flipped into two homes after stabilizers failed. Immigration & Health: A pregnant Ghanaian asylum seeker and her son were ordered to return home after 10 days detained at Dulles, raising concerns about access to care.

Hospital Quality: OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital earned a spot on Premier Inc.’s “100 Top Hospitals” list and received the program’s Everest Award for fast, consistent improvement across care, operations, finances, and patient experience. Public Health & Safety: A viral TikTok “Benadryl challenge” is sending teens to ERs after diphenhydramine overdoses, with doctors warning the same doses that cause hallucinations can also trigger cardiac and respiratory arrest. Caregiving Support: AARP Ohio highlights caregiver burnout and urges Ohioans to manage emotions, build resilience, practice mindfulness, stay social, and protect sleep—while pushing for a caregiver tax credit. Food Security: New data says SNAP access is shrinking sharply, with millions losing benefits and more expected to be cut as work requirements expand. Local Health Access: NexGen Research in Lima hosted a health fair with free screenings and information on clinical trials for underserved communities. Community Health Infrastructure: Akron is planning new housing for low-income and homeless veterans after reports of rising local homelessness. Youth Health: An Ohio County school committee recommended shifting start times 30 minutes later, citing teen sleep and melatonin timing. Emergency Tragedy: Stark County reported a fatal Plain Township house fire involving a 6-year-old; a 4-year-old remains in critical but stable condition and the father is stable.

ATV Crash Update (Washington County): One man died and a woman was hospitalized after an ATV crash in Barlow Township on Memorial Day; investigators say alcohol and drugs are suspected, and the woman’s condition has since improved. Public Health Funding (Sisters Health Foundation): Sisters Health Foundation approved $531,300 in grants to 43 nonprofits across an 11-county region, with support for healthy food access, nutrition education, and help for people in recovery and reentry. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown (Ohio): Ohio House Medicaid Committee adopted a substitute for HB 795, expanding the Medicaid Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act with tighter provider enrollment rules, more in-person reviews, and added prior authorization for therapeutic behavioral health services. Maternal Health & Detention (Dulles, Ghana case): A federal court is set to hear an emergency case for a pregnant Ghanaian woman and her 4-year-old son detained at Dulles for more than a week despite valid visas tied to medical care in Ohio. Sepsis Reminder (NASCAR): Kyle Busch’s death certificate cites bacterial pneumonia complications leading to sepsis, a life-threatening emergency that can escalate quickly. Local Safety & Access (ODOT concerns): Residents in Toledo’s I-475 corridor are pushing back on ODOT’s widening plan, arguing it could harm health and displace people. Hospital Recognition (Salem Regional Medical Center): Salem Regional Medical Center was named among the nation’s cleanest hospitals for a second straight year. Community Health Workforce (Ohio): Ohio announced expansion of the Family Connects Ohio home visiting program, aiming to strengthen early support for families.

Medicaid Oversight in Ohio: A new Ohio-focused hearing targets alleged fraud in the state’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver, with lawmakers calling out shell-company billing and missed red flags. Caregiver Strain: An AARP Ohio report says many Ohio caregivers are financially squeezed and nearing burnout, with most spending their own money and facing hardships while supporting aging relatives. GLP-1 Reality Check: A Cleveland Clinic study of nearly 8,000 patients finds that stopping Ozempic- or Mounjaro-type drugs often doesn’t lead to major weight regain, since many switch approaches or resume treatment. Senior Health & Housing: Toledo opens an affordable senior apartment complex with income-capped rents, while Akron highlights a PACE program that helps older adults stay in their own homes instead of nursing facilities. Public Health Alerts: Tick bite ER visits are at a nine-year high in the Miami Valley, and officials urge prevention steps as extended warm weather boosts pests. Local School Health Impacts: Youngstown is moving to outsource transportation, and Girard cuts three teaching positions—both changes that can affect student support and wellbeing.

Food Safety: FDA classified three Legacy Bakehouse recalls as Class I over possible salmonella linked to recalled California dairies milk powder, including Giant Eagle-branded baked pita chips (watch UPC 0 3003496507 5 and “Best If Used By” 07/16/26). Public Health & Safety: Tick-bite-related ER visits are at their highest seasonal levels since 2017, per CDC’s Tick Bite Tracker, with elevated rates in kids under 10 and adults 70–79. Health Care Policy: A federal judge dismissed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’ surprise-billing lawsuit against HaloMD, limiting courts’ role in No Surprises Act arbitration decisions. Long-Term Care Costs: A new map shows nursing home costs soaring nationwide, with Alaska near $334K annually and many states above $180K, driven by labor shortages and aging demand. Ohio Community Health: Ohio cities are tightening rules on short-term rentals amid noise, disruption, and safety concerns, including new registration and emergency-response requirements in Bowling Green. Local Health System Watch: Oglethorpe Inc. and executives agreed to pay $32M to resolve False Claims Act allegations tied to Medicare overpayments at Ohio psychiatric facilities. Injury & Emergency Updates (Ohio): One person died in a four-vehicle crash in West Chester Township; in Olmsted Falls, police say two people died after a domestic-related standoff.

Ohio Medicaid Oversight: Lawmakers are moving to tighten Ohio Medicaid rules after claims of billions in alleged fraud, including in-person inspections, more frequent provider renewals, stronger verification (EVV and facial recognition for high-risk providers), and tougher penalties. Election Access: Ohio Democrats are pushing back on proposed constitutional photo ID changes they say would effectively end mail-in and absentee voting, arguing it makes voting harder for Ohioans. Rural Mental Health: A Lima mother is continuing suicide-prevention advocacy through the Dear Nicholas Foundation, with a June 4 bow tie fundraiser supporting local mental health resources. Workforce & Care Capacity: Ohio hospitals are partnering with Hocking College to build a stronger health care workforce, while rural LGBTQ+ workers get support through a Therapeutic Workforce Program aimed at keeping them from “falling off the map.” Community Health Infrastructure: Middletown opened its first public pool since 2009, partnering with the Atrium Family YMCA using ARPA funds to keep summer swimming affordable. Public Safety & Health: A federal lawsuit alleges Butler County jail staff assaulted an Ecuadoran immigrant detainee, raising new concerns about detainee treatment and oversight. Local Environment & Health: Gates Mills’ sewage project gained momentum with new grant funding and an EPA loan path, aiming to consolidate wastewater treatment to protect local water quality. Wellness Research: New OSU/USDA findings suggest a daily tomato-soy drink may help lower inflammation markers in adults with obesity.

Telehealth Trauma Care: Powell-based TheraVault expanded EMDR and trauma therapy access across Ohio via secure telehealth, aiming to reach people who lack specialized local care. Public Health Court Action: Ohio AG Dave Yost filed an emergency case against Harrisville over a wastewater system that allegedly bypassed treatment for nearly five months, sending untreated sewage into Sloan Run. Cancer Research Spotlight: UC and UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s, and GE HealthCare opened a new Imaging Research & Development Center to speed MRI innovation, while HCC research updates at ASCO highlighted real-world outcomes and treatment comparisons. Mental Health Access in Crisis: Massillon installed 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline signs in a high-need ZIP code to connect people to live support. Food Support for Families: Ohio is among states issuing Summer EBT/SUN Bucks in June, providing $120 per eligible child for summer groceries. Community Health Workforce: Hocking College marked National Hospital Week by spotlighting regional hospital partnerships that strengthen training pipelines for nurses and other in-demand roles. Safety & Health Alerts: Beachwood police are investigating two separate shootings with injuries, and Ohio officials reported a rabies-positive bat in Hamilton.

Ohio Auditor Watch: The Ohio Auditor of State’s office posted its next semiweekly audit list for Thursday, May 28, covering everything from school districts to county boards and land reuse groups. Local Government & Health Access: Youngstown’s elections board is weighing a cheaper rent move after analysis showed the Bottom Dollar site could cost about $27,000 monthly versus far higher options at the Patriot Building—while Toledo is gearing up for pool season and warning that gas-price pressure could hit meal-delivery services for seniors. Public Safety: A woman was hospitalized after a fire at a Harrison apartment complex, and in Mahoning County a suspect in a Liberty stabbing case is headed back to court June 17. Wellness & Research: New findings tie bacteria “rod” shape to wall chemistry, and Ohio-area researchers report tomato-soy juice can lower inflammation markers in adults with obesity. Community & Youth: Junior Achievement is preparing a BizTown learning experience in Niles, and Trine students filed 122 VITA tax returns for low-income residents.

Child Safety & Justice: A Butler County woman was arrested after a video allegedly showed child abuse, while Hamilton County investigators say a deadly I-71 shooting that shut down the highway was “not a random incident” and not road rage; the victim, 22-year-old Robert Lee Rothwell III, died after being shot in a vehicle. Online Protection: Connecticut AG William Tong announced an investigation into Roblox over reports of child exploitation and harm, joining broader multistate pressure for stronger online safeguards. Local Community & Health: Mount Vernon’s Washington Forum returns May 27 with “Home of the Brave” stories from everyday heroes, and Ohio State researchers highlight alcohol’s cancer risks for young adults. Road & Everyday Safety: AAA Northeast warns against driving in sandals or barefoot due to pedal control risks. Health Tech & Research: Cincinnati-area LIB Therapeutics shared new European Atherosclerosis Society results for its monthly PCSK9 inhibitor, and a study on tomato-soy juice reported lower inflammation markers in obese adults.