AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Federal health officials say an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including Indiana, with four hospitalizations reported; the CDC and FDA link cases to sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands from a Minnesota grower, and consumers are urged to watch for recalls and avoid the implicated lots. Veterans Care Tech: VA medical centers in Fort Wayne, Marion and Indianapolis are set to launch a modernized Federal Electronic Health Record system, creating a single lifelong record for nearly 103,000 veterans; VA says appointment scheduling and prescription refills will be paused in specific date ranges as training ramps up. Local Health Workforce Pipeline: Ivy Tech won U.S. Department of Education approval for a Workforce Pell Grant program, letting eligible students use Pell for short, accredited clinical medical assistant training that can finish in as little as eight weeks, including at Northwest Indiana campuses. Community Support: The Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne’s Dignity Drive collected enough hygiene products to build 147 stocked kits for girls in the Allen County juvenile system, aiming to reach “invisible” youth who often don’t receive donations. Storm Recovery: Lake County lawmakers are urging residents still dealing with storm damage and outages to apply for state emergency aid, including up to $5,000 for basic necessities and temporary housing support via 2-1-1. Public Health & Access: New Jersey passed a law that opponents say could chill speech around abortion clinics by creating enforcement zones and criminal penalties tied to “interference” with reproductive or gender-affirming care.

Cancer Care Oversight: A new national investigation reports some oncologists and patients say certain cancer drugs are being used at higher doses or longer durations than needed, arguing the extra amount can mean more toxicity without added benefit—raising questions about how FDA labels translate into real-world prescribing. Indiana Health Innovation: Indiana University Health is launching a Theranostics Center of Excellence with a $40M donor-backed commitment to pair advanced imaging with targeted, personalized cancer treatment. Workforce Training Access: Ivy Tech received approval to use Workforce Pell Grants for an eight-week clinical medical assistant program, expanding faster training paths for in-demand healthcare jobs. Public Health Watch: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is still large but new cases are trending down, with health officials urging thorough produce washing and safe food handling. Storm Strain on Care: After severe weather, a northwest Indiana cat shelter warns utility costs and capacity are threatening ongoing operations, while a Merrillville hoarding case led to 70 storm-displaced dogs needing medical care and vaccinations.

Power Outage After Derecho: Gary residents are entering a second week without electricity, with NIPSCO still projecting restoration only by Aug. 25 and health concerns rising as outages drag on. Public Health & Water Safety: Connersville officials report a sewage leak into the Whitewater River; health guidance warns people to avoid recreational contact due to germs that can cause diarrhea and stomach illness. VA Health IT: The VA raised the ceiling on its Oracle Health electronic health record modernization contract to nearly $27B as deployments continue across medical centers. Universal School Choice: Gov. Mike Braun marked Indiana’s first year of universal school choice, alongside new K-12 rules like bell-to-bell cell phone limits. Aquatics Funding Setback: Northwest Allen Community Schools can’t fund a $38M Olympic Swim Trials pool partnership, leaving the district still searching for more pool capacity. Community Health Access: A virtual pediatric clinic launched in Indiana, expanding options for families. Care for Survivors: IECC approved agreements to provide confidential sexual violence advisor services at multiple Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Flood Tragedy: A Muncie-area teen athlete died after jumping into the Mississinewa River during historic flooding.

Flood Recovery Watch: Indiana’s record White River flooding has killed at least 7 and displaced 1,000+ people, with officials still waiting on a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration before many residents can apply for federal individual help; state damage assessments are underway and more cresting risk is expected downstream. Public Health Systems: A recent Indiana-focused commentary argues the state’s competency restoration crisis needs prevention and community-based care, pointing to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic-style coordination as a way to keep people from spiraling into high-cost state hospital stays. Food Safety & Parasites: Cyclospora concerns continue to ripple through the Midwest as a lawsuit alleges illness tied to contaminated lettuce, underscoring why people with persistent GI symptoms should seek medical care. Maternal & Child Health: Indiana is using a Trump rural health grant to target infant and mother mortality, aiming to reduce deaths where access is hardest. Lead Exposure Prevention: Elkhart’s Lead Free Program is seeking $4.4M in federal funds to remove lead hazards in older homes, prioritizing children with elevated blood lead levels. Workforce Pipeline: Indiana is pushing more students into paid apprenticeships and career training first, including healthcare-focused pathways, to reduce debt while filling workforce shortages.

Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Education approved Indiana’s Workforce Pell program at Ivy Tech, letting eligible students use Pell Grants for an eight-week clinical medical assistant track. Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged past 15,000 nationwide, with Indiana among states reporting significant counts tied to a multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. Local Health & Safety: Indiana State Police are asking for dashcam footage after a hit-and-run near Fishers killed a man changing a tire on I-69; the area includes major health systems. Healthcare Access & Policy: A federal appeals court upheld a permanent block on Indiana punishing Planned Parenthood for providing minors truthful, out-of-state abortion information and referrals. Community Health Funding: The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application opened in Harrison County, offering 147 statewide scholarships plus local support for eligible Indiana students pursuing full-time baccalaureate study. Health System Stress (Policy Impact): Indiana’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts are being linked to reduced school meal participation and added strain on hospitals and providers. Food Recalls: Major 2026 FDA recalls continue to expand, including jalapeño-linked products tied to salmonella concerns.

Maternal-child health funding: Indiana will use a Trump rural health grant to cut mortality for mothers and children, with $30M earmarked to improve emergency room care. Hospital expansion: Parkview Health broke ground on a $200M hospital and medical office campus in West Lafayette, targeting expanded emergency, inpatient, and specialty services by June 2028. Flood recovery & safety: After historic Indiana flooding, officials are urging residents to prioritize safety and understand what insurance may or may not cover—especially that flood damage usually isn’t included in standard policies. Public health watch: Childhood vaccination rates continue to fall, with Indiana’s MMR and other rates down and exemption rates rising in multiple states. Addiction treatment spotlight: Newsweek named Indiana Center for Recovery the best addiction treatment center in Indiana. Community wellness: “Breathe in Color” is bringing creative wellness classes to the Atlanta area, using art-based sessions to support mental health. Sports health note: Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell sat out the fourth after being “overheated,” while the team extended its win streak with a 101-95 victory over Toronto.

Flood Recovery & Hospital Support: The Indiana Hospital Association relief fund is getting a boost from the AHA to help hospital staff affected by Aug. 11 flooding, with FEMA coordinating federal disaster aid after a Trump disaster declaration. Local Storm Impact: Gary Mayor Eddie Melton outlined cleanup progress and federal disaster relief access as residents report lingering power and recovery frustrations. Public Health After Storms: State officials say Northwest Indiana households can apply for up to $5,000 in emergency grants for essentials like food and clothing, plus SNAP replacement help for eligible families. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled its Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit sold at Walmart in Indiana and many other states due to possible Listeria contamination. Infectious Disease Watch: Vigo County health officials reported West Nile virus positive mosquito samples after heavy rain. Healthcare & Policy: A federal trial against Meta over alleged addictive features harming kids begins, with Indiana among the states involved. Addiction Treatment Access: Connecticut expands mobile methadone units to reduce the “drive” barrier that can cause people to drop out of opioid use disorder treatment. Correctional Health: Indiana State Police are investigating the death of a 44-year-old inmate at the Jackson County Jail.

Medicaid & Work Requirements: Indiana Family and Social Services is holding town halls with Covering Kids and Families to explain new Healthy Indiana Plan work requirements starting in January, including 80 hours/month for many members and proof steps tied to October–December. Hospital Operations & Patient Safety: A study in Journal of Hospital Medicine flags decision fatigue risk for hospitalists carrying more than 13 patients, raising concerns about quality of care during high-acuity days. Pediatric Recovery: A 7-year-old Indiana boy is recovering after being run over by a golf cart, suffering a grade 3 diffuse axonal brain injury and moving to inpatient rehab. Community Health Through Sports: Caitlin Clark’s foundation is partnering with Indiana’s Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent to bring a new pediatric program with book vending machines and themed activities. Disaster Response: FEMA disaster assistance is available for 50 Indiana counties, including Newton and Jasper, after severe storms and flooding beginning Aug. 11. Wildlife & Ethics: Rewilding Indiana faces backlash after taking in an injured mute swan cygnet thrown from a car, spotlighting the tension between rescue and invasive-species concerns. Health Policy Watch: A new federal rule could rein in state Medicaid “innovation,” with potential ripple effects for waiver-based programs.

Workforce & Training: Butler University announced a new Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, aiming to launch its first cohort in fall 2027 and build Central Indiana clinical experience for a fast-growing field. Primary Care Access: Franciscan Alliance and Millennium Physician Group announced a strategic partnership to expand patient access and strengthen value-based, coordinated primary care across Indiana. Pediatric Care (Virtual): Fort Wayne’s HeroHouse Pediatrics launched a virtual pediatric clinic for common illnesses plus ADHD and depression, with booking available for insured and uninsured families. Public Health (Food Safety): The FDA flagged a Walmart-linked recall of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Maternal Mental Health: Indiana coverage highlighted perinatal psychosis as a rare but dangerous condition that can start during pregnancy and requires immediate treatment. Disaster Relief (Health & Housing): After severe storms and flooding, Gov. Braun said FEMA and state agencies are coordinating damage assessments, while Indiana Housing is offering temporary housing grants and Red Cross shelter options. Cancer Survivorship: Indiana State Fair’s Cancer Survivors Day spotlighted local support organizations and prevention-focused activities for people living with and beyond cancer.

Rural Maternal Care Boost: Indiana is rolling out a $30 million, five-year “OPEration Ready” partnership with IU School of Medicine to strengthen maternal and pediatric emergency care in rural hospitals, with targeted training and updated equipment aimed at preventing infant and mother deaths. Tele-Audiology Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that lets OTC hearing device owners get a 45-minute one-on-one remote session with a licensed professional for $99 per visit. Local Health System Expansion: Parkview Health is pushing deeper into central Indiana, including a planned $200 million hospital and medical office building near West Lafayette that would add about 250 jobs, while also pursuing managed services and new urgent care and emergency facilities. Addiction Treatment Spotlight: Newsweek named Bloomington’s Indiana Center for Recovery the No. 1 addiction treatment center in Indiana, highlighting continued attention on substance use care options. Public Health & Safety: Michigan reported a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak (13,909 cases, 314 hospitalizations, two deaths), underscoring ongoing food-safety vigilance as guidance evolves. Community Health Workforce: A new Indiana youth initiative is helping close “shoe insecurity” gaps for children, supporting school participation and activity access.

Flood Response & Child Survival: Indiana’s historic storms and record flooding have killed at least six people, with responders struggling to reach victims as roads became impassable; one 2-year-old girl survived after being found drowning in a flooded Rush County basement, receiving CPR and being airlifted to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. School Disruptions: Northwest Indiana districts are still adjusting reopening plans after outages and storm damage, including Highland’s tentative teacher/student start dates and Gary Community Schools closing again while power and resources are restored. Federal Oversight (FDA): FDA inspection updates show limited activity in Indiana counties this July—Hamilton County’s Reproductive Care of Indiana, PC received a “No Action Indicated” result, while Adams County’s Amish Country Popcorn, Inc. got “Voluntary Action Indicated.” Local Nonprofit Funding Snapshot: New rankings highlight how much government grants drive revenue for some Indiana nonprofits in 2024, including top shares in Lafayette, Knox, Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Newburgh, and Columbia City. Sports Medicine Note: MLB legend Tommy John, whose elbow surgery transformed pitching care, died at 83.

Indiana Flood Response: President Trump approved an Emergency Declaration for Indiana, unlocking up to $5M in federal disaster help for storm and flood impacts across dozens of counties, with funding aimed at water rescues, evacuations, shelters, medical transport, and debris clearing. Local Safety Alerts: Indianapolis DPW urged immediate evacuation for River Road Apartments residents due to erosion-driven structural failure, advising people to grab medicine and key papers and use designated shelters. Maternal & Pediatric Care: Indiana is putting $30M of its federal rural health grant toward improving emergency room care for mothers and children, targeting updated equipment and training to help reduce high infant and maternal mortality rates. Hospital Staffing Update: Beaufort Memorial’s Advanced Orthopedics and Spine Program added fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Mark P. Smith to expand specialized care access. Food Safety Recall: Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states were recalled over possible Listeria contamination, with no illnesses confirmed. Privacy & Tech Watch: A new license-plate-linked surveillance system could identify device types in cars and connect them to people, raising fresh privacy concerns.

Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine LLC is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible Listeria contamination; the affected 14-ounce kits (UPC 194346474004) have a use-by date of Aug. 22, 2026, and no illnesses have been confirmed. Flood Response & Public Health: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the White House has signed a Presidential Emergency Declaration, unlocking up to $5 million for storm and flood response, including water rescues, shelters, medical transport, and debris clearing; Indiana DHS reports six weather-related deaths. Local Hospital Update: IU Health says the new Fort Wayne hospital remains on track to open May 1, 2027, with hiring underway for about 270 nurses across ICU, PCU, med-surg, OR, cath lab, and ED. Access to Care: New Census Bureau data shows Bartholomew County’s uninsured adult rate fell roughly in half from 2010 to 2024 after Affordable Care Act implementation. Community Health & Resilience: Northwest Indiana schools are working through storm damage and power outages after a derecho-tornado event, with many campuses still unsure on reopening timelines. Animal Health: Indianapolis Zoo euthanized Gloria, a 47-year-old albino rhino, after worsening mobility and limited improvement from comfort-focused treatments. Maternal/Child Safety: Grant County authorities charged two people after a toddler allegedly ingested prescription medication containing buprenorphine, leading to a PICU admission.

Cancer Care Delays: A new UCLA-led study finds cancer patients are waiting longer to start treatment than a decade ago, with median delays rising across multiple cancer types and longer waits for Medicaid patients and others facing barriers. Food Safety Watch: Walmart shoppers in Indiana and 28 other states are being told to check for recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible listeria contamination. Public Health—Measles: A measles case with high community exposure has been reported in Kentucky, underscoring the need for up-to-date MMR vaccination. Local EMS Recognition: Putnam County EMS Chief Kelly Russ was named Indiana EMS Association Leader of the Year, highlighting continued investment in rural emergency care. Rural Maternal/Pediatric Care: Indiana is rolling out a $30M program aimed at improving rural emergency maternal and pediatric care. Community Health & Wellness: A local library workshop will cover invasive species and their potential human health risks in Indiana.

Cancer Care Delays: A new UCLA study in JAMA Surgery finds cancer patients are waiting longer for first treatment than a decade ago, with delays rising across multiple cancer types and longest waits for Medicaid patients and people treated at large academic centers. Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC are investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with FDA officials traveling to Mexico to continue work at the Taylor Farms facility; cases have spread to more states, including Indiana. Recall Alerts: Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are being recalled over possible listeria contamination, and the FDA has escalated an egg recall over salmonella to its highest risk level. Mosquito Risk After Flooding: Grant County health officials report positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools and urge residents to use repellent and reduce standing water. Local Mental Health Capacity: Brandon’s House Counseling Center in New Albany expanded again, doubling capacity for free teen counseling and reducing waitlist pressure. EMS Leadership: Putnam County EMS Chief Kelly Russ was named Indiana EMS Association Leader of the Year.

Rural Maternal Care Boost: Indiana is launching a $30 million, five-year partnership with the IU School of Medicine to strengthen maternal and pediatric emergency care in rural hospitals, including specialized training and updated equipment. Boone County Air Concerns: Eight Boone County residents were denied a hearing by IDEM on possible air pollutants tied to Eli Lilly’s complex, as the company seeks permit modifications for additional natural gas-fired emergency generators and combustion units. Cancer Treatment Delays: A new JAMA Surgery study finds cancer patients are waiting about 10 days longer to start treatment than a decade ago, with median diagnosis-to-treatment times rising across multiple cancers. Cyclospora Outbreak Update: CDC reports 3,123 more Cyclospora cases linked to iceberg lettuce, bringing the total to 9,481 across 17 states, including Indiana. Food Safety—Egg Recall: FDA upgraded an egg recall tied to possible Salmonella to the highest risk level, clarifying the affected eggs were sold at Kroger stores in several states, with the recalling firm listed as Indiana-based Midwest Poultry Services. Organ Donation Trust Crisis: HHS decertified the Network for Hope organ procurement organization after concerns about donor death determinations, raising alarms for families and communities across Indiana and nearby states.