AGP Executive Report

Measles Alert: Kentucky’s measles outbreak keeps climbing, with a new confirmed case in Trigg County bringing the total to 44 for the year (40 since July). All cases reported so far involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status isn’t known, and several patients have needed hospitalization. School Safety: Frankfort is reeling again after a 6-year-old girl was hit and killed by a school bus driver, adding to a recent wave of Kentucky school threat reports and closures. Mental Health Access: National 988 Day spotlighted 24/7 crisis support in western Kentucky, where Four Rivers Behavioral Health says it fields calls from its Mayfield center and emphasizes that people don’t have to be suicidal to call. Health Policy & Care: Trimble County moved closer to launching an $850,000 urgent care center in Bedford through grant requirements tied to serving low-to-moderate income areas. Public Health Oversight: A U.S. House report urges a long-term study of whether repeated Navy flight forces can cause cumulative brain injuries in pilots, citing gaps in how the service tracks long-term health. Local Health & Wellness: Kentucky State University highlighted National Honey Month, urging shoppers to look for the Certified Kentucky Honey label to support local beekeepers and pollinator health.

Measles Surge: Kentucky is seeing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with at least 38 cases reported by late August and most in western Kentucky; health officials warn the highly contagious virus spreads fast among people who aren’t vaccinated. School Safety Tragedy: A 6-year-old died after being struck by a school bus in Frankfort; police say first responders performed CPR and no other injuries were reported, while the investigation continues. Adolescent Health: CDC data show HPV vaccination has stalled for four straight years, and coverage for other routine teen vaccines dipped slightly—especially among younger teens—prompting calls for continued monitoring. Maternal Care Warning: A new analysis finds ectopic pregnancy deaths nearly doubled from 2020 to 2025, with abortion bans making timely diagnosis and treatment harder. Public Health Policy: Kentucky’s Meta settlement is expected to bring at least $358 million over 10 years, raising the key question of how the state will use the funds to protect kids’ mental health and online safety. Cancer Care: UofL Health’s new Brown Cancer Center aims to reduce Kentucky’s cancer death rate by 50% by 2035, starting with cutting travel barriers. Workers’ Comp Transparency: A Franklin Circuit Court ruling says Kentucky’s workers’ comp medical fee schedule is a public record, not something a private vendor can lock behind a paywall. Rare Blood Cancer Access: Onco360 was selected as a limited distribution partner for MIMRYLO (rusfertide) for polycythemia vera, expanding access to a new rare treatment. Food Security Risk: SNAP cuts could ripple into schools, putting free breakfast and lunch at risk for millions of children.

Public Health: Kentucky is battling its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 43 confirmed cases and three hospitalizations; health officials say all cases are in people unvaccinated or with unknown status and urge residents to check immunizations. Mental Health Access: 988 Day spotlighted a 24/7 crisis line now answered through Four Rivers Behavioral Health’s western Kentucky center, which reported about 180 calls in August and more than 2,000 so far in 2026. Substance & Prevention: A South-Central Kentucky doctor warns patients not to skip annual checkups, pointing to how missed primary care can delay diagnoses. Environmental Health: Kentucky lawmakers heard testimony on strategies to control microplastic waste, including UK research on removing microplastics from water. Healthcare Infrastructure: The Center for Courageous Kids received $1.5M in state funding for a new medical volunteer lodging facility to expand no-cost care for children with disabilities and lifelong illnesses. EMS & Rural Care: Bowling Green area leaders are pushing a statewide EMS-hospital connection app, Pulsara, aiming to improve coordination across Kentucky. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded to include Kentucky shoppers, with instructions to discard or return affected products.

Workforce Financial Wellness: Taylor Regional Hospital in Central Kentucky is partnering with Rellevate to offer “Pay Any-Day” on-demand wage access for its 800+ employees, including PRNs. Reproductive Health & Criminal Justice: A Bowling Green man, Abdullah Mohmand, was indicted in Barren County on first-degree attempted fetal homicide after prosecutors say he swapped his girlfriend’s progesterone with misoprostol without her knowledge. Early Learning & Child Health: Save the Children’s Learn Without Limits push targets rural Kentucky kids with earlier, daily reading support and better access to books—aiming to keep children on grade level by third grade. Public Health Alert: Kentucky’s measles outbreak rose to 35 confirmed cases as of Sept. 4, with exposure warnings in Richmond and Olive Hill for an unvaccinated out-of-state traveler. Youth Safety: A UK injury-prevention column highlights ATV risks for Kentucky kids, citing thousands of ED visits and urging youth-rated vehicles, supervision, and safer riding habits. Mental Health Support: Erin’s Hope for Friends Kentucky is launching e’s Club Louisville, a safe social space for neurodivergent teens and young adults. School & Community: A federal civil rights complaint was filed against Warren County Public Schools over alleged over-referrals of students with disabilities to a local mental health facility.

Meta Settlement for Teen Social Media: Kentucky is set to receive about $358 million from Meta’s $17B settlement over claims Facebook and Instagram harmed teens’ mental health, with required changes like limiting access at night and reducing push notifications during school hours. Mental Health & Youth Safety: The settlement also targets bullying and harmful content controls, as Kentucky leaders link early, unsupervised social media use to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Neurodivergent Support: Erin’s Hope for Friends Kentucky is launching e’s Club Louisville, a safe social space for neurodivergent teens and young adults, building on a Lexington program that says it’s helped members find real friendships. Public Health & Food Security: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland reports a fifth of Christian County residents lack consistent access to food, including 32.4% of children. Community Eye Care: Bowling Green Noon Lions’ 37th Run for Sight drew nearly 300 participants to fund screenings, glasses, and possible surgeries. Health-Related Research: A UK-led review argues immune signals actively shape ovulation, reframing it as a coordinated inflammatory process. Injury & Safety: Labor Day travel in Kentucky brought heavy traffic and higher crash risk, with state troopers increasing patrols.

Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded an E. coli recall to Walmart freezers in 16 states, including Kentucky, covering Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (UPC 7874211226; lot 6040 01-6; best-if-used-by Feb. 9, 2028). Public Health & Heat: Kentucky’s season opener at Kroger Field triggered 100+ heat-related medical calls, while JCPS bus drivers reported widespread call-outs as un-air-conditioned buses hit dangerous temperatures. Rural Care Funding: Kentucky is set to receive $213M through a rural health transformation program, with federal eligibility confirmed for rural hospitals. Recovery & Substance Use: Louisville marked National Recovery Month with Rally 4 Recovery, highlighting local resources as overdose fatalities reportedly decline. Community Health Access: A West End Farmers Market in Louisville is pairing fresh-food vendors with SNAP/EBT support and WIC Fresh RX credits to reduce food access barriers. Local Wellness & Aging: UofL’s Trager Institute will honor older adults at the Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Awards. Health Policy: Kentucky AG Andy Beshear sued over abortion pill ads at the state fair, while lawmakers announced a “Medicaid Reality Check” listening tour.

Rural Health Funding: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joined Kentucky lawmakers in Lexington to highlight the Rural Health Transformation Program and Medicaid reform, stressing that where you live can mean shorter life expectancy and fewer care options. State Policy Listening Tour: Kentucky lawmakers announced a four-city “Medicaid Reality Check” listening tour in Lexington, Prestonsburg, Morehead and Louisville to hear what changes mean for coverage and access. Mental Health Infrastructure: Bowling Green’s Anchor Project hit a construction milestone as steel beams were raised for Kentucky’s first regional 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis intake center, slated to open in July 2027. Peer Support for First Responders: Daviess County Detention Center will launch a peer-support team for deputy jailers using a state attorney general grant, part of a broader push to bring mental-health help into law enforcement. Food Safety Recall: Walmart expanded an E. coli recall tied to frozen berry products sold in 16 states, including Kentucky, urging shoppers to check freezers. Local Access & Wellness: West End Farmers Market in Louisville added SNAP/EBT and WIC Fresh RX support plus hands-on workshops to improve fresh food access.

Rural Health Funding: Kentucky is set to receive $213 million through the new Rural Health Transformation Program, with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Rep. Brett Guthrie urging leaders to spend the money on medical technology, innovation, and prevention in rural communities. Public Health & Food Safety: An E. coli outbreak tied to frozen berries continues to expand, with Kentucky shoppers among those potentially affected as recalls widen across multiple states. Maternal & Child Health: Kentucky-linked coverage also highlights a Louisville foster family’s urgent push to stop reunification of an infant back to a biological mother in ICE custody, raising safety concerns in a high-stakes child welfare case. Access & Care Delivery: Amazon plans a same-day delivery facility in the Lexington area, and the company says it could eventually support faster delivery of items including prescription medications. Community Health Risks: Heat illness was reported during Kentucky’s season opener, with more than 100 fans treated after warnings and water policy changes. Health Policy Enforcement: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced legal action over “illegal” abortion pill advertising at the Kentucky State Fair, continuing the state’s crackdown on mail-order abortion pills.

Rural Health Funding: Kentucky is set to receive $213 million through the new Rural Health Transformation Fund, with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Rep. Brett Guthrie urging leaders to spend it on technology, innovation, and prevention so the money isn’t clawed back. Corrections Health Costs: Kentucky Department of Corrections clarified what “routine care” it will reimburse for inmates held in local jails after a court dispute, tightening which medical services counties can expect to be paid for. School Safety & Mental Health: Danville Independent Schools is joining Kentucky’s Safe Schools Week (Sept. 14-18), emphasizing prevention, positive relationships, and mental health support. Youth Mentorship: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana says more than 500 local young people are waiting for mentors and highlights reported gains in grades and mental well-being for participants. Public Health Watch: Kentucky measles activity remains a concern, with recent reporting noting hospitalizations and total cases continuing to rise.

Rural Health Funding Fight: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joined Rep. Brett Guthrie in Glasgow to press Kentucky on how it will distribute $212M from the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the money must reach rural hospitals and that governors are accountable for the plan. Healthcare Fraud Settlement: Louisville wound-care provider Heuser Health agreed to pay $2.6M to resolve allegations it overbilled Medicare and TRICARE for costly skin substitute products under “Operation Skin Scam.” Public Health & Safety: Kentucky State Police Post 4 announced traffic safety checkpoints across multiple counties, focusing on licensing, registration, equipment safety, and impaired driving. Food Safety: FDA expanded an E. coli berry recall to frozen mixed berry packages sold at Walmart in 16 states, including Kentucky, with no illnesses reported yet for the mix. Community Health Spotlight: St. Elizabeth Healthcare received a Northern Kentucky Community Award for services like mobile cardiovascular and mammography units. Caregiving Workforce: Village Caregiving, based in Barboursville, expanded to seven new offices and added 160 caregiving jobs across 22 states, emphasizing values-driven care.

Rural Health Funding: Congressman Brett Guthrie and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz visited the T.J. Sampson Health Pavilion in Glasgow to highlight Kentucky’s $213M Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at reshaping rural care and improving access and outcomes. Food Safety Alert: An E. coli outbreak tied to a Chilean frozen-berry supplier has expanded; FDA and CDC say 17 people are sick, and Walmart shoppers in 16 states are being told to check freezers for recalled Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend. Pediatric Cancer Watch: UK HealthCare and the CDC are investigating multiple Eastern Kentucky cases of DIPG, a rare, inoperable brainstem cancer with a median survival of 8–11 months. Mental Health & Care Access: A Bowling Green-area mental health and substance-use facility, the Anchor Project, is moving into a new construction phase, designed to offer detox and treatment support to reduce crisis calls and arrests. Public Health & Privacy: A Thomson Reuters court-record system breach exposed sensitive personal and health information tied to appellate courts in multiple states, including Kentucky.

FEMA Health Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear announced $18 million in FEMA reimbursements for 10 Kentucky hospitals tied to COVID-19 expenses, including UK and UofL Health. Public Health & Safety: Kentucky hospitals and communities also face ongoing health pressures, from a growing measles outbreak (38 cases) to new suicide-awareness push during September. Health Care Access: Ohio County Healthcare completed its transition to Medline as its prime vendor for medical-surgical supplies, aiming to streamline procurement and improve delivery across its 15-facility network. Cardiac Care Recognition: St. Elizabeth Healthcare highlighted its Joint Commission/American Heart Association Comprehensive Cardiac Center certification and top hospital rankings in Kentucky and the Cincinnati metro. Domestic Violence Policy: A new Kentucky bill would create a domestic violence offender registry, with registration periods increasing based on repeat convictions. Workplace Health & Safety: A worker was killed at Astemo Americas in Berea after being crushed while attempting repairs, one day after officials celebrated the plant’s expansion. Community Recovery: Kentucky’s Recovery Rally at the Capitol marked National Recovery Month, celebrating a continued decline in overdose deaths. Food Safety: Multiple recalls hit foods sold in Kentucky, including berries tied to potential E. coli contamination.

Food Safety: Walmart expanded a frozen organic berry recall in 16 states, including Kentucky, over possible E. coli O145 contamination; affected Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, “best if used by” Feb. 9, 2028) was shipped to select stores. Mental Health: September is Suicide Awareness Month, with Kentucky clinicians and advocates pointing to ongoing youth and young adult mental health strain and the need for support and treatment access. Public Health Research: Kentucky health officials say they’ve confirmed 10 pediatric DIPG cases in Eastern Kentucky since 2024 and secured a $40,000 grant to support tracking, outreach, and a case-control study with CDC input. Healthcare Access: The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program says Lexington-area demand for free rides to cancer treatment is outpacing available volunteer drivers. Law Enforcement Support: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman rolled out “Stand by the Badge,” expanding peer support resources for law enforcement mental health. Community & Safety: A black bear was spotted near New Castle, with wildlife officials urging residents not to approach or feed bears and to secure attractants. Policy & Politics: U.S. Rep. James Comer says Mitch McConnell’s staff hopes he’ll return when the Senate reconvenes Sept. 14.

Public Safety Tragedy: Frankfort, Illinois police say a 2-year-old died in a domestic-related homicide and the child’s mother was hospitalized after attempting self-harm, sparking “Lindsay Clancy copycat” fears as the Massachusetts case draws national attention. Health Data Privacy: Kentucky’s Administrative Office of the Courts says its court filing system was hit in a Thomson Reuters C-Track cybersecurity incident; Kentucky appellate data may include sensitive personal and medical information, though officials say courts weren’t functionally impaired. Heart Care Quality: Seventy Kentucky hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart disease and stroke treatment through Get With The Guidelines programs. Food Safety: The FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce tied to a Cyclospora outbreak is off the market and offers guidance on symptoms and timing. Community Health & Support: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman announced “Stand by the Badge” peer-support funding for law enforcement mental wellness, including Paducah PD. Maternal/Infant Health: Rural Health Inc. highlights newborn screening as a key early check for serious conditions, including guidance for home births. Local Wellness Access: Mobility City opened a Western Kentucky showroom in Murray for repairs, rentals, and sales of mobility equipment. School Waste Reduction: A Pikeville student urged lawmakers to modernize recycling rules in schools and divert food waste to composting.

Measles Watch: Kentucky’s outbreak keeps climbing, with measles hospitalizations now at 3 and total cases at 38 as officials warn the spread is preventable with MMR vaccination. Maternal Care Access: Kentucky is moving forward on regulations that clear the way for freestanding birthing centers, aiming to expand options for families in maternity care deserts. Health Equity: A new 2025 survey finds major healthcare disparities for LGBTQ+ Kentuckians in western Kentucky, including lack of a regular provider, big HIV testing gaps, and high provider refusal rates. Hospital Tech Rehab: UofL Health’s Frazier Rehab is using a Zero-G 3D body-weight support system to help a mother relearn walking after spine surgery. Public Safety & Health: A heat advisory is in effect for Lexington and much of central and western Kentucky through Friday, urging hydration and rest to prevent heat illness. Local Care Expansion: Centerpoint Health-Winchester welcomes a new general surgeon focused on minimally invasive and robotic procedures. Data Privacy: Kentucky courts say their filing system was hit by a cybersecurity incident tied to Thomson Reuters, with possible exposure of sensitive personal and medical information. Workplace Safety: A man died after a machine-related incident at a Berea manufacturing plant; OSHA and local authorities are investigating. Child Safety Tragedy: Kentucky-related coverage includes a fatal scooter crash in Breckinridge County involving an 11-year-old, with an ongoing investigation.

Utility Affordability: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a statewide probe into whether rising electric and natural gas costs are becoming unaffordable for households, citing a 21.8% jump in residential electricity prices from 2020 to 2025 and framing access as tied to health and safety. Measles Alert: Kentucky health officials confirmed the state’s largest measles outbreak in decades, with 29 cases in 2026 and most patients unvaccinated children ages 5–17; exposures are being investigated in multiple counties. Rural Hospital Funding Fight: Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr continued their dispute over Medicaid changes and rural hospital closures, with Beshear warning the federal overhaul will “gut” care access. Food Insecurity: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland reports food insecurity is worsening in Graves County, with the rate rising to 19.6% in 2024 and child food insecurity climbing to 26%. Extreme Heat & Health: As cold/flu/COVID season nears, guidance highlights a summer surge in COVID activity; meanwhile, dangerous heat index conditions are expected to push past 100 degrees in parts of Kentucky, raising risks for vulnerable residents. Cancer Breakthrough: Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital in Paducah says the FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib) after successful use in expanded access for chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. Local Care & Community: Trigg County Hospital announced a new $3.6 million ambulance facility, and the Marion County Heartland Coalition held an Overdose Awareness Day focused on support, expungements, and recovery resources.