AGP Executive Report

Superbug Watch: Indiana is seeing rising cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris, with CDC data showing 92 cases reported in the week ending July 25 and 3,437 clinically confirmed cases nationwide across 27 states. Community Health Outreach: Marion County Public Health held a “Be a Good Neighbor” event in Garfield Park, offering overdose-prevention info, free HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and harm-reduction supplies like naloxone. Food Safety Alerts: Two major outbreaks are driving recalls and warnings—cyclosporiasis tied to iceberg lettuce (Indiana included, with cases climbing in multiple counties) and salmonella tied to recalled jalapeños (Indiana reported six cases as of Friday). Indiana Medicaid Scrutiny: State lawmakers are demanding answers after Indiana I-Team reporting on families with disabled children losing Medicaid coverage, citing denials tied to new disability assessments and processing delays. Public Health Tech: IU researchers are developing an avian flu early-detection system for waterways, aiming to give poultry producers a heads-up to strengthen biosecurity. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS has begun decertifying Network for Hope after federal reviews cited serious patient safety failures, including organ harvesting attempts when patients showed signs of life.

PFAS in Indiana farmland: A new report looks at how “forever chemicals” may be ending up on Hoosier fields through biosolids from wastewater treatment, raising concerns about gaps in current safeguards. Food safety alert: CDC says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba removing the peppers after FDA/CDC linked the source to a Mexico grower. Medicaid and autism services: Autism providers back a Trump-era Medicaid fraud crackdown, saying alleged stolen funds have harmed families and access to Applied Behavior Analysis care. Indiana heart care recognition: 53 Indiana hospitals earned American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” honors for improving treatment for heart disease and stroke. Parkinson’s risk link: A new study finds a nationwide association between living near dry cleaners and higher Parkinson’s disease risk, pointing to possible long-term solvent exposure. Local health basics: Indiana families are reminded to schedule back-to-school well-child visits to confirm vaccines and catch issues early. Sports medicine/OTC: FDA approved the first over-the-counter combo tablet pairing acetaminophen and naproxen for longer-lasting pain relief.

Energy & Health: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and AG Todd Rokita are pushing to keep coal plants running longer, arguing new data center demand makes it necessary—while critics warn it could worsen public health and raise costs for Hoosiers. Foodborne Illness Watch: Michigan is easing its lettuce guidance as cyclosporiasis cases slow, but still urges people to avoid recalled lettuce; meanwhile, the nationwide outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues to spread across more states. Organ Donation Oversight: The federal government is moving to decertify Network for Hope, an organ-donation nonprofit serving Kentucky and Indiana, after HHS raised serious patient-safety concerns tied to cases where neurological signs were questioned. Tenant Rights & Housing Stability: A Central Indiana Housing FAQ from WFYI and the Indianapolis Recorder highlights eviction rules and renter protections, noting Indiana saw nearly 70,000 evictions over the past year. Medicaid Fraud Push: State attorneys general, including Indiana’s, are urging Congress to expand states’ authority to investigate Medicaid recipient fraud. Local Health Business: Strawberry Fields REIT reported quarterly results and declared a $0.17 dividend, with its portfolio spanning Indiana and other states’ skilled nursing and long-term care facilities.

Food Safety: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños after a CDC-linked Salmonella Javiana outbreak sickened 345 people across 27 states, including Indiana, with 36 hospitalizations. Public Health: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce Cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states and 6,358 cases, with Indiana among the listed states; officials stress the incubation lag means new state additions often reflect illnesses already underway. Healthcare Access (Indiana): FSSA reports Indiana Medicaid is “back in black,” citing reforms and returning $310 million to the general fund. Behavioral Health (Indiana): United Way of Southwestern Indiana awarded nearly $1M to expand mental health services through its Mental Health Pathway. Hospitals (Indiana): The American Heart Association recognized 53 Indiana hospitals for heart disease and stroke quality programs, including Deaconess Gibson Hospital in Princeton and Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS moved to decertify Kentucky’s Network for Hope after federal findings of persistent patient safety failures, serving parts of Indiana. Infection Watch: CDC data shows candida auris cases rising nationwide, with Illinois among hotspots.

Organ Donation Oversight: HHS began decertifying Network for Hope, the organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of Indiana, citing persistent patient safety failures and “serious deficiencies” in nearly 30% of reviewed cases. Food Safety: Qdoba removed jalapeños after a Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to the peppers spread to at least 27 states, with Indiana among the affected. Public Health: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce continues to widen nationally, with CDC tying the outbreak to Taylor Farms and adding more states to the list. Healthcare Innovation: Cleveland Clinic launched a drone delivery program for prescription meds, and an Indianapolis-area drone delivery effort is also being explored. Indiana Medicaid: FSSA says it returned $310 million to the state’s general fund and credits reforms for improving Medicaid finances, while warning costs remain a long-term challenge. Indiana Health Workforce: Butler University is launching a new bachelor’s program for respiratory therapists amid a staffing shortage.

Medicaid Watch: Indiana is bracing for a new phase of Medicaid eligibility changes, with more frequent renewals, extra verification, and new work or community engagement reporting requirements that could trigger additional coverage losses for eligible Hoosiers. Child Care Deregulation: Parents and providers are pushing back on Gov. Mike Braun’s proposed early learning deregulations, arguing they may cut costs but also weaken quality and child development. Drug Pricing & Antitrust: Indiana is in the orbit of a major multistate $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with injunctive reforms tied to approval. Medicaid Fraud Push: Indiana AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, seeking expanded authority to pursue beneficiary fraud. Public Health Alert: The Cyclospora outbreak continues to spread across states, with Indiana-linked case reporting and ongoing guidance as officials track illnesses tied to contaminated produce. Health Care Access: A new review highlights potential metabolic benefits from lowering protein intake for sedentary adults, while stressing it’s not a call to eliminate protein.

Rural Primary Care Expansion: Valley Oaks Health says it will add primary medical care to its Rensselaer office this fall, aiming to bring whole-person (physical and behavioral) services closer to residents in Jasper and Newton counties. Medicaid Coverage Losses: Indiana’s Medicaid enrollment dropped by 343,000 people in a year (down 18.5%), with “noncompliance” renewals a major driver—leaving hospitals and advocates bracing for more uninsured Hoosiers. Food Safety Alert (Cyclospora): The CDC expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Missouri among the additions and Michigan reporting the first outbreak deaths. Medicaid Fraud Push: Indiana Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would let Medicaid Fraud Control Units pursue beneficiary/recipient fraud. Local Care Recognition: Parkview Regional Medical Center and Parkview Ortho Hospital in Fort Wayne were again recognized in U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including high performance for knee replacement and OB/GYN. Trauma Commission Meeting: The Indiana Trauma Care Commission will hold its Aug. 7 public meeting in Indianapolis.

Medicaid Pressure on Hoosiers: Indiana’s Medicaid rolls fell by more than 343,000 people in a year (down 18.5%), with coverage gaps disrupting care and adding strain on hospitals and providers. Family Stories, Real-World Impact: One Huntington mother described repeated paperwork demands that led to her 5-year-old’s Medicaid termination despite prior updates—threatening private-duty nursing and respite care. Public Health Watch: Michigan confirmed the first cyclosporiasis deaths in its outbreak, with thousands sickened nationwide and health officials warning that severe dehydration can drive serious outcomes. VA Leadership in Indiana Region: Fred Roché was named CEO of the Marion VA Health Care System, overseeing veteran care across Southern Illinois. Workforce & Rural Health: Gov. Braun highlighted workforce development and rural health initiatives during statewide stops, including clinical training partnerships tied to local employers. Health Policy Enforcement: Missouri AG Hanaway backed federal action to expand states’ Medicaid fraud investigation authority.

Foodborne Illness Watch: Michigan reported two cyclosporiasis deaths tied to the ongoing outbreak, with officials saying both victims had serious underlying conditions and dehydration; the CDC continues investigating links beyond initial lettuce-related cases. Public Health & Safety: Indiana is among states tied to the outbreak, as officials track rising case counts and urge people with symptoms to seek testing and care. Cybersecurity: Indiana launched an Office of Cybersecurity within the Department of Homeland Security to help protect local governments, schools, and businesses from hackers and AI-fueled scams, coordinating with state and local partners. Mental Health Capacity: Indiana officials warn competency restoration for criminal defendants is crowding psychiatric hospital beds, limiting access for people with serious mental illness. Health Literacy: Indy Reads received a $150,000 grant to pilot a new health literacy program aimed at helping Hoosiers better understand care plans, prescriptions, and preventive services. Local Health Infrastructure: UChicago Medicine Northwest Indiana released its first Community Health Needs Assessment and improvement plan after engaging more than 700 residents. Health Policy/Access: Indiana Medicaid will cover GLP-1 weight-loss medications for eligible Hoosiers through a federal program.

Medicaid Coverage Watch: Indiana’s Medicaid rolls dropped by more than 343,000 people in a year (down 18.5%), with procedural closures outpacing determinations that people were no longer eligible—creating coverage gaps that are straining hospitals and providers. Obesity Treatment Access: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana Medicaid will cover GLP-1 obesity medications for eligible Hoosiers through a new federal BALANCE model, with Indiana paying $85.16 per month and the rest covered via federal and manufacturer support (eligibility details still being finalized). Food Insecurity: Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap estimates 1,097,150 Hoosiers faced food insecurity in 2024, including 327,150 children—highlighting ongoing need even among people above federal assistance limits. Public Health Safety: Health officials warn against the “cyclospora skinny” trend, stressing the parasite infection can cause severe, prolonged illness and hospitalization. Medication Safety for Seniors: A new study links polypharmacy (5+ prescriptions) in older adults to higher mortality risk, raising concerns about potentially inappropriate drug use. Community Health Access: Monroe County expanded walk-in clinic hours for veterans due to high interest. Local Health & Wellness: A Southeast Indiana family farm is restoring native habitat to help reverse insect decline, including monarch butterfly returns.

Medicaid & Data Policy: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith fielded questions in Marion on a 92-and-You tour, weighing data centers (supporting them for tech needs but opposing tax abatements and public-land siting) alongside Indiana Medicare/Medicaid and the role of religion in public office. Public Health & Safety: Indiana DNR is investigating after a juvenile drowned in Cass County’s France Park swimming lake; the teen was pulled from the water, taken to hospital, and died, with cause pending autopsy. Food Safety: Indiana reported more than 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases statewide, as officials track a broader outbreak. Health Access & Jobs: Polygon Co. will invest $4 million in Walkerton to expand medical device manufacturing, adding 35 jobs and boosting capacity. Substance Use Warning: The DEA warned Indiana-area concert and festival goers about illicit meth and counterfeit pills circulating as party drugs. Community Health: Lake City Bank announced $25,000 in scholarships tied to financial literacy programming for Elkhart students.

Food Safety Watch: Indiana health officials report more than 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, with 1,176 logged as of July 31; Kosciusko County has 62, and Allen (241) and Marion (98) lead statewide. Public Health & Food Access: SNAP’s August 2026 payment schedule runs Aug. 5–23 for Indiana, with benefits delivered via EBT. Outbreaks & Recalls: Federal investigators are also tracking a separate Salmonella-linked egg recall tied to 19 million eggs, with illnesses reported across multiple states. Local Health Support: Food Bank of Northern Indiana announces August mobile food distributions across several counties, including drive-thru pickups in Kosciusko, Marshall, and Elkhart. Community Health & Wellness: Gov. Braun expands health and wellness access with the READI 2.0 investment opening in Batesville. Safety & Care in Indiana: Indianapolis Public Schools appoints Erika Ingle as director of health services.

Public Health Alert: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps surging, with state officials reporting more than 10,700 cases and hundreds hospitalized, and investigators pointing to possible lettuce or salad greens as a likely source while urging careful washing and trimming of produce. Local Care Access: Parkview Health’s Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography will offer a downtown Warsaw screening day Aug. 6 at First United Methodist Church, with limited slots. Food & Nutrition Policy: SNAP cuts are hitting Black Americans hardest, with advocates warning that reduced federal food assistance is driving deeper food insecurity. Medicaid Spending Watch: A Greenwood analysis shows Medicaid claims under “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” jumped sharply in 2024, highlighting how local billing patterns can shift over time. Health Coverage Trends: Obamacare marketplace enrollment declined in nearly all states after enhanced federal subsidies expired, with New Mexico the lone exception using state funds to replace aid. Safety & Health Risk: A public health warning flags frozen burritos sold at Costco due to an undeclared allergen.

Medicaid & GLP-1 Access: Indiana is expanding coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss treatments for eligible Medicaid members, a move aimed at improving obesity care for Hoosiers. Public Health Alert: Costco shoppers are being warned about frozen burritos sold with an undeclared egg allergen, prompting consumers to discard or return affected items. Foodborne Illness Watch: Cyclosporiasis reporting continues to rise in the Midwest, with Indiana and neighboring states tracking new cases as health officials monitor outbreaks. Rural Care & Hospital Growth: Indiana’s rural health footprint is getting a boost, including new hospital expansion activity and additional regional support tied to improving access. Community Mental Health Funding: United Way grants are supporting mental health pathways for local nonprofits, targeting service gaps in southwestern Indiana. Local Safety & Health Systems: A West Lafayette-area infant abduction ended with a safe recovery in Kentucky and a precautionary hospital visit, underscoring the role of rapid response and pediatric care.

Cyclospora Update (Indiana): Indiana health officials report nearly 1,200 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with the real total likely higher as testing lags; symptoms can include severe “explosive” diarrhea, and CDC says thousands more cases are still under investigation nationwide. Food Safety & Public Guidance: The FDA says the U.S. food supply remains safe even as the multistate outbreak grows, while investigators continue to look for the source tied to fresh produce. Medicaid Access (Indiana): Gov. Braun announced Indiana Medicaid will cover GLP-1 obesity treatments for eligible members, expanding access for Hoosiers. Pediatric Cancer Leadership: Indian-origin oncologist Nirali Shah was appointed to lead a pediatric cell and gene therapy program at the University of Maryland and will treat patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital starting in September. Local Health/Community: Allen County launches “Community Conversations,” bringing county leaders and departments to residents for Q&A and service updates. Public Safety (Indiana): A northwest Indiana woman accused of killing her father and cutting out his heart pleaded not guilty.

Medicaid GLP-1 Access: Indiana is expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment by adding select GLP-1 medications, with Gov. Braun directing the state to participate in a federal initiative aimed at predictable pricing and broader access for eligible Hoosiers. Trans Healthcare Fallout: Families say Indiana’s ban on pediatric gender-affirming care has disrupted treatment plans for transgender kids, forcing some to scramble for care out of state even after legal challenges. Food Safety Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak keeps growing nationwide, with Indiana tied to the wider lettuce-linked investigation as confirmed cases rise and health officials track hospitalizations and spread across states. Nutrition & Brain Health: A new study presented to nutrition researchers suggests time-restricted eating (shorter daily eating windows) may modestly improve certain cognitive test results in older women. Community Health & Safety: Indiana also continues to push “safe route to school” planning as parents worry about traffic and sidewalk gaps, aiming to reduce risky commutes for kids. Indiana Sports Medicine: IU Athletics is changing student football ticket access for 2026, limiting students to selecting up to five home games—sparking backlash from fans who previously attended all home matches.