AGP Executive Report

Measles Watch: Cecil County health officials say measles risk is higher than the two confirmed cases, urging parents to keep kids up to date on MMR as outbreaks climb nationally. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit Maryland shoppers again—Lidl pulled a Wok Spice Mix after Salmonella was found in testing, and Walmart recalled a tomato bisque soup kit in 29 states over possible Listeria. Health Equity Leadership: UMD professor Stephen Thomas was named interim director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center, tasked with supporting students and guiding the search for a permanent leader. Care Access Expansion: Orchard Mental Health Group rolled out individualized Medical Nutrition Counseling to connect diet with mental and physical well-being. Local Health Services: Talbot County appointed Rachel Leahy as Director of Environmental Health, overseeing food safety, septic and water protections, pools, and rabies control. Community Health & Safety: A 19-year-old was shot in Cambridge and flown to Shock Trauma; police say the investigation is active. Healthcare Workforce & Immigration: A UMD pharmacy instructor detained by ICE after being denied release will remain in custody, according to his attorney.

Childhood Vaccines: The American Academy of Pediatrics and a broad coalition of medical and patient groups condemned a White House executive order on childhood vaccines, saying it recommends changes “without evidence” and could leave kids less protected as measles and respiratory virus season approach. School Health: New CDC data show kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit an all-time high, with 4.2% of kindergartners reporting at least one exemption in 2025-26—nearly double five years ago—raising measles susceptibility concerns. Food Safety: Federal regulators opened a two-day public meeting on Listeria after a decade of flat infection rates, focusing on prevention and control for high-risk groups like pregnant people, newborns, seniors, and immunocompromised adults. Public Health Monitoring: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor air pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing links to respiratory and longer-term health risks. Maryland Community Care: St. Mary’s County announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new Boys & Girls Club at the Carver Recreation Center, emphasizing after-school programs, healthy lifestyles, and youth support. Local Health Research: Johns Hopkins reported results from a trial suggesting obesity treatment for breast cancer survivors can be personalized—adding an FDA-approved anti-obesity medication when early lifestyle efforts don’t produce meaningful weight loss.

Food Safety Recall: FDA says Kettle Cuisine LLC’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit sold at Walmart in 29 states may contain Listeria; the affected 14-oz packages (UPC 194346474004, best-by/use-by Aug. 22, 2026) were recalled after routine testing flagged a presumptive positive. Public Health & Vaccines: Federal CDC data shows U.S. kindergarten vaccine rates dipped again for 2025–2026 while nonmedical exemptions hit a new record (4.2%); the shift comes as federal leaders push major changes to childhood immunization guidance. Local Health Policy Backlash: Baltimore City Council’s data center bill is drawing heat after activists warned the required “health equity assessment” could be a conflict of interest, especially given the city’s data center moratorium. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when air quality worsens, citing short- and long-term health risks from poor air. Corrections Safety: Maryland reports a 34% drop in assaults in July after statewide body camera rollout began July 2. Community Safety: Police report a 22-year-old arrested in an Essex double homicide; separately, a Dundalk Avenue crash left a 52-year-old woman dead.

Outdoor Air Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when levels spike, citing links to respiratory distress, inflammation, headaches, fatigue, and longer-term heart and cancer risks. Food Access & Hunger Relief: Grocery Outlet wrapped its 16th annual Independence from Hunger drive, raising more than $4 million for local food banks, with added online giving via Feeding America. Pulmonary Fibrosis Research: United Therapeutics said it fully enrolled a 754-patient TETON-PPF study of inhaled treprostinil for progressive pulmonary fibrosis, aiming for an FDA label expansion if results hold. Diabetes Tech Insights: A pooled analysis found continuous glucose monitoring metrics can flag severe hypoglycemia and DKA risk beyond A1c, highlighting the value of time-below-range measures. Public Health in the Community: Maryland’s Department of Health rescheduled free Lower Eastern Shore car seat checks for Aug. 18 in Salisbury, with more dates set across the region. Healthcare in Jails: A decade-old Baltimore jail medical-care consent decree was extended again, underscoring ongoing compliance gaps in inmate health services. Surveillance & Privacy: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown joined lawsuits challenging federal demands for sensitive driver data, arguing the approach violates privacy laws and threatens funding.

Public Health & Safety: Maryland AG’s Independent Investigations Division is reviewing a Bel Air traffic stop that ended with a driver fatally shot and the officer injured; officials are asking for cellphone or private video. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine LLC of Savage, Md., recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported, but consumers are told to throw out or return the product. Health Policy Watch: State Sen. Victor Rountree backed Nebraska’s LB762, requiring insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders, including specific treatments and insurer reporting on denials. Community Health: Little Flower School will hold its 11th Annual Patriot Day 5K on Sept. 5 in St. Mary’s County, honoring military, firefighters, police, EMTs and medical professionals. Environment & Health: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor air readings daily and reduce exposure when pollution spikes.

Infectious Disease & Public Health: Maryland-linked clinical adviser Dr. Ayesha Bryant weighs in on a newly published case from Italy describing how a parasite likely tied to poor sanitation ate into a man’s liver—highlighting how infections can spread in unexpected ways. Addiction Recovery: In Prince Frederick, Danielle Murphy tells how she went from Avenues addiction treatment to becoming a counselor there, using her own recovery story to guide clients. Healthcare Policy & Disability Rights: A Maryland disability advocate, Rob Stone, is pushing back against cuts that erode community-based services for people with disabilities as federal and state protections weaken. Health Care Access: Choptank Health marks National Health Center Week, spotlighting how federally qualified health centers expand primary care, dental services, and mobile support across Maryland’s Mid-Shore. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalls more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart over possible listeria contamination, with no illnesses confirmed. Environmental Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor air pollution daily and take steps indoors when levels spike.

Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores across 29 states after routine testing found a presumptive positive for Listeria; no illnesses reported, use-by date Aug. 22, 2026. Community Health Access: Choptank Health marked National Health Center Week by highlighting how federally qualified health centers expand primary care, prevention, and services for nearly 35,000 patients across Maryland’s Mid-Shore. Public Health & Environment: Maryland DNR is investigating a third beaver attack this summer after a 10-year-old was bitten at Seneca Creek State Park; a nearby trail and area are closed while officials search for the animal, and rabies concerns remain in focus. Healthcare Policy & Coverage: A new review links higher ultra-processed food intake with lower levels of key nutrients like vitamin A and E, adding to the growing debate over diet quality and health outcomes. Local Care Launch: Precious Baby Sono, an elective prenatal ultrasound studio in Prince Frederick, is set to open Sept. 1 for bonding-focused visits from early pregnancy through 40 weeks.

Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine (Savage, MD) recalled 3,240 packs of Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Maryland, after routine testing found a presumptive Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported yet, but the bacteria can be dangerous for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Public Health & Prevention: A new air-quality guidance urges Maryland-area residents to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing links to respiratory and longer-term health risks. Community Health Workforce: Maryland’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation announced a partnership with TidalHealth to create nine-month, full-time community health worker roles with training provided through Worwic Community College. Nutrition & Health Research: A review found higher ultra-processed food intake is linked with lower levels of key nutrients like vitamin A and carotenoids, though the studies can’t prove cause. Health Policy & Vaccines: Coverage highlights rising measles cases nationwide alongside concerns about shifting childhood vaccine recommendations. Local Wellness Spotlight: AfriThrive’s Maryland food-as-medicine program is expanding culturally tailored fresh-food access for African immigrant communities.

Rural Health Funding: Maryland awarded $80M in rural health grants to expand primary care access, with the state emphasizing partnerships and integrated care across primary, specialty, behavioral health, and dental services. Public Health & Safety: A University of Maryland professor, Berhanu Kibret, awaits a bond ruling after ICE detention; separately, UMMS rolled out VisitUMMS visitor check-in on the Mid-Shore to tighten hospital security. Food Recalls: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in Delaware and Maryland (salmonella risk), and Walmart recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states including Maryland (listeria risk). Infectious Disease Guidance: Johns Hopkins’ Dr. Geeta Sood says cold symptoms can look like COVID; testing is the only way to know for sure. Environment & Health: DNR is investigating a third beaver attack this summer after a 10-year-old was bitten at Seneca Creek State Park; a nearby area closed while officials search. Healthcare Policy: A CareFirst official warned that “AHEAD” value-based care changes could destabilize Maryland’s system. Community Health: Shore Regional Health is expanding visitor ID/photo procedures, while tenants in a Baltimore apartment lawsuit reported progress after repairs tied to mold and safety concerns.

Hospital Rate Overhaul Watch: A CareFirst official warned Maryland’s AHEAD hospital rate-setting transition could “topple” the system if regulators pull the wrong “block,” as the state moves beyond the Total Cost of Care model that expired at end of 2025. Public Safety & Health: A gas-manifold leak sparked a fire at BWI-Marshall’s daily parking garage, sending one person to a burn center and causing about $300,000 in damage, with the garage reopening the same day. Prescription Drug Costs Push: A Maryland advocacy group urged gubernatorial and General Assembly candidates to back a 2027 plan to let the Prescription Drug Affordability Board cap certain high-cost meds starting Jan. 1, 2028—while opponents warn it may not guarantee savings and could restrict access. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in Maryland due to possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Community Health Access: Hanover residents got help at a free four-day clinic on the Eastern Shore, offering medical services plus a holistic approach that included prayer. Immigration & Health Workforce: A University of Maryland pharmacy instructor detained after an airport arrest is set for a bond hearing, raising concerns among academic communities. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and take indoor precautions when levels spike.

Air Quality & Outdoor Health: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution readings daily and limit exposure when levels spike, citing links to respiratory flare-ups, inflammation, headaches, fatigue, and longer-term risks like heart disease and cancer. Wildfire Smoke Costs: A new estimate puts this summer’s Canadian wildfire smoke losses at more than $38 billion across 10 states, with Michigan the hardest hit and Maryland included among the affected. Pharmacy Training Pay Fight: A Maryland federal judge dismissed a proposed antitrust class-action by pharmacy residents challenging the ASHP match system and alleging hospitals—including Johns Hopkins—helped suppress wages. Police Custody Deaths: An ACLU report says 143 people died in police custody in Maryland from 2015-2023, with many cases involving medical emergencies or behavioral crises and major racial disparities. Housing & Health: Baltimore seniors at Wayland Village say their rental license was reinstated even though HVAC remains unrepaired, leaving residents relying on window units and space heaters. Public Safety: BWI-Marshall reopened its daily parking garage after a small fire tied to gas equipment damage; one person was taken to a burn center. Community Health Access: A Howard County nonprofit launched to help renters advocate for safer, healthier housing and avoid displacement.

Outdoor Air Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution levels daily and limit exposure indoors when air quality worsens, citing short- and long-term health risks from pollution. Nutrition & Health: A review linked higher ultra-processed food intake with lower levels of key nutrients like vitamin A and E, though the findings are associations, not proof of cause. Local Public Health Recognition: St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster received a top national award from NACCHO for advancing local governmental public health through leadership and workforce efforts. Prescription Drug Cost Caps Push: Maryland Health Care for All is backing a proposal that would let the state set upper limits on drug prices tied to Medicare’s Maximum Fair Price. SNAP-to-Work Tool: Maryland launched an online resource connecting SNAP recipients to job training and workforce development opportunities as food assistance faces cuts. Food Safety Recall: Lidl US expanded a Salmonella-related recall tied to a spice mix sold in multiple states, including Maryland. Care Access & Coverage: CMS ended federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for transgender procedures for children, a major policy shift with direct implications for access.

Hospital Safety & AI: Nurses say hospital AI tools arrive without the bedside review that catches errors early, with a survey finding many nurses distrust results that conflict with their own clinical judgment. Public Health Alerts: Harford and Anne Arundel counties issued new rabies alerts after a raccoon, fox, and a bat tested positive for the virus. Food & Water Safety: Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns Marylanders about rising risk from vibrio vulnificus in warming brackish waters, urging extra caution with cuts and seafood. Homelessness & Sanitation: Baltimore’s Office of Inspector General reported mold, mushrooms, pests, and poor ventilation inside former hotels repurposed as homeless shelters. Community Health Costs: A JAMA Health Forum study links mandatory value-based payment participation to higher hospital administrative costs, driven by expanded staffing and reporting workflows. Access & Affordability: Maryland Health Care For All launched a campaign pushing candidates to cap prescription drug costs via the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, starting with Ozempic and Jardiance. Local Crime With Health Impacts: A shooting at a downtown Baltimore Royal Farms left a man critically wounded, and another Baltimore pool was closed after fecal matter was found in the water.

988 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.

School Safety & Staffing: Anne Arundel County superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell outlined priorities for the new year, including continuing a pilot of an AI-powered weapons detection system and addressing safety, staffing shortages, and a looming federal funding threat. Mental Health Access: Howard County is sending $260,000 in emergency funds to Grassroots Crisis Intervention after federal cuts ended its 988 national backup contract, a move that will cost the center nearly $6 million and 62 jobs. Public Health & Community Risk: A new town-by-town tick risk model flags Herald Harbor as the highest modeled exposure risk in Anne Arundel County, with Lyme rates and habitat edges driving daily scores. Healthcare Workforce & Training Politics: University of Maryland-Baltimore is offering a taxpayer-funded $4,000 abortion training stipend through a reproductive health fellowship, drawing renewed scrutiny of state-supported clinician training. Construction Safety: Five workers were injured in Elkton after a wooden truss fell at a construction site, sending them to hospitals; investigators are ongoing. Care in the Real World: Inovalon and OMNY Health announced a linked real-world data partnership combining claims and EHR/clinical notes to support research and precision therapies. Access to Care for Low-Income Residents: Maryland launched a SNAP employment tool to connect recipients with job training resources as benefits changes loom.

Rural Health Funding: Maryland is set to distribute $80 million in first-round federal grants from the Rural Health Transformation Program to expand access to primary and behavioral care in rural counties, with staffing and transportation barriers cited as key hurdles. SNAP-to-Work Tool: The state launched an online platform connecting SNAP recipients to job training and employment providers, expanding a network of 46 providers and offering supports like transportation help, resume assistance, and work clothing. Mobile Crisis Expansion: Baltimore’s mobile crisis team is expanding to meet mental health needs, highlighting how clinicians can divert people from jail and connect them to therapy, psychiatry, and case management. Drug-Checking in Baltimore: The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition is distributing drug test strips that can flag dangerous substances like benzodiazepines and fentanyl, aiming to reduce overdose risk in neighborhoods hit by mass overdoses. Heat Safety: Southern Maryland officials are urging residents to use caution in extreme heat, warning that cars can heat to lethal temperatures fast—especially for children and pets. Community Health Center Spotlight: Choptank Community Health System marked National Health Center Week, underscoring how federally qualified health centers deliver primary care, dental services, and mobile support across Maryland’s Mid-Shore.