AGP Executive Report

Rabies Alert: Virginia health officials are warning pet owners after a feral cat in Gloucester tested positive for rabies, urging anyone who handled the animal—or may have been exposed—to contact the county health department and seek prompt medical guidance. Public Health Update: The CDC says a cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has ended, with no further updates planned as recalled products are no longer in stores or restaurants. Care Access & Coverage: New Census estimates show Henrico County’s uninsured rate for people under 65 is 7.7% in 2024, slightly below the statewide 8.1%. Hospice Staffing: Hospice of the Chesapeake adds Dr. Emily Grodinsky as a hospice and palliative physician, bringing neurology experience to end-of-life care. Community Support: Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health launches a new referral phone line to connect people to gambling treatment and recovery services. Local Safety: Norfolk urges residents and businesses to cut nonessential water use amid drought conditions.

Rural Healthcare Access: Virginia lawmakers and health officials met to assess how federal funding cuts and HR1 could strain rural care, while local groups expand clinics, food support, and mobile health to keep people connected. Food Safety & Allergy Rules: Virginia’s updated food regulations took effect, adding sesame as a major allergen and requiring clearer allergen disclosure for restaurants, food trucks, and vendors. Public Health & Air Quality: Newport News released findings on how wind fence setups could reduce coal dust movement—an issue residents say has worsened breathing problems for families. Women’s Health Research: A new analysis reports that starting menopausal hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause onset was linked to lower cardiovascular event risk, with researchers urging caution since it wasn’t a randomized trial. Mental Health for Service Members: NAVFRW announced a free Sept. 17 San Diego summit focused on suicide prevention and trauma-informed care for veterans and first responders, with Kaiser Permanente as title sponsor. Caregiving & Dementia: 9/11 first responders are pushing for broader coverage of dementia, arguing it should be recognized alongside other Ground Zero-related conditions.

Rural Health Access: Claritev Cares awarded 2026 Rural Health Grants to Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Kodiak Community Health Center, aiming to speed urgent diagnostics and connect rural clinicians with specialist support. Affordable Care Act Fight: Illinois AG Raoul and a coalition urged a federal appeals court to keep an order blocking Trump-era rules that would make ACA coverage harder to enroll in and maintain. ICE Arrest Powers: Raoul also backed a coalition asking the 10th Circuit to uphold limits on ICE warrantless arrests unless statutory safeguards are met. SNAP Security: Gov. Spanberger announced Virginia’s rollout of more secure “chip-and-tap” EBT cards to reduce SNAP skimming and protect families from benefit theft. Cardiometabolic Diet Risk: A new study links living near dollar stores with higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Healthcare Workforce Shortage: Claude Moore Opportunities highlighted Southwest Virginia’s need for hundreds of nurses, therapists, and behavioral health staff to meet demand. AI’s Local Costs: A report questions who pays for AI’s environmental footprint as data centers expand. Community Health & Care: Virginia’s health dept updated guidance and allergen lists, while local wellness events offered free resources.

Medicaid & SNAP Protections: Gov. Spanberger signed an executive order aimed at shielding Virginians from major federal cuts tied to H.R. 1, including changes that could add paperwork and work requirements for Medicaid recipients and disrupt food assistance for families. Mental Health Funding: UVA experts say Virginia’s expected share of the Meta settlement should go toward youth mental health supports—both in-person programs and “digital well-being” tools that reflect how teens actually live online. School Safety & Student Support: Westwood Hills Elementary in Waynesboro will stay closed as officials add safety upgrades and provide counseling after a school shooting, with mental health professionals set to remain on-site. Deer Disease Watch: Virginia wildlife officials report rising hemorrhagic disease activity in deer, warning cases often spike in late summer and early fall. Healthcare Workforce: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth will host a direct-hire job fair Sept. 28 in Virginia Beach for clinicians, allied health staff, and support roles. Energy Costs & Health Risks: Lt. Gov. Hashmi held an Energy Costs listening tour on the Dominion–NextEra merger, with residents warning higher bills could threaten medically vulnerable people. Food Access Grant: Henry County Food Pantry received a $250,000, three-year grant to expand fresh produce, home delivery, and facility improvements. Local Health Tech Reality Check: A report on AI in emergency rooms finds documentation help, but not the fixes needed for staffing, boarding, and bed shortages.

Dengue Travel Alert: The CDC issued a level 1 global travel advisory after a higher-than-expected uptick in dengue cases among U.S. travelers, including locally acquired cases reported in Virginia—urging repellent, long sleeves, and screened or air-conditioned lodging. Focused Ultrasound in Virginia: The Focused Ultrasound Foundation announced its 20th anniversary program (Nov. 11–13 in McLean) highlighting noninvasive treatments across conditions from tremor and Parkinson’s to chronic pain and substance use disorders. Cardiac Risk Testing Update: A new study finds adding coronary artery calcium scoring to PREVENT ASCVD equations only modestly improves risk prediction, with the biggest value for people in the “borderline” group. Lead-Safe Housing Funding: Roanoke received a $6.25 million HUD grant to remediate up to 150 homes under its Lead Safe Roanoke program, targeting lead hazards in older housing stock. ACA Coverage Fight: Virginia’s health coverage could be affected by a coalition legal push led by AG Rob Bonta to block an Affordable Care Act rule aimed at making enrollment and maintaining coverage harder. Abortion Pills by Telehealth: Federal judges are set to hear arguments on whether prescribing rules should tighten for mifepristone, as opponents seek to restrict medication abortion access via telehealth. Mental Health Awareness Ride: Two Bryans Road residents completed a multi-state jet ski trip raising nearly $2,400 for mental health awareness and unity.

Menopause & Heart Health: A VCU–Pitt study using 20 years of SWAN data found hormone therapy started in peri- or early postmenopause was linked to 22% lower cardiovascular event risk, with the strongest benefit in Black women and those starting within 10 years of menopause onset. Virginia Health Systems & Access: Virginia’s Department of Health issued new vaccine guidance ahead of respiratory virus season, while Hampton VA opened a Western Branch outpatient clinic in Chesapeake and Fairfax Family Practice Centers named a new CEO. Public Health & Safety Alerts: Quantico ordered personnel to boil tap water after a suspected main break; Purcellville issued a boil-water advisory after a county-linked water main break. Local Care & Community: A new nephrologist joined SCRMC, and a free prostate cancer screening event is tied to a Flying Squirrels game. Environment With Health Links: Chesapeake Bay underwater grass beds expanded for a fifth straight year, with Virginia’s high-salinity areas hitting record coverage—good news for water quality and habitat. Policy & Health Tech: Gov. Spanberger appointed Andrea Fletcher to lead a new Virginia Digital Service team to modernize state systems and improve how residents access services. Health-Related Legal/Business: Amgen asked a federal appeals court to dismiss CareFirst’s biosimilar-delay suit, arguing the insurer’s claimed harm stems from patent enforcement.

Virginia Health Tech: Gov. Abigail Spanberger named Andrea Fletcher director of a new Virginia Digital Service aimed at modernizing state websites and systems while tightening how the state buys tech after a failed child-support IT overhaul reportedly cost $52 million. Mental Health Access: Fredericksburg Christian Health Center expanded mental health services through a partnership with the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative, connecting uninsured and underinsured patients to free online therapy and offering teletherapy onsite when needed. Kidney Care Crisis: In Norfolk, a 12-year-old with stage 5 kidney disease tied to Goodpasture Syndrome and ANCA vasculitis is seeking a suitable donor as families and hospitals navigate the long wait for transplants. Sports Concussion Awareness: UVA Health highlighted overlooked concussion risks in fall sports, including equestrian injuries, and stressed watching for delayed or subtle symptoms beyond the usual headache and dizziness. Addiction Treatment Spotlight: Bridging the Gaps in Winchester was ranked No. 1 in Virginia on Newsweek’s America’s Best Residential Addiction Treatment Centers list. Oncology Skin Support: An esthetician in Galax is offering calming skin-care support for cancer patients dealing with treatment-related irritation, dryness, and burns.

Rural Maternal Care Risk: A new KFF analysis warns that rural hospital obstetrics closures could force many Medicaid patients to drive an hour or more for inpatient maternity care, with low reimbursement and staffing pressures cited. Virginia Tech Health Grants: Virginia Tech won three U.S. HHS grants, including $750,993 for pulse-echo speed-of-sound imaging, $588,671 for yellow fever mosquito research, and $249,000 for dementia caregiver-family studies. Workplace Protections: Gov. Abigail Spanberger highlighted new Virginia labor laws on Labor Day, including paid family and medical leave (up to 12 weeks) and statewide paid sick leave. School Safety Funding Fight: Fairfax County is moving to restore crossing guards near high schools after a crash near South Lakes High School, with carryover funding under review for the full 2026-27 year. Caregiver & Mental Health Spotlight: A Lynchburg student’s path to medicine is disrupted by major college cuts, while another local story spotlights an anorexia memorial walk in Midlothian and the strain on families seeking treatment. Public Health & Screening: Ballad Health is offering free first-time low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for eligible patients in the region. Community Health in Motion: Wildlife Center of Virginia urges safer Labor Day trash disposal to prevent wildlife entanglements and injuries.

Water Access & Rights: A federal appeals court ruled the U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee a right to clean drinking water, rejecting Jackson, Mississippi residents’ claims that lead-contaminated water violated bodily integrity. Public Safety & Health: Four Virginia State Troopers received Valor awards for actions during a 2025 pursuit and gunfire incident. Health Care Costs: A Virginia-focused study in JAMA Health Forum found employer insurance paid doctors about 28% more than Medicaid managed care for the same preventive visit, raising questions about provider participation. Suicide Prevention: Virginia’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is running virtual programs throughout September, including “Talk Saves Lives” and support sessions for people affected by suicide loss. Dementia Research: Virginia Tech won a $249,000 HHS grant to study dementia caregiver families. Aging in Place: A new “Mature Home Program” aims to help older adults stay safely in their homes with monthly checks and minor modifications. Child Safety: Reporting highlights rising child drowning risk and urges stronger supervision around pools and water. Local Health Infrastructure: Amtrak plans major Virginia-to-DC service disruptions in October for tunnel work, affecting access to care and travel.

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health: A new music project, “All We Need Is Love,” is raising awareness for National Suicide Prevention Month, with digital download proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Public Health Watch: Virginia health leaders are tracking a small uptick in rabies cases around Richmond, including cases in Henrico, Richmond (bat), and Greensville (skunk). Pediatric Cardiac Care: UVA Health became the first Virginia institution to use a temporary heart pump (Impella) in a pediatric patient, highlighting growing options for children needing advanced circulatory support. Infectious Disease Research & Grants: Virginia Tech received three U.S. HHS grants, including work on pulse-echo imaging, yellow fever mosquito research, and dementia caregiver support. Food & Nutrition: A weekly protein market report says poultry is gaining ground as shoppers look for lower-cost options, while beef prices remain elevated. Community Health Access: Meals on Wheels volunteer Franck Boynton, 85, continues delivering meals across the Richmond region, emphasizing both nutrition and safety checks.

Pediatric Heart Care Breakthrough: UVA Health became the first in Virginia to implant a temporary Impella heart pump in a pediatric patient, offering more mobility while families await transplant. Public Health & Research Funding: Virginia Tech won an HHS grant to study yellow-fever-carrying mosquitoes, adding to the state’s infectious-disease research push. Health Tech & Access: A new temporary heart-pump story from UVA highlights how mechanical circulatory support is expanding for kids who don’t respond to medications. Community Health & Safety: Richmond police are investigating a shooting on Jennie Scher Road that sent an adult man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Health Risks at Home: A new report says mold fears are driving lawsuits and respiratory complaints, with homeowners pushing builders to pay when moisture problems lead to growth. Wellness Lifestyle: Experts share tips to attract more birds to yards, including food, water, and predator-safe shelter. Local Business (Health-adjacent): Fresh Monkee is opening its first Northern Virginia store in Fairfax, bringing smoothie and protein-shake options to the area.

Health & Safety in the Community: A 72-year-old Stuart woman reported missing in Patrick County was later found dead near where she was last seen, with investigators citing serious underlying health conditions and not releasing details on the circumstances. Violence & Emergency Care: A man was arrested in Dublin after a shooting in Carroll County sent a victim to LewisGale Hospital in Pulaski; authorities say it appears isolated, but they have not released injury details or the weapon. Public Health & Family Support: Virginia Tech’s Paul Springer highlights how back-to-school transitions can raise stress and family conflict, offering practical ways to reduce overload and protect rest and connection. Food Access: Bedford County launched a new SNAP information hotline and added a Blessing Box at its Department of Social Services to help residents with food, toiletries, and essentials. Caregiving & Wellness: UVA Health urged concussion vigilance as school sports ramp up, emphasizing early attention to symptoms. Health Infrastructure & Access: EMPOWER Broadband marked major rural fiber milestones, completing a VATI 2022 expansion and connecting its 10,000th subscriber—aimed at improving access to education and healthcare. Missing Seniors: Virginia State Police issued a critical alert for an 80-year-old Purcellville man, with search efforts involving local agencies and a helicopter.

Community Health & Access: EMPOWER Broadband says it has finished its rural fiber expansion across Brunswick, Charlotte, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties and reached its 10,000th subscriber, a move aimed at improving education and healthcare access in underserved Southside communities. Public Health & Safety: UVA Health is urging concussion vigilance as school sports ramp up, reminding families and coaches to watch for symptoms and “red flags” after head impacts. Medicaid & Care Availability: A new study finds Virginia doctors are reimbursed at lower rates by Medicaid than by private insurers for the same preventive services, raising concerns about whether lower pay could reduce physician participation. Workforce & Training: Eastern Shore Community College hosted state health leaders to discuss nursing workforce shortages, including plans for a potential dental hygiene training partnership. Substance Use Watch: UVA toxicology experts warn that kratom—often marketed as a safer alternative—can still act like an opioid and has driven a sharp rise in poison center reports. Health Tech & Youth: Virginia lawmakers are weighing how to use the Meta settlement, with one proposal calling for a Children and Digital Wellness Fund to expand behavioral health and digital literacy. Storm Impact: Pepco reported about 7,600 customers still without power after severe storms hit the DC area and Maryland, with restoration work continuing.

Mental Health & Work: A new Science study finds remote work can increase isolation and worsen mental health, especially for people living alone, with researchers suggesting hybrid work may soften the impact. Cancer Care Access: UVA Health will open a cancer clinic in Lynchburg this fall, bringing infusion and other comprehensive cancer services closer to home. Youth Tech & Safety: Scholars review U.S. and global child online safety rules as Meta faces pressure to add protections for kids’ mental health. Public Health—Overdose Prevention: Charlottesville is flagged as higher-need in VDH’s overdose needs assessment tool, which helps target prevention resources. Food Safety: E. coli concerns keep expanding: frozen berry recalls tied to a Chilean supplier have grown across multiple states, with officials urging freezer checks. Medical Supply Alerts: Two separate recalls of 0.9% saline IV bags cite contamination risks, including fiberglass and iron oxide particles. Community Health & Wellness: UVA researchers study how teens’ digital lives affect mental health after Virginia’s cell phone ban in schools. Animal Health Support: Richmond’s Tommie Fund is running low, and shelters are asking for donations to keep veterinary emergency care available.

AI in Schools: A Virginia special education teacher says generative AI cuts IEP paperwork time by more than half, freeing weekends and planning time. Medicaid Payment Gap: A Virginia-led study finds Medicaid—both fee-for-service and managed care—pays doctors substantially less than Medicare and marketplace plans, with managed care still about 25% below Medicare. Public Health & Food Safety: Walmart expanded a frozen berry recall to 16 states over possible E. coli contamination, following earlier blueberry and Publix GreenWise recalls that have sickened at least 17 people. Rural Health Access: Virginia is investing $122M to expand rural healthcare, aiming to strengthen access and workforce needs. Maternal & Child Safety: A Virginia judge convicted a mother for letting her 5-year-old walk to a neighborhood pond, sparking outrage and an appeal. Community Wellness: A free health resources wellness day is planned in Abingdon, targeting local prevention and screenings. Water Safety: Kenbridge asked residents to voluntarily conserve water as drought conditions reduce creek flow and reservoir levels.

Rural Health Funding: Virginia is set to receive $122M to expand healthcare access, workforce and innovation, with lawmakers pitching it as a lifeline for rural hospitals and providers. Workforce & Care Delivery: VCU Health’s housekeeping contractor change will lay off 545 workers as Crothall exits and HHS Environmental Services takes over Nov. 1. Insurance Costs: Obamacare premiums are expected to rise next year in Virginia as the ACA coverage pool shrinks after enhanced federal subsidies ended. Public Health & Safety: A guest column urges stronger water safety measures after a surge in drowning deaths in Richmond and across Virginia. Youth Mental Health & Tech: Virginia AG Jay Jones says a $353M Meta settlement is a “down payment on reforms,” including limits on screen time for minors. Health Policy Compliance: Virginia updated noncompete rules add severance and restrict enforcement for certain licensed professionals. Community Health Access: Ballad Health is offering free first-time low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for eligible patients. Healthcare Careers Pipeline: UVA Health community medical centers and clinics held a NextGen Healthcare Summit for middle schoolers to explore hands-on healthcare roles. Workplace Pregnancy Rights: EEOC alleges a Family Dollar manager fired a pregnant worker after complications and a miscarriage, arguing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was violated.