AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Measles is surging beyond Ohio’s borders, with Mercer County, Pennsylvania reporting cases more than doubling to 15, and officials noting thousands of MMR shots delivered via pop-up clinics as hospitalizations and deaths rise. Local Health & Safety: In Rogers, Ohio, a resident says a neighbor’s failed septic system has been leaking into her yard for 28 years, and she’s frustrated with repeated complaints to health officials. Medicaid Watch: Ohio residents and advocates are bracing for new Medicaid work requirements, with state and federal details still in draft form and exemptions/work-proof rules still evolving. Health Workforce & Care Access: Ohio State’s public health leaders report widespread harassment and threats aimed at public health staff after COVID-19. Wellness Tips: Ohio State experts say a 10–20 minute power nap can outperform energy drinks for alertness and memory. Healthcare Research: OSU and UCSF won a $3.46M NCI grant to study why some acute myeloid leukemia patients respond to treatment. Community & Aging: Multiple nursing-home CMS ratings and rankings continue to roll in across Ohio, highlighting quality and staffing signals for families. Food & Nutrition: A fall allergies guide from Cleveland Clinic recommends keeping windows closed, using air purifiers, and considering meds or allergy shots if symptoms persist.

Heart Health & Local Impact: Music icon Lionel Richie, 77, underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation and is taking time off, leading to cancellations of three Earth, Wind & Fire dates including Oct. 2 in Columbus—another reminder that heart rhythm issues can quickly derail routines. Public Health Under Pressure: A new study finds local and state public health officials faced threats and harassment during COVID-19, with 76% reporting “extraordinary backlash,” highlighting the strain on already under-resourced teams. Ohio Medicaid Oversight: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber says 3% of sampled Medicaid enrollees weren’t eligible, including some with more than a million dollars, and more than 3,000 deceased people still received benefits—sparking calls for tighter guardrails. Medication Costs & Consumer Relief: Washington’s attorney general urges people to file claims tied to a multistate settlement over inflated generic drug prices, with Ohio included and a March 8, 2027 deadline. Maternal & Infant Loss Support: Columbus-area groups announce the free P.A.I.L. Remembrance & Awareness Walk on Oct. 10 at Genoa Park, offering remembrance, resources, and a 1-mile reflective walk. Aging & Falls Prevention: The Area Agency on Aging District 7’s 44th annual Older Adult Art Show runs Sept. 21–Oct. 16, with a kickoff walk tied to National Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

Street Medicine Grant: MetroHealth in Cleveland won a $2.5M federal grant to expand street medicine training for physicians, aiming to improve care for people experiencing homelessness. Public Health Access: Mercy Health – Youngstown launched a three-year Community Health Improvement Plan focused on access to care, chronic disease, and maternal/infant/child health. Maternal & Child Support: Marietta/Belpre Health Department is running a diaper drive through Sept. 30 to help families with babies and toddlers. Food Safety Recall: Save A Lot shoppers in Ohio and four other states were told to check for recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar potato chips due to undeclared soy. Workforce & Care Coverage: Paulding Village Council discussed an EMT shortage, with many shifts uncovered and calls for part-time coverage. Emergency Preparedness: Vinton County declared and adjusted emergency levels after severe flooding, with road closures and a Red Cross relief center set up. Health in the Community: OhioHealth allied health and nursing students volunteered at the Hardin County Fair for vital sign checks. Cincinnati Wellness Note: Elevate MD in Cincinnati received a “Hormone Optimization Business of the Year” recognition for hormone-related care.

Environmental Health & Equity: A new report warns Ohio’s AI-driven data-center boom is pairing with fossil gas plants, raising greenhouse gas and air-pollution concerns—especially for communities already hit hardest by environmental injustice. Cancer Care Access: Memorial Sloan Kettering is sharing cancer data with doctors nationwide through OpenEvidence, aiming to speed treatment decisions using molecular insights. Primary Care for Young Adults: An Ohio State University-commissioned study finds many Gen Z patients lack a primary care provider, raising the risk of missed preventive care as young adults age out of pediatric systems. Lake Erie Cleanup Progress: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission released a draft final delisting report for the Black River Area of Concern, moving toward formal removal after decades of restoration work. Veterans Health & Benefits: Ohio officials warn “claim sharks” are charging veterans thousands in fees for VA disability claims, even when free local help is available. Community & Wellness: Hundreds joined Cleveland’s Autism Speaks Walk and 5K to fund research and reduce stigma, highlighting the role of early intervention. Public Safety: A New Philadelphia shooting hospitalized two men; police say it appears isolated.

Primary Care Access: An Ohio State University-commissioned study finds more than a quarter of Gen Z patients lack a primary care provider, and local clinicians warn that long gaps can mean missed prevention and delayed diagnoses. Medicare/Medicaid Coverage: Genesis HealthCare is holding community meetings in six Ohio counties to explain what changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans could mean for patients starting Jan. 1. Youth Mental Health & Social Media: Meta agreed to pay states up to $17.1B and limit teen Instagram/Facebook use, including a default two-hour daily cap and reduced overnight scrolling. Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion: Safe Haven in Ashland County secured $230,000 in state funding to expand space and add green space for children, addressing limits that affect survivors and pets. Public Health Recalls: Walmart recalled a frozen berry blend in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination, with Michigan consumers told the affected lot wasn’t shipped there. Safety & Injury Alerts: A serious stabbing in Cleveland sent a 35-year-old to MetroHealth; in Auglaize County, two pedestrians were seriously hurt after being struck by a vehicle.

Medication Safety: The FDA says thousands of bottles of generic chlorthalidone (a diuretic for high blood pressure and fluid retention) are being recalled nationwide after failed dissolution testing, raising concerns about how well the drug absorbs. Cancer Care Access: University Hospitals’ Seidman Cancer Center in Geneva, Ohio, is set to close Nov. 13, pushing patients to a farther UH cancer hub in Lake County and triggering complaints about longer commutes and disrupted treatment schedules. Public Health & Support: Hamilton County’s 513 Relief bus is rolling through the Cincinnati area with free services for teen pregnancy, including supplies, workshops, and mental health counseling. Health Policy Watch: A drug transparency bill aimed at showing where medications are made is headed for a full Senate vote, but safety experts warn key provisions were stripped. Wellness in the Community: An older-adult art show returns Sept. 21–Oct. 16 in Waverly, with a kickoff walk tied to falls prevention awareness. Local Safety: A construction worker died after being hit by a vehicle on I-275 in Hamilton County.

VA Homelessness Funding: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $35.2 million in Ohio grants to 27 community groups to help homeless veterans and those at risk, including support services and transitional housing. Workforce & Recovery: A Cincinnati factory, Nehemiah Manufacturing, is hiring people with barriers to traditional jobs, with workers describing second-chance employment as life-changing. Medical Education Pipeline: The University of Findlay and Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine launched an early assurance pathway for biology/biochemistry majors aiming for a faster route to an M.D.-equivalent D.O. Public Health & Safety: Cleveland approved funding to rebuild its winter road salt stockpile after last year’s shortage, aiming to avoid rationing again. Community Wellness: Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio plan a “Bobcat Build” home project to expand access to safe, affordable housing. Local Health-Adjacent News: A North Olmsted shooting left one woman dead and a man hospitalized; police say it appears isolated. Health Policy Watch: A drug transparency bill (Clear Labels Act) is headed for a full Senate vote, but safety experts say key provisions were stripped.

Data Center Politics & Health Costs: Former Sen. Sherrod Brown targets Ohio’s data-center boom in a new ad featuring Google’s Lancaster facility, arguing the expansion means higher electric bills and grid strain—while campaign finance records show Google-linked PAC and lobbyist donations to Brown. Measles & Vaccine Skepticism: As measles cases surge in Ohio and Northeast Ohio, Democrats frame the outbreak as a test for vaccine policy and public health leadership. Local Health & Safety: A 4-year-old remains on a ventilator after a near-drowning in West Chester; Cincinnati-area families are also seeking answers after a 7-year-old special-needs student died after being found unresponsive on a school bus. Care Access & Research: Cleveland Clinic opened two major research buildings, expanding labs and computational capacity with state and JobsOhio support. Food Safety: Saratoga Potato Chips recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar chips in Ohio and other states due to an undeclared soy allergen. Public Health Policy: Senate action blocked Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at preventing families and small businesses from footing data-center infrastructure costs. Community Recovery: Lucas County’s Recovery Is Beautiful Festival returns to support mental health and substance-use recovery, with a free family event in Toledo.

Severe Crash on I-70: A six-vehicle wreck early Friday in Clark County killed one person and seriously injured two others after a Freightliner overturned and was struck by other vehicles; the driver of the Kia was taken to Miami Valley Hospital. Measles Alert (Ohio): ProMedica says a measles exposure was in Lucas County (Toledo area) tied to an Amtrak traveler, with officials urging vaccination and prompt medical contact if symptoms appear. Aging-Community Funding: Athens County commissioners approved about $335,000 for age-friendly programs, including emergency help grants for older adults and support through the Athens City-County Health Department and job services. Veterans Home Repair Effort: A new nonprofit partnership is helping a Washington County Army veteran facing stage 4 lung cancer after a home repair scam threatened a historic property. Health in Schools: Cuyahoga Falls canceled a high school football game after “hand, foot and mouth” illness spread in the program. Immunotherapy Research: New findings highlight how B cells may help predict risk for immunotherapy-related colitis in NSCLC patients. Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection data shows Ohio food and cosmetics firms saw the highest share of inspections with citations in August, with Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative leading in violations. Public Health & Safety Tragedy: Cincinnati police are investigating the death of a 7-year-old student with special needs who was found unresponsive on a school bus.

Local Health & Wellness: Moosally Medical is holding a ribbon cutting for its new Columbiana location, expanding physician-led care that includes weight management, hormone therapy, pelvic health, and medical-grade aesthetics. Public Health Policy: Ohio is delaying a planned SNAP sugary beverage ban after a request from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration, pushing implementation while federal guidance and public comments are handled. Food Safety: Saratoga Potato Chips issued a voluntary recall of specific J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar chips in Ohio and several other states due to an undeclared soy allergen. Community Health & Care Access: Collins Career Technical Center cut the ribbon on a new Proctorville campus focused on allied health programs like nursing, sonography, radiologic technology, and respiratory therapy. Health in the Courts: Elizabeth Siders, an Ohio mother of 16, pleaded not guilty in a case tied to children found in “deplorable” conditions, with additional charges involving alleged sexual abuse. Environment & Health: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson awarded more than $1M in grants to help communities clean up illegal dumping sites and prevent repeat dumping.

Student-Athlete Health Partnership: OhioHealth is expanding its multi-year role with Ohio University Athletics, naming it the Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports and 450 student-athletes, with a focus on sports medicine and wellness across Athens County. Public Health Watch: The CDC says the major cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce is over, with Ohio reporting a steep weekly drop in new cases. Measles Update: Kentucky confirms 50 measles cases in 2026, including two people with only one MMR dose; Trimble County, near the Ohio River, reports its first case, underscoring the importance of getting both doses. Medication Abortion Oversight Concern: A Toledo surgeon’s conviction for forcing abortion pills on a partner is tied to new Ohio data showing medication abortions up 12.7% and complications up 34% from 2024 to 2025, raising questions about mail-order safeguards. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart shoppers are urged to check for multiple food recalls, including frozen berries over possible E. coli contamination and other items flagged for serious hazards. Community Health & Support: Black Women’s Health Initiative’s conference is Saturday in Dayton, with sessions on health and policy pressures affecting Black women and families in Ohio.

Respiratory Season Prep: Ohio health officials are urging flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations as fall virus season ramps up, with practical tips for managing asthma in colder weather. Medicaid Fraud Accountability: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a $384 million Medicaid fraud settlement with Abbott tied to infant formula manufacturing compliance issues, underscoring safety for the most vulnerable. Cyclospora Update: Williams County health officials say cyclospora cases dropped sharply in August and the outbreak response is effectively closed, while measles cases continue rising in parts of northeastern Ohio. Affordable Nutrition: Ohio State Extension says healthy eating on a budget is doable—using portion control, smart swaps, and cutting food waste—plus guidance for families facing higher grocery prices. Student-Athlete Wellness: OhioHealth expanded its role as Official Healthcare Provider for Ohio Athletics, aiming to support student-athlete health across 16 sports. Care Access for Kids: OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic is bringing kid-friendly “try it” healthcare stations (vitals, vaccines, X-rays, nutrition) to help families feel less intimidated by medical visits. Cancer Detection Hope: A new blood test is showing promising results for catching pancreatic cancer earlier, when outcomes are better. Community Recovery Support: Fulton County proclaimed Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Support Month, highlighting treatment access and stigma reduction.

FDA & Medical Tech: The FDA cleared Medtronic’s LigaSure RAS Maryland jaw device for use with the Hugo robotic surgery system, expanding vessel-sealing options in robotic procedures. Travel & Veterans: TSA rolled out expedited security screening via military lanes at 33 airports nationwide for eligible service members and veterans. Food Safety: A Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to sprouts prompted an expanded recall of alfalfa seed lots used by Everything Sprouts, with symptoms that can include severe cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Ohio Health Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 462, letting Ohio schools and camps stock and use any FDA-approved epinephrine device (including nasal spray) for severe allergy emergencies. Pediatric Care Spotlight: Nationwide Children’s Hospital earned U.S. News Honor Roll status for the 13th straight year, ranking top nationally in multiple specialties. Local Wellness & Access: OhioHealth was named Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, strengthening sports medicine support for student-athletes across 16 sports. Community Health & Food: Fresh Fundamentals returns to Cleveland’s West Side Market with Cleveland Clinic support, pairing chef demos with meal kits and vouchers for SNAP/EBT households. Public Health Data Use: A report flags new Ohio and other state limits on using community air monitoring data for enforcement, raising concerns as air risks grow. Health Systems Admin Burden: New federal and state data rules are forcing health systems to rethink where clinical documentation is produced, adding compliance pressure.

Pediatric Care in the Midwest: U.S. News ranks Cincinnati Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals again, tying for top in the Midwest overall and earning specialty recognition. Cancer Support in Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine launches a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation Program through ODH to give families a single point of contact to speed access to resources after a child is diagnosed with cancer. Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: Columbus and Ghana sign an MoU to create a formal nursing partnership aimed at legal pathways and recruitment for Ghanaian nurses into Ohio’s growing healthcare sector. Acute Pain Research: OSU Wexner Medical Center researchers report IV buprenorphine may offer similar pain relief to full-agonist IV opioids in critically ill MICU patients, with less respiratory depression and oversedation. Food Safety Alert: Cleveland Clinic highlights an FDA Class I recall of alfalfa sprouts due to possible STEC or Salmonella contamination, urging caution. Local Health & Wellness Events: Westlake hosts a free “Behavior Chat” for caregivers on managing big emotions in young kids. Sports Medicine Partnership: OhioHealth expands as Official Healthcare Provider for Ohio Athletics, extending sports medicine support across student-athletes. Election Season & Health Policy: Ohio’s Senate race ad spending surges, with healthcare among the issues driving messaging.

OhioHealth partnership: Ohio Athletics expanded its agreement with OhioHealth, naming it the Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports and boosting support for student-athlete wellness and sports medicine. Pediatric care rankings: U.S. News named Cincinnati Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals, tying for top spots in the Midwest with Nationwide Children’s and Lurie Children’s. Drug safety warning: Health officials are urging attention after a teen’s death tied to cychlorphine, a synthetic drug reported as far more potent than fentanyl and often mixed with other substances. Opioid risk in Ohio: A separate report highlights a teen overdose tied to a drug described as stronger than fentanyl, underscoring the need for prevention and rapid response. Food safety: The FDA escalated recalls of alfalfa sprouts over potential Salmonella and E. coli contamination, including products sold in Ohio. Local health funding: Montgomery County approved $87M in levy funding to stabilize developmental disabilities and children services as demand rises. Community wellness: Nature groups plan juvenile lake sturgeon release events in Northeast Ohio, pointing to improving river health. Workforce & training: Ohio University announced fall workshops and book groups focused on faculty success and human-first AI in teaching.

Rape Kit Reporting: Ohio AG Andy Wilson and Gov. Mike DeWine say a lack of reporting could let the rape kit backlog grow again, so they’re forming a working group to fix the data gaps. Pediatric Care Rankings: U.S. News named Akron Children’s among Ohio’s top pediatric hospitals and highlighted Cleveland Clinic Children’s specialty strength in its 2026-2027 Best Children’s Hospitals list. Sports Medicine Partnership: OhioHealth expanded its deal with Ohio Athletics as the official healthcare provider, aiming to boost student-athlete wellness across 16 sports. Mental Health on Campus: Active Minds at Ohio University is hosting stress-reducing events to destigmatize mental health and connect students to campus resources. Clinical Research: Ohio State’s Abhay Satoskar is leading a phase 1 leishmaniasis vaccine trial, targeting a disease that affects millions worldwide. Public Safety Outcomes: Cleveland released summer safety plan results showing fewer homicides, robberies, and stolen vehicles. Medicaid Coverage Risk: Cuyahoga County says about 3,500 legally present residents could lose Medicaid starting Oct. 1 under new federal rules. Healthcare Access & Equity: A report highlights how private school vouchers for students with disabilities can come with major limits and added costs. Community Fitness: Cleveland run clubs are expanding, mixing fitness with social connection for people looking for community.