AGP Executive Report

Measles Outbreak: Kentucky cases have reached 94, the state’s highest annual count since 1991, with Christian County reporting 44 as the outbreak continues. Rural Health: Health departments in western Kentucky and the Lake Cumberland region will lead five-year initiatives focused on diabetes, obesity and other community health needs. Care Access: The University of Kentucky’s student-run Salvation Army Clinic offers free basic care, lab and pharmacy services, nutrition counseling and help quitting smoking. Head Start: Gov. Andy Beshear is urging the Trump administration to reconsider proposed rule changes, warning they could weaken safety and health services for more than 15,000 Kentucky children. Retiree Coverage: State and school retirees under 65 have until Oct. 26 to complete mandatory health-benefit enrollment or risk losing coverage. Mental Health: NorthKey has launched a 24/7 crisis hotline for Northern Kentucky residents seeking mental health or substance-use support.

Measles Outbreak: Kentucky confirmed 94 cases as of Oct. 6, nearly double the count three weeks earlier. Seven people have been hospitalized, and nearly all cases involve unvaccinated people. State health officials urge eligible residents to get the MMR vaccine. Cancer Care: UK Markey Cancer Center surgeons are using wire-free EnVisio technology to locate breast tumors during lumpectomies. Markey is also launching a campaign urging Kentuckians to keep up with recommended screenings. Lung Cancer Screening: Baptist Health Paducah will offer low-dose CT screenings by appointment Nov. 13 for eligible people at high risk. Access to Care: Kentucky received a $10 million grant for maternal health programs. In Lexington, UK’s student-run Salvation Army Clinic offers free basic care, lab and pharmacy services, nutrition counseling and limited specialty care.

Maternal Health Funding: Kentucky and Arkansas each received $10M grants for maternal health through Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, as Gov. Andy Beshear rallied Arkansas Democrats. Public Health: Kentucky measles cases rose to 94, up from 82 in three weeks, with most cases among unvaccinated people and new clusters in Christian and Trigg counties. Mental Health Access: NorthKey Community Care launched a new 859-GET HELP hotline in Northern Kentucky, staffed around the clock and routed to mental health professionals. Health Care Workforce & Costs: New research links post-Dobbs abortion bans to higher employer-insurance premium costs for women, with larger impacts for Black and Hispanic women. University Budget Pressure: EKU faces an additional $3.2M cut tied to higher employee health insurance costs and flat enrollment, on top of a prior $3M academic affairs reduction. County Jail Crisis: A Kentucky proposal and committee discussion focus on county jail funding at a “crisis point,” with local governments transferring far more general-fund money to keep jails running. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes. Community Care: UK’s Salvation Army Clinic, a long-running free student clinic, announced upcoming fundraising events to support services.

Cancer Screening Push: Lee Anne Pope and UK’s Markey Cancer Center launched “Set Your Screen,” urging Kentuckians to talk with providers and book recommended screenings after Pope’s family cancer stories. Measles Watch: Kentucky confirmed 94 measles cases in 2026, the highest since 1991, with Christian County at 44 and Trigg County at 23; most hospitalized patients reportedly weren’t vaccinated. Health Access & Insurance: Aetna Medicaid is bundling multiple prior authorizations into one request for oncology care in Kentucky and other states, aiming to cut delays for patients starting treatment. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes; shoppers should check affected flavors and lot codes. Local Care Moves: Gateway and Mercy Urgent Care in Owensboro officially joined Owensboro Health, keeping their brands and leadership while expanding access. Community Health: UK’s Salvation Army Clinic, a student-run free clinic since 1986, is hosting a Miles for Medicine 5K fundraiser Oct. 24. Public Health & Nutrition: UK researchers are raising awareness of Alpha-Gal, a tick-borne allergy that can cause delayed reactions to mammal-based foods. Pharma in Lexington: Piramal Pharma Solutions opened a new microbiology lab at its Lexington sterile injectable facility to expand GMP sterility testing capacity.

Public Health: Kentucky’s measles outbreak keeps climbing, with the state Department for Public Health confirming 94 cases as of Monday; seven people are hospitalized, and most cases are tied to people without a recorded measles vaccine. Food Safety: PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including Kentucky, because some bottles may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6; the FDA lists it as a Class II recall. Life-Saving Care: Lexington launched Cardiac Crusade, a volunteer effort to map AED locations across the city using the PulsePoint AED (NEAR) app, aiming to speed up response to sudden cardiac arrest. Access to Care: UK’s Salvation Army Clinic, a student-run free clinic in Lexington since 1986, continues offering basic care, labs, pharmacy support, nutrition counseling, and monthly specialty services, with fundraising events planned in October. Mental Health Help Line: NorthKey Community Care rolled out 859-GET-HELP, a 24/7 number connecting Northern Kentucky residents to local behavioral health professionals for mental health and substance use support.

Free clinic spotlight: UK’s Salvation Army Clinic in Lexington, run by medical students since 1986, offers free basic care plus labs, pharmacy help, nutrition counseling and monthly specialty visits (pediatrics, dermatology, eye health), with two upcoming student fundraisers including a Miles for Medicine 5K on Oct. 24. Public health and food safety: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles in 37 states because labels didn’t list certain yellow food dyes; the issue is mainly for people who need ingredient avoidance. Hunger access in Kentucky: Feeding Kentucky says hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians who qualify for SNAP still aren’t enrolled, and food banks can’t replace what SNAP provides—especially as costs rise. Tree health and native landscaping: UK’s Bradford pear exchange (“Bradford Pear Bounty”) lets residents cut and photograph Bradford pears to receive limited native replacement trees through county Extension events. Health care industry news: Harrow says it has closed its acquisition of TYRVAYA nasal spray rights (dry eye disease), paying $30 million at closing with possible up to $70 million more in milestones.

Food Safety: Frozen berries recalled again for possible E. coli contamination, expanding a prior recall to additional lots of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend and Walmart’s Great Value Organic berries sold in many states including Kentucky. Public Health & Access: Kentucky school and library leaders are urging the FCC to protect E-Rate funding as the agency takes public comments through Oct. 13—arguing reliable internet is essential for learning, jobs, and health information in rural communities. Cancer Care: Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF) named three scholarship recipients and awarded a $20,000 grant to support cancer research. Health Workforce: Pike County native Dr. Audria Denker was named a 2026 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Maternal Health: Walton nonprofit Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced $20 million in state grants for maternal health efforts in Kentucky and Arkansas. Data Privacy: Hawaiʻi settled a multistate Labcorp debt-collector data breach case, highlighting vendor responsibility for HIPAA-protected information.

Kentucky Health & Safety: A fatal head-on crash on Louisville’s Dixie Highway left one man dead and injured a woman and child, who were taken to Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital; the driver of the other vehicle was in critical condition and died shortly after arriving at UofL Hospital. Child Welfare: A father and stepmother in Scottsville face charges after a 6-year-old was found with bruising and signs of strangulation; investigators allege extreme mistreatment and poor living conditions. Public Health Policy: Kentucky’s Medicaid marketplace is seeing higher costs and fewer sign-ups as ACA plan selections drop and premiums rise, with enrollment changes tied to subsidy shifts. Cancer Care & Hope: A Paducah neurologist who beat acute myeloid leukemia plans a 150-mile bike ride to inspire newly diagnosed patients, including ending at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall linked to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, with products sold in multiple states including Kentucky. Health Services Leadership: Stephanie Bates, a Kentucky health-data and Medicaid leader, was named to lead North Dakota’s HHS Medical Services Division. Community Health Education: Nelson County’s UP Center officially opened, expanding health-science training through its Pulse program.

Hemp policy shock: Kentucky’s Cornbread Hemp says a proposed federal “hemp THC” cap of 0.4 milligrams would effectively shut down its business, even as the broader hemp THC market fights to avoid a looming ban. Maternal health funding: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced $10 million over five years for Kentucky to expand access to midwives, doulas and community health workers, strengthen postpartum care (including mental health), and improve maternal health data. FEMA reimbursements: Gov. Andy Beshear secured more than $21.9 million in FEMA disaster funds to reimburse Kentucky communities and utilities for severe weather and COVID-19 protective measures. Food safety alerts: CDC and public health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, while a frozen-berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people. Local health & community: Nelson County opened its UP Center, a renovated career and technical education hub with a health science program, and Louisville Metro Police identified a man accused of attacking a woman during a road-rage incident.

Maternal Health Funding: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America is sending $10 million to Kentucky over five years (matching Arkansas) to expand maternity care access—midwives, doulas, community health workers, home visits, and postpartum support including mental health. Rural Hospital Watch: Braden Health says the long-closed Jellico hospital (now North Campbell Community Hospital) could reopen in early 2027, pending equipment and regulators—aimed at bringing local care back to the community. Behavioral Health Access: NorthKey Community Care launched a 24/7 crisis hotline (859-GET-HELP) for mental health and substance use support across Northern Kentucky. Food & Pharmacy Safety: USDA warned of a potato chip recall shipped to Kentucky due to ineligible meat-product ingredients; separately, a national report highlights how pharmacy closures can force patients to travel farther for prescriptions. Public Health Research: UK researchers are studying New World screwworm flies to improve detection if the pest reaches Kentucky. Local Wellness Spotlight: TOPS named Kentucky’s “King” for major weight loss, underscoring peer support and health education through weekly meetings.

Public Health & Safety: Norton Healthcare is bringing breast cancer screenings to women across Kentuckiana through its Mobile Prevention and Wellness Center, stopping at YMCA locations around Louisville and noting the Kentucky women’s cancer screening program can cover eligible patients without insurance. Food Safety: The USDA/FDA flagged and recalled certain potato chip products made in Colombia because the meat ingredient supply chain isn’t eligible for U.S. export; the recall covers specific “YUPI GOLPE CON TODO SABOR BBQ” mixed chips shipped to retailers including Kentucky. Health Policy: Medicaid eligibility changes are affecting some immigrant families in Kentucky, with advocates saying coverage is limited to specific immigrant groups and that people who lose coverage may face long green-card processing delays. Long-Term Care & Tech: Nursing home operators are using AI and predictive monitoring to reduce staff burden and catch health issues earlier, with Kentucky-based Signature and Louisville-based Trilogy describing approaches at a national conference. Community Health Access: A Glasgow Jersey Mike’s fundraiser raised $10,000 for the T.J. Community Mission Foundation, supporting prescription help, dentures/hearing aid assistance, and food programs. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC reports measles cases are rising nationally, with Kentucky among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Senior Housing Market: LTC and National Health Investors announced major senior housing acquisitions and expansions, adding hundreds of units across multiple states including Kentucky.

Harm Reduction in Kentucky: SAMHSA’s shift away from harm reduction is cutting off fentanyl testing strips, clean syringes/needles, and overdose hotlines—leaving Kentucky groups scrambling as the policy change is described as “handcuffing” lifesaving work. Cardiac Safety Push: Lexington and partners announced a major AED mapping effort to place more than 1,000 automated external defibrillators on PulsePoint so dispatchers can guide help during sudden cardiac arrest. Maternal Health Funding: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America awarded Kentucky $10 million to expand maternity care access, postpartum support, and home visiting services. Flu Watch: Kentucky flu cases are starting to tick up; health departments say vaccine supplies are in place and urge getting shots early. Food Insecurity Data: Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap shows rising food insecurity in Kentucky’s Heartland, with Logan County hitting 18.8% overall and 25.9% for children. Mental Health Education: Eastern Kentucky clinicians marked OCD Awareness Month, highlighting how OCD can drive exhausting checking and uncertainty. Local Care Access: Med Center Health held a Logan County health fair connecting residents to children’s, mental, and geriatric services. Public Health & Community: UK’s Tree Week 2026 highlights how trees improve air quality and reduce stormwater runoff, tying wellness to healthier neighborhoods.

Maternal Health Funding: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America will split $20 million between Arkansas and Kentucky over five years to cut maternal deaths, with support for prenatal care, midwives/doulas, home visiting, postpartum mental health, and statewide quality improvements. Rural Access & Screening: Med Center Health held a Logan County health fair with dozens of vendors, while UK HealthCare and Baptist Health Paducah pushed fall flu/COVID vaccination options and walk-in flu shots. Food Insecurity: Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap shows food insecurity rising in Kentucky’s Heartland, with Logan County at 18.8% overall and 25.9% of children affected. Mental Health Awareness: Lexington unveiled a new 988 mural to boost awareness of the suicide and crisis lifeline; OCD Awareness Month coverage highlighted how compulsions can consume hours of daily life in Eastern Kentucky. Health Policy & Costs: Kentucky lawmakers heard public pleas on data centers and their impacts, and a major multistate AG push seeks court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Community Care: Dreams Delivered Daily marked its 500th foster care birthday celebration, aiming to make birthdays feel personal for youth in Kentucky’s care system.

Generic drug price claims: Kentucky residents are being urged to check eligibility and file for compensation tied to multistate antitrust settlements over allegedly inflated generic drug prices, with states pointing to a court-approved distribution plan. Breast cancer access: A free mobile mammogram unit is hitting Kentucky roads to expand screening access. Food safety: The FDA is warning consumers about a nationwide recall of certain raw milk cheeses linked to an E. coli outbreak, with illnesses and hospitalizations reported. Medicare planning help: A “Medicare Video Guy” series is offering short, easy guidance for seniors as the Annual Election Period approaches. Local health & housing stability: Kentucky Tenant Union advocates are pressing for action after a Russellville apartment complex faces water shutoff notices tied to landlord nonpayment. Community child advocacy: Kentucky Youth Advocates and local partners met in Paducah to push for legislative changes aimed at kids’ needs, including evictions and literacy.

Breast Cancer Access: A free mobile mammogram unit is hitting Kentucky for a second year, aiming to reach rural areas and boost screening access without doctor appointments. Weather & Public Health Infrastructure: Kentucky Mesonet opened its 87th site near Owensboro, expanding real-time weather and soil monitoring. Veterans Care: Kentucky opened the new $53 million Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center, adding 152 jobs and expanding skilled nursing care for veterans. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC linked a multistate recall of raw milk cheese to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 13 people in nine states, including Kentucky, with several hospitalizations and kidney complications reported. Mental Health Awareness: Local healthcare providers marked Suicide Prevention Month, pointing to rising stressors and urging people to use local support resources. Child Welfare Accountability: A Northern Kentucky state worker faces charges after investigators allege he sent abused children back to their alleged abuser and failed to report properly. Community Recovery Grants: NKY Chamber and Duke Energy Foundation awarded $100,000 in relief grants to 26 small businesses affected by summer storms. Addiction Recovery Event: Pikeville hosted Rally for Recovery, offering resources and support for people working through addiction and other life challenges.

Health Insurance Scams: Kentucky officials are warning residents about fraud during the fall health insurance enrollment period, urging people to “Pause, Check, Protect” and use official sites like HealthCare.gov and Medicare.gov. Rural Health Policy Gap: A new AP-KFF poll finds about 8 in 10 rural voters say Trump’s health policies have had a negative effect or no impact locally, including many MAHA supporters. Homelessness Funding Shift: The Trump administration is moving away from “Housing First” toward shorter-term “transitional” housing, raising alarms from shelters and advocates that vulnerable people could face worse health outcomes. Infectious Disease Alerts: A raw milk cheese recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, with cases reported in multiple states including Kentucky. Local Public Health Access: A drive-through flu and COVID-19 vaccination event will offer shots at Kentucky health departments in Henry, Shelby, and Trimble counties on Oct. 3. Addiction Recovery Progress: Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted four straight years of declining overdose deaths and expanded recovery resources during Recovery Month. Workforce for Veterans: Beshear signed an emergency rule to fast-track commercial driver’s licenses for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Child Safety Case: A Northern Kentucky social worker was charged after allegedly sending children home despite reported signs of abuse.