AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: East Carolina University Dining Services is monitoring the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak after statewide case counts rose, saying none of the outbreak-linked products reached campus and reinforcing sourcing, washing, and cooking practices. Public Health & Research: United Therapeutics reports full enrollment of its TETON-PPF trial (754 patients) testing inhaled treprostinil for progressive pulmonary fibrosis, aiming to expand labeled use if results hold. Telehealth Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology option that lets OTC hearing device owners get a 45-minute remote session with a licensed professional for $99 per visit. Emergency Care Innovation: A Duke–VCU study is testing drone-delivered defibrillators to speed help in rural emergencies, with North Carolina’s Forsyth County participating alongside Virginia’s James City County. Local Wellness & Kids: Coastal Horizons clinicians share practical steps for easing back-to-school anxiety, including validating feelings and starting routines early. Regulatory/Industry Update: Aurobindo Pharma’s Raleigh manufacturing plant received a US FDA “Voluntary Action Indicated” classification, allowing pending inhaler and other dosage-form applications to move forward. Community Health Leadership: ACHC appointed home health and hospice policy leader David J. Totaro to its board.

Home Health & Hospice Leadership: ACHC appointed David J. Totaro to its board, bringing decades of experience shaping home-based care policy. Local Health Funding: ECU Health Bertie Hospital awarded $95,000 across 16 nonprofit partners to expand access to care, nutrition, transportation, and behavioral health in eastern North Carolina. Cancer Care Recognition: FirstHealth’s lung cancer program earned GO2 for Lung Cancer “Center of Excellence” status, highlighting stronger screening and earlier-stage diagnoses in the Sandhills. FDA Oversight in NC: FDA inspection results show Cancer Diagnostics, Inc. (Durham-area) received a “Voluntary Action Indicated” finding, while Wake County cities saw one “Voluntary Action Indicated” and one “No Action Indicated” result. Heat Safety: Eastern North Carolina’s heat advisory runs Monday Aug. 17 with heat index values up to 110 degrees, urging hydration, indoor cooling, and check-ins on neighbors. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Medicaid Dental Uncertainty: North Carolina’s new budget includes “sunset” language tied to dental billing at ambulatory surgical centers, leaving patients and providers seeking clarification.

Tick & Lyme Risk: A University of Florida study highlights how cogongrass can help lone star ticks survive longer, potentially worsening tick-borne illness risk. Cancer Care: FirstHealth’s lung cancer program was named a GO2 for Lung Cancer Center of Excellence, citing strong screening and early-stage detection. Medicaid Dental Confusion: North Carolina’s new state budget includes two unclear paragraphs that may affect Medicaid dental billing for procedures at ambulatory surgical centers, leaving the Medicaid dental director seeking guidance. Public Health & Safety: Rocky Mount police are investigating three deaths in a home after a power shutoff, with a generator suspected as a possible carbon monoxide source. Bedbugs Rising: Bedbug infestations are increasing, and researchers are raising concerns about potential links to harder-to-treat infections. Food Recalls: Walmart shoppers should check for recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible listeria contamination. Invasive Insects: Warmer North Carolina weather could speed spotted lanternfly spread, experts warn. Community Health Access: Transylvania County Schools continues delivering free summer meals directly to children across rural routes. Lung Health Reminder: With heat and outdoor conditions changing, tick and insect prevention is becoming more urgent for families.

Food Safety Alerts: Kettle Cuisine LLC is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores across 29 states due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; no illnesses reported yet. Infectious Disease Watch: A CDC study found nearly 40% of adult blacklegged ticks collected in a town outside Asheville tested positive for the Lyme bacteria—raising concerns that many clinicians in western NC were trained to see Lyme as a “northern” problem. Public Health & Community Meals: Transylvania County Schools is delivering free summer meals directly to more than 200 children via three weekly home-delivery routes, keeping lunches and breakfasts coming during breaks. Heat & Health Access: Charlotte-area heat advisories are in effect, with Mecklenburg County listing cooling resources like shelters and transit to cooling centers. Wellness in the News: A new Black Men’s Health & Wellness Community initiative is launching in Warren County with “Know Your Numbers” screenings and mental health support. Healthcare Policy: NC Treasurer Brad Briner says oversight of the state employee/retiree health plan is his toughest, most time-consuming job, after a major budget gap. Local Health Care Leadership: The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) appointed David J. Totaro to its board, citing decades of home health and hospice policy work.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level after nearly 98 illnesses in 17 states, and Walmart recalled tomato bisque soup kits over possible Listeria contamination in 29 states. Infectious Disease Watch: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand nationally, with CDC reporting thousands of lab-confirmed cases and more likely unconfirmed illnesses; North Carolina’s case count has been climbing since May. Public Health & Policy: NC treasurer Brad Briner says the state employee/retiree health plan faces a major budget hole and is pushing for “freedom of choice” in health plan options. Local Care & Grants: ECU Health Bertie Hospital awarded $95,000 in community benefit grants to 16 nonprofits supporting access to care, nutrition, transportation, and behavioral health. Health Workforce Pipeline: Durham Tech is seeing a surge of students pursuing health care training, including nursing and CNA pathways. Community Wellness: Pitt County’s Grifton hosted its first National Night Out with sheriff’s office-led neighborhood engagement.

Food Safety Recalls: Walmart shoppers in North Carolina may have received recalled tomato soup kits after a Maryland manufacturer pulled more than 3,000 packs over possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are rising nationally, with Wisconsin among states seeing new outbreak-linked infections as federal vaccine guidance shifts—raising concerns about immunity gaps. Local Health & Workforce: Durham Tech says enrollment is surging for health care, IT and trade programs, with students citing fast paths into licensed roles like nursing and CNA work. Maternal Care Funding: North Carolina is set to receive more than $213 million for rural health transformation, including expanded digital health and maternal support for families far from care. Foodborne Parasite Update: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to spread across multiple states, with federal and CDC teams inspecting the implicated Mexican facility. Heat & Worker Safety: As heat advisories hit the Charlotte region, advocates are pushing for stronger protections for farmworkers facing extreme temperatures without guaranteed cooling. Health Policy & Access: UNC Health is rolling out its NC Roots initiative with community listening sessions, aiming to better connect services with local needs.

Food Safety: Walmart recalled a refrigerated Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination, with a use-by date of Aug. 22 still not reached—FDA guidance includes cleaning and sanitizing fridges and surfaces after disposal. Public Health & Access: UNC Health will run the NC DHHS Rural Transformation Program’s ROOTS Hub for a 14-county Region Four, using community listening sessions to shape $39M in perinatal health, chronic disease, nutrition, and workforce priorities. Maternal Care: A large U.S. study found both intrapartum C-sections and intended C-sections were linked to higher ICU admission odds than vaginal birth. Water Safety: A system pressure advisory in Mount Gilead (Montgomery County) says boil water after a fiber company bored through a water line until testing clears it. Lung Cancer: FirstHealth’s Lung Cancer Program earned GO2 “Center of Excellence” status, highlighting higher early-stage detection in its screening and multidisciplinary care. Training & Careers: N.C. Wesleyan launched a 10-week applied reproductive biology/IVF lab certificate to meet demand for trained IVF professionals. Mental Health Outreach: A new program trains North Carolina churches to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use needs, with certification starting Sept. 21. Hospice Quality: AMOREM received a “Hospice Elite” honor from CAHPS-based Hospice Honors for consistently high survey scores.

Public Health Watch: North Carolina reported 906 cyclosporiasis cases since May, with 39 new cases since Aug. 4 and no new hospitalizations since the last update. Local Clinics & Prevention: New Hanover County is running back-to-school vaccine clinics with extended hours, offering immunizations for children birth through 18 and following the current state schedule. Maternal Health: A KFF Health News report says a simple “I Gave Birth” wristband program has spread from one North Carolina health system to at least 27 states, aiming to help clinicians recognize postpartum emergencies. Healthcare Access & Costs: A North Carolina Business Court judge cleared the way for a trial in the AG’s lawsuit against HCA over whether Mission Hospital services were maintained after the 2019 sale. Wellness in Motion: The Walk With Ease program is highlighted as a structured, arthritis-friendly walking plan designed to build daily activity habits. Food Safety: A report warns that even “clean-looking” kitchens can spread bacteria through phones and dishcloths. Homegrown Care Quality: AMOREM in Lenoir earned a Hospice Elite recognition from CAHPS.

Hospital Costs & Competition: A new comparison of knee replacement pricing shows how hospital market power can drive big swings—one NC facility charges about $16,000 while an Asheville hospital system charges around $40,000 for the same Blue Cross plan procedure. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips and salsas across 12 states after salmonella concerns tied to jalapeños linked to other recalls. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide even after contaminated lettuce was pulled, with Florida reporting hundreds of new cases. Child Health Policy: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis joins bipartisan GOP concern over sweeping Trump-era Head Start rule rollbacks that could weaken disability screenings and other child-safety standards. Vaccines in NC: NCDHHS says childhood vaccine clinical guidance won’t change after a federal executive order, pointing families to existing provider options and the Vaccines for Children program. Workforce Training: NCWorks Commission approved Workforce Pell programs, including health and emergency-services training at community colleges like Caldwell and Mitchell. Care Access & Costs: Dominion Energy is seeking higher monthly bills in NC starting Feb. 1, 2027, with an estimated increase of about $25.73 for typical users. Mental Health for Veterans: The American Legion’s Be The One program continues expanding local suicide-prevention outreach, including 988 support for veterans.

Rabies Alert: Bladen County health officials are urging residents to contact a provider for a rabies risk assessment after a bat tested positive for rabies, with possible exposures reported in late July/early August. Alzheimer’s Care: A Duke-led real-world study finds the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab’s safety and effectiveness closely match trial results when patients are carefully selected and monitored. Health Equity Research: N.C. A&T received nearly $17M from NIH to expand health disparities research and clinical trials targeting conditions like dementia, hypertension, and diabetes. Workforce Training Funding: The NCWorks Commission approved 43 community college programs for the first round of Workforce Pell Grants, opening federal aid for short-term, high-impact training. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination. Workplace Rights: The N.C. Department of Labor recovered a record $3.7M in unpaid wages across 89 counties. Public Health & Environment: Two Brunswick County sound-side swimming advisories were lifted after bacteria levels fell below state and federal standards. Wildlife Disease Meeting: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a public informational meeting in Edgecombe County about chronic wasting disease and new deer season rules. Healthcare Fraud Upheld: The 4th Circuit upheld a six-year sentence in an NC Medicare fraud case. Solar Access: Gov. Josh Stein’s clean energy win could make rooftop solar and home battery installs cheaper and easier for residents.

Foodborne Illness Watch: North Carolina health officials say cyclosporiasis has sickened more than 900 people since May, with cases spreading beyond Wake County into eastern counties; officials point to likely produce sources and stress monitoring recalls and thorough cooking. Healthcare Costs & Competition: A new report on Asheville highlights how hospital monopolies after mergers can drive up procedure prices, fueling patient complaints about high charges. Maternal Health: ECU Health’s postpartum “I Gave Birth” wristband program is expanding, aiming to improve awareness of life-threatening risks after delivery and reduce maternal deaths. Public Health Tech: UNC researchers say wastewater DNA analysis could offer a faster, objective way to track community nutrition and food insecurity. Policy & Vaccines: NCDHHS says it will not change North Carolina’s childhood vaccine schedule despite a new White House push. Medical Innovation: A point-of-care ultrasound story argues the device is finally gaining traction in primary care as training improves. Community Wellness: SECU awarded $233,000 in summer camp scholarships to 466 young members statewide. Infectious Disease & Food Safety: Coverage also notes how outbreaks tied to fresh produce are reshaping local farm and grocery practices across the state.

Maternal & Infant Care Funding: Cape Fear Valley Health won a $1.6M Duke Endowment grant to expand a maternal-infant health program that screens for medical, behavioral health, and social needs during pregnancy and postpartum. Food Safety & Outbreak Response: North Carolina continues tracking cyclosporiasis as cases rise; health officials say most lettuce is safer now that recalled product is off shelves, while Raleigh’s Produce Box is boosting local produce access and urging thorough washing. Vaccines Policy Reassurance: After an executive order on childhood vaccines, NCDHHS reiterated that vaccine guidance won’t change and urged parents to talk with pediatricians; vaccines remain available statewide, including through the Vaccines for Children program. Medicaid Spending Signals: New local Medicaid claims data show Durham paid $440,985 in 2024 for non-oral drug services (up 43.4% from 2023), and Cary billed $3,258 for orthotic procedures (up 194% from 2023). Workforce Protections: NC Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced record recovery of $3.7M in unpaid wages across 89 counties in FY2026. Home-Based Care Leadership: ACHC appointed David J. Totaro to its board, highlighting continued focus on improving home health and hospice care.

Heat Alert: Western North Carolina is under heat-health alerts this week as temperatures and heat indexes push into the 90s, with guidance to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and protect older adults, pregnant people, and those without air conditioning. Food Safety: Sysco has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, while federal updates continue to track which leafy greens are safest and which products are being recalled. Healthcare Access: A new ECU Health–UnitedHealthcare agreement restores in-network access for patients in eastern North Carolina, aiming to reduce care delays and surprise out-of-network bills. Mental Health & Policy: A report raises questions about North Carolina funding a network tied to pediatric gender-transition services despite state law restricting those treatments for minors. Community Health: PAM Health plans a 42-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Greensboro, expanding recovery services and creating about 200 jobs. Child Nutrition: Wilkes County Schools will again offer free breakfast and lunch to all students next year through the Community Eligibility Provision. Workforce & Wellness: ECU Health nursing graduates complete an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program to help address specialty care shortages.

Food Safety Watch: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak and a broader lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis surge are keeping public health teams busy, with North Carolina reporting hundreds of new cyclosporiasis cases and reminders to watch for symptoms and follow guidance. Data & Health Research: UNC-Chapel Hill is using Palantir analytics for the NIH’s All of Us effort, aiming to build a massive, life-course health dataset from consenting Americans. Opioid Harm Reduction: A new report highlights fentanyl test strips’ limits—useful for detecting presence, but they can’t tell how much is in a sample or whether it’s safe. Heat & Public Health: Lawmakers are pressing into a Rocky Mount family’s death after electricity was cut off during extreme heat, renewing calls for stronger protections against shutoffs. Environment & Wellness: As temperatures rise, invasive species may spread faster in North Carolina, and Guilford County is urging residents to prevent West Nile virus as mosquito activity increases. Behavioral Health Access: North Carolina is adding mental health resources to student IDs, aiming to make crisis support easier to find. Senior Care Innovation: ThriveMore is expanding a memory care model designed to keep couples together as dementia progresses.

Leadership Shake-Up: North Carolina readers get a health-policy ripple effect as President Marcos appoints PhilHealth chief Edwin Mercado as acting DOH secretary, replacing Jose Pujalte Jr., who resigned for health reasons. EMS Tragedy: Nash County EMS director Dale Griffin died after being pulled from the water during a drowning call near Shackleford Banks. Healthcare Costs: A KFF Health News report spotlights how hospital monopolies can drive up prices, using same knee surgery examples where one North Carolina hospital charges far more than a nearby competitor. Rehab Access: PAM Health announced plans for 42-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in both Charlotte and Raleigh, aiming to expand physical, occupational, and speech therapy capacity. Public Health & Safety: North Carolina launches a statewide Text-to-911 awareness campaign, highlighting it for people who can’t speak during emergencies. Foodborne Illness Watch: The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues widening, with more states added to the list.

Dementia Prevention: A Durham report highlights new research saying healthy blood pressure, no diabetes, and no smoking between ages 48–68 could delay dementia by up to 13 years. Food Safety: Cyclospora continues to spread, with cases now linked to iceberg lettuce reaching 15 states, and officials urging people to watch for prolonged watery diarrhea and seek care. Public Health & Safety: North Carolina confirms the first established yellow-legged hornet presence, raising alarms for beekeepers as the invasive predator targets honeybees. Local Health Care Governance: WakeMed and Atrium Health are moving toward a partnership, but county commissioners say details were shared privately before a public hearing. Community Health Services: Nash County mourns EMS Director Dale Griffin after authorities say he drowned during a beach trip. Care Access: ECU Health and UnitedHealthcare reach a multi-year agreement aimed at restoring in-network access for patients. Heart Health: A cardiology warning story notes that “atypical” symptoms can still signal serious heart problems—don’t ignore unusual pain.