AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Workforce: A family physician in rural Tennessee warns that retirement is outpacing recruitment, leaving small communities facing a major primary-care shortage. Sports Medicine Access: Wisconsin providers are urging families to book fall sports physicals now, before summer schedules tighten and appointments get harder to find. Mental Health Education: A $5,000 Storm Sporting Events scholarship will send a Saint Mary’s graduate to UW–La Crosse for school psychology, aiming to strengthen youth mental health support. Lupus Community: A Madison-area lupus support group for women of color is gaining international attention, with its founder set to speak at the “Lupus in Black” conference in England. Emergency Response Strain: In northern Wisconsin, ambulance coverage is under pressure as volunteer EMTs retire, and missed 911 calls have risen sharply. Public Health Outdoors: Wisconsin health officials highlight tick risks and lesser-known tick-borne conditions as summer outdoor time ramps up. Food & Health Safety: The FDA issued a bread recall tied to contamination on packaging for certain Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs sold at Walmart. Health Policy & Food Security: A House plan would cut SNAP by nearly $300 billion over time, raising concerns about hunger and health impacts for low-income families. Health Care for Severe Mental Illness: Hayat Pharmacy expanded an in-home long-acting injectable program to help patients stay on treatment and avoid crises. Data Center Health Debate: Wisconsin experts say data centers’ health and environmental impacts aren’t well studied, but power-related effects are a key concern.

Food & Benefits: A House GOP reconciliation plan would cut SNAP by nearly $300 billion through 2034, slashing benefits by about 30% and threatening food access for millions—especially as many low-income households already struggle with grocery costs. Reproductive Health: A new analysis says the Dobbs decision’s fallout continues to harm access to abortion and health outcomes nationwide, with disproportionate impacts on Black communities and women of color. Public Health: ThedaCare is urging Wisconsin families to stay current on vaccines amid rising vaccine-preventable illness concerns, pointing to lower on-time childhood immunization rates statewide. Local Health & Safety: Fond du Lac County prosecutors charged a 16-year-old in a June 13 crash that killed one person and injured two others; court filings cite THC use before the crash. Milwaukee Violence: Police are investigating a double non-fatal shooting on W. Fond du Lac Ave. that left two people injured. Health Policy Watch: Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down a race-based college grant program, adding pressure to how state aid is structured. Community Wellness: Milwaukee event listings highlight free health education and family-friendly gatherings aimed at nutrition and connection.

Medicaid Work Rules: Final federal regulations for Medicaid work requirements are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout and advocates warning enrollees could lose coverage for paperwork and portal hurdles. Vaccine Safety Scrutiny: Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is questioning CDC and FDA decisions tied to Pfizer’s $1.24B mRNA COVID-19 vaccine contracts, including concerns raised about labeling and pediatric death assessments. Local Health & Safety: A rollover crash in Addison sent seven people to hospitals, including children, after an SUV ran a stop sign and hit a minivan. Milwaukee Violence: Four people were injured in a McDonald’s shooting near Capitol Drive and Holton Street; police say it may have started as an argument. Public Health in Schools: Wisconsin public schools are seeing enrollment drop while staffing rises, with mental health and support needs growing and budgets under pressure. Animal Welfare: A beagle rescued from Wisconsin’s Ridglan Farms research/breeding facility has found a new home in Cary, after national protests and legal action.

Severe Crash Response: A two-vehicle rollover at Addison Road and CTH K in the Town of Addison sent seven people to local hospitals, including a driver with significant leg injuries after an SUV failed to stop at a stop sign. Milwaukee Violence Update: Police are investigating a Friday night shooting on East Capitol Drive that left four people injured; officers say it may have started as an argument and no arrests were made. Public Health Policy: Wisconsin AGs joined a push for more monitoring of microplastics in drinking water, urging the EPA to expand research and oversight. Medicaid Spending Watch: New data show sharp local Medicaid billing swings across Wisconsin communities, including a 491% jump in Keshena for “National Codes Established for State Medicaid Agencies,” plus large increases in durable medical equipment and evaluation/management categories in places like Milwaukee, La Crosse, and Wauwatosa. Community Health Support: A Milwaukee teen is helping cancer patients with “wellness bags” aimed at easing chemotherapy-related discomfort. Animal Welfare: A beagle rescued from a Wisconsin research and breeding facility after protests is now in a forever home in Cary.

Criminal Justice & Health Equity: Gov. Tony Evers announced eight new appointments to Wisconsin’s Commutation Advisory Board, continuing efforts to reform the state’s criminal justice system through commutations and pardons. Immigration & Community Health: Milwaukee Islamic Society president Salah Sarsour was released from ICE custody after a federal judge found his detention involved “substantial” First Amendment retaliation claims; he thanked supporters and said he’ll return to immigration court June 24. Public Health Alert: The CDC reports measles has spread to 41 states and caused three deaths, with Wisconsin listed among jurisdictions tied to ongoing outbreaks. Environmental Health: The Wisconsin DNR will hold PFAS listening sessions in Marinette starting June 22 to shape how Tyco’s $10 million settlement will be used after contamination concerns. Injury & Safety: Milwaukee police investigated multiple scooter-related incidents, including a downtown crash that sent a pedestrian to Froedtert Hospital with serious injuries and renewed calls for tighter scooter speed limits. Water & Wildlife Discovery: A Lake Superior expedition used a robot to reach Superior Maximus, the lake’s deepest area, to study deep-water fish and investigate “zombie fish” trout conditions.

PFAS Cleanup Input: Wisconsin DNR is holding PFAS listening sessions in the Marinette area to shape how $10 million in Tyco settlement funds will be used for local contamination work, with DHS staff available to answer questions. Air Quality Warnings: Ozone advisories and air quality alerts are prompting health guidance across parts of Wisconsin, especially for people with COPD, emphysema, and heart disease. Milwaukee Scooter Safety: A scooter crash on MLK Drive left a 59-year-old with serious injuries, and Milwaukee leaders are weighing tighter e-scooter rules after the incident. PFAS Lawsuit: Eau Claire County filed suit against multiple companies over alleged PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, citing soil and groundwater detections. Cancer Screening for Men: A new FDA-approved blood test is being promoted as an easier colorectal cancer screening option for eligible men in Wisconsin during Men’s Health Month. Food Access Pilot: Milwaukee County and city leaders highlighted a “Pay What You Can” fresh produce market pilot in the Near West Side aimed at improving access to healthy food. Health Care Workforce: Winona Health announced a new therapist joining its psychiatric and counseling services, expanding local mental health care.

Juneteenth & Community Health: Milwaukee civil rights icon Mike McGee Sr. is being honored for his lifelong public service as he faces terminal cancer, with reflections on how Black leadership shaped health and safety in the city. School Funding Pressure: A new Wisconsin Policy Forum report finds that even as K-12 enrollment drops, school costs don’t fall as easily—leaving districts squeezed as staffing and services must stay in place. Sports Medicine in Wisconsin: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester will undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, ending his 2026 season and highlighting how serious nerve/vascular issues can derail athletic careers. Public Safety: A downtown Milwaukee Lime scooter crash left a person seriously injured; a man was criminally charged after police said he rode on the sidewalk and hit a pedestrian. Health Equity & Awareness: The American Kidney Fund spotlights APOL1-mediated kidney disease risk—urging people to learn their ancestry-linked risk and take earlier kidney health steps. Food Access & Costs: Rising grocery prices and SNAP pressure are pushing more families toward local food pantries, with some switching to cheaper protein options to keep up demand. Deer Management Input: Wisconsin DNR is seeking public feedback on 2026 deer season planning, including harvest quotas and season structure.

Immigration & Health Rights: A federal judge ordered Milwaukee mosque president Salah Sarsour’s immediate release from ICE custody, citing a “substantial” First Amendment retaliation claim tied to his Palestinian rights advocacy, after reports of serious health neglect in detention. Local Health Policy: State Sen. Brad Pfaff held a Wisconsin health care conference warning that cuts to Affordable Care Act tax credits have driven steep premium spikes and hospital service reductions, with many residents still relying on Medicaid. Child Care Access: Wisconsin child care providers are waiting on federal guidance after a reported nationwide pause/freeze of child care funds, raising fears of closures and disruption for families using vouchers. Public Safety & Mobility: A Milwaukee alderman is pushing for tighter scooter restrictions downtown after a sidewalk collision left a pedestrian seriously injured, calling current enforcement “inadequate.” Environmental Health: UW-Madison researchers report the fungicide fludioxonil and its breakdown products can trigger oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, with UV byproducts potentially far more toxic. Workplace Injury: A Sheboygan County farm worker was flown to a Milwaukee-area hospital after getting trapped in a corn grinder, with life-threatening injuries. Sports Medicine: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester is set for thoracic outlet decompression surgery, ending his 2026 season.

PFAS & pesticide health risks: A June 3 UW-Madison review in PeerJ links the fungicide fludioxonil and its breakdown products to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, noting UV-degraded byproducts may be far more toxic and raising concerns about food residues. Youth mental health: Wisconsin’s next Youth Risk Behavioral Survey is due in August, with officials warning that since 2019 anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts have worsened for students. Addiction treatment funding pressure: Threatened Medicaid funding for addiction treatment is leaving moms, kids, and a Wisconsin town in limbo, with residential programs at risk. EMS reliability in rural Wisconsin: Bayfield County is seeking bids to backstop 911 ambulance response when volunteer crews can’t staff calls, after 108 missed responses in 2025. Lead poisoning & housing: Milwaukee reporting highlights how lead hazards in poorly maintained rentals can drive developmental delays, with families often lacking enforceable inspection requirements. Opioid overdose prevention: A Superior community training taught residents how to use Narcan, as Wisconsin opioid deaths remain high even as they decline. Care quality recognition: Multiple Wisconsin senior living communities earned AHCA/NCAL 2026 Bronze—Commitment to Quality Awards.

PFAS & pesticide health risks: A new UW-Madison–led study links the fungicide fludioxonil (and UV breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising concerns about food residues and environmental exposure. Senior care access in Milwaukee County: After McGovern Park Senior Center closed from historic flooding, Milwaukee County is moving programs to two new sites—The Embassy Center and Havenwoods State Forest Nature Center—with free activities for adults 50+. Hospital expansion in Green Bay: Demolition has begun on the North Building at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center for a $270M tower adding 100+ rooms, expanded ICU capacity, and new cardiovascular operating space. Rural maternal care spotlight: A Southwest Health father-daughter physician team discusses how rural maternity care can be strengthened through community-based, long-term relationships. Food security for tribal elders: Gov. Evers and DATCP announced $1.5M in grants to support culturally traditional food boxes for tribal elders and families. Blood supply push: The Milwaukee County Zoo Red Cross drive runs June 17–19 as donations lag and hospitals need more blood. Community health & safety: Milwaukee officials are reviewing a viral photo allegedly showing a man eating a rabbit, with police and DNR checking whether any hunting or animal abuse rules were violated. Addiction recovery funding anxiety: Milwaukee County residents and providers urged leaders to protect recovery and housing services amid looming budget questions.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Evers and DHS opened applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with grants aimed at dental clinics, care coordination, and community health workers to strengthen access across Wisconsin. Tribal Food Security: Evers and DATCP announced $1.5 million in Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program grants to deliver culturally relevant, locally sourced food to thousands of elders and families. Housing & Health: Evers and WHEDA released the 2027-28 Housing Tax Credit allocation plan, updating priorities to expand affordable housing—an upstream factor for health. Health Costs & Coverage: Senate Democrats, including Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, are pushing for a vote to block a Trump rule they say will raise out-of-pocket costs and reduce ACA plan enrollment. Public Health & Safety: Milwaukee expanded Safe Summer Sites evening programming to keep teens engaged and reduce summer violence risk. Environment & Health: A UW-Madison study links the fungicide fludioxonil (and UV breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising concerns about residues. Care Quality: Several Wisconsin senior living communities earned AHCA/NCAL quality awards, highlighting ongoing improvements in assisted living care. Local Police Update: Milwaukee police investigated an officer-involved shooting after an active shooter call near 64th and Sheridan; the suspect was taken to a hospital expected to survive.

Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA says a salmonella-linked recall list keeps expanding, with an alfredo sauce added after a dry milk powder ingredient was flagged as possibly contaminated; officials note no illnesses reported so far. Animal Welfare: After years of protests and legal fights, Ridglan Farms’ remaining beagles are being transferred for rehabilitation and adoption, ending the Wisconsin breeding and research operation. Rural Health & EMS: Vilas County towns (Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Presque Isle and Winchester) have pooled resources to staff EMS with fully funded coverage, aiming to cut long ambulance response times. Mental Health Access: WPS Health Solutions is acquiring Mavida Health, a virtual therapy and medication-management provider for women and mothers, with plans to expand services into new states. Health Care Infrastructure: UW–Milwaukee’s $189.3M Health Sciences renovation project will be rebid after the first round of mechanical/electrical/fire bids were rejected for excessive costs. Environment & Health: A new UW-Madison study links the fungicide fludioxonil (and breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising concerns about residues and toxicity after UV degradation. AI & Community Impact: UW–Madison named 2026 the “Year of AI Readiness and Competency,” while separate reporting highlights growing backlash over fast-tracked data center power projects and transparency concerns.

Rural Health Funding: Wisconsin has opened applications for the first round of $40 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, with money aimed at care coordination (up to $10M), community health workers (total $20M), and rural dental efficiency (up to $10M). Animal Health & Welfare: After years of protests, Wisconsin’s Ridglan Farms beagle breeding and research facility is closing permanently, with 475 dogs transferred to Big Dog Ranch Rescue for care and adoption. Public Health & Environment: A new UW-Madison–led study links the fungicide fludioxonil (and its breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising questions about food residues and environmental exposure. Care Access & Treatment: A major NIH grant will expand a model for improving opioid use disorder medication prescribing in primary care clinics across Ohio and West Virginia. Community Mental Health: The St. Croix Valley Foundation awarded a record $304,765 to 43 nonprofits through its Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program. Safety & Health: Wisconsin’s Wausau police discussed how traffic camera images are stored and monitored, amid broader concerns about misuse.

Pesticide & PFAS Health Risks: A UW–Madison-led study in PeerJ links the fungicide fludioxonil (and UV breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising concerns about food residues and environmental exposure. Tick Season Watch: Wisconsin DHS reports peak statewide tick activity, with nymphal deer ticks driving risk; officials urge repellent, permethrin-treated gear, and daily tick checks to prevent Lyme and other illnesses. Public Health Policy: Wisconsin’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant applications are now open, with $40 million aimed at care coordination, community health workers, and rural dental access. Food Safety: FDA escalated the Alfredo sauce recall to the highest risk level over possible salmonella contamination across multiple states, including Wisconsin. Health Care Workforce: A report warns vaccine declines are a troubling public health trend, as Wisconsin child vaccination rates continue to fall—raising concern for outbreaks like measles. Community & Care: Bricks of Hope hit its 30,000th LEGO set delivery to kids in hospitals, continuing a Wisconsin-area effort to support children during treatment. Animal Health & Safety: Senator Baldwin urged faster federal action on a New World screwworm outbreak threatening livestock and rural economies. Local Governance & Health: An independent monitor report challenges a Dane County DA finding in a Madison police custody death, citing disputed accounts of force and medical complications.

Girls Sports & Health Equity: The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association has officially backed making girls flag football a WIAA-sanctioned varsity sport, aiming to standardize rules and expand funding as the movement gains momentum. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded its Alfredo sauce recall to the highest-risk Class I level after potential Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall covers 913 cases distributed in 41 states. Workforce & Care Access: Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison voted to unionize, citing understaffing and pay concerns—an issue that can directly affect patient care. Environmental Health: A UW-Madison-led study links the fungicide fludioxonil (and UV breakdown products) to oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising residue and exposure concerns. Housing & Wellness: WHEDA announced nearly $50 million in housing tax credits to create affordable rentals for up to 5,000 people, targeting statewide need. State Health Snapshot: Wisconsin’s new health assessment finds 20% report poor/fair physical health and 1 in 7 report poor/fair mental health, with DHS pointing to gaps in housing, food, transportation, and affordable care.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage—prompting states to scramble on systems and staffing. Nursing Union Drive: Hundreds of nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison voted to unionize in a major NLRB election, with workers citing understaffing and pay while the health system says it prefers direct negotiation. Food Safety Recall: The FDA classified an Alfredo sauce recall as Class I after possible Salmonella contamination tied to dry milk powder, with distribution across 41 states. Public Health & Environment: UW-Madison researchers reported that the fungicide fludioxonil and its breakdown products can trigger oxidative stress in humans and wildlife, raising concerns about residues and toxicity. Wild Rice Conservation: Drones may help tribes and partners pinpoint and restore manoomin as climate and pollution pressure continue. Health Care Quality: CMS awarded 5-star ratings to multiple Rennes Health & Rehab Center skilled nursing facilities in Peshtigo. Safety Alerts: Multiple Wisconsin crash reports included a life-threatening motorcycle crash in Montfort and a fatal Fond du Lac County rollover involving teens. Nutrition Market Watch: Whey protein demand is outpacing supply, fueling shortages and higher prices for high-protein foods and supplements.