AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: Butler University announced a new Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, aiming to launch its first cohort in fall 2027 and build Central Indiana clinical experience for a fast-growing field. Primary Care Access: Franciscan Alliance and Millennium Physician Group announced a strategic partnership to expand patient access and strengthen value-based, coordinated primary care across Indiana. Pediatric Care (Virtual): Fort Wayne’s HeroHouse Pediatrics launched a virtual pediatric clinic for common illnesses plus ADHD and depression, with booking available for insured and uninsured families. Public Health (Food Safety): The FDA flagged a Walmart-linked recall of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Maternal Mental Health: Indiana coverage highlighted perinatal psychosis as a rare but dangerous condition that can start during pregnancy and requires immediate treatment. Disaster Relief (Health & Housing): After severe storms and flooding, Gov. Braun said FEMA and state agencies are coordinating damage assessments, while Indiana Housing is offering temporary housing grants and Red Cross shelter options. Cancer Survivorship: Indiana State Fair’s Cancer Survivors Day spotlighted local support organizations and prevention-focused activities for people living with and beyond cancer.

Rural Maternal Care Boost: Indiana is rolling out a $30 million, five-year “OPEration Ready” partnership with IU School of Medicine to strengthen maternal and pediatric emergency care in rural hospitals, with targeted training and updated equipment aimed at preventing infant and mother deaths. Tele-Audiology Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that lets OTC hearing device owners get a 45-minute one-on-one remote session with a licensed professional for $99 per visit. Local Health System Expansion: Parkview Health is pushing deeper into central Indiana, including a planned $200 million hospital and medical office building near West Lafayette that would add about 250 jobs, while also pursuing managed services and new urgent care and emergency facilities. Addiction Treatment Spotlight: Newsweek named Bloomington’s Indiana Center for Recovery the No. 1 addiction treatment center in Indiana, highlighting continued attention on substance use care options. Public Health & Safety: Michigan reported a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak (13,909 cases, 314 hospitalizations, two deaths), underscoring ongoing food-safety vigilance as guidance evolves. Community Health Workforce: A new Indiana youth initiative is helping close “shoe insecurity” gaps for children, supporting school participation and activity access.

Flood Response & Child Survival: Indiana’s historic storms and record flooding have killed at least six people, with responders struggling to reach victims as roads became impassable; one 2-year-old girl survived after being found drowning in a flooded Rush County basement, receiving CPR and being airlifted to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. School Disruptions: Northwest Indiana districts are still adjusting reopening plans after outages and storm damage, including Highland’s tentative teacher/student start dates and Gary Community Schools closing again while power and resources are restored. Federal Oversight (FDA): FDA inspection updates show limited activity in Indiana counties this July—Hamilton County’s Reproductive Care of Indiana, PC received a “No Action Indicated” result, while Adams County’s Amish Country Popcorn, Inc. got “Voluntary Action Indicated.” Local Nonprofit Funding Snapshot: New rankings highlight how much government grants drive revenue for some Indiana nonprofits in 2024, including top shares in Lafayette, Knox, Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Newburgh, and Columbia City. Sports Medicine Note: MLB legend Tommy John, whose elbow surgery transformed pitching care, died at 83.

Indiana Flood Response: President Trump approved an Emergency Declaration for Indiana, unlocking up to $5M in federal disaster help for storm and flood impacts across dozens of counties, with funding aimed at water rescues, evacuations, shelters, medical transport, and debris clearing. Local Safety Alerts: Indianapolis DPW urged immediate evacuation for River Road Apartments residents due to erosion-driven structural failure, advising people to grab medicine and key papers and use designated shelters. Maternal & Pediatric Care: Indiana is putting $30M of its federal rural health grant toward improving emergency room care for mothers and children, targeting updated equipment and training to help reduce high infant and maternal mortality rates. Hospital Staffing Update: Beaufort Memorial’s Advanced Orthopedics and Spine Program added fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Mark P. Smith to expand specialized care access. Food Safety Recall: Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states were recalled over possible Listeria contamination, with no illnesses confirmed. Privacy & Tech Watch: A new license-plate-linked surveillance system could identify device types in cars and connect them to people, raising fresh privacy concerns.

Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine LLC is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible Listeria contamination; the affected 14-ounce kits (UPC 194346474004) have a use-by date of Aug. 22, 2026, and no illnesses have been confirmed. Flood Response & Public Health: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the White House has signed a Presidential Emergency Declaration, unlocking up to $5 million for storm and flood response, including water rescues, shelters, medical transport, and debris clearing; Indiana DHS reports six weather-related deaths. Local Hospital Update: IU Health says the new Fort Wayne hospital remains on track to open May 1, 2027, with hiring underway for about 270 nurses across ICU, PCU, med-surg, OR, cath lab, and ED. Access to Care: New Census Bureau data shows Bartholomew County’s uninsured adult rate fell roughly in half from 2010 to 2024 after Affordable Care Act implementation. Community Health & Resilience: Northwest Indiana schools are working through storm damage and power outages after a derecho-tornado event, with many campuses still unsure on reopening timelines. Animal Health: Indianapolis Zoo euthanized Gloria, a 47-year-old albino rhino, after worsening mobility and limited improvement from comfort-focused treatments. Maternal/Child Safety: Grant County authorities charged two people after a toddler allegedly ingested prescription medication containing buprenorphine, leading to a PICU admission.

Cancer Care Delays: A new UCLA-led study finds cancer patients are waiting longer to start treatment than a decade ago, with median delays rising across multiple cancer types and longer waits for Medicaid patients and others facing barriers. Food Safety Watch: Walmart shoppers in Indiana and 28 other states are being told to check for recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible listeria contamination. Public Health—Measles: A measles case with high community exposure has been reported in Kentucky, underscoring the need for up-to-date MMR vaccination. Local EMS Recognition: Putnam County EMS Chief Kelly Russ was named Indiana EMS Association Leader of the Year, highlighting continued investment in rural emergency care. Rural Maternal/Pediatric Care: Indiana is rolling out a $30M program aimed at improving rural emergency maternal and pediatric care. Community Health & Wellness: A local library workshop will cover invasive species and their potential human health risks in Indiana.

Cancer Care Delays: A new UCLA study in JAMA Surgery finds cancer patients are waiting longer for first treatment than a decade ago, with delays rising across multiple cancer types and longest waits for Medicaid patients and people treated at large academic centers. Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC are investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with FDA officials traveling to Mexico to continue work at the Taylor Farms facility; cases have spread to more states, including Indiana. Recall Alerts: Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are being recalled over possible listeria contamination, and the FDA has escalated an egg recall over salmonella to its highest risk level. Mosquito Risk After Flooding: Grant County health officials report positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools and urge residents to use repellent and reduce standing water. Local Mental Health Capacity: Brandon’s House Counseling Center in New Albany expanded again, doubling capacity for free teen counseling and reducing waitlist pressure. EMS Leadership: Putnam County EMS Chief Kelly Russ was named Indiana EMS Association Leader of the Year.

Rural Maternal Care Boost: Indiana is launching a $30 million, five-year partnership with the IU School of Medicine to strengthen maternal and pediatric emergency care in rural hospitals, including specialized training and updated equipment. Boone County Air Concerns: Eight Boone County residents were denied a hearing by IDEM on possible air pollutants tied to Eli Lilly’s complex, as the company seeks permit modifications for additional natural gas-fired emergency generators and combustion units. Cancer Treatment Delays: A new JAMA Surgery study finds cancer patients are waiting about 10 days longer to start treatment than a decade ago, with median diagnosis-to-treatment times rising across multiple cancers. Cyclospora Outbreak Update: CDC reports 3,123 more Cyclospora cases linked to iceberg lettuce, bringing the total to 9,481 across 17 states, including Indiana. Food Safety—Egg Recall: FDA upgraded an egg recall tied to possible Salmonella to the highest risk level, clarifying the affected eggs were sold at Kroger stores in several states, with the recalling firm listed as Indiana-based Midwest Poultry Services. Organ Donation Trust Crisis: HHS decertified the Network for Hope organ procurement organization after concerns about donor death determinations, raising alarms for families and communities across Indiana and nearby states.

Indiana Policy: State Rep. Hunter Smith joined Gov. Mike Braun and the First Lady at WonderTree Farm to celebrate House Enrolled Act 1424, a new law aimed at reducing over-regulation for Hoosier farmers and small businesses, expanding local sales and clarifying rules for labeling, handling, refrigeration, transportation and storage. Health Tech & Care Access: The VA is seeking to extend its Oracle Health EHRM contract as it nears its funding ceiling; deployments have reached only 14 of 164 VA medical centers, with Fort Wayne, Marion and Indianapolis slated for August rollouts. Public Health Watch: CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases are still rising nationwide, with 13,895 confirmed infections across 47 states plus D.C. since May 1; Michigan remains the biggest cluster, and officials warn it’s too early to assume the outbreak is over. Cybersecurity: Cook Medical disclosed a July 2 incident in which an employee inadvertently granted access to some systems via social engineering; the company says operations and patient product service are unaffected and no sensitive data access has been found. Community & Wellness: Special Olympics Indiana’s Train 4 Life program is showing measurable gains in strength, endurance and weight outcomes, according to Vanderbilt research. Storm Aftermath (Northern Indiana): Cleanup continues after Tuesday’s derecho left about 313,000 NIPSCO customers affected across multiple counties, with some LaPorte-area senior housing still dealing with power disruptions.

Severe Weather & Power: Storms slammed the Midwest, cutting power to about 540,000 homes and businesses, with Indiana hit hardest (more than 267,000 outages). Flood rescues continued as tornadoes, heavy rain and flash flooding were reported across the region. Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeño products, with distribution including Indiana; the FDA says no illnesses have been reported so far. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting 400+ cases in the latest update—an ongoing reminder to monitor GI illness and follow guidance. Indiana Medicaid Scrutiny: Lawmakers are pushing for transparency and an independent audit of an assessment tool used in Medicaid disability waiver decisions after denials rose following interRAI rollout. Childcare Policy: Indiana proposed childcare center rule changes that would reduce some credential requirements while keeping core health-and-safety rules—raising concerns about quality and cost. Blood Supply: The Red Cross renewed its call for Indiana donors as the national blood supply crisis continues. Local Care Access: Indiana and IU School of Medicine announced efforts aimed at improving rural ER obstetric and pediatric care. Workforce/Training: A former IU basketball head trainer filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the university.

Medicaid & Weight Loss Drugs: Indiana health experts are celebrating Medicaid coverage for weight loss medications, highlighting how coverage can reduce barriers for patients trying to manage weight. Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño recall tied to a salmonella risk, with products sold in Indiana and other states and “best by” dates in mid-August; officials say no illnesses have been reported for Whole Foods items so far. Public Health & Food Insecurity: A new Feeding America “Map the Meal Gap” update finds nearly 1.1 million Hoosiers faced food insecurity in 2024, including more than 327,000 children, with need showing up in every Indiana county. Rural Maternal Care: Indiana is rolling out a $30M “OPEration Ready” program aimed at improving rural emergency maternal and pediatric care. Storms & Health Disruption: Severe Midwest weather hit Indiana hard, with tornadoes confirmed in the region and widespread power outages complicating recovery for residents and utilities. Behavioral Health Compliance: Fort Wayne agreed to pay $2,500 to settle homeless relocation ordinance citations involving a behavioral health provider.

Severe Weather & Power: Destructive storms tore through the Midwest, including Indiana, with tornadoes, flash flooding and widespread outages—over 400,000 Hoosiers were without power at the peak, and first responders reported at least one death in Indiana after a tree fell on a home. Prison Health & Staffing: ICE detailed medical and staffing shortfalls at the Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana, responding to questions from Rep. André Carson. Medicaid Work Rules: Indiana estimates up to 300,000 low-income Hoosiers could be pulled into Medicaid work requirements, but key exemption and compliance details are still unclear ahead of the Jan. 1, 2027 start. Healthcare Costs & Billing: Hospitals are increasingly requiring upfront payments, adding new friction for patients trying to understand coverage and financial responsibility before care. Cancer Genetics Update: New research finds women with noninformative negative BRCA results or BRCA variants of uncertain significance may still face higher breast cancer risk than the general population. Public Health Reminders: Indiana health officials urge families to check school vaccine records before classes resume, especially for kindergarten, sixth grade and 12th grade transitions. Drug Safety & Enforcement: Eli Lilly escalated legal action by suing companies it says are illegally selling black-market versions of experimental obesity drug retatrutide.

Medicaid Watch: Indiana FSSA is moving to seek a federal waiver to reinstate Healthy Indiana Plan copayments for able-bodied adults, with cost-sharing capped at 5% of income under a proposed HIP 3.0 model. Public Health & Safety: Severe storms slammed the Midwest, knocking out power for nearly 1 million customers across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio; one death was reported in Portage, and officials warned of tornado damage. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related salmonella recalls tied to a broader multistate outbreak, with FDA tracing pointing to imported jalapeños from Mexico. Healthcare Workforce: Humana Healthy Horizons in Indiana is partnering with HealthStream to expand and strengthen the home care workforce. Medical Education: Franciscan Alliance broke ground on a new Crown Point osteopathic medical school expected to open in 2030. Access to Care: A mobile screening initiative is set to expand healthcare access in rural Indiana. Fraud Enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita announced the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was named national Unit of the Year by HHS. Housing & Health: Elkhart received a $10 million state loan to expand housing infrastructure, including a redevelopment plan with a health center.

Organ Donation Oversight: Federal reviewers have started decertification proceedings against the organ procurement organization Network for Hope, citing serious patient safety problems in nearly 30% of reviewed cases, including patients placed on the donation pathway who should not have been. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a multistate Salmonella recall tied to imported jalapeños, pulling ready-to-eat items like salsa, guacamole, dips and prepared foods sold at major retailers including in Indiana; consumers are urged to check “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16. Medicaid Cost-Sharing: Indiana’s FSSA says it will seek a federal waiver to reinstate HIP cost-sharing for able-bodied adults on Medicaid expansion, potentially adding point-of-service copayments up to 5% of income. Home Health Guidance: A new Indiana-focused guide highlights how families should vet homecare providers beyond marketing, emphasizing licensing, compliance, and caregiver verification. Workforce & Training: Gov. Mike Braun promoted Power Up Indiana’s employer-led CDL training incentives aimed at boosting wages and career advancement. Public Health Back-to-School: Parents are urged to confirm children’s vaccination records for Indiana school requirements, including Tdap and meningococcal doses starting in sixth grade. Healthcare Workforce Credentialing: Diamond Pharmacy Services announced a 340B Apexus Certified Expert designation for Matthew Risko, supporting compliance and pharmacy operations in 340B programs.

Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms has recalled jalapeño products sold across multiple states, including Indiana, after a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican-grown jalapeños sickened 345 people in 27 states; the FDA/CDC investigation also prompted broader salsa and guacamole recalls at major retailers. Public Health: Indiana is also watching the spread of cyclospora and other outbreaks nationally, as case counts continue to rise in multiple states. Healthcare Access: University of Evansville’s Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic received a $250,000 grant from United Way of Southwestern Indiana to expand outpatient mental health services for people facing financial and other barriers. Infection Control Research: New findings on Candida auris highlight why the drug-resistant fungus can persist in hair follicles, complicating efforts to clear it from patients. Policy & Coverage: FSSA reported Medicaid enrollment is down 23% since Gov. Braun took office, while overall expenditures fell only 2%, raising questions about who is losing coverage and what it costs the system. Community & Wellness: Meijer plans a new “Meijer Grocery” format store in Fishers with pharmacy and health/beauty offerings, opening Sept. 30.

Food Safety: Missouri is now No. 3 for cyclosporiasis cases tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, with new states added to the outbreak list (including Indiana) and Taco Bell removing the affected lettuce nationwide. Nutrition & Health Tech: FDA approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for older adults (with full approval for ages 50–64 and accelerated use for 65+), a potential faster-update boost as flu strains shift. Medical Research: Indiana University School of Medicine researchers unveiled an explainable AI scoring system to flag patients at high risk of dangerous internal bleeding after severe heart attacks, using info available during catheterization. Public Health Alerts: Indiana health officials reported West Nile virus in Henry County mosquito samples and urged Hoosiers to use EPA-registered repellents and take bite precautions. Medicaid Policy: Coverage churn continues to hit Indiana’s Medicaid program, with many cases closed for paperwork noncompliance and later reinstated—raising costs and disrupting care. Oral Health: An Indianapolis-area teacher is spotlighting a school oral hygiene push through “Operation Education,” aiming to improve kids’ dental habits and prevent broader health issues.