AGP Executive Report

Medicare & Drug Pricing: A judge let part of CalPERS’ lawsuit against UnitedHealth move forward, alleging Medicare Advantage weakness was masked by 2024 transactions, though most claims were dismissed. Prescription Access: Rep. Pocan and Schakowsky led a letter warning new CBP rules for international mail could disrupt Canadians’ lower-cost prescription medicines for about 2.3 million Americans. Mental Health Hotline: 988’s LGBTQ youth “Press 3” option is back after a long federal fight, with Sen. Tammy Baldwin helping secure funding. Domestic Violence Prevention: The Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin DHS launched a statewide partnership to connect survivors with resources. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin’s DOJ reminded voters and election workers that intimidation and threats are illegal. Community Health Story: A Sauk Prairie EMT’s breast cancer battle inspired an annual pink shirt tradition. Local Health & Wellness: A former Milwaukee resident with a heart rhythm disorder biked 2,400 miles to Wisconsin, sharing how cycling supported recovery. Health Policy Watch: Wisconsin Recovery Alignment Tour brought overdose kits to Eau Claire and beyond.

Domestic Violence Prevention: Gov. Tony Evers and the Milwaukee Bucks launched the statewide “Real Love is Respect” campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, citing Wisconsin’s record 99 domestic violence deaths in 2024 and pushing residents to learn warning signs and find help. Public Health & Access: Humana says its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans will expand specialized Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans into Wisconsin, alongside $0 in-network primary care visit and lab cost-sharing and added dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Vaccines & Respiratory Season: Wisconsin health officials urged flu/COVID/RSV vaccinations as respiratory illness season approaches, emphasizing getting protected before cases rise. Measles Watch: Wisconsin’s measles count continues climbing, with reports of outbreaks in southwest Wisconsin and additional confirmed cases across multiple counties, raising pressure on vaccination coverage. Health Care Consolidation: Minnesota’s HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced a planned 22-hospital merger spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, with Minnesota’s attorney general inviting public input on impacts to access and costs. Drug Pricing Accountability: State attorneys general moved to seek court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with eligible buyers potentially claiming funds for purchases between 2009 and 2019. Community Support: Milwaukee Diaper Mission’s BIG Give Back distributed 40,000+ diapers and other essentials at a drive-thru event, with local movers helping deliver supplies.

Vaccines & Respiratory Season: Wisconsin health officials are urging flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots as fall ramps up, noting last season’s combined hospitalizations neared 11,000. Measles Outbreak: DHS says Wisconsin has confirmed 214 measles cases in 2026, with the southwest outbreak now over 200 and most patients unvaccinated; a few additional cases are linked to travel. Medicaid Pressure (Local): Wisconsin’s Medicaid budget is projected to be $322.4M short, with Racine County seeing a 19% jump in children enrolled in Children’s Long-Term Support. New Flu Shot Access: Wisconsin is using statewide standing orders to keep pharmacy access open for a new mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+ amid federal delays. Public Health Research: HHS awarded nearly $3M to test tick-killing deer feed and rodent baits to reduce Lyme and alpha-gal risk. Health Care Workforce & Access: A new wheelchair recliner rollout expands dental access at NorthLakes Community Clinic, and Wisconsin DHS continues pushing vaccination and prevention guidance. Community & Safety: Dane County confirmed its first West Nile Virus human case this season; Milwaukee reported a teen hospitalized after an officer-involved shooting.

Respiratory Health: Wisconsin DHS is urging residents to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines as the fall/winter season ramps up, pairing recommendations with standing medical orders to make shots easier to access. Public Health Access: Oneida County launched a 24/7 public health vending machine stocked with free hygiene, dental, first-aid, tick-removal, and safety supplies to cut cost barriers. Measles Watch: Wisconsin measles cases climbed past 200, with growth concentrated in counties reporting lower MMR uptake among young children. Mental Health & Care Navigation: A political push for easier behavioral health access highlights plans for mental health navigators in every Wisconsin county, aiming to connect people to therapy and crisis services sooner. Healthcare Workforce Shortage: Reporting points to immigration policy as a driver of Wisconsin’s caregiver shortage, with long-term care providers warning about staffing gaps. Food Safety Recalls: FDA issued Class I recall alerts for specific popcorn and a jalapeño avocado salad dressing due to Salmonella concerns. Animal Health: DATCP confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Waukesha County cattle, urging herd health and insect-control vigilance. Local Care Innovation: A Wisconsin physical therapist is creating a more affordable crawling device for children with disabilities after seeing existing options fall short. Health System Moves: HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced a proposed merger that would reshape regional hospital and clinic access.

Measles Surge: Wisconsin DHS says measles cases climbed to 214 for 2026, with 202 confirmed and six probable, concentrated in southwest counties like Lafayette and Iowa. Health System Merger: HealthPartners and Essentia Health approved an affiliation agreement aimed at expanding access and affordability across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Cancer Care Update: A weekly vs. every-three-weeks cisplatin trial in p16-negative head and neck cancer found weekly dosing didn’t reduce acute toxicity, though side-effect profiles differed. Mental Health Funding: The VA awarded $1.8 million to Wisconsin community groups for veteran suicide prevention, including Westcare Wisconsin and the Center for Veterans Issues. Public Health & Food Safety: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in cattle for the first time since 2013, with officials stressing fly control and reporting. Local Care Access: Wisconsin governor candidates spar over cost-of-living and healthcare; Democrat David Crowley proposes opening BadgerCare via a public option. Animal Research Policy: A Wisconsin lawmaker-backed bill would end federal funding for dog and cat research. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement resolves a 2019 Labcorp debt-collector data breach involving millions nationwide.

Assisted Suicide Debate: Wisconsin Catholic Conference leaders are warning lawmakers about a renewed push to legalize assisted suicide, arguing it conflicts with the Church’s view of human dignity even at the end of life. Public Health Access: Oneida County Health Department launched a 24/7 public vending machine stocked with free hygiene, dental, sexual health, first-aid, and safety supplies to cut cost barriers. Healthcare Consolidation: HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced plans to merge, aiming to expand access across hospitals and clinics in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Maternal & Child Health Costs: A new look at pregnancy and childbirth expenses highlights higher out-of-pocket delivery costs in Wisconsin compared with nearby states. Measles Watch: Wisconsin’s measles count continues to climb, with DHS reporting 192 cases as of Sept. 25 and ongoing local spread investigations. Rural Health Workforce: Federal grants are funding rural physician residency planning in multiple states, but new doctors may still be years away. Animal Health & Safety: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Waukesha County cattle and reports thousands of affected deer across southeastern counties, with no treatment available. Community Health & Mobility: Sun Prairie joined Dane County’s “Week Without Driving” push, pairing it with a Walk & Roll Audit to improve access for non-drivers. Injury & Emergency Response: Skydivers helped after a plane crash near East Troy, treating victims before ground crews arrived.

Maternal & Infant Health: Racine’s Safe Haven Baby Box saw a second newborn surrender at Fire Station 4; firefighters and EMS assessed the baby girl, who was taken to Ascension All Saints Hospital and is now with child protective services. Public Safety & Health: UW issued a crime warning to students after two separate reports of possible drugging at off-campus fraternity houses tied to sexual assault allegations. Cancer Care: A randomized phase 2 trial from Medical College of Wisconsin found five sessions of SBRT before pancreatic cancer surgery helped patients maintain better physical function and less fatigue than longer conventional chemoradiation, with similar surgical outcomes. Suicide Prevention: Wisconsin DHS announced expanded partnerships aimed at reducing suicide deaths across the state, including new work with Aspirus Health and CALM America. Neonatal Access: Aspirus Specialized Transport Services highlighted how combined ground and specialized in-flight nursing helps move preterm babies faster for rural families across Wisconsin and nearby regions. Community Health: DNR promoted Food Waste Prevention Week with tips to cut landfill-bound food waste and save money.

Measles Alert: ThedaCare is urging Wisconsin residents to get vaccinated as the state’s measles outbreak climbs to more than 170 cases, with most infections among unvaccinated people and symptoms requiring quick isolation. Cannabis & Epilepsy: A new study links frequent cannabis use in people with drug-resistant epilepsy to more severe convulsive seizures and faster progression, prompting clinicians to raise the topic directly with patients. Health Tech & Nursing: A Nicolet College nursing simulation coordinator told Wisconsin lawmakers that AI can support care, but nurses must keep clinical judgment and critical thinking at the center. Medicaid Planning: A legal explainer highlights how federal Medicaid rules can allow spousal home transfers without a look-back penalty—an issue families often learn about only when nursing home bills arrive. Public Safety & Health Equity: A civil lawsuit filed by a rideshare driver’s family alleges Milwaukee police negligently conducted a high-speed chase that killed the driver, raising concerns about pursuit risk. Community Mobility: DeForest is joining Dane County’s Week Without Driving (Oct. 1–8) to test how people get to work, school, and medical appointments without personal cars. Local Health Workforce: UW-Stevens Point is partnering with Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover to expand hands-on learning, internships, and nutrition and sustainability education. Animal Testing Protest: A Wisconsin connection to a national march to end animal testing spotlights a former research beagle’s ongoing health struggles after release.

Lead in drinking water: Wausau is accelerating lead service line replacements, with a city finance committee voting to cover 100% of resident costs; officials cite about 145,000 Wisconsin lines still served by lead pipes and estimate roughly $6,700 per line in Wausau’s current approach. Blood supply push: Milwaukee Bucks fans joined Versiti’s “Back the Bucks” drive at Fiserv Forum, donating to keep blood available for local hospitals as the Red Cross warns of a blood crisis. Measles surge: Wisconsin DHS reports measles cases rising to 192 confirmed statewide, with most in southwest Wisconsin and nearly all among unvaccinated people—while Illinois also urges residents to check vaccination status. Access to care: Bread of Healing Clinic in Milwaukee is preparing for more uninsured patients as Wisconsin Medicaid work requirements could put coverage at risk for tens of thousands. Community health: UW’s Badger Challenge drew record turnout, raising about $1.2M for cancer research. Public safety: East Troy authorities are investigating a small plane crash that injured four people.

Milwaukee Violence: A 15-year-old was hospitalized after a shooting on the north side near 50th and Locust; police are searching for an unknown suspect. Youth Homicide Case: A criminal complaint alleges a classmate shot and killed 16-year-old Camron Bowen near Layton Boulevard and Greenfield Avenue, with the accused charged in first-degree intentional homicide. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: In “In Focus,” Wisconsin leaders highlighted veteran suicide prevention efforts, Wisconsin DHS data showing 925 suicides in 2024, and new proposals to expand mental health access and coverage. Local Health Policy Fight: Wisconsin towns with livestock rules face legal pressure after farm groups sought records tied to CAFO ordinances, raising concerns about health and environmental protections. Caregiver Support: UW–Madison is launching a free clinic for caregivers, aiming to reduce strain and improve support for people caring for others. Public Health Alerts: Wisconsin DHS reported additional measles cases across multiple counties, with the state approaching 200 cases for 2026. Healthcare Tech Partnership: Accuray and Samsung NeuroLogica announced a collaboration to expand volumetric imaging capabilities for the CyberKnife platform. Sports Injuries (Health Watch): The Brewers are monitoring Joey Ortiz’s knee after an MRI showed only a bruise, and Dustin May’s postseason role is being evaluated based on health. Community Wellness: Milwaukee events include free diapers and essentials for families and a 5K raising awareness and funds for colorectal cancer screening and support.

Caregiving & Access: UW-Madison is launching a Badger Caregiving Clinic next week, offering free in-person and telehealth support for unpaid caregivers, including emotional help, take-home resources, and individualized care plans. Maternal & Child Health: Milwaukee Diaper Mission held a drive-thru distribution on the south side, handing out 40,000 diapers plus essentials; organizers cite rising “diaper insecurity” in Milwaukee County. Cancer Support: Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital Cancer Center highlighted staff efforts to reduce stress for patients, from financial counseling help to nurse navigation through treatment. Public Health Research: UCLA Health will lead a national, five-year AI initiative (with UW and Mayo) to test tools for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis and treatment across diverse populations. Health & Safety in Wisconsin: Wisconsin DHS reports measles cases continue to climb, with multiple counties confirming infections. Community Health Events: Milwaukee’s Get Your Rear in Gear 5K raised awareness and funds for colorectal cancer screening and education. Housing Costs: A new WalletHub study says Wisconsin saw one of the steepest mortgage rate jumps in the nation in Q2.

Measles Outbreak Watch: Wisconsin DHS says the statewide confirmed measles count is now 191, with new cases reported across Chippewa, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon and Vernon counties—health officials urge residents to check vaccination status and contact a provider if symptoms appear. Public Health Funding Fight: Wisconsin AGs joined a coalition backing a court fight that keeps federal school mental health funding in place, after a judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to end grants for counselors and related services. Tobacco Treatment Research: UW’s Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention won an $11.1M, five-year National Cancer Institute grant to improve tobacco cessation care at community health centers. Fraternity Hazing Fallout (Madison): Alpha Epsilon Pi suspended Madison chapter programming during an investigation after arrests tied to alleged hazing in a basement incident. Local Safety & Justice: Milwaukee sentenced two men in a hit-and-run that killed an EMT, while a separate wrongful death lawsuit targets the city and officers in a rideshare driver crash during a police chase. Environment & Wellness: DNR and local groups pushed “buy local, burn local” firewood guidance to slow invasive pests, and the Eau Claire River Watershed Coalition launched a public water-quality survey.

Nursing Union Drive: SSM Health Dean Medical Group nurses at 10 Madison-area outpatient clinics voted to unionize with SEIU Wisconsin (340 nurses; 71%), citing understaffing, burnout, and turnover and calling for contract talks. Hazing Fallout: Alpha Epsilon Pi national suspended Madison chapter programming via a cease-and-desist order while an investigation continues after police found about 30 partially clothed men in a hot, humid basement covered in food/condiments, with visible injuries; two leaders were arrested. New Gene Therapy in Wisconsin: Children’s Wisconsin will administer FDA-approved FAYUVI, a one-time gene therapy for Sanfilippo Type A, offering new hope for families facing a rare, fatal childhood disorder. Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials reported additional measles cases, pushing the statewide total closer to 200 for 2026, with updates tied to multiple counties. Public Health & Access: A Milwaukee program hit a milestone delivering 80,000 Stockboxes to low-income seniors, helping reduce food insecurity by bringing nutrition directly to doors. Care for First Responders: A campaign backs Wisconsin’s first stand-alone mental health retreat exclusively for first responders, aiming to address barriers to treatment and suicide risk.

Data Centers & Local Control: Milwaukee’s City Plan Commission will discuss a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing gaps in zoning rules and potential impacts to public health and the environment. Public Health Access: Mercyhealth is expanding genetic counseling for breast cancer risk, helping patients use family history and genetic results to guide screening and prevention decisions. Cancer Research Watch: SELLAS Life Sciences shared preclinical pancreatic cancer organoid results for SLS009 (CDK9 inhibition) at the AACR Pancreatic Cancer conference. Health Costs Anxiety in Rural Wisconsin: A new AP/KFF survey finds rural voters are especially worried about affording health care, with many reporting limited access to doctors and hospitals. Safety & Community Health: Madison police arrested two leaders in an unaccredited UW–Madison fraternity hazing case after finding about 30 injured young men in a sweltering basement. Drug Policy & Risks: Authorities investigating Mississippi student deaths found packaged kratom; the DEA is considering scheduling changes, while the FDA warns about serious adverse effects. Energy & Wellness: Wisconsin heating guidance urges residents to avoid constant thermostat changes and consider a winter setting around 68°F for comfort and cost control. Firefighter Remembrance: Gov. Evers ordered flags at half-staff for Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial events on Sept. 26 and Oct. 10.

Caregiving & Workforce: Wisconsin officials say federal immigration crackdowns are deepening the caregiver crisis as nursing homes and home health agencies struggle to replace overseas worker pipelines. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin is seeing more measles cases, with new confirmations reported this week, while officials urge residents to check vaccination status. Foodborne Risk: Another multi-bacteria produce recall was announced after concerns about STEC and Salmonella contamination tied to a broader outbreak. Health Policy & Vaccines: Attorney General Raoul led a multistate push urging the Trump administration to stop undermining federal vaccine guidance grounded in science. Housing & Lead Exposure: Milwaukee’s health department has issued hundreds of lead hazard orders, but landlords’ ability and willingness to fix hazards remains a major barrier to protecting kids. Air Quality: Wildfire smoke is posing growing health risks across Wisconsin, with higher danger for asthma, heart and lung conditions, and pregnant people. Local Health Access: Aspirus donated retired ultrasound equipment to a university sonography program to strengthen training for future imaging workers.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials confirmed new measles cases, including two in Marathon County and one in Chippewa County tied to out-of-state travel, bringing the state total to 171 this year, with most cases in unvaccinated people. Rural Health Workforce: A new Allina Health doctors’ union deal follows a historic four-day strike, with a tentative first labor contract covering wages and benefits and addressing issues like sick leave and AI-related negotiations. Maternal Care Access: An AHA podcast spotlights leaders building pathways into the workforce to strengthen rural maternity care. Hospital & Care Expansion: Vivent Health unveiled a $1.6M renovation expanding integrated care in Green Bay, while HSHS St. Mary’s broke ground on a new six-story tower in Green Bay. Public Safety & Health: Milwaukee residents were evacuated from two apartment buildings after electrical and fire alarm system issues, and UWM students raised concerns about recurring elevator outages affecting residents with mobility needs. Policy & Health Equity: Wisconsin voters will decide three constitutional amendments, including one affecting government closure of places of worship during public health emergencies. Animal & Public Health Policy: Rep. Mark Pocan and Rep. Nick Langworthy introduced the COMPACT Act to end taxpayer-funded biomedical testing on dogs and cats. Community Wellness: A Marinette County “Refuel the Farmers” drive-through event delivered snacks, wellness resources, and meals during harvest season.