AGP Executive Report

Public Health Access: The N.C. 911 Board launched a statewide Text-to-911 campaign, urging residents to “Call if you can, text if you can’t,” after centers received more than 70,000 Text-to-911 messages in 2025—especially for medical emergencies and situations where speaking isn’t safe. Autism Care Oversight: Federal officials released a 173-page Medicaid guide pushing states to tighten oversight of applied behavior analysis after spending on ABA in Medicaid and CHIP rose 421% from 2021 to 2025, while stressing it doesn’t restrict access to medically necessary care. Food Safety Watch: CDC updates show a growing salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños, with Chipotle and Qdoba removing jalapeños as cases spread across 27 states. Student Health & Safety: North Carolina’s 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports improvements in student safety and mental health, including lower rates of alcohol/drug use and fewer students reporting sadness/hopelessness and serious suicide consideration. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Autism providers back Trump administration efforts targeting Medicaid fraud, saying alleged theft has harmed both taxpayers and children who rely on services. Local Health Systems: WakeMed and Atrium leaders are preparing for a public hearing on a proposed strategic combination, with commissioners previously briefed privately. Community Wellness: August produce picks highlight seasonal nutrition—figs, black-eyed peas, and cantaloupe.

Food Safety Watch: Michigan says cyclospora-linked guidance to avoid bagged salad mixes is no longer in effect as new cases and diarrhea-related ER visits decline, but it still urges people to avoid recalled lettuce. Outbreak Update: The multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms continues to expand, with CDC-linked totals now reaching 15 states and thousands of cases nationwide. Local Health: North Carolina health officials are also tracking mosquito-borne West Nile activity, including a first human case reported in Gaston County, while NC State researchers warn some mosquitoes in Wake County are developing resistance to common insecticides. Maternal & Infant Care: NCDHHS recognized three North Carolina maternity centers for breastfeeding-friendly practices, highlighting hospital steps that support early mother-baby bonding. Access to Care: Novant Health’s nurse residency program is helping new nurses transition into the Cape Fear workforce as demand grows. Policy & Health Equity: A federal DOJ action alleges Duke Law School used race-related proxies in admissions, adding to national pressure on how schools handle diversity.

Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce–linked Cyclospora outbreak has spread to 15 states, with 6,358 cases and 278 hospitalizations; North Carolina is among the newly added states as investigators keep tracing exposures tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. More Outbreaks: A separate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños served at Chipotle and Qdoba has now reached 27 states, with 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations reported. Public Health Watch: North Carolina health officials confirmed the state’s first human West Nile virus case of 2026 in Gaston County and found virus activity in mosquitoes in several counties, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites and remove standing water. Local Health & Wellness: A Rocky Mount preschool, The Impact Academy, earned a five-star state designation for early education quality. Policy & Health: A North Carolina hemp bill that would have effectively banned most hemp products is stalled in the House after industry pushback. Community Safety: A teen was killed crossing I-485 in Charlotte after a concert, highlighting ongoing roadway risks for pedestrians.

Foodborne Outbreak Watch: Cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is now tied to 15 states, with North Carolina among the newest additions; officials say the true case count is likely higher and urge people to watch for prolonged watery diarrhea and seek care. Public Health Alerts: In a separate outbreak, Qdoba removed jalapeños amid a Salmonella Javiana outbreak affecting at least 27 states, while North Carolina also confirmed its first West Nile virus case of 2026 and found virus-positive mosquitoes in multiple counties. Maternal Health & Courts: Two Durham teens were arrested after police allege a 31-week pregnancy ended following an at-home medication abortion attempt; the case is now in court with bail set. Wellness Access: NAMI’s Pitt County affiliate opened a new community resource center focused on peer and family support, education, and mental health services. Opioid Response: Fayetteville leaders approved more than $100,000 in funding for local organizations tackling the opioid crisis. Policy & Regulation: Gov. Josh Stein urged lawmakers to legalize marijuana and reject a proposed hemp THC ban that he says doesn’t protect kids or consumers.

Life-Saving Care Expansion: AdventHealth won state approval to expand home-based hospice services in Haywood County, adding another local option for comfort-focused end-of-life care. Workforce in Action: Duke University Hospital flight nurses describe the high-stakes reality of air transport—bringing ICU-level care to patients during helicopter transfers. Teen Mental Health Watch: North Carolina education leaders will release new Youth Risk Behavior Survey results on teen well-being, with recent trends showing long-term declines in mental health and gaps in sleep, exercise, and breakfast habits. Food Access, Literally: Fresh Access Franklin launched in Franklin with five solar-powered community refrigerator kiosks to fight food insecurity, stocked twice weekly and supported by local hubs. Public Health Alert: North Carolina cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 867 statewide, with 33 hospitalizations reported as DHHS continues tracing the source. Policy & Health: The NC House left a hemp THC restriction bill unresolved after protests, with HB 328 targeting potency and raising concerns about the impact on the hemp industry. Health Industry Jobs: STERIS will invest $600 million in a Sanford Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence, creating 335 jobs and expanding infection-prevention-focused manufacturing.

Public Health: North Carolina reported 149 new cyclosporiasis cases since July 28, bringing the total to 867 since May, with 33 hospitalizations; the state says the outbreak has slowed and most cases cluster in Raleigh/Wake. Healthcare Access: Novant Health broke ground on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Wilmington, aiming to nearly double capacity to more than 1,500 admissions annually. Mental Health Training: UNC School of Social Work won a $464,290 NCDHHS contract to expand Mental Health First Aid suicide-prevention training across NC colleges and universities through June 2027. Food Safety: A cyclosporiasis-linked produce concern continues nationwide, while separate recalls hit prepared foods—Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled about 22,880 pounds of meals due to metal slivers. Policy & Wellness: Lawmakers weigh HB 328 to tighten hemp-derived THC rules; Gov. Josh Stein says it’s premature to decide and wants a well-regulated adult market that protects kids. Community Health: Greensboro leaders discussed a possible youth curfew after a shooting at Royal Banquet Hall injured teens and adults.

Rural Cancer Access: The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer rolled out a new rural accreditation category aimed at helping small hospitals close cancer care gaps, easing resource hurdles while keeping quality standards. Public Health & Food Safety: North Carolina health officials are still investigating cyclosporiasis links, with recent patient reports commonly mentioning parsley and cilantro as cases rise statewide. Water Safety: A swimming advisory was issued for Lake Norman near Denver after about 2,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into a cove, with officials warning of possible fecal coliform contamination. Community Health Funding: ECU Health North distributed $95,000 in community benefit grants to 12 nonprofits supporting local health programs. Rural Hospital Watch: A national rural emergency-care model is under scrutiny after a Michigan hospital converted and later closed, raising concerns about whether the approach can truly sustain rural access. Micro-Mobility Safety: Charlotte-area attorneys warn e-bike and electric scooter injuries are increasing as summer ridership climbs.

E. coli Berry Recall: Publix expanded its GreenWise frozen organic blueberry and mixed berry recall after a multistate E. coli O145:H28 outbreak linked to a Chilean supplier; the FDA added the company to an import alert, meaning shipments may be stopped at the border. Cyclospora Update: North Carolina reported at least 307 Cyclospora cases, with experts warning the true count may be higher as the parasite spreads via contaminated water and can cause severe watery diarrhea. Public Health Safety: Lincoln County issued a swimming advisory for Lake Norman after about 2,000 gallons of untreated wastewater leaked into a cove, advising residents to avoid contact until samples clear. Cancer Care Milestone: ECU Health Medical Center surpassed 100 GammaTile procedures for operable brain tumors, highlighting expanded access to advanced radiation therapy in eastern NC. Rural Health Listening Tour: State leaders met in Lenoir to hear rural concerns including housing affordability and transportation gaps. Medicaid/Nonprofit Scrutiny: WECT reports state review of Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development, tied to allegations involving Medicaid fraud and misuse of funds. Workforce Access: Harris Teeter added prescription delivery via Instacart, expanding convenient pharmacy access for shoppers.

Health Coverage & Costs: KFF Health News reports ACA enrollment fell by nearly 3 million to about 19.2 million, as premiums and deductibles climbed—while the Trump administration points to fraud crackdowns as the main driver. Rural Care Watch: KFF Health News flags a test for a “big beautiful” rural hospital law after a Michigan emergency-focused rural hospital closed, raising concerns about whether the federal lifeline is enough. Public Health (NC): NCDHHS says cyclosporiasis is rising, with 4 confirmed cases in Craven County and health officials noting multiple possible exposure sources as testing increases. Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled about 22,880 pounds of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler due to possible metal slivers; no injuries reported. Local Support: 828newsNOW launched a Veterans Guide for Asheville and Western North Carolina, listing resources for care, benefits, housing, employment, and crisis help. Medical Education Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating ECU’s Brody School of Medicine over alleged racial discrimination in admissions. Environmental Health (PFAS): NC leaders criticized a Chemours-EPA PFAS settlement, arguing it was negotiated “behind our backs” and doesn’t fix past damage to drinking water.

Food Safety Alert: Nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler are recalled in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia due to possible metal slivers after a customer complaint; no injuries reported. Parasite Update: North Carolina cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 718 with 24 hospitalizations since May 1, and health officials say parsley and cilantro are commonly reported—though not always eaten—while thorough cooking and hydration remain key. Nursing Workforce: UNCW’s first accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing class graduated 11 students, aiming to help close a projected 17,500 RN shortage by 2033. Hospital Rules in Emergencies: North Carolina Senate passed SB 445 to automatically adopt temporary federal hospital waivers during emergencies, with lawmakers framing it as a way to expand capacity faster. Mental Health Funding Fight: SB 177 to add freestanding psychiatric hospitals to Medicaid HASP reimbursements failed 0-37, keeping the debate over psychiatric access and funding alive. PFAS Pressure: NC officials criticized a Chemours-EPA PFAS settlement as being negotiated “behind our backs,” arguing it won’t fix long-term water damage.

Food Safety Alerts: Ukrop’s baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler are recalled after metal sliver concerns; products were sold in North Carolina and other states, with no injuries confirmed. Public Health: North Carolina’s NCDHHS is tracking cyclosporiasis via a new dashboard as cases climb (718 reported statewide), with officials urging food safety precautions. Nutrition Research: UNC Chapel Hill researchers used wastewater DNA testing to study population diets, turning municipal wastewater into a real-time look at what people are eating. Mental Health & Wellness: A growing body of research highlights that even short, routine time outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood—no big vacation required. Community Health Access: The Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Asheville raised support for colorectal cancer screening access in western North Carolina. Local Environment: Rowan County commissioners may add $167,000 for environmental monitoring at landfill sites, including groundwater and landfill gas compliance. Health Workforce: Gov. Josh Stein announced STEP-NC, the first health care apprenticeship program within state government, aimed at strengthening North Carolina’s mental health and broader health care workforce.

Food Safety Watch: Publix expanded its GreenWise frozen berry recall across eight states, including North Carolina, after possible E. coli O145 contamination; customers are told not to eat affected lots and to discard or return for a refund. Public Health Updates: NCDHHS rolled out a new cyclosporiasis tracking dashboard as cases climb—718 reported statewide as of July 28—with local reporting and guidance continuing to evolve. Invasive Species Alert: North Carolina officials confirmed established yellow-legged hornets near Charlotte, prompting ongoing surveys and response efforts to protect honeybees and crops. Community & Care: The Alzheimer’s Association is gearing up for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 19 at Riverside Park in Mount Airy, with registration and team planning underway. Workforce Pipeline: Gov. Josh Stein announced STEP-NC, the first health care apprenticeship program in state government, aimed at building clinical and non-clinical staffing pathways. Health & Safety in Heat: A report highlights rising emergency room visits for heat-related illness in North Carolina, with exhaustion and other symptoms driving care needs during peak summer conditions.

Food Safety: Publix expanded its GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry recall after more E. coli illnesses and hospitalizations, including cases in North Carolina. Public Health: North Carolina’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing past 700 cases, with the state rolling out a new case-tracking dashboard as officials urge safer food handling. Healthcare Access: N.C. health experts are warning about Medicare Part D changes, while a judge ruled alleged $55M Medicare clawbacks unfair—both raising concerns for patients and providers. Local Care: FirstHealth Primary Care-Tramway welcomed a new family medicine physician, Sarah Kaiser, D.O., focused on whole-person care. Community Wellness: Midtown YMCA in Wilmington broke ground on a $15M expansion adding aquatics, fitness, and child care. Safety at Home: ECU Health and partners held a hot car safety event in Pitt County to prevent child heatstroke. Tech & Health Policy: Families sued Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over teens’ deaths, alleging platform harms tied to suicide.

Medicare Fight in Federal Court: A North Carolina judge ruled HHS didn’t give a hospital operator fair notice before using Medicare rules to claw back about $55M in reimbursements. Food Safety Alerts: Publix expanded its frozen berry recall after E. coli illnesses sent four people to the hospital; FDA says the affected GreenWise Organic whole blueberries and mixed berries were shipped to eight states including North Carolina. Parasite Outbreak Watch: North Carolina DHHS reported cyclosporiasis cases rising to 718 with 24 hospitalizations, and a new dashboard is tracking the outbreak while officials focus on parsley and cilantro as likely links. Medicaid Work Requirements: A federal judge denied a bid to pause new Medicaid work rules, setting a Jan. 1 implementation deadline for states. Public Health & Wellness Access: Wilmington’s Midtown YMCA broke ground on a $15M expansion to create a larger community wellness center with expanded child care and aquatics. Invasive Species Risk: State agriculture officials confirmed yellow-legged hornets in North Carolina, raising concerns for honeybees and crop pollination. Community Safety: Raleigh’s Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force met amid youth violence concerns, including recent “teen takeover” incidents.

PFAS Accountability Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center says EPA’s proposed Chemours settlement would let the company off the hook for PFAS contamination in North Carolina, arguing it lacks enforceable cleanup and future-pollution protections. Rural Health Planning: NCDHHS announced a 40-member advisory committee chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai to guide the state’s $213M Rural Health Transformation Program. Food Safety Alerts: Publix expanded recalls of GreenWise frozen berries after an E. coli outbreak linked to the products sickened people and led to hospitalizations; health officials urge shoppers to check freezers and discard or return recalled items. Nature for Mental Health: A new report highlights how getting outside during the workday—even brief, routine nature time—can support stress reduction and mood. Tick-Related Allergy Clues: A UNC Health–linked study finds notable alpha-gal IgE positivity in areas with lone star ticks, stressing that a positive test doesn’t automatically mean alpha-gal syndrome. Community Health & Wellness: A picnic safety guide offers practical steps to keep food at safe temperatures and avoid cross-contamination in hot weather. Local Public Safety: A Marshville man was arrested after allegedly attacking two EMS personnel in an ambulance.

Food Safety: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries and whole mixed berries in multiple states, including North Carolina, due to possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination; shoppers should not eat affected lots and should return or discard them. Public Health Tracking: NCDHHS launched a new cyclosporiasis dashboard and reported two cases in Watauga County as the state tallies 700+ cases this year, with officials saying the NC increase doesn’t appear tied to the Taco Bell-related outbreak elsewhere. Health Policy: Gov. Josh Stein and NCDHHS urged CMS to reverse an interim rule that could strip Medicaid coverage from people with cancer and other severe illnesses, arguing Congress intended protections for medically frail patients. Stroke Care: Novant Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center in New Hanover County began using Penumbra’s THUNDERBOLT computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy tech, aiming to remove clots faster. Rural Access: Gov. Stein’s Rural Listening Tour continued in Lenoir County with cabinet secretaries focusing on health care, broadband, education, and public safety. Court Access: North Carolina certified court interpreters plan a statewide work stoppage starting Friday, warning some hearings could be delayed without language access.