AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Coverage Risk: A federal decision in Arkansas signals tighter rules for Medicaid waivers under new “budget neutrality” limits, raising the odds of coverage disruptions for low-income residents. Maternal Health in Georgia: New reporting highlights that nearly half of Georgia counties are maternity care deserts, worsening access to prenatal and delivery services. Georgia Drug-Resistant Fungus: CDC data show rising cases of drug-resistant fungus in Georgia, underscoring the need for stronger infection prevention and early treatment. Childbirth Safety Tool: Hospitals in Georgia and beyond say they’ve found a tool to help reduce childbirth risks, including maternal mortality. Legal Accountability in Care: A Fulton County jury awarded a $15 million malpractice verdict after a radiologist allegedly improperly placed a catheter, contributing to a patient’s death. Public Health Disruptions Abroad: In the DRC, Ebola is driving up maternal deaths as pregnant women avoid hospitals and routine care breaks down. Food Safety: A major jalapeño salmonella recall expanded, with multiple retailers pulling products after reported illnesses. Community Health Support: Georgia’s War Veterans Home faces new management after staffing and safety concerns.

Maternal Health Push: Hospitals across the U.S. are rolling out “I Gave Birth” silicone wristbands to flag postpartum risks and improve emergency response, with Georgia among the states adopting the idea. Child Welfare Costs: Georgia lawmakers are launching hearings after the cost of foster care services jumped, including a reported 159% rise since 2022, as officials try to protect services for kids amid budget strain. Postpartum Safety Tool in Georgia: The wristband effort targets the fact that many pregnancy-related deaths happen after delivery, not just during pregnancy. Local Care Access: Athens Orthopedic Clinic is expanding urgent orthopedic care with AOC OrthoNow locations meant to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. Workforce & Policy: A proposed overhaul of Head Start could change how rural programs operate, including health and developmental screening supports. Tech & Safety: Flock says it will tighten rules for police use of license-plate readers after reports of misuse, including shorter data storage and more required case labeling. Fire Safety: Two employees were hospitalized after a fire at a Mableton Hispanic market caused smoke-related injuries.

Vaccine Policy Push: Georgia doctors are warning that President Trump’s proposed changes to the childhood vaccine schedule could be risky and not grounded in strong public health science, as experts say the plan would narrow protection from 17 diseases to 11. School Safety: A shooting at Warner Robins High School left one ninth-grader wounded; police say the suspect, also 14, was arrested after fleeing, and the campus closed for students Thursday and Friday. Mosquito-Borne Threat: Fulton County health officials are treating a park after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting spraying efforts and renewed concern for families. Ebola Preparedness: The CDC is temporarily restricting entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the outbreak grows, with no U.S. cases reported. Immigration Detention Health: A Liberian pastor in ICE custody suffered a stroke and his family is raising questions about whether he received consistent medical care and medication. Public Health Watch: CDC data show drug-resistant Candida auris cases are rising nationwide, with thousands reported across dozens of states.

School Safety: Warner Robins High School in Houston County reported at least one student shot, with two students taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; a suspect is in custody and roads near the campus were closed. Public Health: South Fulton temporarily shut Old National Park after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus; the county plans targeted spraying and larvicides before deciding when to reopen. Women’s Health Access: Metro Atlanta OB-GYN The Healthy Woman opened a new Conyers practice, aiming to expand patient-centered care. Health Policy & Costs: A new report highlights rising health costs pushing more Americans to forego care, with families weighing treatment against affordability. Medical Research: A post-hoc analysis suggests fenfluramine treatment is linked to sustained seizure reductions in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, offering new insight into early response for patients and clinicians. Community & Wellness: Atlanta’s ARCHI hosted a breakfast program on how historic redlining shaped health outcomes, urging systems to change how care is delivered.

Maternal Health Tool: Hospitals are rolling out “I Gave Birth” silicone wristbands to flag postpartum risks and help reduce maternal deaths, with Georgia among states adopting the idea. Public Health & Safety: South Fulton closed Old National Park after West Nile virus showed up in routine mosquito testing, and Fulton County is coordinating treatment before reopening. Childbirth Pain Care: A metro Atlanta OB-GYN shared how a multi-modal pain approach after C-sections can reduce grogginess and opioid use, improving recovery and breastfeeding readiness. Infectious Disease Watch: Warmer waters are pushing vibrio bacteria toward Georgia’s coast, raising the risk of severe illness from contaminated shellfish. Health Equity & Access: A new report warns nearly half of Georgia counties lack access to maternity care, underscoring gaps in local services. Care at Home: Research highlights that caregiver training for children with medical technology—like ostomies—can cut complications after discharge. Kidney Innovation: Atlanta-based Nephrodite’s “Holly” artificial kidney implant aims to filter blood continuously, potentially reducing dialysis dependence. Vaccines Debate: A new federal vaccine order is fueling a back-to-school fight in Georgia over spacing shots and splitting MMR, with pediatricians warning it could delay protection. Community Health Funding: Black HIV/STI prevention groups in Atlanta say funding losses threaten culturally responsive youth education and testing. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related salmonella recalls, adding more products and retailers to the watch list. Local Crime & Health: Atlanta police investigated a westside shooting that sent a 36-year-old to the hospital; multiple suspects were detained.

Medical Cannabis Access: Georgia’s medical cannabis registry jumped about 23% after a new law expanded qualifying conditions and changed rules around vaping and THC potency. Addiction Treatment Research: The Atlanta VA is testing whether GLP-1 weight-loss drugs can help treat alcohol use disorder, with results that could reshape veteran mental health care. Infectious Disease Watch: A drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, is showing up in clinical cases across at least 27 states, with Georgia among the higher-reporting states—highlighting the need for strong hospital infection control. Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products (including salsa and guacamole) due to possible salmonella contamination, adding to a wider wave of jalapeño-related recalls. Public Health & Policy: A new report argues many state AI chatbot bills rely on age-verification rules that don’t actually fit chatbot technology and may create privacy burdens without better child protection. Local Care Access: A Columbus, Ga., We CARE Vet Fair connected thousands of veterans and families to VA services, including on-site healthcare enrollment.

Ebola Watch: The CDC tightened travel rules for people returning from DR Congo, including a ban on boarding commercial flights for those there within 21 days, with Atlanta among the designated screening airports. Veterans Health: The Atlanta VA is one of 18 sites testing semaglutide (a GLP-1 weight-loss drug) to see if it can reduce alcohol cravings and use in veterans with alcohol use disorder. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold at major retailers after a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Mexico; consumers are urged not to eat affected items. Dementia Screening: A faith-based effort in Atlanta expanded early dementia detection for older African Americans, with many participants reporting they’d never had a memory screening before. Heat & School Safety: Clayton County Schools canceled outdoor activities under a Code Red heat risk as Georgia Tech researchers test wearables to help predict heat stroke before symptoms hit. Medical Error Lawsuit: A Georgia woman filed a lawsuit after a biopsy mix-up led to an unnecessary hysterectomy for cancer she says she didn’t have. Community Health Access: Alter Dementia and partners delivered free cognitive screenings at an Atlanta aging expo, connecting people to brain health planning and services. Public Safety & Health: Police reported an 85-year-old innocent bystander shot in southeast Atlanta; investigators say the 21-year-old victim was the target.

Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño products tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak, with illnesses reported across 27 states and major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods; Public Health: A CDC update says cyclosporiasis cases are climbing nationwide, with North Carolina reporting hundreds of new cases and total counts now in the thousands; Maternal Health: A study links higher phthalate exposure to elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, raising questions about reducing exposure from personal care products; Infection Control: CDC-linked research highlights rising concern over invasive candida auris in hospitals, where the drug-resistant yeast can be hard to treat; Georgia Health & Wellness: Columbia Green’s “Beat the Heat” program is using free tree planting to cool hotter, unshaded neighborhoods; Clinical Research Access: City of Hope is expanding a national cancer trial model to open studies across a multi-state network faster; Local Health Systems/Workforce: A private college opened a Columbus campus focused on healthcare education, aiming to train workers for local demand; Community Safety: Atlanta police charged a man and woman in the death of an infant girl, alleging child cruelty and deprivation of necessary sustenance.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a multi-item recall tied to Salmonella risk, with products sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger and Trader Joe’s; the recall follows a broader jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak reported across dozens of states, including Georgia. Medical Errors: A Georgia woman says a biopsy mix-up at Kaiser Permanente led to a false cancer diagnosis and an unnecessary hysterectomy, raising questions about lab labeling and patient safety. Public Health Leadership: The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the first Black woman to lead the CDC, as the agency faces major health threats including measles and cyclosporiasis. Health & Wellness Research: New findings highlight potential benefits of coffee—suggesting a few cups a day may support heart, liver and brain health. Georgia Science Spotlight: A 14-year-old from Snellville won a national science prize for an AI device that can detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Infection Control Concern: Researchers warn about potential harms from quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) found in disinfectants.

Food Safety Watch: A metro Atlanta woman, Cassandra Barksdale, filed a negligence lawsuit claiming a mislabeled tissue sample led doctors to diagnose aggressive uterine cancer and perform an unnecessary hysterectomy after a biopsy at a Kaiser Permanente center in Jonesboro. Public Health & Policy: The NIH director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, discussed widening food-safety concerns on “Face the Nation,” including the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce and broader salmonella alerts affecting multiple product categories. Maternal Health & Care Access: A Venezuelan asylum seeker in ICE custody in Georgia told Newsweek she hasn’t received treatment for PCOS despite a doctor warning that interrupting care could worsen her condition. Air Travel Safety: Delta evacuated about 199 passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta after smoke and fumes were reported in the cockpit shortly after takeoff; one passenger and one crew member sought medical attention. Community Health: Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates clashed on Medicaid expansion at a Georgia Chamber luncheon, with healthcare access framed as a key issue heading into November.

Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC says a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has grown to 15 states, with more than 6,000 cases, nearly 300 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths; officials urge Georgians to watch for recalls and alerts, and to rinse produce and wash hands. Maternal & Youth Health Policy: The Trump administration canceled $68 million in federal teen pregnancy prevention grants, ending evidence-based sex education programs that had reached thousands of Georgia teens. Local Health & Safety: A Delta flight out of Atlanta made an emergency landing after reports of fumes in the cockpit; one passenger and one crew member sought medical attention. Injury & Emergency Response: Five people were seriously injured in a Lake Allatoona boat crash, and a motorcyclist died after a Pickens County collision. Community Cancer Care: In Irwin County, a 4-year-old returned home after completing cancer treatment, with a community fundraiser raising $64,000.

Child Safety & Justice: Marietta police say 23-year-old Dairon Keith, the boyfriend of Messiah Harris’ mother, faces felony charges after a toddler’s body was found in woods near a Powers Park apartment complex; investigators allege he made inconsistent statements and lied to dispatchers before the discovery. Maternal & Child Health Policy: Georgia Head Start leaders warn proposed federal rollbacks could rescind more than 1,400 rules, affecting about 350 centers and services like nutrition, health screenings, and disability access for 23,000+ children statewide. Cancer Care Accountability: An Atlanta-area woman, Cassandra Barksdale, sued Kaiser Permanente after a tissue-labeling mix-up allegedly led to an unnecessary hysterectomy and months of a false cancer diagnosis. Community Health Remembrance: Emory and the wider Atlanta area marked the one-year anniversary of the CDC shooting that killed DeKalb Officer David Rose, with vigils and a community service. Access to Care & Coverage: A new report highlights Medicaid therapy spending for children with autism (ABA) drawing fraud scrutiny as federal/state enforcement ramps up. Public Health & Food Safety: Multiple U.S. outbreaks tied to foods like lettuce and jalapeños continue to be tracked, with updates on cyclospora and salmonella risks.

Heat Safety for Students: The American Red Cross Georgia Region shared 10 practical steps for protecting kids during outdoor workouts as fall practices ramp up, including shifting practice times, easing into intensity, and building in frequent shaded breaks. Food Safety Alert: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including Georgia, after routine testing found salmonella in a specific lot; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are urged not to eat affected jars. Maternal Health in Georgia: HealthConnect One leadership will speak at BMHC26 in Atlanta (Sept. 10–12), spotlighting ongoing racial disparities in maternal outcomes and the need for better access and prevention. Local Care Experience: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hosted Family Portrait Day at Arthur M. Blank Hospital, bringing wedding industry volunteers to help families cope with stress during treatment. Public Health Politics: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told CDC staff the U.S. could have handled COVID-19 better by “listening to dissenting voices,” marking the one-year anniversary of the CDC shooting.

Head Start Overhaul in Georgia: Federal officials proposed major rule changes to Head Start, aiming to add slots and cut “red tape,” but Georgia Head Start leaders warn the plan could weaken quality, reduce accountability, and hurt vulnerable kids. Drug-Resistant Fungus Watch: CDC reports Candida auris is rising again, with cases in 27 states this year; it can be deadly for hospital patients and may hide in hair follicles. Foodborne Parasite Update: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce continues to spread, with CDC reporting growth to 47 states and nearly 23,000 total cases nationwide; officials say many patients likely traveled, but local risk is still being assessed. Medical Error Lawsuit (Atlanta area): An Atlanta-area woman sues Kaiser Permanente after a labeling mix-up allegedly led to an unnecessary hysterectomy after she was misdiagnosed with cancer. Water System Cybersecurity: Advocates and officials are pushing for stronger protections after cyber incidents hit water systems in multiple states, including Georgia, raising fears about critical infrastructure safety. Local Memorial at CDC: DeKalb Officer David Rose was honored with a permanent plaque and street name at CDC, marking the one-year anniversary of the shooting.

CDC shooting trauma: One year after the CDC campus attack in Atlanta, current and former employees say the wounds are still fresh—many feel like targets and say trauma still shapes how they work, as the agency prepares for new leadership. Public health leadership: The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, putting a spotlight on what comes next for a shaken agency. Medical safety and access: A new report on Alzheimer’s amyloid drugs (lecanemab, donanemab) warns that coverage rules, scan capacity, and infusion logistics—not just science—will decide who can actually get treatment. Foodborne illness watch: Salmonella linked to jalapeños continues to spread across multiple states; FDA/CDC updates note ongoing investigations and recalls, with restaurants adjusting menus. Pregnancy nutrition & chemicals: Research highlights a tradeoff for pregnant people: following dietary guidelines may still mean higher exposure to certain environmental chemicals depending on food choices and packaging. Local health operations: Becker’s Hospital Review named Parrish Medical Center CEO George Mikitarian a top community hospital leader, underscoring leadership tied to patient care and retention.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, with Georgia included in the lettuce recall; officials warn symptoms can take weeks to show and urge careful washing and refrigeration. More Outbreak Updates: A separate Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños has reached 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers, and health officials say the immediate restaurant risk is reduced while FDA checks continue. Public Health Leadership: The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director, a major shift as the agency faces infectious-disease and trust challenges. Local Care Access: Metro Vein Centers plans to open an Alpharetta location Aug. 26, offering minimally invasive vein treatments and diagnostic ultrasound. Health & Community: Georgia’s back-to-school season spotlighted the importance of well-child checkups, with experts urging preventive visits even if school has already started. Health Policy & Costs: A Georgia school board kept its 2027 millage rate at 15 mils, raising property taxes by 1.78% to avoid reserve budgeting.