AGP Executive Report
Last update: 4 hours ago988 Funding Crisis: A Maryland nonprofit that runs the national backup layer for 988 text and chat is laying off 62 staff after its $5.7 million federal contract wasn’t renewed; Howard County approved emergency funding to keep its local crisis center open, and 988 itself will continue statewide. Maternal Health & Air Quality: A new study finds wildfire smoke is now the biggest driver of unhealthy air pollution exposure for U.S. pregnancies, with wildfire contributions more than doubling from 2003 to 2019. Heart Risk Tracking: Researchers report belly-fat measures like waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio may predict heart disease risk better than BMI, even when BMI looks “normal.” Health Care Costs: Hospitals are increasingly seeking upfront payments from patients as healthcare costs rise, adding new financial friction for people trying to access care. Drug Price Pressure: Maryland advocates are pushing candidates to back a bill that would let the state Prescription Drug Affordability Board set faster upper payment limits for more high-cost medicines. Local Health Services: Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership will hold its free annual meeting Sept. 24 with updates on health priorities and services in St. Mary’s County. COPD Care: University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center highlights how quantitative CT imaging can help distinguish COPD types and guide treatment decisions.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
Perspectify News
