AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Maryland health officials expanded a Clover Hill Dairy recall, now pulling all cheese products from the Mechanicsville company after Listeria concerns; consumers are told to check for manufacturer number “24-128” and avoid, sell, or serve affected cheeses that may be relabeled under other brands. Medicaid & Mental Health Policy: KFF Health News reports final federal rules for Medicaid work requirements are out, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage—while Maryland also faces a major behavioral health workforce shortfall and Medicaid cuts that could strain mental health services. Suicide Prevention & Community Care: Mid Shore Behavioral Health’s 15th Annual Across the Lifespan Conference focused on suicide prevention across ages, highlighting Maryland’s statewide approach and practical tools for youth, adults, and older residents. Transgender Care Oversight: State Del. Kathy Szeliga renewed calls for accountability around transgender treatments for children, arguing those harmed should be held responsible. Public Health in the Newsroom: A separate FDA Class I recall was issued for Alfredo sauce over possible salmonella contamination, affecting food service operations across 41 states. Local Health-Adjacent Updates: A La Plata motorcyclist was airlifted to a trauma center after a June 13 crash, underscoring ongoing emergency response needs.

Food Safety: The FDA issued a highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states after a dry milk powder ingredient was pulled over possible salmonella contamination. Public Health Access: A June 18 Ocean City event will pair free food with health screenings, Narcan training, peer support, legal services info, and SNAP enrollment help. Health & Wellness Education: A local explainer warns that “benign” tumors can still be dangerous because they may press on nerves or invade nearby tissue, with examples including meningiomas and fibroids. Community Health & Safety: Wicomico County health officials reported a rabid raccoon near Kensington Woods/Upper Ferry Road and urged residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Care & Infrastructure: Cambridge commissioners approved up to $6.86 million to rehabilitate the Trenton Street Sewage Pumping Station after deterioration, a move tied to keeping wastewater services reliable. Medical-Related Crime (Baltimore County): Detectives are investigating after two juveniles handled a firearm, leading to one relative being accidentally shot; the injured teen is stable.

Food Insecurity + Health Access: Ocean City is hosting a June 18 Food Share and Community Resources event with free food plus health screenings, SNAP help, Narcan training, and recovery and legal services. Public Health Alert: The FDA says a frozen snack recall covers Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers sold in more than 20 states, including Maryland, because the product may contain metal pieces. Animal Health: BARCS in Baltimore is resuming dog adoptions and fostering after a parvovirus outbreak; meanwhile Wicomico County is warning residents after a rabid raccoon was found near Kensington Woods/Upper Ferry Road. Healthcare Workforce + Mental Health: AFSCME members rallied against University System of Maryland layoffs, arguing cuts could reduce mental health services at the UMD College Park health center. Community Safety: Maryland storms left widespread outages and damage, including traffic light failures in Anne Arundel County. Infectious Disease Policy: Senators Duckworth and Durbin urged the Trump administration to restore foreign aid and address WHO withdrawal impacts on Ebola and hantavirus preparedness.

Heat Safety: Baltimore and Maryland kicked off a dangerous stretch of summer weather with a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert as the heat index nears 105, driving hundreds of heat-illness calls and prompting warnings about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Caregiver Shortage & Support: Towson seniors at Blakehurst Senior Living awarded $228,000 in scholarships to caregivers, highlighting ongoing staffing strain tied to state cuts and low wages. Cancer Research: University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified a target that could improve CAR T-cell therapy response in blood cancer patients by blocking a protein that reduces tumor-fighting power. Food Safety: FDA announced a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Maryland, over possible metal contamination. Public Health & Animals: Baltimore officials warned residents after rabid foxes were found in Roland Park, urging wildlife safety and pet precautions. Local Health Policy: A federal judge blocked a Trump rule that created barriers to Affordable Care Act coverage, with Baltimore among plaintiffs challenging the policy. Workforce & Health Systems: Union members protested University System of Maryland layoffs at the Board of Regents meeting, arguing contract promises and funding don’t match the job cuts.

Extreme Heat Watch: Maryland health officials say hundreds have sought care for heat-related illness and two people have died as the heat index climbs near 105, with Code Red Extreme Heat Alerts in effect and guidance on warning signs like confusion, vomiting, and rapid breathing plus cooling-center options. Medicaid Work Requirements: New CMS rules for 2027 clarify who may be exempt from Medicaid work requirements, including people deemed “medically frail,” a change that could reshape coverage for medically complex Maryland residents. Hospital Workplace Discrimination: The EEOC has sued TidalHealth, alleging sex discrimination after a longtime female employee was suspended and terminated following a van-lift incident while a male employee in a similar situation was not disciplined. School AI Guardrails: Maryland lawmakers and districts are scrambling to set consistent AI policies for K-12 as guidance varies widely by district, with new state requirements aimed at AI coordinators and teacher training. Public Health & Safety: FDA recall updates continue for frozen pizza snacks due to possible metal fragments, while officials also warn about dangerous street drugs containing a sedative linked to overdoses nationwide. Access to Care: A sleep-care piece highlights how patients can face hurdles getting sleep studies, pointing to new testing approaches and the strain on local sleep lab capacity.

Medicaid Policy: CMS has issued final rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027—while states scramble to update systems and avoid coverage losses for paperwork and portal hurdles. Nutrition & Health Leadership: Maryland named Theresa Stahl “Outstanding Dietitian of the Year” for 2026, honoring leadership and statewide impact. Sleep Medicine Research: Suven Life Sciences will present Phase-3 narcolepsy study updates at SLEEP-2026 in Baltimore, alongside posters on excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Food Safety: A frozen pizza snack recall expanded to 21 states after FDA classified the metal contamination risk as a Class II issue—raising questions about how long families waited for clear federal labeling. Heat & Public Health: Another Heat Advisory is in effect for the DC/Arlington area, with heat index values up to 107 and school outdoor activity limits. Local Care Access: Community members pushed back against ChristianaCare’s plan to close the birth center at Union Hospital in Elkton, citing travel barriers and feeling excluded from the decision. Emergency Medicine: UM School of Medicine appointed Michael E. Winters as Chair of Emergency Medicine and Chief of Emergency Medicine Clinical Services at UMMC.

Heat Safety: A new Heat Advisory is in effect across parts of Maryland (heat index up to 107), with officials urging hydration, staying in air-conditioning, and watching for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stroke & Rehab Access: A study covering Maryland and other states found only about 22% of adults hospitalized for stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury received inpatient rehab, raising concerns about recovery access and equity. Maternal Health Recognition: Morgan State University nurse practitioner Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas was named “Nurse Practitioner of the Year” by The Daily Record for work advancing maternal health and health equity. Community Health in Action: MedStar Health is expanding pet therapy visits through Pets on Wheels, boosted by Orioles player Jackson Holliday’s plan to donate $500 per home run. Public Health & Equity: Priority Partners received an “Impact of Excellence Award” for efforts to reduce food insecurity and connect Medicaid members to low- or no-cost care. Local Health Risks: A school bus crash in Davidsonville sent 11 students and a driver to hospitals for evaluation after a collision.

Hospital Price Transparency Push: Delaware’s Christiana Hospital and three other facilities were warned or asked to submit plans after the Trump administration flagged gaps in basic pricing disclosure—an issue that can affect how Marylanders shop for care across state lines. Food Safety Alert: Maryland’s DHSS suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s license and issued a recall of requesón/soft ricotta over possible Listeria contamination, urging consumers to check labels and discard affected products. Extreme Heat Preparedness: Baltimore declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for June 11–12, opening cooling centers and urging residents to hydrate and limit outdoor activity. Rural Care Staffing: Sierra Vista Hospital & Clinics in New Mexico welcomed a new FNP-C to expand walk-in clinic coverage, highlighting ongoing workforce needs in community health. Sleep & Health Research: New sleep studies link excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep expectations to higher hypertension risk and worse outcomes—reinforcing the health stakes of sleep problems.

Maternal Sleep Research: A new study links postpartum insomnia most strongly to what pregnant women expect about their future sleep—negative expectations and prenatal anxiety predicted worse postpartum sleep even more than prior sleep problems or psychiatric history. Sleep Apnea Care: At SLEEP 2026 in Baltimore, researchers reported that women with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea reported higher symptom burden than men despite lower apnea severity scores. Heat-Relief Access: Delaware opened DHSS cooling centers June 10-12 with air-conditioned spaces and hydration during peak heat, a reminder for Marylanders to plan for extreme temperatures. ACA Coverage Shift: The Commonwealth Fund reports that lapses in enhanced ACA premium tax credits led to fewer marketplace signups and more plan cancellations, raising the risk of people becoming uninsured or underinsured. Maryland Dementia Rankings: Maryland remains highest for Alzheimer’s and dementia prevalence, and Johns Hopkins researchers say they still don’t know why the cluster is so pronounced. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: New data show Columbia Medicaid surgery billings reached $732,972 in 2024, up 2.6% from 2023. Public Safety: Maryland State Police charged a Prince George’s County man in an Anne Arundel road rage shooting that sent a driver to a trauma center.

Listeria Recall Hits Maryland: Federal health officials say a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta and requesón has sickened at least 9 people across Maryland, New York, and Virginia, with one death and seven hospitalizations; Maryland’s health department suspended the company’s license while investigators follow up. AI Governance in Care: A new alert warns that AI use in hospitals is outpacing oversight, citing gaps in AI policies, “shadow AI” risks, and patient-safety concerns like privacy, bias, and misleading outputs. Medicare Affordability Push: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told an HFMA conference that fraud, waste, and abuse crackdowns are central to bending the cost curve, alongside other affordability priorities. Baltimore Consumer Protection Lawsuit: The city sued Agora Companies, alleging deceptive marketing of health supplements and financial advice that targets consumers—especially older adults—and traps them into harder-to-cancel, pricier purchases. Public Health Equity Spotlight: Prince George’s County raised a Pride flag at a ceremony tied to LGBTQ+ health equity, highlighting free HIV testing and culturally responsive services. Workplace Safety—Wastewater Explosion: An explosion at Baltimore’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant injured three contractors, with investigators looking into electrical work and possible power issues.

Clinical Guidance: The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released the first-ever guideline for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, flagging excess weight—especially abdominal—as a key driver and urging earlier, prevention-focused conversations. Food Safety: Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville recalled soft ricotta/requesón cheese after potential Listeria contamination; FDA/CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak tied to the product, with serious risk for pregnant people, older adults, and immunocompromised residents. Local Health & Community: Maryland’s Kids Count report shows child well-being gains in some areas but a drop in overall ranking (10th to 18th), with education still a major weak spot and mixed health indicators. Healthcare Business: PRN Funding expanded home-care invoice factoring into Ohio, Minnesota, Florida, and Missouri, building on its presence in Pennsylvania and experience funding agencies in Maryland. Dental Access: Divine Dental announced an Annapolis expansion via acquisition and reopening of Lighthouse Family Dentistry, aiming to add clinical services for local families. Public Health Policy: HHS says more than 19 medical schools have signed a nutrition education pledge to add 40 hours of nutrition training to graduation requirements. Baltimore Incident: Two workers were injured in an explosion at the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant; the cause is under investigation.

Public Health & Food Safety: Federal health agencies say a multistate listeria outbreak tied to soft cheese from Maryland-based Clover Hill Dairy has sickened people in multiple states and caused at least one death, prompting a recall and license suspension while investigators trace distribution. Clinical Care & Prevention: A new study suggests mammography could flag millions of women with breast arterial calcifications who may benefit from preventive cardiology care, with higher rates seen in Black and Hispanic patients. Mental Health Access: Psychotherapist Isabel B. Kirk, who serves clients across DC, Virginia and Maryland, is set to appear on Love Experts TV to discuss attachment-focused therapy and emotional regulation. Health Workforce & Training: HHS says 19 more medical schools will require nutrition education for students starting fall 2026, bringing the total to 73 participating schools. Health Policy & Costs: HHS chief economist Casey Mulligan told a conference in National Harbor that healthcare affordability depends on delivery and patient control—not just insurance coverage. Community Safety: Baltimore’s Safe Streets program worker Antoine Burton was charged with attempted murder after an alleged shooting left a man hospitalized. Local Health Tech: LifeBridge Health is using Ceribell rapid EEG to help detect hidden seizures in a Maryland child, cutting through missed episodes. Health & Wellness Lifestyle: A Maryland doctor highlights everyday habits that may stress the pancreas, including sugary drinks, frequent snacking, ultra-processed foods and alcohol.

Measles Watch: U.S. measles cases are surging toward a new record, with 2,030 cases across 38 states and D.C. reported by June 4—mostly among unvaccinated people and with at least 127 hospitalizations. Immigration & Health Workforce: A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s plan to charge a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it an unlawful tax—an issue that could affect hiring across sectors that include healthcare. Public Health Policy: Maryland’s suicide-prevention landscape shows mixed progress: a new report finds Maryland suicide deaths rose 4% from 2023 to 2024 even as national suicide deaths fell 3%. Local Care & Safety: Baltimore County police say an officer shot during a Pikesville trail call remains in critical but stable condition at Shock Trauma, with a bystander also hit. Workplace Health & Access: Metro reported major disruptions after an electrical incident near the Medical Center station injured at least three workers, with service partially restored. Women’s Health: A new report highlights that women with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea report a higher symptom burden than men, even when objective severity looks similar. Tobacco/Nicotine Oversight: Maryland-linked multistate efforts are pushing Formula 1 to end tobacco and nicotine sponsorships, including nicotine pouches, citing youth exposure risks.

Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy: A new explainer revisits why the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet can cut seizures for many people with drug-resistant epilepsy—while noting that strict adherence and monitoring still limit who can realistically use it. Medical Misinformation & Family Care: A Maryland clinician describes the tricky ethics of advising loved ones who trust TikTok or Google over doctors, and how to talk through stents and medication concerns without dismissing fears. Early MS Warning Signs: A neurologist highlights subtle early multiple sclerosis symptoms—like fatigue, brain fog, and weakness—plus how lifestyle factors can mask or worsen them. Energy Drinks & Sleepiness: A Maryland doctor explains why some people feel sleepy after energy drinks, pointing to caffeine blocking sleep-pressure signals rather than providing “real energy.” FDA Oversight in Baltimore: Hemagen Diagnostics received four FDA citations after a May 14 inspection tied to device record controls, supplier monitoring, and corrective action documentation. Maternal Health Policy: An editorial argues that expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage is a key lever to reduce maternal mortality, criticizing opposition to extending coverage beyond two months. Clinical Tech in Surgery: A Baltimore-area participant becomes the first in a mixed-reality operating room clinical trial, using Apple Vision Pro during surgery planning. Public Health & Food Safety: Coverage also flags U.S. honey supply strain from bee losses and disease, and a Clover Hill Dairy recall tied to possible Listeria contamination. Local Care Access & Community: Residents petition against a rezoning for apartments near the “Medical Mile,” raising concerns about neighborhood impacts as healthcare-area development continues. Safety & Health Systems: Baltimore County reports a bystander and officer injured in a Pikesville shooting; the officer is expected to recover after treatment at Shock Trauma.

SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in federal food aid, arguing the requirements are vague and unrelated to nutrition—an immediate win for states and D.C. that say families could go hungry. Opioid Response Transparency: Maryland’s opioid settlement dashboard is now live, tracking how the state’s $245.8M in collected funds have been distributed to treatment and prevention, with more money expected over the next decade-plus. Public Health Threat Watch: Texas confirmed a case of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that can infest animals through wounds—raising concerns for pets and the cattle supply chain. Workforce Pipeline: College of Southern Maryland hosted a regional quantum forum to build training pathways for emerging quantum careers, positioning the state as a growing hub for the sector. Care Access & Seniors: A new 124-bed nursing home project in Morgan County is set to begin construction within 30 days, aiming to expand intermediate health care capacity. Local Safety: Baltimore County reported a police officer shot in Pikesville and taken to Shock Trauma after an armed suspect opened fire during a trail call.

Court Ruling on Nursing Homes: The 4th Circuit said nursing homes don’t get a Seventh Amendment jury trial when they face federal fines tied to Medicare violations, a win for the government in enforcement fights. Food Access Under Legal Pressure: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump positions on gender and immigration to keep billions in funding, including food assistance. SNAP/WIC Fallout Watch: The House advanced a bill cutting $200M from WIC, threatening fruit-and-veg benefits for millions of pregnant women and young children as grocery costs rise. Local Food Relief: Prince George’s County opened a free grocery store inside the Fairmount Heights Library to help families hit by SNAP cuts and inflation. Community Safety in Baltimore: Safe Streets Baltimore kicked off its sixth annual Safe Summer program, partnering with local groups and LifeBridge Health Center for Hope to push peace and reduce shootings. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: New data show Odenton dental claims hit $178,512 in 2024 (up 15%), while Gaithersburg medicine services claims rose to $12.4M. Public Health & Wellness: Research links feeling older than your age with worse sleep and more insomnia symptoms. Violence Alerts: Towson University student Nasir Majied was identified as a York Road shooting victim; police also investigated multiple Baltimore shootings, including a Federal Hill triple shooting that left one dead.