AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Funding: North Carolina is launching a $20 million Rural Health Innovation Fund to help rural providers expand care. Maternal Health Policy Fight: The state budget sends $10.7M to crisis pregnancy centers, but the health department says it has no oversight of what centers do or outcomes. ACA Refunds: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Carolina, for alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Drug Pricing/Consumer Relief: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz urges consumers to file claims tied to a multistate generic drug settlement over alleged price-fixing. Hospital Market Watch: Wake County commissioners voted 5-2 to let WakeMed join Atrium, with critics warning the CON system can limit competition and raise prices. Public Health Alerts: A Montgomery County water advisory urges residents to boil water after a line failure. Community Food Security: Durham County opened applications for a Food Security Grant program, offering up to $250,000 for local hunger-focused nonprofits.

Rural Health Access: Gov. Josh Stein and state health leaders launched a $20 million Rural Health Innovation Fund to help rural providers modernize infrastructure and use digital tools to connect patients to care closer to home. Public Health & Harm Reduction: In Jackson County, advocates pushed back against limits on syringe service programs, citing higher overdose impact locally and arguing clean needle access and safe disposal reduce needlesticks and harm. Food Safety: FDA assigned the highest risk recall level (Class I) to Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas due to possible Salmonella contamination. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement with Labcorp resolves claims tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach that may have exposed sensitive patient information for millions nationwide. Community Health & Safety: Greensboro city leaders are fighting tighter 1,4-dioxane wastewater restrictions tied to downstream drinking-water contamination, with long-term exposure linked to serious health risks. Patient Advocacy: Patients for Patient Safety US added NC Central University social work professor Dr. Charity S. Watkins and Vonda Vaden Bates to its board to expand work on diagnostic accuracy and patient engagement. Local Tech in Health Research: Creedmoor Centre Endocrinology became FOMAT’s first North Carolina and endocrinology-focused clinical trial site. Health System Security: North Carolina’s jury-duty website leak exposed Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and medical records, with officials still not notifying the AG.

Brain Health & Stress: A Wake Forest study of nearly 3,900 adults 50+ found higher long-term stress linked to faster declines in attention and language for women, while stronger social support was tied to less decline. Alzheimer’s Care in NC: The Alzheimer’s Association invites New Hanover County residents to the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 31 at UNC Wilmington, with registration and volunteer opportunities open now. Community Health Funding: New Hanover Community Endowment awarded $15.8M in seven grants for recreation and health, including a $6.5M 50-meter indoor pool at the Nir Family YMCA and $1.27M for MedNorth’s coordinated care center. Medicaid Access Warning: A new federal analysis says upcoming rules could cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by $50B+ across three dozen states, potentially reducing provider willingness to see Medicaid patients. Public Health Alerts: Rowan County health officials are investigating a confirmed tuberculosis case tied to the Rowan-Salisbury school system and are contacting potentially exposed students and staff for testing. Child Safety: Carteret County Health Department received an $8,000 grant to expand its child car seat distribution program, funding 130 seats and educator training. Wellness & Movement Events: Fayetteville’s Money Box Academy hosts a family-friendly Fun Run Toward Financial Freedom 5K on Oct. 3.

Hospital-at-home push: A new “Hospital at Home” model is bringing hospital-level monitoring and care into patients’ homes, using remote vital-sign tracking plus in-person/virtual visits to support recovery where people feel most comfortable. Courtroom health-care fight: The NC Appeals Court is set to decide whether Prisha Mosley’s malpractice and fraud lawsuit over her gender transition can move forward, after a lower court tossed her claims. Diabetes tech in primary care: The American Diabetes Association released guidance aimed at improving awareness, access, and adoption of diabetes technologies like CGMs and connected insulin tools in everyday primary care. Kid health warning: A new study links smartphone ownership starting at age 12 with higher risk of eating-disorder symptoms by age 14, raising concerns about early exposure to appearance-focused content. Influenza vaccine supply: CSL Seqirus says expanded U.S. availability of flu vaccine doses is ready for the 2026/27 season after completing its manufacturing campaign. Local kidney care expansion: Advanced Kidney Care NC is opening a new Rocky Mount location, adding physicians and a nurse practitioner to expand nephrology access across eastern NC. Food & farming innovation: NC State researchers report a new strawberry plant fabric (“Plant Armor”) more than tripled yields in tunnel tests while helping reduce water and pesticide use. Public health research trial update: Vasomune Therapeutics completed enrollment in a Phase IIa trial testing pegevongitide for pneumonia patients needing supplemental oxygen. Wellness spaces debate: A local “anti-spa” concept is drawing attention for whether wellness venues truly help people feel calmer—or just add pressure.

Public Health: Rowan County Public Health is investigating a confirmed tuberculosis case tied to Rowan-Salisbury School System, with close contacts being notified and offered free testing; officials say TB is curable and not an emergency unless you’re contacted. Food Safety: USDA announced a recall of 167,639 pounds of raw goat, beef and pork from Star Meat Delivery in Lucama because products were mislabeled with an unapproved USDA inspection mark. Community Recovery & Safety: A Recovery Together ENC Conference is planned for Oct. 23 at Kinston High School, featuring physician Lipi Roy and a long-time recovery advocate, with registration due Oct. 18. Injury & Prevention: After a student died from a medical emergency during a football game, coverage highlights North Carolina’s Smart Heart Act and the push for AEDs and emergency cardiac plans in schools. Wellness Tech & Learning: Panther Creek High School students built Nuvo, an AI app that tracks daily goals and compares progress among users.

Access to care: A new national analysis with UNC’s Sheps Center maps surgeon supply and finds 1,180 U.S. counties—about 15.1 million people—have no general surgeon, with 951 counties lacking any surgeon across 12 specialties. Public health alert: Montgomery County issued a system pressure advisory after a water line failure near Hogan Farm Road; residents between Seagrove and Star are told to boil water for human use until testing clears the area. Cancer care: A patient-level study on DCIS suggests negative lumpectomy margins under 2 mm don’t raise recurrence risk for most patients, with an exception for women under 50. Brain health: Wake County Public Libraries hosted a program on dementia risk and prevention in African American adults featuring NC A&T research on lifestyle-based brain health strategies. Food security: Food Bank of the Albemarle received a $10,000 Wawa Foundation grant to expand access to nutritious meals and snacks in northeastern North Carolina. Health & policy: North Carolina’s budget directs more than $10.7M to crisis pregnancy centers, continuing a decade-long funding increase. Workforce & education: College of the Albemarle says NC College Connect is expanding direct admission to community college for eligible high school seniors, with no essays or test scores required.

Medicaid Access Pressure: New federal work requirements are pushing states to demand medical proof for Medicaid work exemptions, and North Carolina is among those requiring documentation instead of self-attestation—raising concerns for people who are too sick to work but can’t afford a doctor visit. H-1B Health-Care Tax Fight: North Carolina’s attorney general is part of a coalition opposing a proposed $100,000-plus H-1B visa tax, arguing it would make it harder to fill shortages for teachers, physicians, and nurses. Hurricane Helene Recovery Funding: North Carolina’s State Treasurer is loaning nearly $23M interest-free to western NC governments for ongoing Helene recovery, with repayment due by 2030 and priority for public health and safety projects. Maternal Health Leadership: Dr. Geeta Swamy, a Duke maternal-fetal medicine expert, was named dean of Boston University’s medical school, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Outdoor Safety & Health: Officials reported a hiker rescue at Big Bradley Falls in Polk County, reminding visitors to be prepared for rugged terrain and rapidly changing conditions. Phone Use & Eating Disorders: A new study links owning a smartphone at age 12 with higher odds of disordered eating symptoms by 14, spotlighting early body-image risks. Air Quality Watch: Advocates allege datacenter developers are gaming EPA permitting by splitting emissions into smaller “minor” sources, including in North Carolina where diesel generators are tied to a hyperscale center.

Public Health & Access: North Carolina is among at least six states that will require Medicaid applicants to document medical frailty for work-exemption starting in January, not just self-attest—raising barriers for people who can’t afford care. Youth Mental Health & Eating Disorders: A new JAMA Network Open study links getting a smartphone at age 12 with higher odds of disordered-eating symptoms by 14, adding to concerns about early social media exposure. Environmental Health: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission says drought, heat, and Hurricane Helene impacts have cut available mountain trout for fall stocking, delaying Delayed Harvest Trout Waters until November. Food & Data Safety: Maryland and a multistate coalition reached a $2.3M settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a debt collector, underscoring ongoing healthcare vendor-security risks. Community Wellness: Gaston County’s $11M aquatics center opens in October, bringing a dedicated competitive swimming facility and therapy pool to the region. Mosquito-Borne Disease: Forsyth County reported a confirmed West Nile virus case in a resident after local mosquitoes tested positive.

Medicaid Work Rules: Starting in January, Medicaid work requirements roll out nationwide, but at least six Republican-led states are demanding medical proof immediately—raising concerns for people who can’t afford doctor visits; advocates warn this could cut coverage for the medically frail. Public Health: Forsyth County confirmed a human West Nile virus case after local mosquitoes tested positive; officials urge residents to prevent bites and dump standing water. Recovery After Helene: In Swannanoa, the Resilience Hub says case managers are still meeting one-on-one with Helene survivors nearly two years later, alongside health screenings and community events. Veterans Dental Access: Reps. Jack Bergman and others introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act to reimburse community dental providers for rural Veterans, aiming to expand basic care. Community Wellness: Durham marked National Recovery Month with a celebration focused on substance use and mental health support. Food & Health: The Dairy Alliance highlights chocolate milk as a post-workout recovery drink, citing protein and carbs.

Medicaid & health coverage: A lawsuit challenges a Trump administration rule that narrows exemptions from new Medicaid work requirements, arguing it adds extra proof for people deemed “medically frail,” with plaintiffs saying paperwork and documentation hurdles can cost coverage. Public health access: ECU Health and partners are expanding rural care access through electric aviation efforts tied to the eLIFT-NC showcase, aiming to connect airports, hospitals, and communities during disasters and for patient transport. Opioid harm reduction: East Carolina University research highlights free Narcan and overdose-preparedness vending machines rolling out across rural NC counties. Dental care: The NC Dental Society Foundation’s Missions of Mercy free adult dental clinic returns to City Church in Gastonia Oct. 2–3. Food safety: USDA issued a Class I recall for more than 167,000 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat from Star Meat Delivery due to missing inspection and a false USDA mark. Rabies watch: Public health is urging vigilance as new rabies cases are confirmed in Rutherford County and nearby areas.

Public Health Alert (Rabies): Rutherford County confirmed a third rabies-positive skunk test in 2026, with no reported human exposure, and urged residents in the Colfax Township area to keep pets under direct control and ensure rabies vaccines are up to date. More Rabies in the East: Pitt County Public Health confirmed a rabid raccoon near East 10th Street and Brownlea Drive; officials say there’s no immediate danger but residents should keep distance from wild animals and call animal services for testing. Local Public Health Recognition: Harnett County’s Board of Health received an Outstanding Board of Health Award for improving access to care and supporting programs addressing community health needs. Health Policy (Medicaid): North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined a coalition opposing a proposed federal rule that could threaten Medicaid funding and disrupt state health insurance oversight. Healthcare Access (Expansion): Novant Health completed the South Asheville Medical Park, adding imaging and outpatient surgery services to streamline diagnosis-to-treatment. Workforce & Economy (Health Costs Context): NC’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in August as employers added jobs, while the number of employed residents dipped slightly. Mental Health & Tech: A large JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in youth, raising concerns about using AI as an emotional refuge. Safety (Suicide Prevention): Sen. Thom Tillis joined a bill to fund barriers like suicide nets at high-risk public structures.

Herbal health education: American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) faculty shared expertise in herbal medicine at the 2026 American Herbalists Guild Symposium in Black Mountain, underscoring a push for evidence-informed, safety-first clinical herbalism. Rural health affordability: A new AP/KFF survey finds about half of rural voters say the economy worsened under Trump, with health care costs among their top worries—especially for younger rural voters. Generic drug restitution: N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson urges eligible residents to claim compensation tied to settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with a preliminary distribution plan approved by a court. Hospital access and costs: Wake County commissioners voted 5-2 to move forward with the WakeMed–Atrium Health combination, with Atrium pledging major investments and a new county public health initiative, pending regulatory review. Food safety alert: USDA issued a Class 1 recall for nearly 167,639 pounds of raw meat produced in North Carolina using a counterfeit USDA inspection stamp; regulators warn some products may be in stores and should be thrown away or returned. Public health and emergencies: N.C. Wildlife officials delayed fall trout stocking after hot, drought-stressed water temperatures and Hurricane Helene impacts reduced hatchery fish. Safety in the community: A Catawba County deputy shot a juvenile near Lake Norman; the SBI opened an investigation into the officer-involved incident.

Rural Health & Innovation: ECU Health is partnering with the FAA and NCDOT to test electric aircraft for delivering medical supplies and disaster recovery resources across rural North Carolina, aiming to build a repeatable model for faster access to care. Cardiovascular Grants: The American Heart Association is accepting applications for $2,500–$15,000 community grants in NC regions (Greater Charlotte, Triad, Cape Fear) focused on heart health, blood pressure management, and access to healthy foods. Public Health & Safety: A North Carolina wholesaler, Star Meat Delivery, recalled nearly 168,000 pounds of raw beef, pork, and goat due to lack of federal inspection and a counterfeit USDA inspection mark; consumers are told not to eat or serve the products. Healthcare Data Privacy: Labcorp reached a $2.3M multistate settlement tied to a 2019 patient data breach involving a medical debt collector vendor, with stronger safeguards required. Local Health Care Investment: HCA Healthcare is investing $32M across Mission Health facilities in Western NC for imaging, surgical/cardiovascular equipment, and emergency transportation. Sports Medicine Criminal Case: Former NC State sports medicine director Robert Murphy Jr. was arrested in Florida on 32 charges tied to alleged sexual abuse/battery claims, with extradition back to North Carolina expected. Food System & Wellness: An App State professor’s new book explores how to eat ethically and sustainably outside the industrial food system, connecting personal choices to broader food-system change.

Food Safety Alert: Star Meat Delivery (Lucama) is recalling 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat shipped nationwide after USDA found products were produced without federal inspection and carried a false “EST. 1363” inspection mark; the recall is Class I (highest risk) and officials warn items with that number should be treated as unsafe. Public Health & Wellness: A JAMA Network Open analysis of 193,260 patients found people with Lyme antibodies were over 4x more likely to also carry antibodies to other tick-borne germs, underscoring the need to think beyond a single tick-borne diagnosis. Sports Medicine & Safety: Florida arrested former N.C. State sports medicine director Robert Murphy Jr., accused of sexually abusing male athletes; the case has fueled a growing wave of former athletes pursuing civil action. Community Recovery: Two years after Hurricane Helene, western NC recovery continues as Samaritan’s Purse reports moving hundreds of families back home and relying on thousands of volunteers. Outdoor Health: NC Wildlife Resources Commission will stock fewer trout this fall due to extreme heat, drought, and lingering hatchery impacts.

Cancer Screening Update: An FDA advisory panel voted in favor of approving GRAIL’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, with members backing its safety and effectiveness for adults 50+. Food Safety Alert: USDA announced a Class I recall of about 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat from Star Meat Delivery Inc. in Lucama, tied to false USDA inspection marks (“EST. 1363”); no illnesses reported, but consumers should discard/return. Medicaid Compliance: North Carolina Medicaid launched expedited, off-cycle provider reverification for certain CMS high-risk providers, creating new deadlines that could affect reimbursement and deal diligence. Rural Health Access in Motion: Gov. Josh Stein highlighted North Carolina’s eLIFT-NC electric air taxi pilot, aiming to connect airports and hospitals to speed care delivery in rural areas. Mental Health & Support: A Charlotte family shared how a local nonprofit helped a teen after bullying and online content contributed to suicidal thoughts, underscoring youth mental health resources. Public Health & Policy: California is set to close loopholes on child marriage by raising the minimum age to 18 without exceptions. Conservation Note: Elk reintroduction in the Great Smoky Mountains has grown to more than 250 elk after starting with 25 in 2001.

Hospital Merger Watch: Wake County commissioners voted 5-2 to move forward with the Atrium-WakeMed combination, but the deal still faces federal review and scrutiny from the state attorney general as lawyers finalize last-minute commitments. Medicaid Access: A federal judge permanently blocked Trump administration guidance that would have limited SNAP eligibility for certain noncitizens, keeping food assistance protections in place. Tick-Borne Health: A UNC/Quest study found nearly 1 in 3 people with Lyme antibodies also had antibodies to another tick-borne pathogen, most often Babesia and Anaplasma—important as tick season continues. Newborn Screening: North Carolina expanded newborn screening to add two additional disorders, continuing the state’s push for earlier detection. Workforce & Care: Rural voters report major frustration with healthcare costs and other essentials, underscoring pressure on affordability and access. Community Support After Helene: Volunteer groups continue stepping in across the NC mountains, with local teams coordinating medical supplies and clinician support when communications failed. First Responder Mental Health: Charlotte’s Pulse Renewal Project is launching its first program to support first responders’ mental health after the 2024 officer ambush.