AGP Executive Report

Heat Safety: A dangerous, multi-day heat wave is tightening across much of the U.S., with officials opening cooling centers and urging people to avoid heat illness during Fourth of July plans. Foodborne Illness Watch: CDC reports a “explosive” diarrhea parasite (Cyclospora) has sickened hundreds across 17–18 states, including North Carolina, with many cases requiring hospitalization. Public Health & Access: DOJ says two Romanian brothers pleaded guilty in a multi-state SNAP EBT skimming fraud scheme, including purchases tied to a North Carolina warehouse club. Local Health Alerts: Alamance County confirmed its fourth rabies case after a fox tested positive; one person started post-exposure treatment. Wellness Nutrition: July is National Blueberry Month—NC ranks among the top states for blueberry production, and the fruit is highlighted for fiber and antioxidant compounds. Aging & Brain Health: A new study links late-life vascular risks like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking to higher dementia risk, with frailty affecting some relationships. Healthcare Workforce: ECU launched a new College of Health and Human Sciences to streamline health and wellness training for students.

Medicaid Coverage Fight: Federal guidance on who counts as “medically frail” for Medicaid work exemptions is worrying states that sick and disabled North Carolinians could lose coverage. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement over alleged “forever chemical” releases tied to waterways, including the Cape Fear River. Drought & Water Safety: Brunswick County moved to a Stage 2 mandatory Water Conservation Alert as drought worsens; Wayne County remains in severe drought. Heat Health: A dangerous heat wave is driving advisories across the Piedmont Triad and beyond, with cooling-center reminders for residents. Foodborne Parasite Alert: Cyclospora (often misdiagnosed) is spreading across 17 states, with hundreds sick nationwide—watch for prolonged watery diarrhea after produce. Public Health & Food Recalls: A potato chip recall in North Carolina was upgraded to the FDA’s most serious Class I risk level over possible salmonella. Local Care Under Pressure: Cape Fear Valley Health layoffs will affect 138 employees as the system cuts positions amid financial strain. Community Support for Aging: AARP awarded $237,000 in grants to strengthen 21 North Carolina communities, focusing on mobility, connection, and livability for older adults.

Water Conservation: Brunswick County is tightening voluntary Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert steps as drought worsens, including limiting irrigation to specific overnight hours by address number. Public Health: A Cyclospora outbreak linked to “explosive” diarrhea has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states, with 20 hospitalizations; North Carolina is among the affected states. Heat Safety: A dangerous July 4 heat wave is building across the East Coast, with officials urging people to watch for heat illness and take cooling precautions. Child Passenger Safety: North Carolina lawmakers are considering changes to the Child Passenger Restraint Systems Law that would shift booster-seat requirements toward height rather than weight. Wildlife & Chronic Wasting Disease: NC Wildlife officials approved new deer hunting rules in CWD areas, including an earlier special early season and updated carcass disposal requirements. Healthcare Access & Policy: NC lawmakers advanced key votes on a long-awaited $34B state budget, with debate touching public safety staffing and broader health-related priorities. Wellness for Summer: Bite-Sized Wellness highlights National Watermelon Month and tick precautions ahead of holiday outdoor plans.

Heat & safety: North Carolina is bracing for a dangerous Fourth of July weekend, with heat index values expected to hit around 110 and more than 1,800 ER visits for heat-related illness statewide from May 1 to June 28—higher than recent years—prompting NCDHHS to urge hydration, shade, and fast action for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Foodborne illness watch: A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened at least 145 people in 17 states, with CDC noting many cases likely go unreported; symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea and fatigue. PFAS policy: The new NC budget sets aside $22M for a UNC-Chapel Hill PFAS study, but critics say it would keep results confidential by routing work through a legislature-controlled setup. Health workforce pipeline: Appalachian State and the NC Community College System launched a statewide articulation agreement so health-related AAS graduates can transfer into App State’s health sciences bachelor’s program—aimed at strengthening care in rural and underserved areas. Cardiovascular leadership: The American Heart Association named Duke cardiologist Dr. Manesh R. Patel as volunteer president for 2026-27, highlighting cardiovascular and brain health priorities. Community health access: A ribbon cutting in Yadkin County showcased YMCA renovations expanding child care and wellness spaces—adding more opportunities for families to stay active.

Medicaid Coverage Risk: States are bracing for a new federal “medically frail” rule that could strip coverage from many sick and disabled adults as Medicaid work requirements roll out. Heat Safety: Eastern North Carolina is under a Fourth of July heat risk, with temperatures near or above 100°F and guidance to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke—especially for kids and pets. Weight-Loss Drugs for Seniors: A new report highlights how Medicare coverage gaps can make GLP-1 weight-loss meds costly for older adults, even when they help with long-term maintenance. Behavioral Health in Jails: Forsyth County and NaphCare celebrated graduates from a jail-based behavioral health program aimed at stabilizing people with severe mental illness and improving continuity of care. Health Workforce & Training: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute launched a new A.A.S. in Health Sciences to help address growing demand for healthcare workers. DEI in Education: North Carolina lawmakers overrode vetoes to ban DEI in public schools, community colleges, and universities, reshaping how campuses handle related programs and messaging. Flood Resilience: Black Mountain will host a public session on the Swannanoa River Floodbench and Constructed Wetlands project, funded by a $5M infrastructure grant to reduce flooding and improve river health.

Heat & Climate: Western NC counties issued heat health alerts as a heat dome pushes temperatures toward triple digits, with experts warning climate change is making extreme, prolonged heat more common. Public Health & Food Safety: A multi-year listeria investigation tied to Clover Hill Dairy cheese products reports one death and multiple illnesses across several states, with FDA/CDC updates and expanded advisories. Health Policy: Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order creating a Health Care Affordability and Value Commission to study why costs are rising and recommend fixes, including drug pricing and competition. Medicaid Legal Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (plus DC) sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people. Budget Watch: North Carolina lawmakers released a long-delayed $34B budget plan that includes teacher and state employee raises, Medicaid funding, and Hurricane Helene relief, with votes expected soon. Wildlife Health: NC wildlife officials asked hunters to help slow chronic wasting disease spread, adding new hunting rules and carcass disposal requirements in affected counties. Cancer Care Research: UNC specialists discussed CAR T-cell therapy strategy for large B-cell lymphoma, focusing on timing, eligibility, and managing bridging/holding treatments. Community Health Funding: New Hanover Community Endowment announced $12M+ in grants for safety, housing, and healthcare, including major investments in reentry and trauma-informed services.

Medicaid Legal Fight: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirement exemptions, arguing federal rules narrow the “medically frail” category and could jeopardize coverage for tens of thousands of North Carolinians with severe illness. Heat & Health Watch: NOAA is forecasting a brutal, record-shattering heat wave across the eastern U.S., with North Carolina still in the danger zone into the July 4 weekend—heat indices expected to push past 100 degrees. Jail Safety Crisis: In Windsor, inmates briefly took two guards hostage at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center before authorities regained control; staff and inmates were accounted for and injuries were treated. Food Safety Alert: The Clover Hill Dairy listeria outbreak has expanded to 12 cases across four states, with CDC noting the real number of illnesses may be higher. Summer Nutrition: Brunswick County is running “Meals to Go” summer meal boxes to help families bridge the gap when school lunches stop. Public Health Policy: Dare County plans a public hearing on regulating Kratom sales, including restricting sales to people under 21. Workforce & Care Access: Covista and Advocate Health announced a nursing education collaboration aimed at expanding the pipeline of practice-ready nurses.

Medicaid Access Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (plus D.C.) and separate state AG actions are suing the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is being narrowed too much and could cut off care for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Jail Safety & Health: In eastern North Carolina, inmates overpowered staff at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor, held guards hostage, and the standoff ended hours later with authorities clearing the facility; officials say injuries were treated and inmates were transferred. No-Cost Surgery Benefit: North Carolina’s State Health Plan is partnering with OrthoCarolina through Lantern to expand certain no-cost surgeries for members, aiming to improve access and lower out-of-pocket costs. Public Health Research: A study in JAMA Network Open links cardiovascular risk factors to visual impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults, reinforcing how heart health can affect eye health. Homelessness Policy: North Carolina lawmakers advanced House Bill 437 to restrict unauthorized public camping/sleeping and create drug-free zones around shelters, positioning it as a structured alternative to unsafe encampments. EMS Funding: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards says an Etowah-Horse Shoe EMS substation received $1.5 million to improve emergency response in Henderson County. Outdoor Health & Community: Gaston County purchased 562 acres along Lake Wylie for a future public park with trails and lake access, with conservation benefits for water quality and wildlife.

Health Care Costs & Coverage: A new KFF Health News report highlights North Carolinians dropping Affordable Care Act coverage after enhanced tax credits expired, with one western NC couple seeing premiums jump from $130 to $550. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls continue to hit the region, including Clover Hill Dairy cheeses tied to possible listeria risk (distribution includes North Carolina) and additional listeria-related cottage cheese recalls. Extreme Heat & Public Health: Forecasters warn a dangerous, potentially record-setting heat wave will press across the eastern U.S. through the July 4 weekend, raising risks for older adults and people with respiratory issues. Rural Health Access: A rural health op-ed argues Medicaid cuts and insurer pressure are squeezing eastern NC hospitals and care options. Community Wellness & Prevention: Safe Kids NC and partners are promoting medicine drop events during National Take Back Saturday to reduce poison risks. Environment & Health: North Carolina residents are using goats to control invasive plants like ivy and kudzu—an “all-natural” approach that can improve local ecosystems.

Heat & hydration risks: As football season ramps up, medical teams warn that hot, humid conditions can quickly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion—especially when fans rely on alcohol and don’t cool down or hydrate properly. Poisonous snakes in summer: A Youngsville woman was bitten by a copperhead while taking out trash, a reminder that venomous snakes are active and bites can happen even when you think you’ve checked the area. Opioids in public housing: Asheville police released new data on overdose incidents and drug activity in city housing, with Pisgah View Apartments accounting for the largest share of several categories in 2026. Cancer care closer to home: Ashe Memorial Hospital added mobile PET/CT scans, aiming to cut travel time and speed up diagnosis and treatment planning for patients in the High Country. Food safety alerts: USDA issued multiple actions in one day, including a Listeria alert tied to chicken Caesar wraps and other allergen/mislabeling issues—check sell-by dates and labels. Court ruling on defense records: North Carolina Court of Appeals ordered a limited evidentiary hearing tied to whether trial counsel failed to use a favorable child and family evaluation report. PFAS settlement fallout: Federal regulators secured a $450M Chemours settlement over “forever chemicals,” drawing criticism from officials who say communities still need stronger protection. Dog dementia clue: North Carolina State University research suggests shorter front-leg stride length may be an early physical sign of canine cognitive dysfunction.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” tied to pollution in the Cape Fear and other rivers, with major funding for discharge cuts and drinking-water controls—while NC officials say communities still need stronger protection. Rural Health Pressure: ECU Health leaders warn that looming Medicaid cuts could cost more than $1 billion over 10 years, and say rural access is already strained as they make tough network decisions. Behavioral Health Access: A North Carolina policy push highlights how hard it is to find mental health care statewide, with many counties lacking key providers and shortages worsening treatment access. Child Care Crisis: A new state report details a worsening child care crisis, citing staffing shortages, low wages, and an estimated $7 billion annual economic impact. Heat & Water Safety: Rocky Mount begins mandatory water cuts amid drought, and forecasts point to dangerous heat and storm risks—raising stakes for hydration and outdoor safety. Dog Dementia Clue: NC State research suggests shorter front-leg strides may be an early sign of canine cognitive dysfunction. Food & Health Tips: A practical wellness note encourages cutting salt by making homemade spice blends.

SNAP Fraud Sentencing: A North Carolina DSS employee, Deshaune White, was sentenced to federal prison plus home confinement for stealing over $100k in SNAP benefits, with a $102,733.80 forfeiture judgment. Rural Health Access: Rep. Don Davis asked President Trump to reopen Martin General Hospital with $175 million, arguing the closure has worsened wait times and access for eastern NC. Heat & Health Equity: As a dangerous heat wave ramps up, a cooling program in Buncombe County is helping medically vulnerable residents with fans and air conditioning, and officials warn heat can be deadly. Mental Health First Response: Gaston County EMS received a $300K grant to create a Crisis Intervention Unit for behavioral health 911 calls, adding trained staff and care coordination. Community Wellness & Food Access: Ripe for Revival shared updates with mayors on pay-what-you-can mobile markets bringing produce and protein to food deserts across 22 counties. Public Health Alerts: USDA warned of a pasta salad recall affecting NC and six other states due to possible undeclared allergens. Health System Leadership: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist named Dr. David W. Zaas as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2026. Caregiving & Aging: NC State research suggests changes in older dogs’ front-leg stride may signal cognitive decline and early dementia.

Health Care Awards: Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center earned top Healthgrades recognition for joint replacement surgery in the Triad and a national “top 10%” joint replacement excellence designation. Public Health Alert: NCDHHS confirmed a first measles case in North Carolina in 2025 tied to a child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties, urging unvaccinated residents to get MMR and advising people to call ahead if symptoms appear. Opioid Response: A letter urges North Carolina counties to use the state’s share of a historic $26 billion opioid settlement, with most funds going directly to county governments for proven strategies. Community Wellness & Access: The Pitt County Council on Aging launched a $500,000 endowment to expand long-term support for senior services, including Meals on Wheels and dementia resources. Medical Education Growth: ECU marked a milestone for the Brody Center for Medical Education, a $265M state-funded project aimed at increasing medical enrollment. Water Safety & Health: Residents in Robeson County sued over alleged landfill contamination tied to PFAS “forever chemicals,” claiming harm to drinking water and health. Sports Health: Olympic runner Jenny Simpson was discharged after a cardiac arrest during a Raleigh track event, following CPR and AED use. Nutrition Tips: Bite-sized wellness stories focused on cutting salt with homemade spice blends and using fresh June produce for better nutrition. Animal Health Note: “Zombie squirrels” reports in NC were linked to squirrel fibromatosis, with experts advising people not to handle affected animals.

Food & Nutrition Safety: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled ready-to-eat pasta salad in seven states after mislabeled product may actually contain chicken salad with undeclared egg and milk allergens—no illnesses reported, but people with allergies should check labels. Maternal & Child Health: ECU Health is expanding its summer meals program to six eastern NC communities, and ECU Health also received a grant to improve maternity services, adding earlier pregnancy screening and better care coordination. Opioid Response: A medical examiner’s office is seeking a federal grant to speed up overdose toxicology testing, aiming to cut turnaround times from weeks to under an hour. Access to Care & Recovery: A coalition is endorsing a proposal to expand virtual-based opioid treatment for veterans, while federal health funding priorities are shifting away from overdose-prevention approaches like harm reduction. Public Health & Safety: North Carolina is bracing for a dangerous heat wave next week, with heat indices above 100 degrees possible. Community Support: Hospitality House Food Pantry earned recognition for a program pairing fresh produce with nutrition education for people managing prediabetes, diabetes, and heart conditions. Justice for Child Abuse Victims: Surry County opened the Willow Tree Child Advocacy Center to bring forensic interviews and support under one roof, reducing expected wait times. Environmental Health: Cape Fear Riverkeeper groups are questioning how much direct relief North Carolina communities will see from a proposed Chemours PFAS settlement.

PFAS Accountability: The EPA and DOJ reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharged into the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, with major funding for cleanup and alternative drinking water. Rural Health Tech: NCDHHS and NCDIT announced three new programs to modernize rural care through better digital infrastructure, health information exchange, and digital health literacy. Homelessness Policy: The NC Senate advanced a bill restricting homeless encampments on public property and expanding tougher penalties for some drug crimes near shelters, while allowing limited designated camping if local capacity and safety requirements are met. Public Health Access: A new HIV-prevention decision guide aims to help patients choose between daily PrEP pills and longer-acting injections without forcing them to disclose personal risk details. Food Safety: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled ready-to-eat pasta salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. Community & Care: The Children’s Museum of New Bern is progressing on new exhibits designed for kids of all abilities, and local leaders highlighted YMCA aquatics and water-safety programs.

Lung Health Breakthrough: The COPD Foundation says inhaled vitamin D (instead of pills) may improve lung function and reduce flare-ups for people with chronic lung diseases. Public Health & Safety: NC Fire Marshal and Safe Kids NC are urging residents to clean out medicine cabinets during National Poison Prevention Week, with Operation Medicine Drop take-back events planned in Durham. Youth Nicotine Prevention: A coalition of attorneys general welcomed Shopify’s move to ban all e-cigarette sales on its platform, citing youth health risks. Cancer Research: NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC researchers helped develop a strategy to selectively target tumor microenvironments, aiming to improve treatment effectiveness while limiting harm. Maternal Health Access: Aeroflow Health acquired Canopie to close the maternal care gap for millions of new mothers. Food Safety Alert: FDA upgraded the Utz potato chip recall to a Class I risk after possible Salmonella in certain products. Environmental Health: DOJ and EPA say Chemours will pay $450M over PFAS “forever chemicals” releases tied to the Cape Fear River and other waterways; NC leaders criticized the deal. Community Care Coordination: Raleigh hosted the inaugural System of Care Day to connect families and providers supporting children and youth with mental health needs. Fraud & Benefits: A caseworker was sentenced for a $100K+ SNAP fraud scheme, underscoring enforcement on misuse of public assistance.