AGP Executive Report

Infant Safety Tech: Alabama’s Department of Public Health launched a free Wiregrass Infant Net for Safety (W.I.N.S.) app, adding back-seat hot car alerts, safe-sleep games, vaccine reminders, recall/weather alerts, and CPR/choking videos for caregivers in 10 Wiregrass counties. Mental Health Research: The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is joining a national clinical trial testing psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression in veterans, including those with PTSD. Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and related prepared foods tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak; the FDA/CDC link illnesses to Mexican-grown jalapeños and report hundreds sickened across 27 states, with many cases tied to Mexican-style restaurants. Public Health Risk Watch: Louisiana health officials warned beachgoers about a rise in vibrio vulnificus infections, a rare but fast-moving “flesh-eating” bacteria that can enter through open wounds or raw shellfish. Care Access Funding: UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair received $750,000 from community partners to buy medical equipment and expand care in St. Clair County. Everyday Wellness: A sleep survey and local HVAC guidance suggest cooler bedroom temps—around 60–67°F—for better sleep during Alabama’s hot stretch.

Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms recalled finished products tied to a Salmonella risk after jalapeños were linked to a multistate outbreak that has sickened hundreds, with Alabama among the distribution states; separate recalls also hit Walmart shoppers, including Bettergoods pistachio nut butter jars flagged for Salmonella. Mental Health Research: A new NHS trial found that a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin, paired with structured psychological support, produced large improvements for treatment-resistant depression over six weeks. Hospital Access & Policy: Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill allowing the state to seize Norwood Hospital through eminent domain so it can be transferred or leased to a qualified nonprofit and potentially finish stalled construction. Public Health & Risk: Louisiana health officials reported deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with all cases traced to wounds exposed to warm coastal water. Alabama Politics & Health: Sen. Katie Britt pushed to permanently close a “hemp loophole” aimed at keeping intoxicating hemp-derived THC products away from minors, while Sen. Tommy Tuberville renewed calls for legal scrutiny of Dr. Anthony Fauci over COVID-19 decisions.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers should check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars with a 28 January 2027 expiry date; a specific lot was recalled after routine testing found Salmonella, with distribution reported in 19 states including Alabama. Public Health & Coastal Safety: Louisiana health officials confirmed five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2026; all nine cases were linked to wounds exposed to warm seawater or brackish water, not raw shellfish—an important Gulf Coast warning for anyone with cuts or piercings. COVID Legal Fallout: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Dr. Anthony Fauci could face lawsuits from Alabamians tied to COVID-19, arguing Fauci lacks a state pardon even though he has a federal one. Child Protection Policy: Sen. Katie Britt pushed to permanently close a “hemp loophole” that lets intoxicating hemp-derived THC products reach minors, opposing an extension. Community Health Infrastructure: ALDOT opened public input for a SR-227 road diet and resurfacing project in Guntersville, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow. Local Health & Wellness: Jefferson County volunteers removed trash along Valley Creek in the 16th annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup, supporting cleaner waterways and safer recreation.

Public Health Alert: Louisiana is reporting a rise in severe Vibrio vulnificus infections, with five deaths this year tied to coastal water exposure and open wounds—officials urge people to avoid getting cuts in salt or brackish water, especially during warmer months. Local Community & Wellness: Hundreds of volunteers joined the 16th annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup along Valley Creek in Jefferson County, removing trash before it reaches waterways—an effort tied to better water quality and healthier outdoor recreation. Healthcare & Accountability: A Jefferson County jury awarded $5 million to a Sylacauga woman who says UAB Hospital’s provider foundation mishandled sodium monitoring during a liver-failure stay, leading to locked-in syndrome and lasting paralysis. Food Safety: Multiple states are tracking Salmonella linked to recalled jalapeños and related products, with Alabama shoppers advised to check for affected items. Workforce & Care Access: Eli Lilly’s $6+ billion Huntsville manufacturing investment is drawing attention for its potential to expand the local healthcare and education pipeline tied to the company’s hiring needs.

Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to imported Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations reported—Alabama shoppers are urged to watch for recalls and avoid contaminated products. Infectious Disease Watch: Louisiana and Florida health officials report multiple deaths from the “flesh-eating” bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which can strike after open wounds contact warm coastal seawater or from eating raw/undercooked shellfish. Local Care & Outcomes: A Jefferson County jury awarded $5 million to a Sylacauga woman after a UAB-related hospitalization for liver failure left her with locked-in syndrome, highlighting the stakes of hospital monitoring and treatment decisions. Community Health & Access: Jasper City Council approved ordinances aimed at improving public safety while addressing homelessness, aiming to balance constitutional rights with public health and quality-of-life concerns. Workforce & Training: Alabama Extension is offering free pasture management workshops in Cullman for beginning farmers and veterans, supporting healthier livestock practices ahead of fall and winter grazing.

Stroke Care Spotlight: Two Walker County EMS responders were honored for a rapid response that got a stroke patient to Birmingham’s invasive-capable center fast enough for mechanical clot removal. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Alabama and 18 other states are being told to avoid a recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter after salmonella was found in Florida testing. Maternal Health Crisis: An ACLU of Alabama report calls the state the most dangerous for pregnancy and childbirth, citing high maternal mortality and major maternity-care deserts. Rural Workforce: Construction is underway on the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in Demopolis to train rural students for in-demand medical jobs. Cybersecurity & Health Data: A Montgomery, Ohio-based healthcare tech firm disclosed a breach that may have exposed personal and medical data for 3.8 million patients. Community Wellness: Healthy Connections is hosting its 21st annual Relay for Health & Wellness in Montgomery with mental wellness focus and cancer screenings. Public Health Alerts: Nationally, outbreaks tied to jalapeños (salmonella) and lettuce (cyclospora) continue to drive recall and safety reminders.

Food Safety Alerts: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people in 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations; Alabama has been pulled into the investigation, and officials urge careful produce handling and to contact a clinician if you’re sick. Public Health & Parasites: The ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce has surpassed 22,000 confirmed suspected cases across 47 states, with two deaths reported. Local Health Events: Healthy Connections is hosting its 21st Annual Relay for Health & Wellness in Montgomery on Aug. 8, featuring mental wellness resources and cancer screenings. Healthcare Access: DCH Health System is expanding its West Alabama palliative care program with outpatient services for people living with serious illnesses. Rabies Watch: Alabama public health confirmed a rabies-positive raccoon in Montgomery’s Dalraida neighborhood, reminding pet owners to keep rabies shots current. Tech for Patients: UAB startup LifeNuclear launched TheraGuide to help patients follow clearer, treatment-specific radiation safety instructions after radiopharmaceutical therapy. Community Safety: A Foster’s Crossroads dog attack injured a meter reader; authorities noted the dogs were unvaccinated and would be quarantined.

Food Safety Alert: A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people in 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations reported; Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños after investigators traced the peppers to a common distributor in Sinaloa, Mexico. Public Health & Access: A new report on Alzheimer’s care warns that even after promising drugs like lecanemab and donanemab, patients may struggle to get them due to coverage rules, diagnostic capacity, and infusion logistics. Data Privacy in Health: Unlimited Technology Systems says a breach exposed 3.8 million people’s personal, medical, and insurance information, including diagnoses and scanned IDs, tied to a commercial data center incident in 2025. School Safety: Alabama’s House Bill 7 takes effect, tightening consequences for students who make threats to schools, including suspension and possible expulsion plus a required mental health exam. Health Policy & Fraud: DOJ and state AGs, including Alabama AG Steve Marshall, announced major anti-fraud actions targeting SNAP and other benefit programs across multiple states. Community Health: Coosa County earned statewide recognition for National Safety Month workplace safety efforts, including added focus on holistic worker health.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC and FDA say a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the ingredient after the traceback, and officials say there’s no ongoing risk at those restaurants. Public Health & Access: A new VA study will test psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, aiming to enroll at least 240 participants across five VA sites. Local Health Care Politics: Jefferson County commissioners debated the sale of the old Cooper Green Mercy Hospital property to UAB, with critics saying the deal shortchanges taxpayers while supporters frame it as a path to improve indigent care. Health Tech Investment: A robotics company raised $6M to expand an autonomous vascular imaging platform, starting with dialysis patients. Community Mobility: Cullman Area Rural Transit System reported a 29% ridership jump in July, driven largely by trips to medical care and work. Mental Health & Wellness: Researchers propose a “reproductive resilience” framework linking reproduction to longer somatic health, offering a fresh angle on aging and sex differences in disease risk.

Food Safety Alerts: A multistate salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has expanded to 27 states, with Alabama among the affected; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers, and health officials say there’s no ongoing risk from those restaurants. Pantry Recall: FDA recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alabama, due to possible salmonella contamination—no illnesses reported yet. Public Health Watch: Alabama is seeing a rise in cyclosporiasis, with 85 cases statewide and more than 70% in North Alabama; officials urge people to recognize symptoms and seek treatment. Youth Tobacco Prevention: The Alabama Department of Public Health is seeking proposals for grants to help shift norms around tobacco and protect kids from nicotine initiation and secondhand smoke. Care for Families: A nine-year-old Alabama girl with severe sickle cell disease is preparing for brain surgery to reduce future stroke risk. Community Support: Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s 15th annual job fair in Selma brings 75+ employers to connect residents with training and work.

Medicaid Watch: Alabama lawmakers are pushing for closer review after reports that stricter criteria are leaving disabled children losing Medicaid waiver services during redeterminations, sometimes after years of eligibility. Public Health Alert: Alabama health officials confirmed a rabid raccoon in Montgomery’s Dalraida area, urging pet owners to keep rabies shots up to date and to report unusual wildlife behavior. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alabama, due to possible Salmonella contamination. HIV Prevention Equity: New research presented at AIDS 2026 found inequities in uptake of the newer injectable PrEP drug lenacapavir, with lower adoption among Black, Hispanic, and younger people. Local Care Access: DCH Health System is expanding its West Alabama palliative care program with outpatient follow-up after hospital stays. School Health & Staffing: Alabama districts report widespread educator shortages heading into the school year, including health and physical education roles. Disease Update: Alabama’s cyclosporiasis count is rising, with most cases in North Alabama and additional hospitalizations reported.

UAB’s National Spotlight: U.S. News ranked UAB Hospital No. 1 in Alabama and highlighted national specialty wins, including rheumatology (No. 11) and obstetrics/gynecology (No. 48), with other Alabama hospitals also earning top regional honors. Norwood Hospital Access Worry: Two hospital operators remain in talks to take over Norwood Hospital after years of vacancy, raising concerns about local care access while property owner Medical Properties Trust weighs next steps. Food Safety Alert: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states due to possible salmonella, urging shoppers—especially older adults and people with weakened immune systems—to check lot details. Cyclospora Lettuce Recall: Health officials are warning consumers about a Cyclospora-linked shredded iceberg lettuce recall affecting 27 states, including Alabama, and recommending label checks and safer whole-head options. Pipeline Fight With Health Impacts: An environmental group sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permits for a gas pipeline route through Alabama’s Black Belt, arguing the process sidesteps protections for waterways and species. Community Health Support: Accordia Health marked National Health Center Week by promoting expanded access to affordable primary care across Alabama. Local Wellness Events: Alabama State’s Buzz Run 5K set for Aug. 15 and a Baldwin County rodeo fundraiser for youth mental health and resiliency (Aug. 6-8) both aim to boost community well-being.

Medical Training in Alabama: Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga welcomed three Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine students for clinical rotations, continuing a partnership that has trained 65 ACOM students since 2013. Top Hospital Spotlight: UAB Hospital landed No. 1 in Alabama in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings, with national specialty rankings in rheumatology and obstetrics/gynecology plus high-performing marks across multiple areas. Food Safety Alert: The FDA posted a recall for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states due to possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported yet, but shoppers are urged to check the lot code and throw it out or return it. Maternal Health Data: WalletHub ranked Alabama among the worst states for having a baby, citing high costs and weaker access to pediatric and maternity-related care. Fraud & Seniors: A free Fraud & Scam Summit in Marshall County will focus on identity theft and financial exploitation targeting older adults, caregivers, and professionals. Health Care Legal Watch: A federal jury awarded an Alabama man $88 million in a Medtronic hernia mesh case, the first to go to trial.

Cyclospora Update for Alabama: Health officials say Alabama’s Cyclospora outbreak is growing, with most cases in North Alabama; reports cite 28 cases statewide in one update and 85 cases (78 lab-confirmed) in another, with links to Mexican-style restaurant chains and travel tied to a broader multi-state rise. Food Safety—What to Do: A CDC-focused explainer urges rinsing produce under clean running tap water, avoiding soap/bleach “washes,” refrigerating cut foods quickly, and seeking care early since treatment is often recommended even when symptoms vary. Medication & Weight-Loss Culture: Alabama Barker says she’s responding to body-shaming by taking the highest dose of Ozempic, reigniting debate over GLP-1 use and social media pressure. Medicaid Scrutiny: A family says stricter reviews led to a denial of Medicaid benefits for a child with complex medical needs, raising concerns about access to home-based care. Public Health Alerts—Recalls: Walmart-linked nut butter and Publix frozen berry recalls continue over Salmonella and E. coli risks, with Alabama included in affected states.

COVID Accountability Watch: Sen. Tommy Tuberville is pushing harder to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci criminally accountable, arguing Alabama could pursue charges if he’s elected governor after Fauci invoked the Fifth during a Senate hearing. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold in eight states, including Alabama, after E. coli concerns tied to reported illnesses and hospitalizations; shoppers are urged to throw out or return the products. Public Health—Cyclospora: Alabama’s cyclospora count is rising, with the state reporting 28 cases plus two hospitalizations as the outbreak spreads. Health Fraud Enforcement: The Justice Department announced major fraud actions across the Southeast, including Alabama cases tied to alleged tax-credit fraud and other schemes, as federal-state data-sharing ramps up. Local Health Access: UAB Family Medicine East opened in Trussville, expanding primary care options for patients in the area. Education & Outcomes: Alabama virtual schools are under scrutiny after state data showed many students not meeting basic reading and math targets.

Heat Safety for Athletes: National athletic training groups are urging schools and colleges to change how they condition football linemen, warning that punishment drills and early preseason exertion testing can contribute to heatstroke deaths. Food Safety in Alabama: Publix is expanding a recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries due to possible E. coli contamination; shoppers are told not to eat the products and to return them for a refund. Mosquito-Borne Illness Watch: Federal health officials confirmed a rare La Crosse virus case in Claiborne County, Tennessee, highlighting the risk of neuroinvasive disease from mosquito bites. Health Policy & Access: Arkansas Medicaid leadership says work requirements could reduce enrollment in its ARHome program, raising questions about where people will go for coverage next. Community Health Support: A Healthy Communities Food Initiative in Eutaw will distribute nutritious food to more than 100 families, with volunteer help still needed. Local Health Education: Hale County CLIMB students visited UAB for hands-on microbiology and anatomy learning as part of a pipeline into healthcare careers. Public Health & Accountability: Alabama’s ADOC defense spending since 2020 is reported at $68M amid ongoing concerns about excessive force and oversight.