AGP Executive Report

Heat & Worker Safety: Indiana’s outdoor workforce is being hit hard by extreme heat, with the National Weather Service urging people to avoid outdoor activity while workers still have to be outside—raising risks of heat stroke and injuries. Healthcare Access: A new Georgetown report says Indiana leads the nation in the drop of children enrolled in CHIP/Hoosier Healthwise, pointing to added state red tape and warning more decreases may follow. Homelessness Policy: Indiana’s new law restricts sleeping or long-term sheltering on public property, requiring warnings and mental health checks before enforcement and limiting arrests to people who stay within 300 feet after 48 hours. Hospital Costs: Federal warnings are reportedly going to 34 Indiana hospitals for hiding healthcare costs, adding pressure on pricing transparency. Pharmacy & Groceries: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65B deal, expanding pharmacy and grocery access across Indiana and nearby states. Public Health & Food: A USDA alert flags a chicken product sold in multiple states due to misbranding concerns.

Workforce Training Push: Indiana is opting into the federal Workforce Pell Grants, aiming to fund faster, direct-to-workforce certificate and credential programs at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, with health and life sciences listed among priority sectors. Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Indiana and the broader Midwest are bracing for lethal summer conditions, with guidance on heat illness prevention and cooling-center resources highlighted for residents. Healthcare Workforce & Access: A new spotlight on Indiana’s healthcare ecosystem includes coverage of how providers are adapting and where gaps remain, alongside reminders that pharmacists and other frontline roles are increasingly critical. Animal Welfare Under Heat: Indianapolis Animal Care Services is investigating after a Great Dane died from severe heat stroke, with officials reviewing kennel procedures and emergency protocols. Food & Consumer Safety: A Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brush recall warns of loose bristles that can break off and cause serious injury if swallowed—an especially timely reminder for Fourth of July cookouts. Sports Medicine Attention: Coverage also flags concerns about contact injuries in women’s basketball, underscoring the need for safer play and better protection.

Extreme Heat Safety: A heat dome is pushing dangerous conditions across the Midwest and Great Lakes, with Indiana among the states under extreme heat warnings; health officials urge hydration, frequent shade breaks, and fast action for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Local Aging Support: Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield launched a Friendly Visitor pilot to reduce social isolation for older adults through regular calls and visits, with referrals to other services when needed. Pharmacy Workforce Watch: Indiana leaders are sounding the alarm on pharmacist shortages as closures and reduced hours limit access, especially in underserved communities. Grocery & Pharmacy Access: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65B deal, keeping the Giant Eagle name and pharmacies while expanding Kroger’s Midwest footprint. SNAP Administration: New reporting highlights SNAP payment error rates in other states that could increase costs for taxpayers—an issue Indiana policymakers may want to watch closely. Health Education for Families: Indianapolis-area guidance emphasizes getting kids ready for the school year with vaccines and routine health visits.

Workforce & AI: Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is co-chairing RAISE US, a new nonprofit backed by $500M+ to help workers transition to an AI-driven economy, partnering with states and major employers including Eli Lilly. Maternal health: Healthier Moms and Babies in Allen County completed training and certification for 10 community-based doulas, aiming to reduce barriers for families in neighborhoods hit hardest by infant mortality. Kidney care access: A new nationwide study finds nearly half of kidney transplant patients never even start the evaluation process, with only about 19% reaching the waitlist—highlighting major gaps before transplant referral. Opioid response funding: Fort Wayne is accepting applications for its third round of opioid settlement grants, with $500,000 available for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction programs. Extreme heat risk: Federal and local officials are warning Hoosiers and much of the Midwest about dangerous heat and heat index levels, urging precautions for people without air conditioning or with health conditions. Grocery & pharmacy ripple: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B, adding about 197 stores and 11 pharmacies across Indiana and nearby states, with changes expected after a 2027 close.

Health Coverage & ER Strain: Indiana hospitals are seeing a double-digit jump in emergency department visits since early 2025, with KFF linking it to more Hoosiers losing coverage or shifting to high-deductible plans after enhanced ACA tax credits ended and Medicaid eligibility checks tightened. Extreme Heat Response: As dangerous Midwest heat pushes into Indiana, Indianapolis EMS reports a sharp rise in heat-related calls, warning that heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke and urging residents to use cooling options and watch for confusion or loss of consciousness. Cancer Care During Pregnancy: A Duke-led care team story highlights that pregnant patients can receive chemotherapy during pregnancy for triple-negative breast cancer, with coordinated OB/oncology treatment and careful delivery planning. Workplace Health Leadership: Parkview Health in Fort Wayne earned top honors as the No. 1 nonprofit in North America in Inspiring Workplaces’ 2026 rankings, spotlighting wellbeing and employee voice. Women’s Health Billing Efficiency: IKS Health released results tied to Axia Women’s Health across Indiana and other states, reporting lower denial rates and improved coding accuracy alongside millions in annual cash impact. Policy Watch (Sports & Transgender Athletes): The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender women and girls competing in women’s sports, keeping Indiana’s 2022 and 2025 athlete participation laws in place.

Extreme Heat Safety: Indiana and nearby states are under dangerous heat warnings as heat indexes push toward triple digits, with local cooling centers and medical teams urging hydration and heat-illness watchouts. Local Cooling Access: Michiana-area cooling centers list hours and locations for residents needing a safe place to cool down. Health Care Cost Pressure: North Carolina is creating a Health Care Affordability Commission to tackle rising costs—an issue Indiana lawmakers and providers continue to grapple with. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Indiana’s new July 1 laws include tighter eligibility checks aimed at reducing Medicaid and SNAP fraud and waste. Behavioral Health Leadership: Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board names a new executive director with long experience in mental health first aid and youth services. Community Health Funding: The Lilly Foundation opens Marion County grant applications focused on K-12 STEM and economic mobility, with a deadline of July 3. Food Safety Alert: Indiana shoppers are being warned about recalled or misbranded food products, including potato chip recalls and chicken-related alerts. Healthcare Workforce & Training: Indiana culinary work-based learning is teaching students how to cook with protein while building healthier eating habits. Public Health in Schools: An Indianapolis middle school reports a sharp drop in out-of-school suspensions after shifting toward mediation and restorative practices. Healthcare Legacy: IU honors Ryan White with a campus sculpture, spotlighting his AIDS advocacy and the lasting impact on public health awareness.

Pharma & Access: Aurobindo Pharma has completed its $250 million acquisition of US-based Lannett, adding more than 400 employees and expanding production capacity at its Seymour, Indiana facility to help boost availability of complex generic medicines, including ADHD treatments. Public Health Alert: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Indiana, due to an undeclared egg allergen from mislabeling; consumers are urged to discard or return the affected lots. Local Policy: Whitley County commissioners approved a moratorium on data centers until an ordinance is drafted, citing zoning and resource-use concerns. Behavioral Health Funding: The Elevance Health Foundation awarded nearly $5.8 million in new behavioral health grants to expand community mental health and substance use disorder access. Community Health & Safety: Marion County and other areas are pushing heat-safety guidance as extreme heat continues, while CDC reports backyard poultry Salmonella outbreaks remain active with hundreds of cases nationwide. Care & Advocacy: A pediatric resident in North Carolina was recognized for Guardian ad Litem advocacy work, highlighting how medical professionals can support vulnerable children.

Heat Safety: Marion County and statewide partners are urging Hoosiers to beat the heat with hydration, shade breaks, and cooling centers as heat index values push 100–105°F this week. Cooling Centers: Indiana 211 and local listings point residents to libraries, YMCAs, and community centers for relief. Food & Allergy Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for mislabeled Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts that contain undeclared egg allergen; consumers should throw away or return affected packages. Healthcare Access & Wellness: A “Food is Medicine” FarmHop tour in Northwest Indiana highlighted how local farms support health and prevention, connecting nursing students with community nutrition programs. Local Care Innovation: Columbus Regional Health Foundation and Parks & Recreation are building NexusPark, a one-stop campus blending medical practices with wellness and recreation. Pharma Manufacturing: FDA selected Eli Lilly (Lebanon, IN) and Regeneron for a PreCheck pilot to speed reviews of new domestic drug manufacturing sites. Community Health Policy: Indiana lawmakers continue pushing pricing transparency reforms aimed at lowering hospital costs for families and employers. Public Safety: Police arrested a man tied to two downtown Indianapolis assaults, including one fatal, and Indiana State Police also reported another deadly Monument Circle attack.

Extreme Heat Safety: The American Red Cross is urging Hoosiers to prepare for dangerously high temperatures, emphasizing hydration, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and pets. Health Warning Signs: A neurovascular specialist is reminding Americans that sudden, severe headaches can signal a ruptured brain aneurysm and require emergency care. Indiana Housing & Safety: States are loosening building code rules to cut construction costs, including changes that could allow some low-rise apartments to use fewer stairs—critics warn this may raise risk for residents. Property Tax Pressure: Indiana’s assessed values rose nearly 10% overall from 2025 to 2026, with residential values up 7.3%, renewing debate over the state’s market-based assessment system. Local Health Support: Community Harvest Food Bank received a $5,000 grant to expand programs for families, kids, seniors, and community cupboard needs. Immigration & Care Access: WFYI reports the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting Haitian and Syrian TPS status could disrupt thousands of Indiana families, including access to work and healthcare staffing. Newborn Brain Monitoring: NeuroBell secured about €4.8M to accelerate U.S. launch of an AI-assisted neonatal brain monitor aimed at earlier seizure detection in NICUs.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA issued multiple actions in one day, including a public health alert for Fresh Seasons Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wraps (Listeria risk) and an alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon chicken breasts with an undeclared egg allergen sold in Indiana and other states—check labels and “sell by” dates. Public Health & Environment: A guest column warns proposed coal ash rules could threaten Indiana groundwater, as the state holds large coal-ash reserves near homes and wells. Animal Health: Elanco says New World screwworm has reached the U.S. (first case in Texas) and is urging vets and producers to prepare for treatment options. Community Health: Franciscan Alliance CEO Kevin Leahy is stepping down at year-end; Franciscan Physician Network adds sports medicine doctor Kyle Meyer in Munster. Safety & Wellness: Extreme heat watch is in effect for northern Indiana through Thursday, with heat-index risks near 105—limit outdoor exertion and hydrate. Local Health & Safety: Indiana launched an interactive map to track tobacco retailer youth compliance checks. Sports & Health: Indiana Fever beat Phoenix 86-77 with Caitlin Clark returning to form; Clark’s back injury remains a key storyline for the team.

Indiana SNAP policy ripple: Arkansas will start banning SNAP purchases of soda and certain “unhealthy” items July 1, joining similar waivers already in place in Indiana and several other states. Indiana healthcare enforcement: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is overseeing multiple Medicaid fraud investigations and charges as part of a broader national healthcare fraud takedown. Public health alert: Health officials identified West Nile virus in Southern Indiana mosquitoes, adding to the summer watch list for Hoosiers. Hospital safety reminder: Ascension St. Vincent is urging families to skip at-home fireworks and attend professional displays, citing burn and injury risks that spike around the Fourth of July. Sports-health local angle: Caitlin Clark remains sidelined for the Indiana Fever with a back injury, while the team is emphasizing cautious return timelines; meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton says he feels healthy again after Achilles recovery and shingles. Environmental health watch: After a Boyle Heights warehouse fire, runoff foam is reaching the L.A. River, prompting testing for metals like copper, lead, and arsenic.

Public Health & Safety: Indiana-linked crash news continues to surface, including a fatal 5-year-old boy death in rural Maine after a stop-sign crash, with the father and infant sister injured. Infectious Disease Update: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton says he’s feeling healthy again after shingles sidelined him earlier this year, with visible recovery including regrowth of his eyebrow. Sports Medicine & Wellness: Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White says Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday’s game vs. the Sparks due to a back issue, with no clear return timeline but a week off for treatment. Policy & Health Systems: A federal push on hospital price transparency is reported as hitting dozens of Indiana facilities, raising pressure on compliance. Food Safety: A public health alert warns about raw chicken breast sold in multiple states, and separate food inspection reporting highlights recurring mild violations at local establishments. Community Health: Parkview Health is recognized among workplaces in health care, and local youth health programming continues with Safe Kids Day events and free summer lunch maps.

WNBA Health Update: Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White says Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Sparks with a back injury, emphasizing “long-term health and wellness” and no clear return timeline yet. Food Safety Alert: USDA warns Kroger shoppers about raw boneless chicken breast products sold in nine states (including Indiana) that may have an undeclared allergen (eggs) due to mislabeling—check lot code 15326A and best-by June 28, 2026. Hospital Workplace Recognition: Parkview Health in Fort Wayne was named again to Newsweek’s “Greatest Workplaces in Health Care,” highlighting employee satisfaction metrics and new childcare support programs. Community Mental Health & Youth Safety: Indianapolis and Let Them Talk launch “Summer in the City” for ages 12–17, offering sports, meals, life skills, and mental health support on Friday/Saturday nights. Public Health & Policy: A federal TPS ruling could affect thousands of Haitians and Syrians in Indiana, with Catholic bishops urging Congress to extend protections. Local Safety: Indiana DNR and crews search for a missing man after a canoe capsized in an Indianapolis retention pond; two family members were taken to local hospitals and released.

AI in Health Billing: Indiana’s new law (HEA 1271) bars health plans from using AI as the sole basis to downcode claims without a medical-record review, adds physician notice, and requires an appeals process. Public Health & Food Safety: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for Kroger Private Selection Honey Dijon boneless chicken breasts with rib meat because eggs were undeclared on labels—an issue for people with severe allergies. Immigration & Care Access: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration can end temporary protection status for Haitians and Syrians, with thousands affected in Indiana; separate reporting highlights attorneys urging release of an ICE detainee in Indiana County jail who says he’s been denied diabetes care. Local Health Workforce/Recognition: An Indiana optometrist received the America Optometric Association Distinguished Service Award. Safety & Community Health: Attorneys and advocates are pushing for better medical treatment in detention; meanwhile, Indiana law enforcement and schools continue to expand safety efforts, including a national SRO award for a Cherokee County agency. Sports Injury (Wellness Angle): Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is ruled out Saturday vs. the Sparks with a back injury, with coach citing long-term health and wellness.

Food Safety Alert: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for “PRIVATE SELECTION Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat” sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Indiana, citing misbranding and an undeclared egg allergen; no recall was issued because the product is no longer available, but consumers are urged to check labels and contact a health care provider if they have concerns. Animal Health & Travel: Indiana officials are watching the spread of New World screwworm and warning that new animal movement restrictions could catch pet owners off guard when flying or transporting animals between states. Public Health in the Spotlight: A new report highlights ICU delirium as a common, serious brain dysfunction in hospitalized patients, especially those on ventilators or heavy sedation, with potential long-term effects. Local Care Leadership: Cookeville Regional Medical Center named Greg Anderson as its new chief financial officer, bringing more than 20 years of healthcare finance leadership. Community Wellness Events: International Day of Yoga celebrations drew more than 1,000 participants nationwide, including Indianapolis, with a focus on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Indiana Medicaid crackdown: Indiana FSSA is moving to use artificial intelligence to find Medicaid fraud, aiming to flag suspicious billing patterns and tighten oversight. Aging care model: A new federal report highlights how fully integrated medical and long-term care (PACE) can reduce emergency visits, hospitalizations, and deaths for older adults. Small-business health coverage: The Madison Area Chamber launched Advantage 1 Health, a benefits program for Indiana employers with 2–50 workers, partnering with Anthem and One Southern Indiana. Public health + vaping: Wisconsin DOJ welcomed Shopify’s decision to ban all e-cigarette sales on its platform, citing youth access and health risks. School health policy: A new Indiana cell phone ban in schools takes effect July 1, with districts adopting rules that limit student device use during the school day. Community health support: Bethany Legacy Foundation’s Thriving Families Fund will provide $525 in unrestricted cash to Jefferson County families for 18 months, starting in 2027. Animal health watch: Indiana’s Board of Animal Health issued an advisory on New World screwworm after cases were reported in New Mexico and Texas.