AGP Executive Report

Fentanyl & Older Adults: A new focus on fentanyl misuse highlights how older adults can show warning signs like lethargy, slurred speech, and sudden medication changes—yet they often get less attention than teens in prevention and treatment. Food Safety in Virginia: FDA upgraded a Publix frozen berry recall to the highest risk level after E. coli illnesses, including hospitalizations, with products distributed in Virginia. Care Access & Coverage: Virginia lawmakers and advocates warn that federal eligibility changes starting in January could leave hundreds of thousands at risk of losing coverage, especially for rural providers and Black families relying on Medicaid. Local Health Tech: Charlottesville-area clinicians tout game-changing MRI options for people who can’t tolerate traditional enclosed scans, including open and motion/weight-bearing approaches. Community Mental Health Support: A Lynchburg-based nonprofit held a free cookout in Hillsville as part of its “Give Back Day,” offering counseling and family support resources. Public Health Research: Egg consumption is linked with lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults, with study results suggesting moderate intake may help brain health. Health & Wellness Lifestyle: A fitness coach explains why walking after lifting may increase fat use—though results depend on the bigger workout plan. Health System Operations: Virginia’s nursing home oversight is improving, with reforms aimed at clearing inspection backlogs and tightening sanction criteria.

Opioid Safety Tech: Virginia Tech researchers are testing a small wearable patch that detects fentanyl and automatically releases naloxone, aiming to save people who overdose alone. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise blueberries and mixed berries to its highest risk recall level after an E. coli outbreak tied to the products; Virginia shoppers are told not to eat them and to return or discard. Public Health Guidance: VDH is urging parents to keep kids eating healthy produce despite summer foodborne illness outbreaks, emphasizing simple washing steps and existing safeguards. Privacy & Health Data Governance: Virginia AG Jay Jones says a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive info on 17 million commercial drivers, protecting privacy while litigation continues. Community Health & Access: A Pittsylvania County garden is supplying fresh produce to cancer patients and nursing mothers, funded by UVA/VCU cancer centers and Sovah Health. Mental Health System Scrutiny: Testimony in the Lindsay Clancy case highlights gaps in postpartum mental health care coordination, with UVA experts saying the problem extends beyond behavioral health. Local Health Care Capacity: BradenHealth acquired the former Jellico Hospital in Tennessee and plans to reopen it after years of closures, investing millions. Health Care Workforce/Innovation: UVA faculty were inducted into an inaugural software engineering academy, reflecting growing attention to building reliable systems that support modern health care.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen berry recalls to a Class I, its highest risk level, tied to E. coli O145 illnesses (12 reported in two states; four hospitalized). The recall now covers GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in 10- and 48-ounce packs distributed in multiple states including Virginia, and Canada’s CFIA says there’s no sign the products reached Canada. Public Health & Access: Virginia’s summer nutrition push continues as Gov. Abigail Spanberger urges families to apply for SUN Bucks before Aug. 31, offering $120 per eligible child to help cover meals when school is out. Maternal Care Gap: A Virginia doula agency in Alexandria highlights limited Medicaid access to doula support and links doula care to better breastfeeding initiation and lower maternal anxiety. Healthcare Crime: A Palmyra pharmacist faces federal charges alleging he stole liquid opioids and replaced medication with water, raising serious risk to patients. Local Safety Notice: Bland County issued a boil-water advisory after a water main break, warning residents to boil tap water for drinking and cooking.

Measles & Vaccines: A new review finds vaccinated people who still get measles can occasionally spread it, urging health departments to rethink outbreak investigations while reassuring families that most vaccinated cases don’t transmit. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen berry recalls to its most serious “Class I” level over possible E. coli contamination, including products distributed to Virginia—consumers are told not to eat them. West Nile Watch: Virginia Beach reported more mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus and increased mosquito control, with no human cases reported so far. Lightning Risk: A lightning strike in Cape Charles killed a man and injured a woman during severe storms, a reminder to seek shelter fast and avoid water and beaches. Local Health Access: Elevance Health won final approval for a $14.75M nurse overtime settlement, a sign of ongoing pressure on staffing and pay practices in Virginia’s insurance landscape. UVA Research: UVA Health highlighted how indirect genetic effects and environment may shape autism risk, adding nuance to how researchers interpret genetics.

FDA Recall Update (Virginia): The FDA has upgraded Publix’s frozen GreenWise organic blueberry and mixed berry recall to a Class I warning—the agency’s most serious level—over possible E. coli contamination. Public Health Impact: CDC reports 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, with 4 hospitalizations and no deaths; the berries were distributed to stores in Virginia and seven other states, and consumers are urged to check freezers and not eat the affected lots. Local Health Messaging: Henrico County and the Richmond-Henrico Health Districts are pushing back-to-school vaccination compliance, citing clinics that vaccinated hundreds of students ahead of the new school year. Community Wellness: ECU Health nurse care manager Virginia Marr advises families to tighten sleep schedules and reduce screens before school starts to help kids transition smoothly. Food Safety Reminder: Separate from the berry recall, a hotel hygiene story warns that carpet can trap germs, so barefoot walking may increase exposure to contaminants.

Senior Safety Alert: Virginia State Police issued a Senior Alert for 87-year-old Lynn Paul Cunningham, last seen Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. in Berryville and believed to have cognitive impairment, raising immediate health and safety concerns. Addiction Treatment: Avenues Recovery opened in Chesterfield with up to 120 beds for addiction and mental health care, citing steady declines in overdose deaths since 2024. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry recalls to the highest risk level (Class I) after an E. coli outbreak sickened 12 and hospitalized 4; products were sold in Virginia and seven other states and should be discarded or returned. Health Care Innovation: UVA Health launched Virginia’s first robotic heart surgery program, aiming for smaller incisions and faster recovery, including a first robotic mitral valve repair. Public Health Policy: Health experts warned that new childhood vaccine guidance could harm vaccination rates and increase burdens on families, as the recommended schedule was reduced. Local Health Access: Shenandoah Valley’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened in Winchester, expanding brick-and-mortar access for patients with written medical authorization.

Public Health & Safety: West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes across multiple Virginia Beach neighborhoods, prompting increased mosquito-control treatment; no human cases have been reported yet. Health Policy & Funding: A new report says up to $246 million in taxpayer-funded CDC programs are largely unstaffed, raising concerns about “zombie” initiatives losing real-world impact. Community Health & Access: Virginia Credit Union is donating $150,000 to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to support its Family Resource Center, including help with food, housing, transportation, and utilities. Medical Education Pipeline: Dr. Mark Armitage launched a national scholarship for future family medicine leaders, offering a $1,000 award with applications open until April 15, 2027. Local Wellness Programs: “Balanced Living with Diabetes” returns to Amelia County, offering support for people managing the condition. Workforce & Daily Life: A survey finds Virginia workers would trade an average of $4,626 in annual salary to avoid frustrating commutes, with top pain points in Northern Virginia. Health & Research in Virginia: Cville BioHub says Central Virginia’s biotech growth is constrained by a hiring gap, with fewer than one in three life sciences grads staying locally a decade after graduation.

Stroke Recovery: A new international roadmap led by a Georgetown stroke expert calls for using genetic and blood biomarkers to guide more personalized stroke rehab and future biotherapies. Diabetes & Eye Care: UVA researchers report that many people with diabetes still have uncontrolled high blood pressure even when they’re actively seeing clinicians, suggesting routine blood pressure checks in eye clinics could catch cardiovascular risk earlier. Public Health & Vaccines: CDC data show kindergarten vaccine coverage slipping and exemptions topping 4% nationwide, coming as measles cases surge. Emergency Preparedness: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a statewide executive order to connect agencies and first responders under a Unified Readiness Framework, aiming to reduce silos during crises. Local Health Infrastructure: Richmond’s planning process is weighing a Virginia Union University apartment plan tied to the old Richmond Community Hospital building, raising community concerns about what renovation means for access. Food Safety: Lidl recalled a specific lot of wok spice mix in multiple states, including Virginia, after Salmonella was found in a lab sample. Workplace Safety: Virginia regulators proposed a $40,000 fine for a Chesterfield manufacturer after workers were exposed to a toxic chemical without required safety steps.

Opioid Treatment Access: Connecticut’s first state-funded mobile methadone “vans” are expanding access for people who can’t reliably reach fixed clinics, a model that could inform opioid care in Virginia. Brain Health Research: UVA researchers report postoperative delirium may help set up later dementia risk in older patients, and they point to a drug that reversed key brain changes in mice. Community Health & Housing: Northern Virginia nonprofit Creating Foundations for Hope expanded security deposit and senior emergency assistance into Fauquier, Madison, Culpeper, Orange and Rappahannock counties to prevent housing instability. Food Safety: Virginia health officials say recalled iceberg lettuce is now past its use-by date and cyclosporiasis cases are peaking and declining. Healthcare Policy: Neighborhood Healthcare urged CMS to revise Medicaid community engagement rules to better protect vulnerable patients and support health centers. Local Health Systems: Sweetgreen opened a new “sweetlane” drive-up in McLean, adding another fast option for healthier meals. Public Health Watch: Portsmouth residents continue to worry about lingering impacts after a major sewage spill. Workforce & Care: BayCare named Centra Health leader Lawrence “Wren” Roberts to a new systemwide support services vice president role. Dental Access Debate: ADHA called for dental hygiene self-governance to expand preventive care access. Health in the News: A Virginia State University shooting injured five, with campus lockdown and arrests reported across the week.

Privacy & Data Security: UVA researcher Tianhao Wang received a $677,866 NSF CAREER award to develop privacy-preserving, synthetic data methods using differential privacy—aiming to help medical and tech research without exposing personal details. Public Health & Safety: A new UVA-linked poison center study reports a nearly 400% rise in liver-injury calls tied to medications, with Tylenol (acetaminophen) a leading culprit. Mental Health & Access: Coverage highlights how opioid-focused crackdowns can leave chronic pain patients struggling to get needed treatment, while another study finds mental health workers may show higher stigma toward people with opioid use disorder. Local Care Accountability: Cumberland Children’s Hospital abuse/neglect lawsuits in New Kent County have settled after six years, ending a long-running legal fight. Community Health & Wellness: Pulaski’s Gatewood Reservoir hit historic lows amid drought, prompting water-use restrictions—an issue that can quickly affect health and daily life. Virginia Health Policy: Virginia officials say a Trump vaccine order won’t change state vaccine requirements. Health Tech in Virginia: VCU and James City County are testing drone delivery of defibrillators, aiming to speed emergency response.

Emergency Response Innovation: James City County and VCU are testing drone delivery of AEDs for out-of-hospital heart attacks, aiming to cut precious minutes in rural areas where survival odds drop fast. Community Health Events: Edenton Lions Club and ECU Health Chowan are hosting a free diabetes info fair Sept. 26, with sessions on treatment, nutrition, kidney health, neuropathy, and mental health. Workplace Wellness: Virginia Department of Corrections marks Aug. 17–21 as Employee Health & Wellness Week, “Passport to Wellness,” with daily themes from mindfulness to nutrition. Policy Watch: Virginia’s new hemp THC rules took effect Aug. 15 after a judge declined to delay, tightening limits and reshaping what products can be sold. Public Safety: Police continue investigating the Virginia State University shooting that left five injured, with Camron Harris arrested after being found hiding in a campus closet.

VSU Shooting: A 19-year-old suspect, Camron Harris, was arrested after a shooting near Virginia State University dorms left five people wounded, including one in critical condition; police say he was found hiding in a campus closet and warrants were issued as the campus lockdown was lifted. Fatal Crash in Fairfax: A fiery early-morning Interstate 495 crash in Fairfax County killed one driver and led to an arrest for DWI after a Toyota Camry burned and a BMW was found nearby. Metrobus Pedestrian Death: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Metrobus in Bailey’s Crossroads; the road was closed as crash reconstruction detectives investigated. Lung Cancer Education: Balm in Gilead hosted a free lung cancer health forum at a local church to help residents recognize symptoms and understand treatment side effects. UVA Data Center Debate: UVA’s planned $30 million expansion of a research data center at Fontaine Research Park is moving forward as local and statewide officials debate energy and infrastructure impacts. Caregiver Support: A dementia caregiver program highlights self-care after workshops, offering practical support for people caring for loved ones. Community Housing Plan: Virginia Union University is seeking city permission to develop up to 100 multifamily units on the Richmond Community Hospital property, with advocates pushing for preservation commitments. Peer Support for Burnout: Never Not Creative is launching a peer support program for creative-industry workers to address stress before it turns into burnout.

Campus Violence Update (Virginia State University): Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico after a shooting near VSU residence halls left five people wounded early Saturday; authorities say Harris was found hiding in a dorm closet hours later, with four victims not affiliated with the university and one 20-year-old student released from the hospital. Public Health Alert (Pet Safety): Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food sold in 11 states, including Virginia, after FDA testing found salmonella; symptoms in pets can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Care & Community Support (Dementia Caregivers): A Virginia-area program highlights free clinical services and support groups for care partners of people living with dementia, aiming to reduce caregiver burnout through practical tools. Funding for Health in Southwest Virginia: The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia awarded more than $16M in grants to nearly 50 nonprofits and government partners to expand community health and access to opportunity. State Health & Education Investment (Spanberger): Gov. Abigail Spanberger touted record education and healthcare-related investments, including major K-12 funding and higher-ed support, as students return to school.

Campus Safety Update (VSU): Virginia State University students and neighbors are recovering after a shooting outside residence halls left five people injured, including one in critical condition; the campus lockdown was lifted, but police say the investigation is ongoing and that there may have been multiple suspects. Arrest in the Case: Chesterfield County Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico, found hiding in a closet at Seward Hall; he’s not a VSU student and faces eight felony warrants, including malicious wounding and firearm charges, with more charges possible. Public Health Angle (Food Insecurity): A new local spotlight on hunger points to food pantries as a practical lifeline, especially for students and families facing food insecurity. Road Safety Planning (VDOT): VDOT is asking Virginians to weigh in on a statewide five-year Road Safety Plan update, with attention on speeding, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety like crosswalks and traffic signals. Wellness & Community: A separate piece looks at how to move beyond “wellness” toward empowerment, reflecting growing interest in mental health and resilience supports.

Campus Safety: Five people were shot outside Virginia State University residence halls in Ettrick early Saturday, with one victim upgraded to critical condition and four others reported as non-life-threatening; the campus lockdown was lifted hours later, but a significant police presence remains as Chesterfield County leads the investigation with help from VSU police, ATF, and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Public Health Policy: Virginia’s Department of Health reaffirmed that the state’s childhood vaccine requirements and recommendations will stay in place after a federal executive order changed guidance, with officials saying Virginia’s schedule is grounded in best available science and urging families to follow state decisions. Community Health Access: Registration is open for Head Start, including Arrowhead Head Start preschool sign-ups for the 2026-2027 school year, with free enrollment for qualifying families and classes beginning in September.

Public Health & Safety: A measles case with a high number of community exposures was confirmed in Christian County, Kentucky, with officials urging vaccination checks and warning that measles spreads through the air and can be life-threatening for unvaccinated people. Food Safety: Lidl recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in Virginia and other states after potential salmonella contamination; customers should discard or return for a refund. Local Health Access: Roanoke is set to welcome Ringana’s $85M U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing/life sciences operations, adding 400+ jobs—an economic boost that can support local workforce pipelines tied to health-related industries. Healthcare Workforce/Costs: Virginia Tech’s financial planning program shared back-to-school budgeting tips for students, highlighting hidden costs like food, fees, and course materials. Emergency Care: Buckingham County’s prehospital whole-blood program is now fully deployed across all three first-out ambulances, with six units available for life-threatening bleeding. Health Policy & Regulation: A federal judge declined to pause Virginia’s new hemp THC limits, a decision that could sharply reduce sales for multiple Virginia hemp businesses.