AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Funding: Indiana is moving ahead with the new GROW Rural Health program, reviewing applications for a $120 million push (part of a $207 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant) aimed at preventive care and closing gaps like long drives to emergency rooms and maternity services. Food Safety Watch: Health officials say the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled produce is still expanding, with nine states linked as of July 24, and CDC guidance continues to urge people to throw out or return recalled lettuce. Medicaid Provider Pause: Indiana is set to temporarily block new Medicaid and Medicare providers starting Aug. 1, a move that could affect access as enrollment and staffing pressures continue. Workforce & Care Access: A separate report highlights rural health grants that could support services like prenatal care and food-as-medicine programs. Local Health Systems: Parkview broke ground on a West Lafayette hospital project, adding to Indiana’s ongoing hospital expansion efforts.

Heat & Safety: A Heat Advisory stays in effect through tonight for parts of southwest and central Indiana, with heat index values near 106 degrees—officials urge hydration, breaks in A/C, and extra checks on kids, seniors, and pets. Back-to-School Health: Meridian Health Services and Muncie Community Schools host a Back-to-School Fit Fair today at Southside Middle School, offering free screenings (ADHD, dental, hearing, blood pressure, flexibility, mental health), low-cost sports physicals, immunizations, school registration help, and backpack giveaways. Public Health Watch: Indiana is monitoring a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce linked to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms; Louisiana reports 79 cases and six hospitalizations, and health officials stress coordination and food-handling caution. Care Access & Work: New research suggests GLP-1 drugs may reduce long-term employee sick leave, with an economic study finding fewer long absences among users. Local Health Policy: Indiana lawmakers are moving to temporarily block new Medicaid and Medicare providers, while other coverage highlights Indiana’s workforce pipeline and rural health funding. Community Health: Pet Friendly Services urges Indiana pet owners to protect animals during smoky days by keeping pets indoors, limiting exercise, and using HEPA filtration when possible.

Prison Health Care Under Fire: A lawsuit says an ICE detainee at Indiana’s Miami Correctional Facility missed epilepsy meds, suffered a seizure with a head injury, and was later pepper-sprayed—raising fresh questions about for-profit prison medical care. School Health Policy: Indiana’s new requirement expands tobacco education so schools must cover nicotine products and teach alcohol/tobacco/drug effects at least three times from early grades through high school. Major Hospital Expansion: Parkview Health broke ground on a roughly $200M full-service hospital and medical office building in West Lafayette, targeting up to 40 inpatient beds and a 24/7 ER, with opening planned for June 2028. Immigration Uncertainty: A Supreme Court TPS ruling has Logansport Haitians worried about losing work authorization and health care access as legal challenges continue. Public Health Watch: The national cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce remains active, with officials warning it’s not fully under control as cases rise across multiple states. Community Trauma Support: Lawrence launched “Handle with Care,” a system letting police flag students who witness serious incidents so schools can offer extra support without sharing details.

Novo vs. Lilly: Novo Nordisk sued Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly in federal court over claims its obesity and diabetes ads are misleading, arguing Lilly compared outdated doses while omitting higher-dose versions. Public Health: The CDC expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak to nine states, with Indiana among those seeing rising cases and local grocers reporting more shoppers seeking trusted, local produce. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened nearly 100 people across multiple states, with investigators pointing to an Indiana-based company as a likely source. Maternal & Infant Safety: IMPD is asking for help after a newborn was found alone near a trail in Indianapolis; the baby is stable, but police are concerned about the mother and note Indiana’s Safe Haven Law. Workforce & Care Access: Indiana colleges are moving ahead with Workforce Pell, including Ivy Tech’s plan to launch a certified clinical medical assistant program as early as this fall. Sports & Recovery: Colts QB Daniel Jones says he feels “really good” after an Achilles tear and expects to be a full participant in training camp.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico to nine states, including Indiana, with Taylor Farms temporarily shutting down the implicated processing facility; health officials say cases are rising and consumers should watch for prolonged watery diarrhea and dehydration. Public Health & Food Safety: Indiana is also in the middle of a separate salmonella concern: Midwest Poultry Services, based in Indiana, is recalling nearly 1.6 million cartons (about 19 million eggs) due to potential salmonella contamination, prompting people to check fridges and follow recall guidance. Access to Care: Indiana is set to receive $206.9 million this year through a new federal rural health initiative, with regional groups planning projects to buy equipment, recruit clinicians, and support care in underserved areas. Maternal/Infant Health: IMPD is seeking information about a newborn found near a trail on Indianapolis’ east side; Indiana’s Safe Haven Law allows anonymous surrender of infants. Community Health: The Women’s Foundation of Indiana is expanding its mission to serve all 92 counties, with a focus that includes maternal and infant health.

Heat & Safety: A heat dome is expected to keep sweltering, humid conditions over much of the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories and little overnight relief—raising the risk of heat illness, especially for people without reliable cooling. Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, with nearly 2,000 illnesses and dozens of hospitalizations; Taylor Farms says it removed potentially implicated product and issued a broader recall. Local Health Access: South Bend’s Wilma and Peter Veldman Family Psychology Clinic opened to expand evidence-based mental health services and add new child-and-family and neuroimaging resources. Community Care: A “Dine with a Doc” event in Lawrence County will feature Lawrence County Memorial Hospital pharmacy leadership to discuss expanding lab, infusion, and hospitalist services. Mental Health & Wellness: Indiana’s Oaklawn-linked clinic expansion highlights efforts to reduce barriers like transit and parking for people seeking care. Health in the News: IMPD reported multiple overnight shootings across Indianapolis, underscoring ongoing community safety and trauma needs.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC and FDA expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce, now reaching nine states including Indiana, with 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; officials urge people to avoid the recalled lettuce and follow local guidance. Product Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 180,000 cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) due to a potential spoilage risk from a can pull-tab defect; the affected lot is 60D0924 with a best-by date of April 2027, including sales in Indiana. Local Public Safety: IMPD is asking for help after a newborn was found near a trail in Indianapolis; the baby was taken to Riley Hospital for Children and is stable, while detectives seek the mother’s location and remind residents about Indiana’s Safe Haven Law. Health & Community: Indiana 4-H is updating AI use rules for county fair projects, requiring most work to be the member’s own and adding source references when AI is used. Sports Medicine/Wellness: Former Colts linebacker Daniel Adongo was deported after ICE detention, a reminder of how health and legal systems can collide.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce–linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the original list that already included Indiana. Public health impact: 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations are reported, with no deaths so far, and officials warn the real total is likely higher. Regulatory response: The FDA and CDC continue tracing the supply chain tied to Taylor Farms and note other cyclospora clusters may be unrelated. Local water upgrades: South Bend secured $14.5M in low-interest loans for drinking water work, including lead line replacements and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) planning. Workforce & training: Gov. Mike Braun announced $9.1M in grants to expand registered apprenticeships and connect some formerly incarcerated adults to skilled trades. Healthcare labor: A former Parkview Health employee filed a class action alleging wage theft tied to payroll rounding. Community health: Montgomery County is publishing restaurant inspection reports under Indiana’s updated food code system.

Food Safety: The CDC says the Taco Bell-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to four more states—now Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia—with 1,947 linked cases and at least 98 hospitalizations; officials warn the true total is likely higher. Public Health & Prevention: In Fort Wayne, Bowen Health’s 4th annual Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair served 500+ people with school supplies plus no-cost immunizations, screenings and rapid lead testing through partners including CareSource and local health departments. Community Health Access: Amazon shared an update on its St. Joseph County data center buildout, citing $13.8B invested so far and $1.5M in community grants—framing the project as long-term support for schools and first responders. Healthcare Safety in the Workplace: OhioHealth plans weapons-free visitor screening at its Van Wert hospital as healthcare violence rises nationwide, aiming to protect patients, staff and visitors. Youth Health & Safety: A 14-year-old girl identified as Avery Harding died after being found unresponsive in a hot tub in Crown Point; police continue investigating.

Foodborne Illness Watch: Indiana is still in the middle of the national cyclosporiasis surge, with state health officials reporting more than 600 confirmed cases since May and ongoing guidance as investigations continue into contaminated produce. Public Health Guidance: Alabama’s health department says most cases are linked to travel or restaurant outbreaks and notes federal partners have identified a connection to certain shredded iceberg lettuce lots tied to Taco Bell locations in Indiana and other states. Local Health & Access: Indiana pharmacists are increasingly important as chronic disease rises, but closures and reduced hours are limiting access—raising fresh calls for more affordable pharmacy training and stronger pipelines. Community Health Support: Pace Community Action Agency is running its 6th Annual Pad and Tampon Drive to fight period poverty, with drop-offs at Health Connection clinics and school distribution planned. Education Pathways: Herron-Riverside High School and Vincennes University are partnering to expand career and technical education pathways for students starting this fall.

Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: Indiana health officials say cyclospora/“diarrhea parasite” activity is rising, with FDA tracing the broader outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms—while schools weigh short-term menu changes to protect students. Mental Health Access: Indiana’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call volume keeps climbing, and the state launched a 988 Indiana Crisis Dashboard to track usage and response times. Public Health & Environment: IDEM awarded $308,300 to waste tire cleanup projects across Indiana, aiming to reduce mosquito breeding and other health risks from improperly stored tires. Local Care & Support for Veterans: Evansville’s ECHO Housing and Community Development received a $66,750 state grant for veterans services, including housing stability and mental health supports. Community Safety: IMPD officers were hospitalized after a shooting during a disturbance call on the east side; one officer has since been released and the other remains stable. West Nile Alerts: Tippecanoe County mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting bite-prevention reminders. Health Policy & Costs: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced the state may receive $154,000 from a generic drug manufacturer settlement, with possible compensation for some buyers.

SNAP/Medicaid to School Meals: Indiana child advocates warn federal SNAP and Medicaid cuts could shrink the number of students automatically getting free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision, even though nearly 2,000 Indiana schools qualify. Cyclospora Update: Indiana health officials report 427 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, with the nationwide outbreak now tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations in multiple states, while investigators still work to confirm the full scope and source. Public Health + Food Safety: CDC says cases are rising across 41 states, with thousands more not yet lab-confirmed, as retailers and suppliers remove recalled lettuce and review supply chains. Local Health Access for Small Business: Indiana Chamber and Indy Chamber expand ChamberCare access via a growing network of local chamber partners, aiming to help small employers pool coverage and potentially cut costs. Safety/Violence: A police chase involving a stolen SUV ended in a rollover crash in Chicago’s Morgan Park, injuring four people; in Indianapolis, two officers were shot during a disturbance call, with the suspect also critically injured. Fraud Crackdown: U.S. prosecutors announce a Southern District of Indiana Fraud Task Force to target fraud and theft from taxpayer-funded programs.

Multistate food safety: The CDC says confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have jumped to 4,100+ across 41 states, with Indiana among the hardest-hit states as officials keep tracing the outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce; the FDA continues investigating new clusters and says earlier lab confusion did not clear the broader Taylor Farms-linked probe. Indiana rural health funding: Indiana is set to receive $206.9M from the federal GROW Health initiative over five years ($1B total), aimed at rural hospitals and medically underserved areas, as experts warn Medicaid cuts could still strain access. Local care access: VA Illiana held a ribbon cutting for a new Champaign VA Clinic, expanding primary care and rotating specialty services for veterans. Medicaid fraud crackdown: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced felony charges tied to a $10.9M Medicaid fraud case involving a waiver services provider. Prosthetics expansion: ForMotion opened a prosthetic and orthotic care facility in Lafayette to serve patients after amputation. Community health & safety: Police are investigating the death of a 14-year-old girl found unresponsive in a hot tub in Crown Point. Workforce: Indiana’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% in June, while workforce centers like WorkOne Indy report steady client demand with shifts in who’s seeking help.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update (Indiana): The CDC says 2026 is the worst year on record for cyclosporiasis, with 4,173 confirmed U.S. cases across 41 states since May 1 (plus 767 travel-linked) and 308 hospitalizations—while investigators still track thousands more suspected illnesses. Food Safety & Local Impact: Health officials continue to report rising Indiana counts (over 500 statewide), with local updates showing Elkhart County at 34 cases and St. Joseph County at 24. Taylor Farms Probe: The outbreak remains tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, though the FDA has said a lab result was a false positive—without changing the broader traceback and case links. Access to Care (Rural Hospitals): A new report highlights how rural hospital closures are pushing emergency care farther away, raising fears for heart attack, stroke, and childbirth emergencies. Nutrition Assistance: Indiana families and anti-hunger advocates warn that losing the Sun Bucks summer grocery benefit is squeezing household budgets. Obesity Drug Lawsuit (Indiana): Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly over weight-loss drug ads, alleging misleading comparisons in the GLP-1/GLP-2 market. Privacy Tech Partnership (Indy): 3Aware and John Snow Labs announced a partnership to embed multimodal de-identification inside the 3Aware Evidence Vault for privacy-protected clinical research. Workforce Through Sport (Indianapolis): HUD and federal partners joined the NFL in Indianapolis to promote youth engagement through sport, linking healthy living and academic participation.

Food Safety Watch: The multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak remains under investigation as the FDA says a Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce lab result was a false positive, but still warns consumers to avoid recalled products while traceback continues; Mexico’s health minister also says there’s no proof the outbreak started in Mexico. Indiana Impact: Indiana health officials report the outbreak is affecting hundreds of Hoosiers, and local families describe severe hospitalizations, including in Northwest Indiana. What to Do Now: Health experts say whole heads of romaine/leaf lettuce are generally considered safer than specific recalled shredded products, and advise washing produce well and checking where lettuce came from. Community Health & Care: ACL named Phase 1 winners for its Health at Home Challenge, aiming to expand community-based care and nutrition services for dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid members. Environment & Health: IDEM awarded waste tire cleanup grants to Indiana partners, targeting fire and mosquito-breeding risks tied to improperly stored tires.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a Cyclospora-positive test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive after lab review, but the recall and outbreak investigation remain active as officials continue tracing the source of the multistate “explosive diarrhea” illnesses. Indiana Update: Sangamon County reported 8 cyclosporiasis cases this year and is monitoring state and federal guidance while local officials say no specific precautions have been issued yet. Public Health Context: Alabama reported 28 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 20, with most linked to travel or other Mexican-style restaurant outbreaks; officials stress testing is complex and investigations are ongoing. Consumer Alerts: General Mills recalled 730,000+ Pillsbury bread rolls sold at Walmart across 19 states including Indiana due to possible glass fragments. Healthcare Policy: Indiana’s hospital price-cap law is moving forward, with major nonprofit systems facing limits on what they can charge job-based plans and penalties tied to tax-exempt status. Lung Health: A new study ranks Indiana ninth for lung disease risk, citing smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.