AGP Executive Report

Tick season watch: Wisconsin DHS data shows tick-bite-related emergency visits surged early, with western Wisconsin notably higher than last year by late June—officials urge prevention and quick care if symptoms like rash or fever show up. Heat safety: Forecasters warn of dangerous, potentially record-breaking summer heat across the Midwest and Great Lakes, with cooling centers and hydration emphasized as humidity pushes heat indexes above 115°F. Foodborne parasite alert: A Cyclospora outbreak has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states, including Wisconsin, with dozens hospitalized; health officials are still working to identify the source. Maternal health policy: Wisconsin’s extended postpartum Medicaid coverage is now in effect, expanding care for new moms statewide. Local health care news: North Central Health Care’s Chuck Kerstell was named Wisconsin Co-Responder of the Year, highlighting crisis response partnerships. In-home end-of-life care: CodaPet expanded compassionate in-home pet euthanasia services in Eau Claire with a new licensed veterinarian.

Medicaid Work Rules Fight: A coalition of 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the policy unlawfully restricts access to coverage for medically vulnerable people. Postpartum Medicaid Expansion: Wisconsin’s extended postpartum Medicaid coverage is now in effect, giving new moms a full year of coverage after childbirth. PFAS Monitoring for Biosolids: The Wisconsin DNR issued a new general permit requiring PFAS monitoring and reporting for sewage sludge (biosolids) generators, tied to 2026 state law. Pregnancy Prevention Grants Cut: Wisconsin health officials confirmed federal cuts ended about $1 million in teen pregnancy prevention funding, with DHS exploring replacement options. Long-Term Care Oversight: Wisconsin lawmakers demanded answers about proposed changes to IRIS, the Medicaid-funded long-term care program, including questions about DHS oversight of its vendor. Foodborne Illness Watch: CDC is investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak with at least 145 cases across 17 states; officials urge careful washing and scrubbing of produce. Extreme Heat & Kids’ Health: Multiple reports highlight dangerous heat conditions and increased asthma risks for children, with calls to use cooling resources and precautions.

Postpartum care expansion: Wisconsin Medicaid now extends postpartum coverage to 12 months, expected to help more than 16,000 low-income new mothers and cover postpartum depression, chronic conditions, mental health services, and opioid use disorder treatment. Heat and asthma risk: Children’s Wisconsin reports 11 children needed critical asthma care in June, including two deaths, and warns hot weather can worsen asthma flare-ups. Medicaid data mix-up: DHS notified Medicaid recipients about personal information sent to wrong addresses, with thousands potentially affected. Kidney treatment access: A Milwaukee reader urges support for the Kidney Care Access Protection Act, arguing coverage gaps block innovative therapies for kidney patients. ICE pressure in Milwaukee: Advocates say heightened ICE “targeted operations” led to at least 18 arrests, with concerns about trauma and detainees’ medical needs. Local health access: ENT & Allergy Associates closed its Wisconsin Rapids outreach clinic, directing patients to Stevens Point. Safety alerts: Extreme heat continues across the Midwest, and Milwaukee-area cooling access remains a key concern.

Medicaid Privacy: Wisconsin DHS says more than 8,000 Medicaid recipients on Supplemental Security Income may have had personal information exposed after letters were sent to outdated addresses, with affected people offered a year of free credit monitoring and a dedicated call center. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wraps sold at Holiday convenience stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin after routine testing found possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses were confirmed. Youth Justice & Care: Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center in Wisconsin expanded and now treats girls for the first time, building on a model aimed at reducing violent recidivism. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: Democratic-led states, including Wisconsin, sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work rules and a narrower “medically frail” exemption that could keep ill and disabled people from coverage. Extreme Heat Preparedness: Oneida County health officials urged hydration, shade, and quick action for heat stroke signs as Wisconsin and the Midwest faced dangerous heat; camps also shifted schedules and moved activities indoors. Rabies Alert: A 6-year-old in Shawano County received rabies shots after a rabid bat attack, underscoring the need for prompt treatment after animal bites.

Extreme Heat Safety: Wisconsin counties and southeast WI cities are issuing warnings and opening cooling centers as heat index values push past 100°F, with officials urging hydration, shade breaks, and checking on older adults and people without air conditioning. Local Health Guidance: Aspirus Health highlights the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, urging people to move to cooler areas and seek emergency care for severe symptoms. Milwaukee Area Alerts: Milwaukee-area health and human services teams are using a “No Wrong Door” approach to connect residents to cooling sites, shelters, and help during the heat. Public Health & Pets: The Wisconsin Humane Society warns pet owners never to leave animals in cars, to limit walks to cooler hours, and to watch for heat-stroke signs. Child Care Costs: Wisconsin’s Child Care Bridge Payments for providers expire this week, raising pressure on wages, workforce participation, and public funding to keep care available. Medicaid Policy Fight: Democratic-led states sue over new Medicaid work requirements and a narrower “medically frail” exemption that could affect ill and disabled Wisconsinites. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding: Federal records show more than $2.4M in teen pregnancy prevention funds cut for Wisconsin, including support for a youth-provider communication program. Air Quality Win: Wisconsin health and environmental groups call a federal court decision upholding tighter soot pollution limits a win for public health. Water Infrastructure Costs: A report compares lead-pipe replacement costs, spotlighting how expensive full replacement can be—relevant to Wisconsin communities planning safer water.

Extreme Heat Safety: Milwaukee and north-central Wisconsin are in the thick of an extended heat wave, with health departments urging hydration, cooling centers, and extra checks on older adults, kids, and people with chronic conditions; Marathon County is using libraries as cooling sites, while Milwaukee is directing residents to call 2-1-1 or visit its Hot Weather Safety page for locations. Heat + Utilities: The Wisconsin Public Service Commission says utilities can’t disconnect power to occupied homes during NWS heat advisories/warnings/emergencies and must make reasonable efforts to reconnect when health or life is at risk. Heat + Health Systems: UW–Madison reported a broken chilled water line affecting cooling in dozens of buildings, with some temporarily closed to the public. Milwaukee Injuries & Public Safety: A multi-vehicle crash near 40th and Douglas sent four people to the hospital, and a Beloit duplex fire displaced nine residents with one hospitalized. Mental Health Access: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin pushed for faster restoration of the LGBTQ+ option on the 988 hotline, citing rising demand in Wisconsin. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: Wisconsin is among states challenging new federal Medicaid work rules, with lawsuits targeting the definition of “medically frail” and the risk of coverage loss for vulnerable patients. Local Health Programs: A Wisconsin health board decided to expand a diaper program, aiming to reduce barriers for families.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: Wisconsin is under multiple extreme heat warnings, with heat indexes pushing past 100 and little overnight relief—officials urge hydration, shade, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Energy & Safety: Utilities warn the grid could feel heavy strain as air conditioning demand spikes; residents are encouraged to raise thermostats slightly and shift laundry and dishwashing to cooler hours. Hospice Access: Unity and Meadowbrook at Oconto Falls opened a dedicated hospice wing to meet growing end-of-life care demand, offering around-the-clock hospice services and caregiver relief. Mental Health & Crisis Care: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin pressed for faster restoration of the LGBTQ+ option on the 988 hotline, citing rising demand and staffing needs in Wisconsin. Medicaid Coverage Risk: Advocates are watching Wisconsin’s upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, including stricter proof for medically frail exemptions and new work requirements that could jeopardize coverage for many. Food Insecurity: A national report highlights more Americans facing hunger as grocery prices rise and federal food support is cut—an issue that echoes local concerns about access to nutritious food. Community Health & Violence: Milwaukee reported a late Sunday shooting that left one person wounded, underscoring ongoing public safety and health impacts.

Extreme Heat Watch: Wisconsin is under widespread Extreme Heat Warnings with heat indexes often above 100°F early this week, including Monday peaks around 110°F in Mondovi and 106°F in Appleton/Green Bay, with little nighttime relief—officials urge hydration, staying indoors, and checking on neighbors. Food & Water Safety: Portage County reported cyanobacteria blooms at Mead Park, Bukolt Park, and Lake Dubay; health officials say to keep people and pets out of affected water and treat every bloom as potentially toxic. Public Health & Access: Wisconsin will replace FoodShare aid when outages spoil food, but filing requests may be hard for recipients—highlighting gaps during emergencies. Medicaid Oversight: A New York lawmaker urged Wisconsin to “proceed with caution” as DHS moves to a new Medicaid long-term care vendor tied to a DOJ lawsuit. Community Health: SEIU Wisconsin held a forum with Democratic gubernatorial candidates focused on healthcare affordability and worker rights. Workplace & Injury Risk: A 1977 Kenosha cold-case murder charge was suspended after the accused was ruled incompetent; separately, a Menomonee Falls man died after a workplace boat accident, with OSHA investigating.

Stem-cell manufacturing in Madison: Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics International opened a major facility on UW’s far West Side to produce induced pluripotent stem cells for researchers and pharma, signaling faster growth in Wisconsin’s regenerative medicine pipeline. Public health & prevention: DHS is tracking peak tick activity, warning that tiny nymphal deer ticks spread Lyme and other illnesses and urging repellent, permethrin-treated gear, and daily tick checks. Mental health access in primary care: A nearly $4M NIH grant will expand an opioid use disorder prescribing support model across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to close the gap between what’s known and what’s practiced. THC access for teens: Dane County groups are pushing policies to limit youth access to legal THC products, after local data showed cannabis overuse visits among minors. Community health support: Wisconsin marked 211 Day, highlighting the statewide 2-1-1 hotline’s role in connecting residents to housing, food, crisis help, and disaster response. PFAS pressure: Marinette County residents urged lawmakers to move PFAS settlement money toward safe water and household health testing, saying $10M won’t cover the need. Local care leadership: ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Lakeshore named a new CEO, continuing expansion of specialized rehab services.

New Pharmacy Access: Xperience Pharmacy opened a second Milwaukee northside location at 76th and Marion, offering free blood pressure screenings amid ongoing Walgreens closures. Hospital & Caregiving: A 12-year-old from Cumberland is awaiting a heart transplant in Milwaukee after being diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy; her family says she could be called anytime. Cancer Wellness: A Mayo Clinic Q&A says exercise during cancer treatment can improve strength, mood, fatigue, pain, and sleep—though some patients need extra precautions. Mental Health in Agriculture: After losing her brother to suicide, a Mineral Point farmer launched a Southwest Wisconsin chapter of the Farmer Angel Network to connect farmers with mental health resources and reduce stigma. Heat & Homelessness: Milwaukee’s MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary is expanding cooling services ahead of 90-degree weather, including daytime cooling, free water, and fan/air-conditioner support. Community Health & Safety: The Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations now as severe weather and wildfires strain supplies. Public Safety: Milwaukee police investigated multiple shootings, including one near Fond du Lac and Mill Road that injured a 26-year-old. Outdoor Health: Wisconsin DNR’s annual Free Fun Weekend waives state park fees and fishing licenses, encouraging families to get outside.

PFAS & Safe Water: Marinette and Peshtigo-area residents urged Wisconsin regulators to use a $10 million PFAS settlement for a health study and expanded safe-water solutions, saying the current plan may not cover enough wells near Tyco’s fire training site. Healthcare Leadership: Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman was appointed to the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners, a national role tied to quality and patient safety oversight. Hospital Quality: Essentia Health-Virginia earned a four-star CMS hospital quality rating, highlighting performance across safety, outcomes, and patient experience. Food Access: Second Harvest Northland began construction on the final phase of its $20 million Nourish the Northland campaign, adding a market-style food shelf and community engagement space as demand rises. Injury & Safety: A West Allis crash sent an e-bike rider to the hospital after colliding with a pickup at 76th and Beloit; officials note growing concern about e-bike/e-scooter injuries. Cancer Care & Community: A Wisconsin cancer survivor met Ed Sheeran backstage at Summerfest, sharing a story of survival and gratitude after treatment at Aurora. Nutrition Costs: A report flags sticker shock for seafood as prices rise, complicating efforts to eat more fish. Public Health Planning: UW-Whitewater announced two listening sessions for its chancellor search, with community input on leadership priorities.

PFAS Cleanup: A Wisconsin firm is working to remediate “forever chemicals” as EPA drinking-water standards tighten, shifting the burden to local utilities and communities. Heat & Health: Southern Wisconsin is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity, with older adults urged to stay indoors, hydrate, and get check-ins. Medicare Planning: A guide explains how to choose a Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policy and what coverage gaps it helps fill. Dementia Care: The I’m Still Here Foundation is funding non-drug engagement programs for people living with dementia, aiming to help them “live well.” Overdose Investigation Capacity: A Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is seeking a federal grant to speed toxicology testing for overdose death investigations. Local Health Systems & Work: Mercyhealth workers in Janesville are weighing a possible walkout over a stalled labor contract, while a Walworth County health department earned top-level state certification. Community Safety: Milwaukee-area courts addressed competency in a hospital shooting case and probation in a hit-and-run that led to an amputation. Public Health in the Air: Wisconsin DNR and health officials are also flagging rising tick and algae risks as summer conditions intensify.

Food Safety: The FDA classified a recall of 684,248 bags of Zapps and Dirty brand potato chips as Class I due to possible Salmonella contamination tied to a seasoning supplier. Indigenous Sovereignty: Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the Menominee Nation can buy back and place land into federal trust, rejecting a challenge from a non-tribal property owners group. Behavioral Health Access: Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee completed a $10 million behavioral health expansion adding 36 inpatient beds (adolescent and adult) and opening July 1, aiming to meet rising psychiatric demand. Public Health Coverage: Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance announced a limited HealthCare.gov special enrollment period for people who bought certain non-comprehensive “Innovative/Healthcare Plan/ACLP” memberships, tied to an FTC lawsuit. Community & Safety: Milwaukee joined the Swimmable Cities coalition to push for cleaner, safer urban waterways for public recreation. Health Equity & Caregiving: A WPR report highlights how Wisconsin’s incarcerated mothers can only have 24 hours with newborns, despite a court order to implement a mother-young child program. Local Health Concerns: Marathon County residents packed a meeting over a proposed Hub City Wind Farm, raising questions about noise, safety, groundwater impacts, and effects on livestock.

Opioid Response: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is asking the County Board to approve about $7.5 million from opioid settlement funds to expand treatment and prevention as overdose deaths decline, with the proposal set for July review. Health Campus Update: Eau Claire’s former Sacred Heart Hospital is now part of the “900 District,” a new health, education, innovation and wellness campus vision shared by partners this week. SNAP Accuracy: Wisconsin’s FoodShare error rate for fiscal 2025 is 5.72%, helping the state avoid a potential $205.5 million penalty tied to federal SNAP payment mistakes. Summer Meals: Milwaukee County launched the 2026 Summer Meals Collaborative, aiming to serve free meals at 130+ sites during school break. Public Safety & Violence Prevention: Crowley also announced “Destined for Greater,” a $1.5 million state-funded initiative coordinating community organizations to prevent violence before it starts. Vaping Crackdown: Wisconsin DOJ welcomed Shopify’s ban on selling all vaping products online, citing youth health risks. Heat Risk: A major heat and humidity alert is expected next week, with heat index values forecast around 100–108 degrees. Maternal Care: Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital’s Birthing Center earned dual Level I maternal and neonatal care designations.

E-bike & e-scooter Safety: Pro-Health Care says ER visits for e-bike and e-scooter crashes are climbing fast, with more than 30 patients treated in just two months and Wisconsin seeing a 200% jump in serious admissions/transfers in 2025. Public Health Alerts: Lyme disease risk is expanding beyond traditional areas as deer ticks move into more states, raising concern for underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Medicaid Fraud: Wisconsin DOJ charged two people tied to alleged Wisconsin Medicaid fraud, including inaccurate timecards in the IRIS program. Food Access: New federal SNAP rules tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could cut off food assistance for thousands of Wisconsin residents, with estimates of 7,000 affected statewide and over half in Milwaukee County. Maternal Health Court Case: A Price County case involving a licensed midwife charged in an infant death was continued to Aug. 11. Rural EMS Funding: A new Sugar River EMS district in southern Dane/northern Green counties received a Wisconsin Innovation Fund grant to launch service June 30. Aging & Livability Grants: AARP announced $193,000 in 2026 Community Challenge grants, including seven Milwaukee-area projects aimed at healthier aging and stronger community connections.

E-bike & e-scooter safety: Dane County and UW Health are sounding the alarm as e-scooter crashes rise 260% over four years, with pediatricians seeing injuries almost daily and urging families to treat these devices like motor vehicles, wear helmets, and follow traffic rules. Medicaid fraud: Wisconsin DOJ says two women are accused of defrauding Wisconsin Medicaid by submitting fraudulent personal care time cards, including one case alleging more than $43,000 in improper payments. Reproductive rights anniversary: Wisconsin Democrats marked four years since Dobbs with a press conference highlighting ongoing abortion access limits and “reproductive care deserts,” while Republicans continue pushing bans. Community health development: Marathon City is getting a $250,000 state grant to redevelop a long-vacant downtown property into a health clinic, farm-to-table grocery, and community event space. Mental health event: Winona’s Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center will host “Bringing Light into Darkness” on Sept. 10, featuring Eau Claire’s Them Coulee Boys and speakers focused on hope and substance use prevention. Lead water pipes update: Wisconsin Watch reports the number of remaining lead service lines may be lower than expected, though many “unknown” lines still need verification. Public health policy: Wisconsin Conservation Voters released its first wave of 2026 endorsements, tying the campaign to clean energy, safe drinking water, and public health priorities.