AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Pennsylvania, with E. coli and Salmonella infections reported; FDA/CDC urge people to throw away or return recalled sprouts and clean surfaces. Measles Watch: New York is urging residents to confirm they’re up to date on measles vaccines as cases rise ahead of school, with warnings about possible exposure from activity in nearby Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Public Health & Safety: Pennsylvania doctors and toxicology experts warn that kratom can act like an opioid, leading to dependence and serious toxic effects, including respiratory depression and seizures. Local Health Risk: A Wyomissing mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus; officials say risk is currently low but are stepping up surveillance and urging residents to reduce bites. Community Health Policy: Sen. Rosemary Brown’s resolution designates Aug. 17–23 as Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania, focusing on risks like grooming, sextortion, and cyberbullying. Workforce & Coverage: Gov. Josh Shapiro told Berks Democrats that Trump administration changes are affecting health care coverage and food assistance, urging turnout for Democrats.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC are investigating a fast-growing multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, with 55 sickened and 4 hospitalized so far; officials say consumers should discard affected sprouts and sanitize contact areas. Recall Alert: Optimal Balance Pharmacy is recalling Glutathione Injection vials after elevated endotoxin levels were found, with the FDA warning of possible fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and allergic-type reactions. Public Health—Measles: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to spread, with new cases reported statewide and vaccination concerns rising as school starts. Environmental Health: Older adults living near dry cleaners may face higher Parkinson’s risk, tied to exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). Local Wellness Access: Samaritan’s Purse is running a free medical, dental, and vision clinic in Wheeling with no income requirement or ID needed. Health Care & Safety: Investigators recovered data cards from a deadly Carlisle airport midair collision involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a Cessna, as the NTSB reviews what happened. Community Health: Parents of PennWest California soccer player Karoline Heintz spoke out after the alleged boyfriend killing, calling it a “worst nightmare.”

Food Safety: CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, with at least 55 illnesses across 15 states and four hospitalizations reported; Pennsylvania is among the affected states. Infectious Disease: Measles is surging in Pennsylvania, with health officials reporting 89 new cases in a week and warning of spread as vaccination gaps persist; Allegheny County also confirmed a case after a visit to UPMC Children’s Hospital. Public Health & Environment: A new study links living near dry cleaners to higher Parkinson’s risk in older adults, with the highest odds for those within 500 feet. Health Policy & Privacy: Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones won a court order blocking the Trump administration from demanding a massive database of commercial drivers’ personal information. Community Health: Erie County’s Justice Bell traveling exhibit is set to spotlight Pennsylvania women’s suffrage history and the importance of civic participation.

Cancer Care Access: WellSpan and Johns Hopkins renewed their oncology partnership, expanding advanced cancer care access across central Pennsylvania, including subspecialty consults and clinical trial enrollment. Public Health—Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus was detected in a Centre County mosquito sample, prompting local officials to urge residents to dump standing water and reduce breeding spots. Public Health—Measles: Measles activity continues to ripple through Pennsylvania, with new cases reported statewide and at least one confirmed at UPMC Children’s Hospital, keeping schools and families on alert. Food Security: Highmark Wholecare hosted a free farmers’ market on Pittsburgh’s North Side to help fight food insecurity, distributing thousands of pounds of produce to families. School Health & Equity: York County schools received state funds for period products as part of a broader Pennsylvania initiative aimed at reducing stigma and missed school days. Healthcare Workforce & Safety: A national spotlight is on hospital worker violence and staffing shortages driving strikes, including reports tied to Pennsylvania. Local Care Expansion: UPMC Rehabilitation Institute in Williamsport added two physicians to broaden specialized rehab services. Weather & Safety: Storms and possible tornadoes hit parts of Pennsylvania, damaging homes and a school roof and displacing residents. Health Tech Research: Monell researchers used machine learning to better map complex odors, a step toward “digital olfaction.” Local Medicine: A new family medicine doctor joined Independence Health System’s Saxonburg primary care office.

Midair Crash in Carlisle: An emergency room doctor, Dr. Paul Sokoloski, 57, was killed when his Cessna 150 collided with a hovering Pennsylvania State Police helicopter during training at Carlisle Airport; two troopers were injured and treated at Penn State Hershey, with one later released. Measles Watch: Allegheny County confirmed its first measles case since 2019 at UPMC Children’s Hospital; health officials say exposed people were notified, while Pennsylvania’s case count continues to climb amid outbreaks in multiple states. Food Safety Alert: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has expanded to 32 states with 431 reported illnesses and 57 hospitalizations; officials urge people to check recalls and avoid affected products. HIV Care & Poverty: A new study finds HIV medication adherence rises right after SNAP payments and drops as the next payment nears, highlighting how financial stress can disrupt daily health routines. Opioid Overdose Prevention: Pennsylvania DDAP launched free online naloxone training, with early completion by more than 100 Pennsylvanians and guidance on overdose response and reducing stigma. Medicare Advantage Trust: A new report says Medicare Advantage member satisfaction is falling, with physicians absorbing fallout from plan confusion and eroding trust.

Aviation Safety Tragedy: A Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided midair near Carlisle Airport, killing the plane’s pilot and injuring two troopers (both expected to recover) as FAA and NTSB investigate. Food Safety & Lawsuits: A Mercer County woman sued Taco Bell and Taylor Farms after being hospitalized with cyclospora linked to contaminated lettuce, as the CDC tracks a broader outbreak. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus was detected in two Zelienople mosquito samples, prompting residents to use repellent and cut standing water. Health Care Data in PA: PHC4 released new county-level utilization and condition-specific reports for 2025, giving policymakers and providers a clearer view of where care demand is rising. Rural Hospital Finances: A report highlights that many Pennsylvania hospitals—especially rural—are operating on razor-thin margins, raising concerns about service cuts and access. Community Wellness Access: State Rep. R. Lee James’ Senior Expo drew about 300 attendees with dozens of local health and support vendors.

Public Health: Montgomery County officials say West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes in Lower Merion Township after a positive sample collected last Thursday, urging residents to remove standing water and limit outdoor time from dusk to dawn. Infectious Disease Watch: Measles continues to spread in Pennsylvania, with Snyder County cases doubling since Monday and Union County reporting its first confirmed case, as the state tallies hundreds of cases this year. Medical Research: Penn-CHOP researchers report that developing human kidney cells can reverse “fate” decisions, challenging a long-held model of how nephrons form. Cancer Breakthrough: Moderna and Merck say a personalized mRNA vaccine met key goals in a late-stage melanoma trial, and a Pennsylvania teen’s blood test for early pancreatic cancer showed strong accuracy in clinical testing. Local Health Funding: Mercer County schools are set to receive $710,000+ for safety and behavioral health improvements through a state program. Health & Safety Policy: Lackawanna County leaders say the local fight over data centers and power projects must continue even after Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new executive order. Community Health: A pedestrian incident in Fairview Township sent patients to a nearby landing zone for helicopter transport as police investigate. Workplace/Behavioral Health: Medicaid psychotherapy spending rose sharply from 2018 to 2024, according to a CMS-based analysis.

Back-to-school health: Delaware County leaders are urging families to get required immunizations on time as Pennsylvania measles cases near 300 statewide, with rising school exposure concerns and growing vaccine exemptions. Food security: In Philly, hundreds of summer sites—including churches and Playstreets—helped distribute about 1 million free meals to kids, using the Summer Food Service Program to keep children fed and engaged. Workplace safety in healthcare: Hospital workers on strike are spotlighting workplace violence, saying nurses face assaults like biting and that the problem is widespread across states including Pennsylvania. Rural hospital finances: A PHC4 analysis finds rural Pennsylvania hospitals improved margins in 2025, but warns federal funding cuts could erase gains. Data center policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening data center permitting and tax perks, requiring energy and water cost plans plus local approval. Public health & recalls: Berks County restaurant inspections flagged issues like sanitizer and hot-water temperature problems, while multiple pet and food recalls cited salmonella or listeria risks. Penn State investigation: Authorities charged 14 people in an alleged cocaine trafficking ring tied to two Penn State fraternities, including students accused of cutting and packaging drugs.

Public Health: Allegany County confirmed a third measles case—now the first outside New Hudson—while presumed cases rise and officials point to possible links tied to horse auctions and travel to Ohio and Pennsylvania, urging extra caution for unvaccinated people, infants, and pregnant women. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Pennsylvania and 28 other states were warned about a recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit due to possible Listeria contamination, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant people and vulnerable patients. Health Coverage: Pennie enrollment is dropping sharply after federal ACA subsidy changes, raising fears that more Pennsylvanians will lose coverage and strain emergency and urgent-care systems. Data Privacy & Health Tech: Pennsylvania AG Aaron Ford joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a Trump administration push for sensitive CDL driver data, arguing privacy law violations and improper federal access. Behavioral Health & Care Access: Caron Treatment Centers announced a leadership shakeup, with multiple top executives departing as the nonprofit behavioral health provider moves into a new interim CEO structure. Cancer Research: Pitt researchers report exhausted T cells can escape tumors and help create long-lasting anti-cancer immunity in mice. Workforce Mental Health: Lincoln Financial and IBI released new findings on how mental well-being gaps are affecting call-center workers and what employers can do to close the support gap. Policy Watch: Gov. Josh Shapiro reversed course on data centers, tightening permitting and tax perks unless projects meet stricter standards like full electricity costs, water limits, and local outreach.

Measles Surge in Central PA: Pennsylvania health officials report 307 measles cases statewide, with 60 added in the past week; 34% involve people under 18, and all reported cases are in people who weren’t vaccinated—counties including Centre, Northumberland, Snyder, Perry, Lycoming, and now Columbia are tracking exposures as schools reopen. Penn State Cocaine Ring Charges: The PA Attorney General says 14 people face charges tied to an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation run out of two Penn State fraternities, with accused ringleaders allegedly traveling to Philadelphia and New York to obtain “large quantities,” then having pledges cut and package drugs for sale to students. School Start Times & Teen Sleep: Pennsylvania’s updated School Code gives districts more flexibility to consider later start times for secondary students, aligning schedules with teen circadian biology and the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep. Privacy Push on License Plate Readers: State lawmakers announced bipartisan legislation to add statewide safeguards for automated license plate reader systems (including Flock Safety), aiming to protect personal information and limit misuse. Sports Medicine Leadership: Allegheny Health Network tapped UPMC/Pitt sports medicine surgeon Dr. Volker Musahl for a major leadership role starting next February. Food Safety Recall: Henkel recalled specific lots of Schwarzkopf Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse nationwide due to pressurized cans that could leak or burst.

School Safety & Mental Health Funding: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grants are sending nearly $2 million to eight Butler County districts for physical security and behavioral health supports. Measles Surge: The state reported 307 measles cases statewide, with 60 new cases in a week; Lancaster County leads with 162, and health officials are pushing pop-up MMR vaccine clinics. Vaccine Policy Pressure: CDC data shows childhood vaccine exemptions for personal or religious reasons hit a new record, as families resist school requirements. Healthcare Access in Rural PA: Advocates warn “bare minimum” care in rural Pennsylvania could worsen under new Medicaid and Medicare requirements. Domestic Violence Services Protected: A Harrisburg-based coalition won a federal lawsuit blocking Trump administration grant conditions that would have forced nonprofits to change programs or risk funding loss. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart-linked soup kit recalls over possible Listeria contamination are expanding across multiple states, including Pennsylvania. Community Health & Wellness: Tops Friendly Markets launched its annual United Way campaign, asking shoppers to donate $1 or round up at checkout to support local health and human services.

Community Health Expansion: Union Community Care (Lancaster) says its board approved a merger with Berks Community Health Center, extending services into a fourth county with no immediate changes for patients at existing Berks locations. Local Housing & Misinformation: Dormont officials weigh a major Red Line station redevelopment that could add 180 apartments, while opponents spread false claims amplified with AI—prompting a borough FAQ to correct them. Public Safety Tech Oversight: Pa. lawmakers propose guardrails on automatic license plate cameras as Flock Safety tightens default data retention from 30 to 7 days amid misuse concerns. Measles Watch: Chester County health officials warn cases are rising fast statewide, with nearly 300 reported and many severe enough for hospitalization, underscoring the importance of vaccination. Health Care Workplace: Lehigh Valley Health Network settles a wage-and-overtime lawsuit with employees at its Dickson City hospital for $192,500. Outdoor Health: Oil Region tick populations are climbing, raising Lyme and anaplasmosis risk and renewing calls for prevention. Data Privacy Alerts: National law firms are investigating recent health data breaches tied to community health and genetics testing providers.

Vascular Care Spotlight: St. Luke’s University Health Network’s vascular surgery team earned a top Society for Vascular Surgery/Vascular Quality Initiative Dr. Larry Kraiss Quality Award, with its Allentown and Bethlehem campuses among just 13 U.S. recipients for sustained three-star quality ratings. Food Safety Alert: Kettle Cuisine LLC recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in Pennsylvania due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; no illnesses reported, but consumers are urged not to eat the kits. Public Health & School Readiness: A Pittsburgh pediatrician highlighted Pennsylvania’s immunization tracking database and urged families to use a “medical home” for vaccine guidance as measles concerns rise. Maternal Wellness: A new Hershey-area nonprofit, Mothers on the Move, is launching free weekly dance lessons for new mothers with childcare stipends. Community Health Funding: Luzerne-area school districts received more than $1.3 million for security and mental health programs through the state’s School Safety and Mental Health Grants. Health in the News (Outdoors): A Pennsylvania hiker was airlifted off Mount Monadnock after a life-threatening medical emergency near the summit.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: DOJ expanded its anti-fraud push with a major Pennsylvania Medicaid home-care bust, prompting bipartisan outrage and renewed focus on stopping money taken from disabled people who rely on the program. Workforce & Training: Delaware County Community College says its low-cost AI and computer science pathways are helping students land higher-growth futures, with internships and job connections built in. Health Care Costs: A new look at long-term care shows costs keep climbing, leaving more families scrambling to pay for nursing homes and home care. RSV Protection for Newborns: With fall RSV season approaching, expectant parents have two main options—maternal vaccination or an antibody shot for the baby after birth—both aimed at reducing infant hospital risk. Measles Update: Pennsylvania’s measles count keeps rising as schools start, with Lancaster County holding a large share of cases and many patients not fully vaccinated. Opioid Prevention: Pennsylvania’s overdose prevention network added its first faith-based recovery partner, expanding access to naloxone and drug testing strips across the state. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled more than 3,000 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits sold at Walmart due to possible Listeria contamination. Community Health & Safety: County leaders discussed priorities including mental health funding and 911 support, while school-zone traffic violations continue to climb.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania reported 61 new measles cases this week, pushing the state total to 296 in 2026, with Lancaster County holding about half; officials note none of this year’s patients were fully vaccinated as schools reopen. RSV Protection for Newborns: Expectant families can protect infants this fall either with the maternal RSV vaccine (32–36 weeks) or a long-acting antibody after birth, with CDC-linked data showing lower RSV hospitalizations in recent seasons. Opioid Prevention Expands: Pennsylvania’s overdose prevention network added its first faith-based recovery partner, bringing naloxone and drug testing strips to 100 organizations statewide. Cancer Nutrition Basics: A UPenn cancer doctor is promoting four “bare minimum” diet rules—fermented foods, no sugar-sweetened drinks, fewer ultra-processed snacks, and more high-quality protein/fiber—to support healthier aging. Health Care Costs & Access: Jefferson Health reported a $181.5 million operating loss in fiscal 2026 and pointed to commercial insurer actions; meanwhile, Aramark and Penn Medicine launched a direct-contracting employee plan to lower costs. School Safety: Police citations for school-zone violations rose sharply, with speeding and illegal passing of school buses driving the increase. Forever Chemicals Pushback: Advocates say Pennsylvania’s PFAS “forever chemicals” ban is stuck in the Senate as the clock runs toward the election. Invasive Bugs Watch: Warmer weather in North Carolina could help spotted lanternflies and other invasive insects spread faster—an issue with major Pennsylvania agriculture stakes. Local Health Workforce: Geisinger College of Health Sciences welcomed its Class of 2030, including 81 Pennsylvania residents. Data Center Regulation: Jim Thorpe adopted stricter data center zoning rules, including closed-loop cooling requirements.

Federal Court Update: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to stalking charges tied to the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, admitting he trailed the executive to an investor conference and shot him in New York; sentencing is set for Dec. 18, while his New York state murder case may face legal delays. School Safety & Mental Health: Pennsylvania’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded more than $884,000 in School Safety and Security grants to six 64th District school districts for safer learning environments and behavioral health supports. Heart Care Expansion: St. Luke’s unveiled a $252 million Heart Hospital at its Anderson Campus, opening in October with new operating rooms, interventional suites, and a specialized cardiac ICU. Food Safety Alert: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, due to possible Listeria contamination. Public Health Watch: Measles cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania, with reports of exposure and growing concern ahead of the school year. Community Health & Support: Skills of Central PA will host its 21st annual Pat Houser Golf Tournament Aug. 24 to fund intellectual disability and behavioral health programs across 17 counties.