AGP Executive Report

Measles Watch: U.S. measles cases have already topped 2025’s total, driven by declining vaccination rates; Maryland is among the states seeing new exposures and health officials are pushing vaccine clinics. Chesapeake Bay Health Alert: Doctors are warning about rising Vibrio “flesh-eating” infections in the Chesapeake Bay, urging people with cuts to avoid warm-water exposure and to be careful with shellfish. Cyclospora Surge: Maryland’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing, with the state reporting 148 cases this year and nearly 2,000 nationwide, as officials continue to trace likely food sources and stress thorough rinsing and safe temperatures for produce. Food Security in Jeopardy: Federal SNAP changes have left at least 35,861 Marylanders without benefits, with the state saying it’s working to help eligible residents regain coverage. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA recalls include ice cream products tied to foreign material concerns, adding to a busy week of consumer safety notices. Local Access to Care: Giant Food is closing multiple Baltimore-area stores, including an Overlea location, with pharmacy prescriptions being transferred to nearby sites.

Patient Safety Funding: The Trump administration has effectively shut down most of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, halting at least 104 grants tied to patient safety and leaving the agency with far less spending than Congress appropriated. Public Health & Food Safety: Maryland is seeing rising Vibrio risk as Chesapeake Bay waters warm, with MDH reporting dozens of vibriosis cases and warning that shellfish and wound exposure can be dangerous. Infectious Disease Watch: Maryland continues to monitor measles exposure after recent cases, with health officials issuing alerts and planning follow-up outreach. Health Policy & Privacy: DOJ and the Education Department are pursuing enforcement action against Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Schools over claims it concealed transgender student information from parents, citing FERPA. Community Wellness: World Wellness Weekend returns for its 10th anniversary with free activities focused on movement, stress management, sleep and community connection. Local Health Access: The Social Security Administration expanded “My Social Security” tools, adding online disability form submission and easier tracking for disability claims and appeals. Food Choices for Families: New research presented in Maryland highlights that many toddler foods are ultra-processed and may fall short on key nutrition benchmarks. Rabies Alert: A beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park sent a 13-year-old to Johns Hopkins and prompted rabies testing and beach closures.

Patient Safety & Diagnostics: CorVista won FDA clearance for a noninvasive PCWP add-on, aiming to help clinicians spot likely elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure tied to heart failure subtypes. Public Health Alerts: Maryland-linked Clover Hill Dairy recalled “Requeson” soft cheese after Listeria monocytogenes positives tied to an outbreak strain; officials also reported a rabid beaver bite case at Cunningham Falls, keeping the swimming area closed while testing continues. Community Health Access: Johns Hopkins and Enoch Pratt Free Library launched a free Safe Firearm Storage program with locks and safes to prevent unintentional injuries and suicides. Education & Student Privacy: Federal Education and Justice officials allege Anne Arundel County Public Schools withheld students’ gender identity from parents, with enforcement action planned. Local Governance & Housing: Montgomery County approved up to $420M in Viva White Oak bonds, a mixed-use plan that could ease housing pressures for health workers. Caregiving & Wellness: A Maryland community college guide highlights how families can compare programs, including health-care training options. Sports & Health Watch: NFL training camp coverage spotlights quarterback competitions, including Baltimore-area relevance with Ravens rookies reporting dates.

Measles Watch: Maryland health officials say confirmed measles cases are rising, but the state’s high vaccination coverage (about 96%) is helping prevent sustained spread; St. Mary’s County is also running free MMR vaccine clinics July 28 and 30 after Southern Maryland cases were confirmed. Public Health & Food Safety: Maryland is seeing a broader cyclospora surge nationally, and local officials are urging caution as investigations expand. Community Health Access: St. Mary’s County’s MMR clinics are open to children and adults, with walk-ins welcome and no insurance required. Local Safety & Health Impacts: Residents in Sparrows Point report a water main break that’s been unrepaired for days, raising concerns about sinkholes and disruptions to summer school and nutrition programs; in Baltimore, a sidewalk bolt reportedly pierced a woman’s foot, prompting a city complaint. Wellness & Treatment Trends: A new twice-yearly LDL-lowering therapy (inclisiran) is highlighted as a potential option for people with high cholesterol who struggle with daily meds. Regulatory/Policy Pressure: The U.S. Education Department threatened federal funding cuts for Anne Arundel County Public Schools over how it handles transgender student information, citing FERPA.

Mobile Care for Rural Veterans: A new “hospital on wheels” program, GOHOSPITAL, is set to bring hospital-grade diagnostics and clinician support to remote communities, with a rollout planned for late 2026 and January 2027 at the IDGA Veterans Healthcare Summit at National Harbor in Maryland. Public Health Alerts: St. Mary’s County Health Department is hosting free MMR vaccine clinics after Maryland confirmed measles cases in Southern Maryland; clinics run July 28 and July 30 in Leonardtown, with a call center open for questions. Maternal Care Access: Cecil County is facing longer travel for childbirth after ChristianaCare closed the Union Hospital birth center, raising concerns about becoming a maternity care desert. Food Access Funding: Governor Wes Moore announced nearly $4 million in NourishMD grants to expand fresh food access in food deserts, including a permanent food hub in Baltimore’s Cherry Hill and new grocery and year-round hub projects across the state. Local Health & Safety: A rabid-beaver incident at Cunningham Falls State Park led officials to close water access after a 13-year-old was attacked and airlifted to Johns Hopkins. Water Safety Concerns: Residents in Sparrows Point report a water main break still unrepaired after three days, with worries about sinkholes and impacts to schools and nutrition programs. Caregiving & Community: For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center is launching a Center for Veterans & Military Families after VAMSA closed, aiming to keep services going across Maryland’s Mid-Shore.

Back-to-School Vaccines: Montgomery County is rolling out free vaccine clinics ahead of the Sept. 14 school exclusion date, offering Tdap, MCV4, MenB, varicella, HPV, COVID-19 and flu (when available) for MCPS students, with multiple clinic sites and set hours. Public Health & Safety: Nineteen people were taken to hospitals after illness reports at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel; officials suspect food-related causes but haven’t confirmed a trigger. Nutrition & Brain Health: New research presented in Maryland’s National Harbor links the Planetary Health Diet to about a 28% lower cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women, while a small trial suggests time-restricted eating (about 8–9 hours) may offer modest cognitive benefits for older women. Mental Health Access: A Baltimore case highlights how 911 dispatchers can route people in crisis to mobile mental health teams instead of police response, aiming to connect residents to clinicians and services faster. Infectious Disease Watch: Measles remains a concern, with Maryland reporting additional cases and public health urging awareness of possible exposures.

Public Health & Safety: Patterson Park Pool in Baltimore reopened Sunday after feces contamination and vandalism that included drain grates ripped off and thrown into the water, with city crews completing cleaning, debris removal, and water treatment. Emergency Care: Nearly 20 people were hospitalized after reporting similar minor symptoms at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel; officials suspect a food-related link but haven’t confirmed a cause. Food & Nutrition: A Texas audit found 80% of toddler foods were ultra-processed and about half failed key nutrient standards, as FDA considers front-of-package label rules for children’s products. Infectious Disease: U.S. measles cases hit the highest level since 1991, with 12 in Maryland, and health officials are warning about possible exposures. Mental Health & Policy: A new study links state total abortion bans to increased suicidal thoughts among female teens. Clinical Research: Rutgers researchers reported that time-restricted eating (about a 9-hour window) improved memory and problem-solving in a small trial of older overweight women. Community Health: A Southern Maryland boy is recovering after a boating accident left him with an amputated right leg and serious injuries, with his family seeking support for ongoing care.

Food Safety & Public Health: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, now involving nine states and nearly 2,000 reported illnesses, with Maryland health officials saying they haven’t found links to the recent outbreak. Infectious Disease Watch: Measles continues to surge nationally, with Maryland reporting 12 cases for 2026 and warning of possible exposures at Carroll Hospital and in Westminster. Health Tech & Nutrition: A new NIH study presented in Maryland found photo-based calorie-tracking apps can underestimate calories and fat by about a third, raising questions for people using them to manage weight. Access & Cost Pressures: New ALICE data shows 39% of Maryland households are “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed,” struggling to afford essentials including health care. Policy & Care Coverage: Maryland AG Jay Jones joined an amicus brief backing continued access to mifepristone in the Fifth Circuit case, arguing against added barriers to reproductive healthcare. Community Health Workforce: Baltimore County is partnering on nursing assistant training with guaranteed jobs, aiming to ease staffing shortages.

Measles Watch: CDC logged 12 Maryland measles cases in 2026 as the U.S. hits its worst year since 1991, with eight new Maryland positives in the past two weeks and MDH warning about possible exposures. Food Safety: FDA and CDC widened a cyclospora investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, while Maryland health officials say they haven’t found links to Maryland cases; separately, Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of lentil soup nationwide, including Maryland, over spoilage risk. Public Health & Nutrition Research: A study presented in National Harbor links higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet with lower cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women, and another finds teens who eat breakfast tend to consume more key nutrients and less high-fat/high-sugar foods. Health System Workforce: AFSCME Council 3 filed an unfair labor practice claim and lawsuit over alleged withheld negotiated pay raises and layoffs affecting Maryland university workers. Local Hardship: New ALICE data says 39% of Maryland households can’t afford basic living costs despite working.

Public Health: Maryland and federal health agencies are tracking a widening cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled central Mexico iceberg lettuce, with cases now reported across multiple states and Maryland among those still being investigated. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a fresh statement saying it has paused central Mexico iceberg lettuce sourcing and production and expanded recalls “out of an abundance of caution” as CDC/FDA probe the source. Infectious Disease: Measles concerns continue in Maryland, with health officials warning about possible exposures after new cases. Healthcare Workforce: NIH named Dr. Courtney Aklin as the new director of the National Institute of Nursing Research, a leadership move that could shape nursing research priorities nationwide. Local Health & Safety: Two people were injured in an Ocean City boat collision, with one patient flown to Shock Trauma. Community Health Funding: Qlarant Foundation announced 2026 grants totaling $325,000 to 13 Maryland organizations, supporting programs tied to social determinants of health, mental health, pregnancy support, dental care, and more. Corrections Health: Advocates and lawmakers are raising alarms about severe understaffing at Maryland’s Eastern Correctional Institution, linking staffing gaps to safety risks for both staff and inmates. Public Health Infrastructure: Maryland’s SNAP benefit eligibility is under scrutiny after a legislative audit found problems determining eligibility for SNAP and other benefits.

State Appointments: Gov. Wes Moore announced leadership changes at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, naming Jeremy Baker as acting director and Will Tilburg as his successor, with both transitions set for Aug. 19. Public Health—Measles: Maryland Department of Health confirmed another measles case and is tracing possible exposure at Carroll Hospital Center’s Westminster emergency waiting room (4:30–6:30 p.m. Tuesday). Food Safety—Cyclospora: The CDC/FDA-linked cyclosporiasis investigation expanded to nine states, including Illinois, with cases tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell; Maryland is among the affected distribution states. Food Safety—Soup Recall: FDA and Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage; the recall includes Maryland. Clinical Breakthrough: University of Maryland Medical Center highlighted FDA-approved gene therapy for a sickle cell patient, noting UMMC is the only Maryland-certified site. Opioid Settlement Spending: A new look at Maryland’s opioid settlement funding totals about $670.8 million over 18 years, with local jurisdictions using money for treatment, recovery, and overdose prevention. Community Care: Hospice of the Chesapeake announced fall fundraising events, including a Sept. 24 golf tournament and an Oct. 1 luau, to support hospice and grief services. Health & Safety—Crash: A multi-vehicle crash in La Plata sent a motorcyclist to MedStar Washington Hospital Center with open fractures and serious injuries; the cause remains under investigation.

Peptides policy fight: An FDA advisory panel voted to recommend loosening restrictions on certain gray-market peptides (including BPC-157, KPV, TB 500 and MOTS-c) despite FDA scientists’ warnings about limited safety and effectiveness data. Cyclospora/cyclosporiasis in Maryland: Maryland reported more than 100 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases as the national outbreak continues, with health officials linking it to iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms; guidance emphasizes thorough rinsing and heating produce. Measles watch: Maryland confirmed additional measles cases tied to out-of-state travel, prompting exposure-location warnings. ICE enforcement and health impacts: A Baltimore Jewish coalition protested ICE enforcement actions outside a federal facility, while public testimony highlighted fear and mental health tolls on city students. Community health support: Maryland’s NourishMD grants added nearly $4 million to expand food and nutrition help, and Safe Exit Initiative leadership discussed survivor-centered services that include medical care and mental health referrals in Baltimore. Workforce/health access: A Maryland economy analysis points to the state’s heavy federal footprint (including health agencies) and job volatility, while community college payroll failures raise concerns about stability for workers and students. Public safety: A child was flown to Johns Hopkins after a boat propeller injury in Charles County, and a separate scooter crash in the region raised renewed helmet-safety warnings.

Immigration & Student Health: Baltimore City Public Schools says it has changed district policies after an ICE arrest outside a school last month, and city leaders heard testimony on the mental health toll on students and families. Public Health Alerts: Maryland confirmed two new measles cases tied to out-of-state travel and warned of possible exposures at specific locations, urging residents to check vaccination status. Food Access & Nutrition: Maryland’s NourishMD grants will distribute nearly $4 million to 44 organizations to expand fresh food options statewide. Medicaid/SNAP Oversight: A legislative audit found Maryland Department of Human Services sent thousands of improper SNAP and other benefit payments, citing weak eligibility procedures. Clinical Workforce Pipeline: Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy launched an accelerated pathway to a PharmD, aiming to cut time and cost to enter pharmacy careers. Opioid Treatment Disruption Risk: Advocates warn Canadian wildfire smoke can interfere with access to opioid use disorder treatment, especially when travel and clinic visits are required. Emergency Care & Safety: A Cecil County judge ruled a man accused in a shaken-baby case mentally competent for trial.

Measles Watch in Maryland: MDH reported two additional measles cases tied to out-of-state travel, bringing the state total to 11 this year, with specific exposure sites listed in Southern Maryland. Foodborne Parasite Update: Health coverage continues to track cyclosporiasis risk in Maryland as officials investigate a surge of cases and possible links to contaminated produce. Autonomous Surgery Startup: Baltimore’s Inner Logic raised $11.5M to build simulation infrastructure for autonomous surgical devices, aiming to speed safer testing before systems reach patients. Public Health + Animals: Baltimore City Animal Control seized 367 birds from an exotic bird shop after complaints of unsanitary conditions and sick birds, with BARCS and outside veterinarians stepping in. Healthcare Tech in Delaware (regional): ChristianaCare is moving toward an Epic go-live on Oct. 3, 2026, to improve care coordination and patient access. Community Safety: Police investigated a Northeast Baltimore shooting that left a 16-year-old critically injured.

Measles Watch: Maryland confirmed two new Southern Maryland measles cases and listed three possible exposure sites in St. Mary’s County, urging anyone who visited J&R Feeds LLC, MedStar Health Urgent Care in Charlotte Hall, or MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital ER in Leonardtown during specific dates/times to monitor for symptoms for 21 days and check MMR vaccination status. Cyclospora Surge: Maryland health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 110 since May 1, with dozens acquired domestically, internationally, and still under investigation—highlighting dehydration risk as symptoms can hit hard in hot weather. Food Safety Update: The FDA maintained that a cyclospora-linked Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall remains in effect after a brief “false positive” scare, with at least 1,644 illnesses reported across multiple states. Local Health Access: Choptank Health celebrated the graduation of the first NYU Langone Pediatric Dentistry Residency class, expanding specialized pediatric oral care on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Public Health & Policy: A Maryland audit found the state wrongly paid SNAP benefits to ineligible people, including lottery winners and incarcerated residents, leading to a $28 million penalty. Care for Older Adults: A new focus in senior living is bringing more behavioral health services on-site to better support depression, anxiety, and PTSD needs. Injury & Emergency Response: Baltimore County police investigated a Parkville school bus crash involving a car that crossed into oncoming traffic, sending multiple people to hospitals with minor injuries.

Cyclospora Protections for Workers: UFCW Local 27 says produce workers in Cecil County and across the region need stronger safeguards during the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, urging employers to keep health protections and communication front and center. Prison Staffing and Violence: Maryland prisons are seeing some of the nation’s worst rates of killings, with union leaders pointing to staffing shortages and unsafe conditions inside state facilities. Care in Crisis: St. Mary’s County deputies credited with rescuing a missing 9-year-old boy with autism from a river say the child was evaluated and reunited with family after the fast water rescue. Health Access & Policy: Maryland’s Community Health Resources Commission awarded $7.5 million to expand care access for vulnerable populations statewide. Public Health Alerts: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive heat, humidity, and air-quality risks across Maryland, with officials warning residents to plan for worsening conditions. Medical Research & Treatment Updates: New cholesterol guidance may shift how some adults are categorized for heart-risk prevention, potentially changing treatment recommendations. Local Safety Incidents: A school bus carrying Maryland School for the Blind students crashed into a Parkville building; officials reported minor injuries and on-scene evaluations.