AGP Executive Report

FDA Recall Update: Publix frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries have been upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk “Class 1” level over possible E. coli contamination, with 12 illnesses reported in two states and no deaths so far; shoppers should check best-by dates before Feb. 9, 2028 and throw out or return affected products. Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak tied to peppers from Mexico has now spread to 32 states, reaching 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations, with Alabama among the affected states—public health officials urge people to check recalls and avoid recalled jalapeño products. Community Health Access: A Montgomery church hosted a “Christmas in August” outreach with free groceries, hot meals, health screenings, haircuts, bicycles and prayer for hundreds of people. Invasive Species Watch: Joro spiders are showing up again across multiple states, including Alabama; experts say they’re essentially harmless to people, but sightings help researchers track spread. Sports Medicine in Alabama: Baptist Health announced partnerships with 60+ middle and high schools to provide sports medicine, athletic training and physical therapy. Antibiotics Guidance: A new study finds most Americans think they should always finish antibiotics, but researchers say the right course length depends on the infection and current guidelines.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed-berry recalls to its highest risk level (Class I) over possible E. coli contamination, warning shoppers to check freezers and discard/return affected packs sold across Alabama and seven other states. Public Health Alerts: Alabama officials confirmed a rabid fox found in Autauga County; ADPH says there was no human exposure, but dogs on the property are getting rabies boosters. Heat & Wellness: ADPH is urging Alabamians to watch for early heat illness signs—cramps, nausea, faintness—and treat heat stroke as a 9-1-1 emergency. Community Health & Access: Alabama food leaders are calling on Congress to address SNAP benefit cuts and payment error-rate rules, warning the changes could worsen food insecurity. Local Fitness & Recovery: Red Light Method opened its 18th studio in Huntsville, expanding a science-focused recovery and wellness franchise. Health Policy & Fraud: DOJ expanded its Fraud Division priorities, including a focus on health care fraud and more staffing for enforcement.

Food Safety Recall: Publix GreenWise frozen organic berries were hit with the FDA’s highest-risk Class I warning after possible E. coli O145 contamination, with 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations reported across states; shoppers should discard or return affected blueberry and mixed-berry packages. Rural Health Access: Capstone Health won an HRSA New Access Point grant to open a community health center in Fayette, expanding primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, and behavioral health for underserved rural communities. Pediatric Care Quality: Tanner Urgent Care for Kids earned pediatric urgent care certification from the Commission on Ambulatory and Urgent Care Quality, signaling a focus on patient safety and continuous improvement. Hospital Leadership/Pharmacy Oversight: Jackson Hospital pharmacist Tommy Cobb resigned as chair of the Alabama Board of Pharmacy, citing out-of-state employment. Workforce & Community Health: University of North Alabama formed a United Campus Workers union chapter, pointing to pay and outsourcing concerns for campus employees. Public Health Alert: Alabama health officials urged rabies precautions after a fox tested positive in Autauga County; pets should be vaccinated and kept from wildlife. Local Care Expansion: Athens-Limestone Hospital opened a new 25-bed patient care unit to speed access and support short-term observation and infusion services.

Pediatric care upgrade in Walker County: Baptist Health Walker Hospital opened a dedicated pediatric ER treatment area and reopened its Level II NICU, adding child-friendly spaces and support after major foundation and community donations. Heat safety for Alabama families: Montgomery’s homeless population faces rising heat risks, with advocates warning about heat stroke and heat exhaustion and noting barriers to cooling centers like transportation. Hot-car danger reminder: A Mississippi experiment found cars can hit extreme temperatures fast, and Alabama has already seen child hot-car deaths—urging parents to use practical “check the back seat” habits. Workforce leadership honored: Alabama Workforce Secretary Greg Reed will have the I-22 bridge named for him in Jasper, highlighting state leadership tied to community wellbeing. Local health education expansion: Baldwin Prep added health science, cosmetology, and drone tech options with more dual-enrollment pathways. Community health access via trust: Alabama and Bronx health centers shared how culturally responsive outreach boosted vaccinations for multiple diseases through a Pfizer-funded program. Public health and safety funding: AMRV RC&D is set to award nearly $85,000 for seven Morgan County projects, including a medical room for assault victims and firefighter safety tools.

Myopia Prevention: UAB and Cincinnati Children’s researchers report that a narrow band of blue-violet “indigo” light (419–446 nm) prevented experimentally induced nearsightedness in tree shrews, pointing to indoor lighting as a possible lever to slow childhood myopia. Kidney Care: New 24-month VISIONARY trial results add to support for sibeprenlimab in adults with primary IgA nephropathy at high risk of progression, showing eGFR stabilization versus continued decline on placebo. Local Health Systems: DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa named Dennis Fisher as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, highlighting workforce retention and agency-nursing reduction efforts. Public Health Alerts: ADPH confirmed a rabies-positive fox near Billingsley/Autauga County; officials say no human exposure was reported and pets are being boosted. Safety & Community: Atlanta police released bodycam from the rescue of two sisters found in a trailer with their babysitter, who faces kidnapping and cruelty charges. Health Policy Impact: A report warns Alabama could face major Social Security benefit cuts if reserves run out by 2032, with projected losses averaging about $500 a month.

Sleep & school performance: A UA health sciences professor says students need enough sleep to learn well, recommending 9–12 hours for elementary/high school and 7–10 for college, plus shutting phones off at least 30 minutes before bed. Local health access & hospital stability: Jackson Hospital says it’s on track to exit bankruptcy after approving a new four-year Blue Cross/Blue Shield contract. Mental health treatment for veterans: Birmingham VA is set to join a clinical trial testing psilocybin for treatment-resistant major depression in veterans. Nutrition research: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production in mice, adding to concerns about frailty in older adults. Health data security: A Hot Springs oral surgery clinic reported a breach that exposed patient information, with officials saying hackers accessed its network. Community care & jobs: Tuscaloosa’s Career Center highlights a job fair for senior care and other local openings tied to the school and football season. Extreme heat safety: Cooling stations are opening in Birmingham as dangerous heat rises.

Extreme Heat Watch: Central Alabama is under an Extreme Heat Warning through Monday night, with heat index values forecast up to 113°F and conditions staying dangerous at times through the week—officials urge limiting outdoor time, hydrating, and taking frequent cool-down breaks. Local Health Access: Alabama’s ALL Kids program helped an Alabama child become one of the first in the U.S. to receive FDA-approved gene therapy for rare genetic hearing loss, with treatment delivered in a same-day procedure at Boston Children’s Hospital. Hospital Stability: Jackson Hospital and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama reached an approved agreement clearing the way for the Montgomery hospital to emerge from Chapter 11 and stay open, with $40 million previously committed by the state. Medication Safety/Compliance: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners fined a former Richmond breast surgeon $1,500 for prescribing controlled substances without the required Alabama certificate. Public Health Alert: A Pennsylvania county measles surge pushed it near the top nationally, with officials stressing MMR vaccination and pop-up clinics for areas with confirmed cases. Care Workforce: Cullman High School added a new athletic trainer for the 2026-2027 school year through a partnership with Baptist Health.

Extreme Heat Safety: The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for central Alabama, with heat index values up to 110 degrees, urging residents to stay indoors when possible and watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs. School Safety & Mental Health: Tuscaloosa County school officials are reminding families that school threats can trigger investigations, and Alabama’s new 2026 law requires faster action and mental health evaluations for students charged with terrorist threats. Cancer Screening Access: A free prostate cancer screening is set for Aug. 22 at the Perry County Health Department for men 40+ using a PSA blood test, with no appointment needed. Nutrition & Aging Research: UAB researchers report that vitamin B12 deficiency can impair muscle energy production in older adults, linking low B12 to weakness and frailty. Health Data Privacy: A Birmingham-based vendor tied to a data breach is under legal scrutiny after a reported exposure of 250,130 patients’ personal and medical information connected to a Texas health center. Community Parenting Support: A VA “Baby Safety Shower” in the region taught veteran parents hands-on infant CPR, choking response, safe sleep, and car seat installation.

Maternal health in Alabama: New reporting spotlights a “maternal care desert” problem—families face long gaps in care, worsening outcomes and access during pregnancy and postpartum. Cancer screening in Perry County: The Urology Health Foundation will offer free prostate cancer screenings Aug. 22 (ages 40+), with a PSA blood test and no appointment needed at the Perry County Health Department in Marion. Nutrition & aging: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production, raising concerns about frailty risk in older adults. School attendance rules: Perry County Schools reminds families that Alabama’s compulsory attendance law requires 180 instructional days and counts absences even in virtual/remote learning. Community health & safety: Alabama’s health department urges residents to take heat precautions as dangerous temperatures move through the state. Local health workforce: Beaufort Memorial adds fellowship-trained hand surgeon Mark P. Smith to expand specialized orthopedic care.

Maternal Health in Alabama: A new report spotlights Alabama’s maternal care “desert,” warning that too many families lack nearby, timely support during pregnancy and birth. Pediatric ADHD Care: Alabama data shows 45% of children with ADHD receive behavior treatment, raising questions about access and follow-through. Heat Safety: Alabama public health officials urge residents to recognize warning signs of heat-related illness as dangerous conditions persist. Hospital Expansion in Hoover: Groundbreaking begins on South Haven Surgical Plaza, an 80,000-square-foot outpatient facility planned to expand surgical, diagnostic, and imaging services locally. Food Safety in Montgomery: Chris’ Hotdogs celebrates a major jump to a 98 health rating after ventilation, air purification, pest control, and facility upgrades. Nutrition & Aging Research: UAB and Cornell researchers link vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production in older adults, pointing to frailty risk. Community Health Support: A Scottsboro fishing tournament raised a record $254,896 for congenital heart disease research at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Local Care Access: East Alabama Health is set to take over operations at Medical Center Barbour, aiming to stabilize services. Public Health & COVID Politics: A Senate panel moves forward in contempt proceedings tied to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s COVID-19 testimony.

New Outpatient Care in Hoover: City leaders broke ground on the South Haven Surgical Plaza at Stadium Trace Village, a planned 80,000-square-foot, four-story outpatient center with six operating rooms, procedure rooms, and imaging—aimed at expanding access for Hoover and nearby communities. Food Safety Win in Montgomery: Chris’ Hotdogs celebrated a jump to a 98 health rating after new owners upgraded ventilation, air purification, pest control, duct work, and counters. Veterans Access: The DAR unveiled a tactile, braille U.S. flag display at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center to help visually-impaired veterans “feel” the pledge and access information. Maternal Care Alarm: A March of Dimes report says 1 in 3 Alabama counties are maternal health care deserts, forcing many pregnant people to travel long distances for prenatal and postpartum care. ADHD Treatment in Alabama: New reporting highlights that about 45% of Alabama children with ADHD receive behavior treatment, with experts pointing to therapy as a key option. Nutrition Research: UAB-linked study coverage ties vitamin B12 deficiency to muscle weakness and frailty, showing how low B12 can disrupt energy-making in muscle cells. Heat Safety Reminder: Alabama health officials urged residents to recognize heat illness warning signs as dangerous heat persists.

Maternal Health Crisis: A new March of Dimes report says 1 in 3 Alabama counties are maternal health care deserts, leaving expectant mothers with long drives for prenatal and postpartum care—an issue highlighted by a Lowndes County mother who had to travel to Montgomery for appointments. ADHD Care Access: Alabama data show about 45% of children with ADHD received behavior treatment from 2020 to 2023, reinforcing expert recommendations that therapy skills can be a key part of care. Extreme Heat Safety: Savannah opened cooling centers during an extreme heat warning, with heat index values near 114–115 and reminders to hydrate, avoid direct sun, and treat heat illness as an emergency. Rural Hospital Updates: Hale County Hospital is getting a $250,000 boost for a new CT scanner, ultrasound equipment, and IV pumps—aimed at reducing the need to travel for care. Coastal Health Alert: Health officials warn about rising Vibrio vulnificus risk as warm Gulf waters spread the rare “flesh-eating” bacteria, which can move fast and be deadly. Community Health Support: River Region United Way launched its 2026 fundraising campaign to back youth opportunities, healthy communities, and financial security across the region.

Heat Safety in Alabama: The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents about dangerous triple-digit temperatures, urging extra caution for people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney issues, older adults, children, and those on certain medications; officials recommend staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing, using SPF 15+, and cutting strenuous activity during peak heat. Food Safety Watch: Jefferson County health inspections found recurring problems like poor handwashing and training lapses at multiple restaurants, including employees touching faces before food prep and expired food-handler training. Rural Hospital Funding: UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair secured a $750,000 grant through Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program to buy equipment and expand local services. New Health Tech for Costs: An Alabama A&M student finalist in an AWS AI competition built CareLens AI, aiming to help people estimate care costs before choosing urgent care or the ER. Kidney Research Update: UAB-linked coverage highlights 2-year eGFR findings in IgA nephropathy from a phase 3 trial of sibeprenlimab. Community Health Support: River Region United Way kicked off its 2026 fundraising campaign with a $2.2 million goal to back youth, healthy communities, and financial security programs.

Heat Safety in Alabama: The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents about dangerous heat and who’s most at risk, including older adults, kids, people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor circulation, past stroke, and those on certain meds; officials urge staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing and hats, using SPF 15+, and cutting strenuous activity during peak heat, with guidance on spotting heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Antibiotics Update: A new study finds most Americans still believe you should always finish antibiotics even after you feel better, but researchers say that advice is outdated for many infections and that treatment length should be tailored. B12 and Muscle Health: UAB-linked research reports vitamin B12 deficiency can impair muscle energy production in lab studies, adding to concerns about weakness and frailty in older adults. Local Health & Community: Alabama’s public health push also includes heat precautions for school sports, plus a reminder that heat illness can escalate fast without prompt care. Public Health Alerts: Alabama officials also issued warnings about dangerous conditions tied to extreme heat.

Mental Health Treatment: The VA launched a new clinical trial testing psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, with Alabama sites including the Birmingham VA Health Care System and the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. Public Health & Safety: Alabama health officials issued renewed warnings as extreme heat moves in, urging residents to watch for heat illness signs and take precautions during dangerous conditions. Infectious Disease Alert: Vibrio vulnificus deaths and cases are rising along the Gulf Coast; Alabama reported 16 vibriosis cases with one death, prompting reminders that even small cuts can be risky in warm coastal waters. Food Safety: Whole Foods and other retailers expanded recalls tied to a jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak, with hundreds sickened across multiple states. Local Care Access: East Alabama Health will take over operations at Medical Center Barbour, starting Oct. 1, as the region works to keep services available. Community Health & Wellness: Alabama’s prisons begin a tobacco-free push under a new ADOC initiative, aiming for phased implementation by October.

Stroke & heart prevention in pharmacies: A new “Stroke Belt” pilot in rural areas trained pharmacy technicians to screen and refer high-risk patients, with Alabama included among participating states. Food safety alerts: Whole Foods and other retailers expanded recalls tied to salmonella in jalapeño products, following earlier outbreaks that have sickened hundreds nationwide. Cyclosporiasis in Alabama: Alabama health officials report cyclosporiasis cases now topping 100, with most infections concentrated in North Alabama and linked to a Mexican restaurant chain. Gulf Coast “flesh-eating” bacteria warning: Alabama public health urged extra caution around warm coastal waters after reports of vibriosis/vibrio-related illness, especially for people with open wounds. Sepsis Awareness Month: Alabama will recognize September as Sepsis Awareness Month to push earlier recognition of a potentially deadly infection response. Mental health in the spotlight: Northeast Alabama’s Out of the Shadows Summit returns Sept. 1 with sessions on trauma, caregiver wellness, and AI in mental health care. Local health concerns: Fairfield residents packed a town hall over a proposed data center inside a former Walmart, raising questions about health and environmental impacts. Major child health update: Children’s of Alabama reported a successful brain surgery for 9-year-old Zoey Jones, who has sickle cell anemia and Moyamoya disease.