AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with Ohio reporting 6 cases this year; the CDC and FDA say the peppers were distributed to restaurants and wholesalers and a recall is underway. Parasite Outbreak Update: Cyclosporiasis continues to spread, with the CDC reporting nearly 23,000 total lab-confirmed cases nationwide and 47 states affected, plus two deaths in Michigan—most cases remain in Michigan. Ohio Health & Access: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton is spotlighting rising healthcare costs and Medicaid cuts as rural hospitals face closure risk, warning January 2027 cuts could push more people off coverage. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS has begun decertifying Network for Hope after federal reviews cited serious patient safety failures, including allegations that harvesting began while patients showed signs of life; the nonprofit serves parts of Ohio. Community Health & Wellness: Opticare Vision Centers announced it will serve as team optometrists for FC Cincinnati, expanding sports-focused eye care across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Local Safety: A 61-year-old man suffered life-threatening head injuries in a Goshen Township electronic bicycle crash; police say he was not wearing a helmet.

Psychedelic PTSD Breakthrough (Ohio): A small pilot study from The Ohio State University reports psilocybin-assisted therapy was well tolerated and led to major symptom reductions in severe, treatment-resistant PTSD among US military veterans, with 75% meeting response and remission criteria one month later. Food Safety Watch (Ohio & beyond): Health officials say a salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the implicated peppers, and investigations are ongoing. Produce Parasite Update (Ohio): The CDC says the cyclospora/iceberg lettuce outbreak has expanded to 15 states, with Ohio among those reporting cases and officials urging caution with produce. Local Health System Move (Cincinnati-area): WVU Cancer Institute is rolling out scalp-cooling to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss at regional sites, including Thomas Memorial Hospital. Medical Crime Case (Ohio): An Ohio mother accused of injecting fecal matter into her hospitalized child’s IV port pleaded guilty to child endangerment and received probation. Mental Health in Jails (Ohio): Mahoning County is creating a “justice system navigator” role, funded partly by opioid settlement money, to help inmates access mental health care and treatment. Health Tech Breach (Ohio): Unlimited Technology Systems, based in Montgomery, says a breach exposed personal, medical, and insurance information for 3.8 million people.

Cyclospora in Ohio: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis total is nearing 5,000 cases, with almost 1,000 added in the past week, tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; Michigan is also easing guidance as exposures fade, but officials still urge routine food safety. Food safety alerts: The FDA is investigating multiple active outbreaks nationwide, including cyclospora and salmonella linked to jalapeños; Chipotle and Qdoba have removed the implicated peppers after CDC-linked illnesses across 27 states. Measles watch: Ohio’s third measles outbreak of 2026 is growing to 45 cases across 10 counties, with new reports in Wayne, Trumbull, Holmes and Knox—health leaders point to falling vaccination rates. Local health justice: A Clermont County urologist was indicted on sex crime charges involving a patient with a developmental disability, with a $1 million bond set. Health care research: The VA is launching a major study on psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD in veterans. Community & care access: Meridian HealthCare opened a new primary care clinic in Youngstown, expanding services in an underserved area.

Hospital Quality: U.S. News ranked four southwest Ohio hospitals among the best in the Cincinnati/Dayton areas, with Christ Hospital topping the Cincinnati list and Kettering Health leading Dayton. Public Health Alert: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms now involves 15 states, with Ohio among them, and officials urge people to avoid risky produce and follow guidance. Food Safety: A separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has reached 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled the peppers. Health Policy & Access: Ohio’s share of students with disabilities is rising, straining districts and families as IEP needs grow. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS moved to decertify Kentucky’s Network for Hope after patient safety failures, a move that also affects parts of Ohio. Community Health: Ohio school bus drivers are training for worst-case emergencies ahead of reopening. Local Health & Wellness: TPC Wellness leaders attended Ohio’s Human Trafficking Summit, focusing on screening and trauma-responsive care.

Drug-Resistant Fungus Watch: Ohio health officials report Candida auris “superbug” cases in 23 states, with Ohio at 271 cases this year—highest in Cuyahoga and Hamilton—spreading in healthcare settings and posing extra risk for patients with invasive devices. Hospital Rankings: Two Columbus hospitals earned top spots in U.S. News’ 2026-27 Ohio rankings, with Ohio State Wexner Medical Center ranked No. 2 in Ohio (No. 1 in Columbus) and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital ranked No. 6 in Ohio (No. 2 in Columbus). Foodborne Outbreak Update: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce continues to expand nationally; Kentucky and Indiana case counts are rising, and Sysco says it has stopped buying Mexican iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak. Public Health Alerts: Ohio is also dealing with measles—Trumbull County confirmed two unvaccinated cases and warned of possible exposure at specific local locations. Care Access & Safety: A Columbus hospital system is using drones for prescription delivery, while a Boardman case alleges a healthcare employee faked an RN license to pursue a promotion. Community Health & Wellness: Mercy Health recommends back-to-school wellness checklists, and a pediatric chiropractic clinic in Delaware County promotes movement-focused evaluations for kids. Local Tragedy: A Fort Loramie mother and daughter died after a Shelby County crash involving a semi; both were long-time rescue squad volunteers.

Cyclospora Crisis: Ohio health officials report a second straight week of sharp increases in cyclosporiasis, with more than 4,000 cases statewide and the highest concentration in northwest Ohio; Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from its Mexico facility as investigators work to pinpoint the source, and ODH urges people not to skip fresh produce—just wash thoroughly, scrub firm items, and refrigerate promptly. Food Safety Fallout: The multistate outbreak keeps widening, with federal officials reportedly expanding the scope to 15 states and surpassing 10,000 confirmed cases nationwide, after earlier reports of deaths tied to the parasite. Local Health Support: Mercy Health St. Rita’s Thrift Shop in Lima is running a customer appreciation week that funds St. Rita’s Hospital and local charities. Public Health Infrastructure: Harrison County launched a free, 24/7 safe sharps disposal drop box in Cadiz to help residents dispose of needles and syringes privately and safely. Community & Wellness Education: Ohio University Southern’s Bobcat Academy drew 55 kids for a week of hands-on learning, including nursing basics, CPR/choking response, and safety around poisons. Health-Related Workplace Risk: A Stellantis worker in Michigan died after a fall at a Mopar parts distribution center, renewing attention on on-the-job safety. Crime & Child Safety: An Ohio father accused of luring a suspected child abuser home via TikTok and shooting him faces felony charges, highlighting the risks of online contact and the need for rapid reporting.

Public Health: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis count climbed to 4,013 cases as of July 30, with ODH urging people to keep eating fruits and veggies while washing produce well and refrigerating promptly; the multi-state outbreak has also seen Michigan report the first deaths tied to the parasite. Food Safety: CDC says the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to 15 states linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with investigations ongoing as case totals rise. Local Health Services: Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department recommends parents schedule back-to-school vaccinations early, offering clinic appointments for school-entry and college-age needs. Wellness Research: A new review suggests reducing overall dietary protein—or specific essential amino acids like isoleucine and methionine—may support healthy aging and longer life span. Health Care & Community: Cleveland Clinic was named Ohio’s top hospital in U.S. News’ 2026-27 rankings, with OSU Wexner Medical Center and Christ Hospital next. Policy & Youth: UC Davis researchers launched a public database tracking state laws aimed at regulating social media for people under 18, including age verification and targeted ads. Ohio Politics: Rep. Max Miller’s ethics investigation and mounting calls for resignation continue to dominate headlines.

Cleveland Clinic Drone Rx Delivery: Cleveland Clinic launched a free prescription drone program in Beachwood, dropping medication pods from the air (no landing) and tracking orders through MyChart; controlled substances aren’t included, with plans to expand to lab samples and other supplies. Hospital Expansion in Ohio: Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital broke ground on a $322M expansion through 2029, adding emergency capacity, imaging upgrades, a larger cancer center, more surgical space, outpatient growth, inpatient beds, and ICU expansion. Best Hospitals Watch: Cleveland Clinic again earned a top spot on U.S. News’ 2026-27 Best Hospitals Honor Roll, while Columbus-area hospitals also picked up strong local rankings. Prescription Cost Transparency: An Ohio bill would protect pharmacies that help patients understand out-of-pocket costs and savings options, including insurance navigation and prior authorization support. Public Health Alert — Cyclospora: Missouri cyclospora cases nearly doubled again, and local shoppers are reacting by shifting where they buy produce. Urban Cooling via Trees: A Dayton study found irrigation and tree species choice can boost survival, pointing to urban forests as a practical climate-and-health strategy. Safety for Families: Ohio swim instructor pushes infant water-survival lessons, citing high toddler drowning risk.

Food Safety Watch: Michigan confirmed the first two deaths tied to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, saying both patients had serious underlying conditions worsened by dehydration; the CDC has logged thousands of cases nationwide, with Ohio among the hardest hit. Public Health & Vaccines: Measles continues to surge in the U.S., and experts warn the start of the school year could accelerate spread as communities weigh vaccination decisions. Prescription Drug Costs: Ohio Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Local Health Policy: Rep. Marcy Kaptur discussed healthcare access at a Defiance event, criticizing Medicaid work requirements and warning about rural hospital and nursing home closures. Community Health: Ohio State Fair hosted a sensory-friendly, inclusive cooking demo for people with diverse abilities, using Ohio-made ingredients. Ohio Wellness Legislation: Ohio lawmakers advanced bills including pharmacist clinical services and SNAP cybersecurity upgrades, aiming to expand care access and protect benefit systems. Cincinnati Area School Planning: Back-to-school start dates for Greater Cincinnati districts were published for the 2026-27 school year.

Measles Alert: Ohio health officials reported the state’s third measles outbreak of 2026, with 4 unvaccinated cases—3 in Ashtabula County and 1 in Tuscarawas County—bringing total 2026 cases to 15 and underscoring how fast measles spreads through the air. Public Health & Prevention: Officials urged vaccination after noting measles can linger in the air for hours and spreads from days before symptoms appear, with two MMR doses offering strong protection. Human Services: Concordia Hospice of Washington’s Donnell House in Washington County closed after nearly 25 years of inpatient hospice care, shifting more support to home-based services. Community Health: The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage, warning some critical types are down to under a two-day supply and urging eligible donors to give. Infectious Disease Watch: A rare La Crosse virus neuroinvasive case was confirmed in Tennessee, with Ohio listed among states that have reported cases this year—another reminder to reduce mosquito exposure. Safety & Care Access: Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a Toledo hit-and-run crash while on her way to church.

Public Health & Safety: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur was hospitalized after a hit-and-run crash in Toledo on Sunday; her office says she’s alert and being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while police continue investigating. Cybersecurity & Utilities: Rep. Mike Turner said Congress hasn’t been briefed on whether Ohio was hit by recent cyberattacks targeting water utilities, as federal agencies investigate disruptions in other states and possible foreign involvement. Food & Nutrition Safety: Reports highlight rising Cyclospora concerns, including outbreaks and recalls affecting produce supply chains. Health Policy (Ohio): Ohio lawmakers advanced measures tied to care access and safety, including SB315 to boost SNAP EBT cybersecurity with chip-enabled cards and SB162 to revise health insurer recoupment rules. Community Health & Access: A bill to waive ID and birth certificate fees for people experiencing homelessness (HB472) moved through the Ohio Senate, aiming to reduce barriers to services. Care Delivery: Ohio also advanced pharmacy practice changes (SB230) expanding pharmacist screening/testing and Medicaid reimbursement for covered clinical services. Public Safety (Local): A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a car in Toledo Sunday; details on injuries weren’t immediately available.

Food Safety: U.S. health officials are tracking two separate outbreaks: a Salmonella-linked egg recall of about 19 million eggs tied to 98 illnesses in 17 states, and a Cyclospora surge tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with Ohio among the affected areas. Mental Health & Community Care: Ohio’s budget secured mental health investments, including support for 988 and walk-in crisis stabilization centers, aiming to close gaps in fast, local help. Public Health & Prevention: Experts warn that tick-borne Bourbon virus has no vaccine or specific treatment and may be underdiagnosed, urging families to protect kids during peak outdoor months. Local Health Access: A new $20 million broadband fiber project along U.S. 30 will connect colleges, local governments, and health care facilities across multiple northern Ohio counties. Family Well-Being: A Centerville counselor highlights how strong adult-child connection can protect development, pointing families toward programs that build social and emotional skills. Ohio Policy: Ohio lawmakers advanced health-related measures, including respiratory care and physician supervision updates, as the state continues to reshape care delivery rules. Health-Related Sports: Browns QB Deshaun Watson says preseason is a chance to prove himself after Achilles surgeries, while the team continues quarterback competition with both Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

Public Safety & Health: A 45-year-old man died after Willoughby police responded to a home disturbance; officers say a knife threat led to a Taser attempt and then gunfire, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation handling an independent review. Local Crime Impact: Toledo police arrested a man in the shooting of a 2-year-old; the child is stable after critical injuries, and investigators say the case remains under review. Injury Update: A pedestrian was hurt after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Toledo early Saturday; the victim was taken to St. Vincent’s with non-life-threatening injuries. Preventive Care & Access: WVU Medicine hosted a Health and Wellness Day in West Virginia with screenings, low-cost lab vouchers, and community health resources. Health Policy in Ohio: Ohio lawmakers advanced bills affecting care delivery, including a respiratory care interstate compact and a physician supervision framework for imaging contrast administration. Foodborne Risk Watch: Cyclosporiasis continues to surge, with Ohio reporting thousands of cases and officials urging careful produce washing and trimming. Workforce & Well-Being: Meta’s Workforce Academy is paying older laid-off workers for hands-on training with job offers tied to data-center construction, aiming to reduce financial stress.

Public Health Alerts (Ohio): Ohio Department of Health says Ashtabula County is now part of the state’s third measles outbreak of 2026, with cases reported in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas. Infectious Disease (Ohio): Health officials also confirmed a rabies-positive bat in Coshocton County with no confirmed human exposure. Medical Oversight (Ohio): The State Medical Board of Ohio suspended a Brown County cardiologist’s license after sex-crime allegations involving patients during exams. Food Safety (Regional): A multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce continues to grow, with Ohio among states reporting additional cases. Child & Family Health Policy: The Trump administration is preparing major rollbacks to Head Start requirements, raising concerns about reduced anti-poverty supports like screenings and home visits. Substance Safety (Ohio): Ohio’s Narcotics Intelligence Center warned about dangerous new synthetic opioids and veterinary sedatives showing up in the drug supply, increasing overdose risk. Community Health (Ohio): Allen County Public Health is planning back-to-school vaccine clinics to help families get students up to date.

Mental Health & Veterans: A new pilot trial reports psilocybin-assisted therapy helped Ohio veteran Zachariah Collett and other participants with severe PTSD, cutting symptoms by more than half after an 11-week program combining psychotherapy and synthetic psilocybin. Public Health Alerts: Ohio is in its third measles outbreak of 2026, with unvaccinated cases reported in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas as U.S. totals hit a 35-year high. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: Cyclosporiasis (explosive diarrhea) keeps spreading—Ohio has surpassed 4,000 cases this year, with many concentrated in Lucas, Wood, and Cuyahoga counties, and CDC updates point to ongoing investigation into sources. Local Health & Safety: MetroHealth reports asthma symptoms improved after switching gas stoves to electric in a study of 85 homes. Health Access & Costs: Ohio renters still face a widening affordability gap—COHHIO says workers need about $23.82/hour to afford a 2-bedroom, while average wages lag. Care & Community: The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis, urging type O positive donors to give soon as heat and illness reduce turnout. Cincinnati Region Growth: Resilience and Eli Lilly are expanding Cincinnati-area drug manufacturing with a $750M investment expected to add about 400 jobs.

Food Safety Watch: Cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) keeps climbing, with Florida reporting 254 cases since May 1 and the CDC noting thousands more across 45 states—Ohio is among the states seeing unconfirmed cases tied to lettuce-linked clusters. Public Health: Ohio has declared its third measles outbreak of 2026, with four unvaccinated cases in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties; health officials are tracing exposures and urging MMR vaccination. Air Quality & Health: Fourteen Ohio National Guard members were hospitalized during wildfire-smoke training conditions in Michigan, after respiratory-risk troops were pulled from field exercises. Home & Health: A study finds switching from gas stoves to electric induction can sharply improve asthma symptoms and cut emergency visits, pointing to indoor gas pollutants as a trigger. Local Health Care & Growth: Cleveland Clinic broke ground on a major Avon expansion, signaling continued investment in regional care capacity. Community & Wellness: Hamilton plans Great Miami River dam modifications to improve safety and fish habitat, with potential benefits for recreation.