AGP Executive Report

Medical Cannabis in Alabama: Alabama’s first legal medical cannabis dispensary opened in Montgomery, with patients starting to buy approved products this week—an important access milestone for people with qualifying conditions. Public Health Access & Care: East Alabama Medical Center North opened a new inpatient psychiatric facility designed to keep children and teens learning while they receive mental health treatment, expanding beds across the region. Infectious Disease Watch: A flesh-eating parasite (New World screwworm) has been confirmed in Texas after decades, and Alabama officials say monitoring and preparedness are underway as livestock move nationwide. Community Health & Safety: Alabama’s Free Fishing Day is set for June 13, with state leaders highlighting mental and physical health benefits of time outdoors. Health System Capacity: CMS ratings updates highlight ongoing changes across Alabama nursing and rehab facilities, reflecting how staffing and care quality can shift over time.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): Kensington Health and Rehabilitation in Mobile County earned a top 5-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, while Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham held a 3-star rating with no fines or penalties reported for the quarter. Nursing Home Watch (ownership & accountability): CMS data also spotlighted Village Health Care Center in Oklahoma with a 1-star overall rating and a fine/penalty in Q1 2026, underscoring how staffing and care quality can swing facility performance. Cancer Screening in Alabama: The American Cancer Society added a blood-based colorectal cancer screening option (Shield) for average-risk adults 45+ who skip stool or colonoscopy—an update aimed at improving screening rates in a state where colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths. Community Health & Safety: Tuscaloosa hosted its annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day to keep paints, pesticides, batteries, and other chemicals out of regular trash and drains. Public Health in the Weather: After storms in Orange left hundreds without power, officials warned about risks for residents who rely on electricity for medical needs. New Treatment Research: UAB researchers presented Phase 2 ZUPREME-1 results on petrelintide, reporting sustained weight loss with improved tolerability versus typical GLP-1 side effects.

GLP-1 Heart Benefits: New research links GLP-1 medications to fewer emergency visits and lower rates of serious cardiac events (including stroke and death) for adults dealing with both obesity and autoimmune disease. Cancer Screening in Alabama: The American Cancer Society added a blood-based option to colorectal screening guidelines, aiming to help more average-risk adults who skip stool tests or colonoscopies—an issue that hits Alabama hard. Public Health Alert: Alabama officials are monitoring a flesh-eating New World screwworm after confirmed cases in Texas, warning it’s an animal health threat that can spread quickly. Care After Childbirth: LSU Health Shreveport is enrolling patients in a trial testing bromocriptine for peripartum cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of death in pregnant women. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings updates show several Alabama facilities’ recent performance levels, with some below the state average. Medical Rules on Peptides: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned doctors about “research-grade” peptides and reminded them not to recommend or facilitate non-FDA-approved use. Supreme Court Health-Adjacent: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on major gun and transgender-athlete cases, with ripple effects for public health and safety policy.

Nursing Home Watch: Gulf Coast Health and Rehabilitation in Mobile County received a 2-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, below Alabama’s 3.0 average, with no CMS fines or penalties reported. Heart & Metabolism Research: New U.S. data links GLP-1-based meds to fewer serious heart events and fewer emergency visits in adults with obesity plus an autoimmune disease. Public Health Alert: Alabama officials are monitoring after a flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite was confirmed in Texas for the second time, with veterinarians warning it could spread via livestock movement. Medication Safety: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned physicians about “increased interest in peptides,” stressing restrictions on non-FDA-approved research-grade products. Obesity Drug Pipeline: UAB researchers presented phase 2 results for petrelintide, an amylin-based obesity treatment, showing meaningful weight loss with a milder GI side effect profile than typical GLP-1s. Community Support: Montgomery’s “Walking in the Name of Love” event continues to offer community and resources for mothers grieving a child. Oral Health Basics: A Birmingham-area dental practice is urging consistent brushing/flossing, fluoride use, and routine cleanings to prevent plaque buildup and gum problems.

Wildlife & Public Health: Baldwin County officials say gopher tortoises were safely relocated to a protected habitat before construction began at The Reserve in Daphne, using burrow buffers and careful transport to a nearby wildlife management area. Marine Health: A rough-toothed dolphin stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts found it in poor health, with the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network and local agencies coordinating the response. Sleep Apnea Care: Athens-Limestone Hospital is rolling out the Genio system, an FDA-approved nerve stimulation option for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP. Obesity Drug Research: UAB’s Dr. W. Timothy Garvey presented phase 2 results for petrelintide, an amylin-based investigational therapy, reporting meaningful weight loss with a milder GI side-effect profile than typical GLP-1s. Medicaid Costs Watch: In Birmingham, Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment claims totaled $3.03M in 2024, up 5.9% from 2023. Community Longevity Mindset: A national survey highlights Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Madison as Alabama’s most optimistic communities about aging well, linking longevity beliefs to routines, stress, and active outdoor living. Energy & Health Equity: A new Sierra Club dashboard shows low-income Alabama households face some of the highest energy burdens, and it maps those burdens against health outcomes like asthma.

Nursing Home Watch (Alabama): CMS records show Forest Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center (Tulsa, OK) held a 3-star overall rating in Q1 2026 with no fines or penalties, while Crowne Health Care of Springhill (Mobile County, AL) earned a 5-star rating and also reported no fines or penalties in Q1 2026. Nursing Home Watch (Arkansas): Jamestown Nursing and Rehab (Arkansas) posted a 1-star rating in Q1 2026 and faced four fines totaling $83,834 plus four penalties. Public Health (Coastal): The Alabama Department of Public Health and Baldwin County issued swimming advisories for Fairhope Public Beach, Orange Street Pier, and Gulf State Park Pavilion after bacteria levels rose. Maternal Nutrition (Alabama): Alabama WIC income limits increased for 2026, raising eligibility to 185% of federal poverty guidelines. Water Safety (Alabaster): Alabaster will stop adding fluoride to city drinking water starting June 8. Hospital Access (Montgomery): Jackson Hospital warned it could close by July if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama doesn’t raise reimbursement.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: A new Alabama-focused report highlights that more than 103,000 people in the state live with Alzheimer’s, while over 222,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care—plus tips on brain-healthy habits during June’s Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Tick Season & Lyme Risk: Health officials warn that tick-bite emergency visits are spiking in parts of the region, with deer/blacklegged ticks driving higher Lyme disease risk as summer outdoor time ramps up. Local Health Care Access: Jackson Hospital’s CEO warns the Montgomery hospital could close as early as July if a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama reimbursement deal isn’t reached by June 25, with closure steps targeted for July 1. Men’s Health Push: Alabama State University urges Hornet men to prioritize preventive care during June, with the ASU Health Center open weekdays for appointments. Health Policy Watch: The PEEHIP board approved withdrawing up to $200 million from its retiree trust fund to help cover a benefit funding gap for FY27 amid rising health costs.

Medical Access & Costs: Jackson Hospital’s CEO says the Montgomery facility could close by July 1 unless Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama boosts reimbursement rates, warning the shutdown could worsen already crowded ERs and ripple across the region. Medical Cannabis in Alabama: Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, opened June 4, but patients statewide face hurdles like required in-person certification visits and limited local access. Public Health—Ticks: Mobile County Health Department is urging residents to protect against tick bites as warm weather ramps up, noting symptoms can appear days to weeks later and some bites can trigger alpha-gal syndrome. Brain Health & Caregiving: More than 103,000 Alabamians live with Alzheimer’s, and the Alzheimer’s Association highlights caregiver strain and calls for early brain-health steps. Healthcare Safety & Workforce: A worker died in an industrial machinery incident at a Tuscaloosa County lumber yard and sawmill, prompting a death investigation. College Sports Reform: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act heard major testimony from leaders including Nick Saban, as lawmakers push to protect athletes and women’s/olympic sports. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data ranked River City Center second in Morgan County by size but gave it a low overall rating, while other Alabama nursing homes saw varying CMS scores and fines.

Office-Based Medical Safety: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners rolled out new rules for procedures done outside hospitals, requiring accreditation for many office surgeries and using risk levels to tighten safety standards. Opioid Response Planning: Trigg County approved a local opioid abatement advisory committee to manage funds for treatment and recovery projects, with quarterly meetings starting this summer. Fentanyl Overdose Prevention: UAB researchers won a $5.3 million NIH grant to test whether fentanyl test strips can help people spot contamination before it leads to overdose deaths. Hospital Financial Crisis: Jackson Hospital in Montgomery warned it could close as soon as July if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama doesn’t raise reimbursement rates. Community Health Access: A new Montgomery women-owned med spa, Glow Haus, is offering in-person services plus a mobile unit that brings care to clients. Public Health & Safety Services: Tuscaloosa County’s Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day returns Saturday, June 6, with free drop-off for items like paint, batteries, pesticides, and pool chemicals. Medical Cannabis Launch: Alabama’s medical cannabis program continues moving forward, with the first purchase reported in Montgomery and more dispensaries planned.

Medical Cannabis Milestone: Alabama made its first state-sanctioned medical marijuana purchase in Montgomery, with Amanda Taylor—who has multiple sclerosis—buying products at Callie’s Apothecary and calling it a historic step for patient access. Public Health—Substance Risks: A new report says kratom poisonings and hospitalizations surged 1,200% over the past decade, as regulators struggle to keep up with rising dangers and states weigh bans or limits. Health Alerts—Vaping: Alabama health officials are warning teens and young adults that vaping can still cause nicotine addiction and harm lungs and the brain, even when marketed as safer. Care Access—Kidney Breakthrough: A CAR T-cell clinical trial enabled two highly sensitized patients with end-stage kidney disease to finally receive compatible transplants, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Local Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Barfield Health Care ranked No. 2 in Marshall County in Q1 2026 and earned a 5-star overall rating, while Marshall Manor’s ownership and CMS rating were also detailed for the quarter. Community Health Jobs: TARCOG announced a tri-county career fair to hire case managers and expand support for older adults and people with disabilities.

College Sports Reform: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in Washington supporting the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, arguing the current system is “broken” and pointing to how spending and NIL rules have ballooned rosters and reshaped competition. Public Health Alert: Alabama health officials are warning Gulf Coast residents about vibriosis as warm-water Vibrio bacteria spread; six cases have been reported in Alabama in 2026, while Florida has already logged five. Women’s Health Access: Complete Women’s Care of Alabama launched a new mobile-friendly website for patients in Birmingham and Alabaster, adding online scheduling, bill pay, and easier access to records. Rural Hospital Coverage: East Alabama Health will take over operations of Bullock County Rural Emergency Hospital in Union Springs to keep emergency services stable for local residents. Nutrition Support: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines increased under new federal poverty benchmarks, expanding eligibility for more pregnant people, new parents, and children. Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s medical cannabis program officially begins with Callie’s Apothecary opening in Montgomery, with North Alabama patients still waiting on local dispensary rollout.

WIC Access in Focus: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines have increased, meaning more pregnant people, new parents, and families with kids under 5 may qualify; the program offers food benefits plus nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings highlight a mixed picture across Alabama facilities this quarter—Washington County Nursing Home earned a top 5-star overall rating, Evergreen Nursing Home and Andalusia Manor both scored 4 stars, while Shelby Ridge Nursing Home landed at 2 stars and Diversicare of Oneonta led Blount County but received a 2-star rating. Heart Health Reminder: A Birmingham task force tied to CPR & AED Awareness Week says survival from sudden cardiac arrest is far lower locally than nationally, pushing for more bystander CPR training. Maternal Care Lawsuit: Black midwives are suing Alabama (along with Georgia and Mississippi), arguing state rules requiring collaborative practice agreements and hospital-style birth-center regulations block culturally appropriate care. Pine Forest Threat: Alabama researchers warn brown spot needle blight is spreading across most counties, threatening loblolly and longleaf pines that support the state’s forest economy.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS released new rules that could add work, education, or community engagement requirements for many Medicaid adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, while exempting groups like pregnant people, people with disabilities, and many caregivers. WIC Boost in Alabama: Alabama’s WIC income guidelines and benefits increased for 2026, with more families likely to qualify; pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women and kids up to age 5 can apply through local county health departments or WIC agencies. Rural Hospital Support: Alabama officials and Regions Bank highlighted early wins from the Alabama Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, including a $100,000 donation to Cullman Regional Medical Center, underscoring how partnerships can help keep rural care running. Hospital Affordability Push: A commentary argues hospital pricing and billing practices are driving unaffordable care, pointing to policy choices that protect big hospital systems from competition. Tick-Bite Allergy Warning: Health coverage spotlights Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially serious allergy linked to tick bites that can trigger reactions after eating red meat or certain dairy products. AI Hallucinations in Research: A report describes how fabricated references can slip into biomedical papers when AI tools are used, raising concerns about accuracy in medical publishing. Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Alabama’s Senior Medicare Patrol urges beneficiaries and caregivers to watch statements, avoid sharing Medicare numbers, and get free help/resources during June 1–5. School Meals for Summer: Tuscaloosa County Schools and other districts are running free summer meal programs for kids 18 and under, helping bridge nutrition gaps when school is out. Public Health & Safety: A lawmaker proposal targets nitrous oxide “laughing gas” sales after rising misuse and fatal poisonings, while Alabama also continues public reminders for tick protection.

Food Security in Summer: Enterprise’s Hunger Patrol bus is back for the summer, delivering meals to kids under 18 during June 1–July 24 with multiple neighborhood stops each day. Workplace Health & Nursing Care: Agape Care Group was named a Nurse.com Top Workplace for Nursing, citing employee survey feedback on support, respect, and career growth. Community Health Access: Baptist HealthPlace at Seven Pines opens June 2, adding primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, rehab, and lab services (no emergency care; nearest ER is about 3 miles away). Public Health & Safety Staffing: A new report highlights Alabama’s strong safety manager ratio nationally, pointing to the growing role of workplace safety leaders as regulations expand. Local Development for Wellness: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed outlined plans to revitalize west Montgomery, with the Fairview Farmers Market transformation aimed at improving access to fresh food and wellness resources. Mental Health in Schools: Kirkwood School District is considering excused mental health days for 2026–2027, but notes the challenge of requiring professional documentation. Healthcare Accountability: Attorneys for Jermaine Tyler’s family are pressing for transparency and an independent investigation after his death following a Prattville Police response.

Prison Health Care Scrutiny: Alabama’s new $500M prison healthcare contract with NaphCare is drawing national attention after reports of problems in other states, raising questions about quality and oversight. Mental Health Access in Alabama: A new psychiatric urgent care model is expanding same-day help, and Bryce Young’s foundation is spotlighting youth mental health with a camp message that encourages kids to talk early. Memory Care Support: Caring Days in West Alabama is running a motorcycle fundraiser to keep adult day programs going for people living with memory disorders and related neurological conditions. Hurricane Season Prep (Alabama Gulf Coast): Emergency officials urge residents to review plans now, including alert options and shelter locations, since tropical systems can trigger severe weather far inland. Physician Advocacy Leadership: The Medical Association of the State of Alabama named Evans Brown as director of government relations and public affairs, aiming to strengthen policy influence for doctors and patients. Public Health Policy Watch: New federal CalFresh rules took effect for some able-bodied adults, requiring work or volunteer participation to keep benefits.

Cocaine treatment breakthrough: A new U.S. trial found a single dose of psilocybin plus psychotherapy led to more cocaine-abstinent days and a lower risk of relapse at 180 days than an active placebo plus therapy, offering fresh hope for adults with cocaine use disorder. Maternal health warning: Alabama advocates marked Preeclampsia Awareness Month by stressing postpartum preeclampsia can hit days or weeks after delivery, with red flags like severe headaches, swelling, chest pain, and vision changes that need urgent care. Hot car danger: After a Tuscaloosa County toddler was found dead in a vehicle left for an extended period, officials and Safe Kids Tuscaloosa urged parents to never leave children unattended in cars, even briefly. Medical cannabis moves forward in Alabama: Alabama’s medical marijuana program is progressing, with Callie’s Apothecary opening in Montgomery and more dispensaries expected soon after the commission’s licensing decisions. Weight-loss tech: Signos secured $20M to expand continuous glucose monitoring beyond diabetes into weight loss, pairing glucose data with coaching and app insights. Community support: A Huntsville nonprofit expanded its “7&7” baby shower to help 40 mothers with essential supplies and education. Nursing recognition: A Moore Regional Hospital nurse won a DAISY Award for empathy and hands-on support for a patient’s family.