AGP Executive Report

Measles Watch in Pennsylvania: The state reported 676 measles cases across 37 counties, including 4 “breakthrough” infections in people fully vaccinated for their ages (no hospitalizations reported). Health leaders say the outbreak is still rising—108 cases in the prior week—and stress MMR vaccination as the best protection. Cyclospora Update: A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak that sickened nearly 12,883 people in 21 states is officially over, though the FDA says its investigation continues. Healthcare & Legal: A federal appeals court upheld decisions clearing Globus Medical of spinal surgery patent infringement claims. COVID Access: GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacies in Pennsylvania now offer COVID-19 vaccines in-store. Workplace Health: Pennsylvania ER doctors move forward with a wage lawsuit against Prime Healthcare Services. Public Health Reminder: If you were exposed to recalled lettuce or develop symptoms after known measles exposure, contact a clinician promptly.

9/11 Health Legacy: A new look at the long aftermath of Sept. 11 highlights how toxic dust and smoke kept harming people for years, with thousands of first responders and survivors still facing illness and death tied to exposures. Hospital Preparedness: Erie hospitals say the attacks permanently changed security and emergency planning, including tighter access screening and stronger coordination for mass-casualty events. Medicare & Cancer Care: A Penn-linked study finds Medicare spending on radiation therapy is lower after a practice shift toward shorter-course breast radiation, showing how evidence-based care can change both outcomes and costs. Youth Health: Pennsylvania schools are seeing a continued decline in youth vaping, with experts pointing to enforcement, awareness, and early intervention as key. Infant Safety: A CDC report finds most sudden unexpected infant deaths involved unsafe sleep factors, reinforcing guidance for babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, separate surface. Mental Health Support: Franklin County marked September as Suicide Prevention Month, promoting free QPR training and urging residents to use 988 and local resources when help is needed.

Substance Use Crisis: A Pittsburgh-area hospital reports a sharp uptick in withdrawals tied to “gas station heroin” (kratom), warning Pennsylvania’s light regulation is leaving people unsure what they’re taking and how much—sending more patients into ICU-level care. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Gannon University earned PA CARES Certified Suicide Prevention Institution status, highlighting campus crisis support and student mental health resources as colleges face ongoing suicide risk. Health Care Accountability: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sentenced Superior Health owner Tina Bell to prison for Medicaid fraud and neglect, including billing for care not provided and misrepresenting caregiver qualifications. Public Health Research: A federal effort is launching a new study to better understand 9/11 health effects on young people and those in utero, after earlier research focused mostly on adult responders. Local Wellness Infrastructure: UPenn completed a new $17M veterinary education center at New Bolton Center, expanding hands-on training and simulation for future animal health professionals. Community Care Access: Family Practice Center and Sylvan Health expanded access to personalized nutrition care across central Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Public Health Policy: Pa. lawmakers are pushing back on proposed Department of Health infectious-disease rules, arguing the plan could let health officials talk privately with students during outbreaks without parental consent—coming as the state battles a fast-growing measles outbreak. Measles Outbreak Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles cases have climbed to the high hundreds, with multiple infant deaths reported and a public fight over how deaths are counted and reported. Food Safety in PA: Chester County restaurant inspections show a mix of clean passes and specific issues, including temperature control problems and missing handwashing setup at a West Chester venue. Emergency Care Milestone: LVHN MedEvac marked 45 years of air and ground medical transport, citing more than 105,000 patients served since 1981. Local EMS Quality: Centre LifeLink EMS received reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, highlighting compliance with national standards. Health Care Costs & Access: Princeton University is switching pharmacy benefits managers from OptumRx to Judi Rx and continues legal action over alleged insulin price inflation. Community Health & Safety: A Pennsylvania trooper was bitten by a dog during a reported mental health incident; the suspect was taken for evaluation.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps climbing, with the state DOH reporting 624 confirmed cases across 37 counties and 109 hospitalizations, plus 2 measles-associated deaths; officials say vaccination efforts are ramping up with thousands of MMR shots delivered at pop-up clinics and urge residents to check protection status. Regional Spread: Wisconsin is also seeing rapid growth, reporting 159 cases as of Sept. 8, with nearly all tied to unvaccinated people in southwestern counties. Public Health Safety: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center will begin entrance security screenings Sept. 12 as part of a phased rollout, with weapons prohibited and visitors guided to specific entrances for women’s health appointments. Health Tech Scam Alert: Hospitals across the U.S. are warning patients about phishing texts and emails using the MyChart name to lure people into paying for “free” kits or handing over login details. Community Health & Access: Wawa opened its first Salem store in the I-81 region, continuing expansion that brings fresh food and convenience options to more Pennsylvania communities.

Maternal Health Crisis: ProPublica reports nearly 200 women died after ectopic pregnancy from 2020–2025—about double the prior six years—highlighting how abortion bans can delay diagnosis and raise rupture risk. Rural Care Access: New research finds only 1 in 5 rural Pennsylvania hospitals offer intensive newborn care, leaving premature and critically ill babies more vulnerable than in urban centers. Measles Outbreak Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles surge continues, with Lancaster County reporting infant deaths amid a wider national spike and renewed calls for vaccination. Immigration & Student Health Careers: Penn international students say federal policy changes could jeopardize post-graduation work plans, adding stress to already high-stakes career pathways. Local Aging Support: Franklin County received a second $48,000 gift from PA Health and Wellness for senior activity centers, keeping programs running despite budget pressure. Public Safety & Mental Health: An hours-long armed standoff in Upper Mount Bethel ended with a man taken into custody and transported for evaluation. 9/11 Health Accountability: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani released 170,000 pages tied to toxic air concerns after 9/11, renewing scrutiny of what officials knew and when.

Measles Surge Hits Pennsylvania Schools: Beaver Area school nurse warns the outbreak is ramping up right as classes start, with staff contacting families, checking immunization records, and pushing free vaccine clinics to close gaps. Nurses Push for Union at Jefferson Health: Nurses at Jefferson Bucks filed with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union chapter, citing understaffing and workload pressures; additional Jefferson sites are seeking to join an existing nurses’ union. School Tech Opt-Out Lawsuit: Seven Pennsylvania families sued Lower Merion School District over required take-home devices, arguing the program violates parental rights and should allow opt-outs. Immigration Enforcement at Geisinger: Reports say ICE detained dozens of workers after local traffic stops in the Danville area, highlighting growing local-federal cooperation. Healthcare Funding Fight: Washington state joined a coalition suing to block new Title X conditions that would restrict contraception counseling and target transgender patients. 9/11 Accountability and Health: New York released 170,000 pages tied to “toxic air” concerns after 9/11, reigniting debate over what officials knew and when.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has hospitalized 98 people—about 17% of confirmed cases—far above the national hospitalization rate, with the state tally moving faster than federal counts. Public Health Policy Fight: Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing for more public health reporting on tick-borne diseases, while kratom regulation debates continue as advocates warn against a ban. Cancer Care Access: A breakthrough pancreatic cancer drug was approved, but families say access is still tangled in expanded-access and insurance delays. Long-Term Cancer Survivorship: Greater Philadelphia doctors are expanding “whole-person” cancer care to address long-term side effects, not just survival. Hospital and Rehab Expansion: Penn Medicine is planning adaptive facility growth, and Corewell Health and Select Medical plan an 84-bed rehab hospital in Sterling Heights opening in 2029. Health System Costs & Coverage: Insurers are proposing 2027 rate hikes as Pennsylvanians grapple with rising costs, and hospital deals are forming as Medicaid cuts loom. Local Health & Community: Amish families often rely on cash and mutual aid for care, and a new study suggests voice disorders may signal higher dementia risk. Health-Related Legal/Enforcement: A Pennsylvania durable medical equipment company owner was indicted in a massive Medicare fraud and money-laundering case.

Hospital Safety Recognition: Butler Memorial Hospital earned a statewide patient-safety honor from Independence Health System’s 2026 Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition program, based on low health care–associated infection rates. Healthcare Policy & Drug Pricing: Save Our States is pushing for more transparency in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, arguing large Pennsylvania hospital systems treat 340B savings like a “slush fund” instead of using them for low-income patients. Botanical Drugs & Wild Ginseng: The FDA opened a botanical drug docket as Appalachia’s wild ginseng season begins, seeking input on speeding development of plant-based medicines—while the harvest question remains a major practical issue for rural landowners. Public Health & Youth: A new study finds mental-health warning labels on social media may discourage teens and young adults more than “take a break” prompts, though researchers note it measured predicted behavior. Measles Watch (PA): Coverage continues to track Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak and disputes over reported deaths, with officials and federal agencies trading blame. Community Wellness Spaces: Luzerne County libraries are highlighting how library cards support wellness and connection, including nature trails and pollinator gardens tied to local programming. Local Tragedy: Two women died after a Jeep crash near the historic Downingtown Log House, prompting a multi-hour closure of Business Route 30. Sports Health: A sports cardiology expert explains why cutting alcohol during key weeks of training can improve race-day performance and recovery. Patient Experience Rankings: A new analysis of CMS hospital survey ratings ranks Wisconsin highest for patient experience and Florida lowest.

Measles Watch in PA: Pennsylvania health officials report 577 measles cases across dozens of counties, with two infant deaths in Lancaster County tied to the outbreak, and schools in the region rolling out exposure protocols as cases climb. GLP-1 & Hair Loss: A new study links Ozempic/Wegovy-type drugs to a higher risk of male-pattern hair loss in men with certain genetics, adding to the ongoing conversation about weight-loss meds and side effects. Accessibility After Injury: A Philly-area woman paralyzed in a shooting is using adaptive surfing and advocacy to push for better accessibility. Local Health Education: Mount Aloysius College is hosting fall open houses for nursing, radiography, and surgical technology programs in DuBois, with partnerships aimed at job placement. Public Safety: A crash and stabbing on I-476/Blue Route led to a brief Villanova lockdown, with suspects taken into custody. Community Resilience: Coverage also highlights 9/11’s lasting health and service legacy as responders continue to face long-term illness.

Crash & Injury Updates: A seven-vehicle crash in Dillsburg (York County) left 14 people hurt, including two flown to hospitals with critical injuries, after an overturned tractor-trailer carrying frozen food shut Route 15 for hours. Community Health & Safety: Dispatch reports and ongoing investigations follow the sudden death of pro wrestler Andy “The Butcher” Williams, 48, after he collapsed during a match in Millvale; CPR and a defibrillator were used on scene, and the cause of death is still pending. Public Health Watch: Lancaster County coroner says measles caused the death of a 6-week-old infant, adding to Pennsylvania’s growing outbreak as national counts and disputes over how deaths are recorded continue. Maternal Mental Health: Experts say postpartum support should be treated as a pro-life issue, highlighting the need for community care amid rising attention to postpartum psychosis. Local Wellness & Belonging: Hundreds gathered at Kirby Park for NEPA-Que, a Labor Day event featuring free food, music, and health-related resources for workers and families. Workplace/ER Safety: A Butler woman faces felony aggravated assault charges after police say she attacked two doctors inside the ER at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Health Costs & Coverage: Pennsylvania health insurers are proposing steep 2027 rate hikes, with one Pennie customer seeing premiums jump from $576 to $1,495 after federal subsidies end. Food Insecurity: Centre County commissioners proclaimed Hunger Action Month as about 1 in 8 residents (and 15.4% of children) face food insecurity. Measles Watch: Sullivan County is monitoring a measles outbreak tied to Pennsylvania’s 540 cases across 36 counties, urging MMR checks and testing for uncertain immunity. Measles Politics: RFK Jr. publicly acknowledged a Pennsylvania infant death tied to measles while disputing how CDC counts it, keeping the dispute over “measles-associated” deaths in the spotlight. Public Health in Schools: Western Pennsylvania doctors warn back-to-school season is bringing a surge of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, and recommend scarf-over-nose warmth and humidification. EMS Leadership: UPMC Williamsport and Susquehanna Regional EMS named Dr. Michael Reihart as their new EMS medical director. Wellness & Community: Norristown’s Shoot 360 gym pairs sports tech with an anti-violence mission, while Camp Cranium continues serving kids with brain injuries despite federal uncertainty. Dementia Clue: A Drexel study links voice disorders (even without hearing loss) to a higher dementia risk.

Measles Fight in PA: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps climbing, with the state reporting 577 cases across 37 counties and two measles-associated deaths, while the CDC continues to exclude those deaths from its national tally—fueling a public dispute between state officials and the federal health agency. Vaccine Access Push: The PA Department of Health says it has delivered thousands of MMR shots through pop-up clinics and is scheduling more, as communities respond to spread and hospitalizations. GLP-1 & Hair Loss: A new study links popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to a higher risk of male pattern hair loss in men with genetic susceptibility. Prehospital Blood in Emergencies: Allegheny Health Network is rolling out a prehospital blood program so trained paramedics can administer Type O blood in the field for critical trauma and cardiac emergencies. Local Health/Wellness Disruption: A hazmat leak shut down part of I-83 in York County again after crews cleared the first incident, raising concerns for nearby residents and travelers. Community Health Tech: Cancer care teams are discussing how advanced practice providers can better manage complex lung cancer treatment toxicities, with support from clinical pharmacists and specialty care.

Measles Surge in PA: Pennsylvania health officials report 577 measles cases across 37 counties, with 98 hospitalizations and 2 measles-associated deaths; Lancaster County remains the epicenter, where the coroner confirmed a 6-week-old Amish infant died of measles after care for a rare genetic disorder. Vaccine Access & Response: The state says it has delivered 3,700+ MMR shots at 100+ pop-up clinics and urges Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated. Federal-State Clash: The CDC has withheld the two Pennsylvania deaths from the national tally, fueling a high-profile dispute involving Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local Health Governance: State Rep. Dave Zimmerman is pushing for more communicable-disease data sharing with counties that lack their own health departments, arguing it could help communities respond faster during outbreaks. Public Health Context: A separate report highlights how recess and outdoor time support kids’ wellbeing as school starts, while measles outbreaks raise concerns for vulnerable children. Kratom Oversight: Pennsylvania lawmakers consider bills to regulate kratom after reports of overdoses and deaths tied to unregulated products.

Measles Alert (Lancaster County): Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni confirmed a 6-week-old Amish infant died of measles, noting the child had Amish lethal microcephaly and died after severe respiratory illness. The case adds fuel to a wider Pennsylvania outbreak debate over how “measles-associated” deaths are counted. Public Health (Philadelphia): City officials confirmed the first four human West Nile virus cases of the year and urged residents to use mosquito repellent and remove standing water. Data Privacy (Courts): Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach of its C-Track court software that may have exposed sensitive personal and health information, including Social Security numbers, across multiple jurisdictions including Pennsylvania. Health Policy (Pennsylvania): Lancaster County is expanding its “trust your healthcare provider” measles campaign with more online guidance, symptom info, and vaccination links. Community Wellness (NEPA): RxArts NEPA launched an arts prescription pilot for adults 55+ to reduce loneliness, with free events and referrals through health and community partners. Environment & Health (Beaver County): Shell agreed to a $15M settlement over air pollution violations at its Beaver County plastics plant, including a community remediation fund.

Measles Fight in PA: The CDC removed two Pennsylvania measles deaths from its national tally after questioning whether the deaths were caused by measles, reigniting a public dispute that began with PA’s earlier announcement of two “measles-associated” fatalities. School Nutrition & Food Security: Lancaster County watchdog reporting highlights how Pennsylvania’s rule protecting students from meal denial doesn’t stop districts from absorbing unpaid lunch-debt costs, with families still owing hundreds of thousands. Healthcare Workforce & Safety: Reports point to rising workplace violence in hospitals fueling strikes, while Penn Nursing layoffs show budget pressure hitting healthcare training and staffing. Public Health Research: NIH terminated two Pitt Alzheimer’s studies, cutting about $7 million and halting work tied to cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s development. Community Health Updates: Pennsylvania marked Sept. 4 as Blood Donation Day as the Red Cross warns supplies remain vulnerable heading into fall. Local EMS Concerns: Sugarcreek residents raised first-responder response-time worries amid staffing shortages at volunteer fire departments.