AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: USDA recalled 5,084 pounds of frozen breaded swai fish fillets and sticks shipped to Wisconsin and other states after it was produced in the UAE, which isn’t eligible for export to the U.S.; no illnesses reported, but consumers are urged not to eat and to discard or return products. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS says cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce may be driving some local cases, with 216 reported in the state as of Aug. 5, including 94 among people who didn’t report international travel; officials note it can be hard to match illnesses to specific products. Health Research: A study using symptom-based screening found unusually high rates of eosinophilic esophagitis among children with asthma, suggesting more targeted screening could prevent delayed diagnosis. Childhood Health Policy: Wisconsin providers warn proposed federal Head Start rule changes could roll back classroom quality, teacher qualifications, and health services, with disability and language supports at risk. Animal Health & Safety: PETA asked USDA to investigate alleged monkey welfare violations at UW-Madison, including reports of severe injuries. Workplace Safety: A construction worker died after falling through a roof in Grant County. Wildlife Disease: Minnesota confirmed chronic wasting disease in a deer near Stillwater, triggering Wisconsin-area surveillance response planning.

Drug-Resistant Fungus Watch: Wisconsin health officials say Candida auris has been detected in 23 states, with Wisconsin reporting dozens of cases in 2026 and more than 100 since 2022—often tied to hospitals and people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Food Safety Alert: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican peppers has sickened hundreds across 27 states; FDA tracing points to a shared grower, and Chipotle/Qdoba have changed sourcing or removed jalapeños. Maternal & Child Health Policy: The Trump administration proposed major Head Start deregulation, alarming advocates who warn it could weaken health and safety standards and reduce services for vulnerable kids; Wisconsin Head Start leaders say rural communities would be hit hard. Public Health & Youth: Wisconsin’s Office of Children’s Mental Health reports about a third of high school students have vaped, linking nicotine exposure to stress cycles and mental health strain. Health Care Access & Labor: A Wisconsin appeals court restored the 2011 anti-union Act 10, a blow to collective bargaining that opponents say worsens pay and benefits, including health insurance costs. Community Health Infrastructure: Milwaukee’s 911 system—now merged into one emergency communications department—faces scrutiny after two calls allegedly delayed help for an elderly woman. Local Health & Wellness: UW-Stevens Point highlights a student internship building fitness-center skills, while nominations are open for the Paula Tower Memorial Award honoring breast cancer advocates in the Coulee Region.

Public Health & Safety: Milwaukee Water Works cut fluoride in drinking water amid supply-chain disruptions, dropping levels from about 0.6–0.7 mg/L to 0.3 mg/L starting July 31; officials say water remains safe but warn the remaining supply may last only 3–4 months. Health Care Oversight: A federal Medicaid toolkit responds to autism therapy spending that has quintupled to $10B since 2021, urging tighter billing limits, prior authorization for high hours, and closer tracking of clinic outcomes. Disability & Access: A Wisconsin man made an 11-day wheelchair trip to the state Capitol to push for Medicaid protections and expansion for disabled people and caregivers. Workforce & Hiring: Dodge County Workforce Forum speakers urged employers to use skills-based hiring instead of degrees as a proxy, highlighting local needs in agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. Community Health & Early Learning: Wisconsin Head Start leaders warn proposed HHS rule changes could disrupt staffing, services for students with disabilities, and family supports for more than 12,000 children statewide. Local Emergency Response: In Chippewa Falls, the fire chief warned Northern Apartments management that disabled residents could face forced relocation if the building’s only elevator isn’t repaired after an 11-day outage. Disease Watch: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in a wild deer near Stillwater, prompting Minnesota to adjust surveillance and management as the disease spreads. Health Careers: UW-Green Bay’s nursing program welcomed its first high school student, Sheboygan’s Mackenzie Villarreal, starting in January.

Superbug Alert: CDC says the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has spread to 26 states, with more than 3,000 U.S. cases reported this year—especially a risk for people in hospitals and nursing homes, including those with invasive devices. Food Safety: A Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened 345 people across 27 states; two cases show antibiotic resistance, and no deaths have been reported. Reproductive Health Politics: Wisconsin abortion access is framed as a key issue in the race for governor, with Democrats warning that anti-choice Congressman Tom Tiffany’s agenda could threaten abortion and IVF if national restrictions expand. Workplace Wellness: Wisconsin leaders are promoting a Leading in Wellness Conference in Wausau focused on prevention and proactive employee health strategies. Early Childhood Care: The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association is pushing back hard on a federal proposal that would weaken Head Start performance standards, including protections for classroom ratios and services for children with disabilities. Health Equity in Wisconsin: A Milwaukee-area anal cancer screening study is recruiting LGBTQ+ participants, offering compensation for two visits. Public Health Oversight Clash: A Senate committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a COVID hearing, with possible referral to the Justice Department.

Food Safety Alert: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations reported; Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños nationwide as health officials continue tracing distribution from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. Public Health Watch: A CDC report describes four U.S. children who developed tetanus in 2024 without completing a primary vaccine series, underscoring that tetanus isn’t spread person-to-person and that low vaccination leaves kids unprotected. Hospital & Care Workforce: SSM Health is appealing the NLRB certification of a nurses union at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison after nearly 900 nurses voted to unionize, with the dispute centered on election conduct and hospital operations. Immunization Reminder: Essentia Health is urging Wisconsin parents to schedule back-to-school physicals and catch up on vaccines, noting recent increases in children missing required immunizations. Community Health & Access: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is campaigning on health care access and child care priorities, arguing Democrats must focus on long-term governing. Infection Control Concern: A drug-resistant “superbug” fungus, Candida auris, continues spreading and is now reported in 23 states, with health officials emphasizing screening and strong infection prevention in hospitals and nursing homes.

Hospice Access: VITAS Healthcare rolled out an enhanced mobile app aimed at speeding hospice referrals, improving eligibility tools, and giving clinicians and families easier access to hospice education. Health Safety Watch: CDC data show the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has screening reports in 23 states this year, including Wisconsin, with hospitals and long-term care as key spread settings. Foodborne Outbreak: Wisconsin is among states tied to the widening Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce; Michigan reported two deaths, and federal scrutiny is focused on the recall timeline. Care Delivery & Coverage: Molina Healthcare of Nebraska is pausing its planned Sept. 1 DME Navigator rollout, while stakeholders say the pause is temporary and advocacy continues in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Local Health System Notes: Medical Associates Health Plans is moving to Elligint Health’s Helios platform for care and disease management across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with utilization management next. Public Health & Community: Madison saw overnight unrest tied to a recent encampment clearing, with protesters setting five street fires; officials say the area is calmer afterward. Health Policy: Wisconsin DOJ joined a lawsuit challenging federal health insurance rule changes that could undermine Affordable Care Act protections.

Youth Health & Policy: Wisconsin DHS’ Office of Children’s Mental Health released a new vaping risk facts sheet urging parents, schools, and providers to treat vaping as a mental health issue, warning high-potency nicotine can worsen anxiety, depression, and stress—and noting vapes can look like everyday items. Public Safety & Health: A Milwaukee County Jail overdose death is under scrutiny after prosecutors say drugs were brought into the jail and a cellmate later died from fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; a suspect was arrested. Healthcare Workforce: Gov. Tony Evers approved an emergency rule letting qualified registered nurses teach clinical courses, aiming to ease nursing school staffing shortages. Community Health Support: Rochester’s Ronald McDonald House received a $1.5 million gift to build a larger commercial kitchen to meet growing demand from families navigating health care journeys. Animal Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in a deer near Stillwater, Minnesota, prompting renewed calls to report sick deer and follow testing protocols. Local Governance & Health: Milwaukee raised fines for selling alcohol, tobacco, and THC to minors, including higher penalties for repeat offenses.

SNAP Access in Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers urged USDA to rescind a new SNAP retailer rule that could cut FoodShare access for rural Wisconsin families and make some small stores ineligible. Cancer Care Gap: UW-Madison experts say tobacco treatment is the “fourth pillar of cancer care,” but it’s still underused—patients often keep smoking after diagnosis. Mental Health Support: Mental Health America Lakeshore’s There Is HOPE Walk returns Sept. 19 in Sheboygan to support suicide prevention and survivors. Healthcare Workforce: UW-Oshkosh hosts the Healthcare Forward Symposium Aug. 5, focusing on rural care, digital transformation, and building Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce. Local Health Systems: UW Health again ranked No. 1 hospital in Wisconsin by U.S. News, with multiple specialties nationally recognized. Community Health & Safety: Madison crews cleared the Williamson/Baldwin encampment tied to the Corey Ruiz police shooting; traffic reopened and several people were detained. Pharmacy Access Watch: Reports say Walgreens will close fewer than 100 stores in 2026, including one in Milwaukee, as part of store optimization. Education Pathways: Lakeshore College and UW-Green Bay expanded the FORWARD program in Sheboygan to add psychology and business options.

School Mental Health Funding: A federal judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from cutting school mental health grants, keeping Wisconsin’s funding in place while the lawsuit plays out. Public Health & Safety: Wauwatosa reported West Nile virus in local mosquitoes, with officials warning more cases are likely as summer peaks. Food Security: Wisconsin is seeing major SNAP losses, and local food banks say the cuts are squeezing their ability to meet demand. Health Data Privacy: Democratic-led states sued to stop a Trump policy that would let a federal low-income benefits program share personal data, including immigration status, with other agencies. Alzheimer’s Screening: New blood tests can detect Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome, offering a less invasive option than brain scans or spinal taps. Local Health Care Access: A pop-up clinic in Verona is offering free dental, vision, and medical care. Community & Care: Community Advocates highlighted its role in housing, basic needs, and wellness support as it prepares to mark 50 years. Law Enforcement & Fraud: Rep. Derrick Van Orden and FBI Director Kash Patel met in Eau Claire to discuss fraud-fighting and partnerships with local agencies.

Community Health Access: Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association marked National Health Center Week, spotlighting how community health centers are expanding oral health care—yet staffing gaps leave many Medicaid patients waiting, with about half of children and one-fifth of Medicaid-enrolled adults getting dental care in the past year. Local Nonprofit Support: Wausau’s Good News Project finished a loading dock renovation with help from regional donors, aiming to streamline operations for its health equipment lending and electronics recycling programs. Emergency Response Accountability: Milwaukee is investigating why a 99-year-old woman waited hours after 911 calls during an alleged assault, with dispatchers placed on leave and staff citing training and call-handling issues. Nutrition Watch: A new review from UW-Madison researchers adds fuel to the protein debate, arguing many sedentary adults may be eating more protein than they need and that lower intake could support healthier aging for some. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin also reported a West Nile Virus risk increase after more positive mosquito tests, underscoring ongoing mosquito-control needs. Blood Donation: First Christian Church in Virden plans an ImpactLife community blood drive Aug. 16, with eligibility and appointment details for donors.

Wildfire smoke & heat health impacts: A new analysis says about 20% of Northern Hemisphere land saw moderate-or-higher black carbon levels at some point in July, as major wildfires and intense heat combined to worsen health risks across North America and Europe. Public safety after a Wisconsin plane crash: Two people were hospitalized after a plane went down shortly after takeoff in Dunn County near Boundary Road; the FAA and NTSB are investigating. Milwaukee sentencing tied to a police chase crash: A Milwaukee man convicted in a Feb. 2024 chase and crash that sent multiple people—including officers—to the hospital received 12 years in prison plus 12 years extended supervision. Community health access at back-to-school events: Beloit’s Back to School Community Health Fair offered free haircuts, vision and dental checks, and backpacks, aiming to reduce barriers before classes start. Food insecurity pressures in rural Wisconsin: A report highlights how rising housing costs can force rural families to cut food spending, with SNAP changes and limited access to healthy options raising health concerns. Immigration & healthcare policy: Wisconsin coverage also flags the end of Temporary Protected Status for some Haitians and the ripple effects on people’s ability to stay and work, with major implications for health stability. Local reentry housing support: Milwaukee County and a nonprofit are hosting landlord engagement events to expand rental options for people returning from incarceration.

Medicaid Coverage Watch: Wisconsin DHS says new federal Medicaid work requirements are coming for BadgerCare Plus members ages 19–64 without dependent children, putting about 200,000 adults in scope and an estimated 63,000 at immediate risk if they can’t document qualifying work, volunteering, school, training, or exemptions. Public Safety: A three-vehicle crash in Langlade County left one man dead and four others injured; the sheriff’s office is investigating. Community Health & Care Access: Wisconsin is also seeing more free clinic options in the state, including pop-up medical care in Verona and ACA support meetings in Oshkosh. Nutrition & Aging Research: A new review of 350+ studies suggests lower protein intake may support healthier aging and longevity for many adults, while noting benefits may vary by age and activity level. Local Health Workforce: Sanford Health of northern Minnesota added three new board members, including a long-time physician assistant and a family medicine provider with emergency and addiction medicine experience.

Free care access: A Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic in Verona is offering free dental, vision and medical services Aug. 1-2, with people camping out overnight for appointments. Mental health support: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families is running free in-person recovery meetings in Oshkosh for adults affected by alcoholism and family dysfunction. Public safety and health: A hostage situation at a Waukesha Meijer ended when an officer shot the suspect; the victim was injured but not life-threatening. Care workforce strain: Milwaukee nonprofit Centers for Independence is closing its home care program by end of October, citing financial challenges and reimbursement pressures. Local health system quality: Wisconsin hospitals scored strongly in federal ratings, with 64% of rated hospitals earning four- or five-star overall quality. Community health priorities: Kenosha County is beginning work on an updated Community Health Improvement Plan for the next five years. Health and aging research: A major review suggests eating less protein may support healthier aging and longevity for many adults.

Hospital Quality: Wisconsin hospitals are getting strong marks in federal CMS ratings, with 64% of the state’s 86 rated facilities earning four- or five-star overall quality—an especially high share for a state with 50+ hospitals. Nursing Pipeline: UW-Green Bay’s BSN program is adding a milestone student: a Sheboygan high school senior accepted into the program while still in high school, starting in January. Preventive Care Reminder: Essentia Health is urging families to book well-child and teen visits (including sports physicals) during slower summer months to cover vaccines, mental well-being, and injury prevention. Nutrition Debate: A major scientific review challenges the idea that “more protein is better,” suggesting that cutting protein (or certain amino acids) may support healthier aging for many adults—while warning excess protein without exercise could be harmful. Immigration & Care: A woman detained by ICE after arriving in Kentucky has been released after a judge order and family complaints about lack of medical care. Public Safety: Eau Claire is honoring fallen firefighter Bryce Jungbluth, 27, with flags at half-staff and a procession and funeral set for August.

ACA & Insurance Access Fight: Wisconsin’s AG coalition actions are ramping up against a federal HHS/CMS rule for 2027 that would expand “catastrophic” plans, raise out-of-pocket costs, and potentially strip coverage from millions—setting up major court battles over Affordable Care Act protections. Medicaid Pressure in Wisconsin: A new push to cut or restructure Medicare and Medicaid is back in the spotlight after Congressman Tom Tiffany renewed efforts tied to voucher-style Medicare and opposition to steps that would lower drug prices and support Medicaid expansion. Local Health Planning: Kenosha County is updating its Community Health Improvement Plan for the next five years, with access to affordable care, housing, and mental health/substance use still at the top. Food & Wellness for Families: Wisconsin State Fair details are out for Aug. 6–16, plus Bronzeville Week returns Aug. 1–8 with community events aimed at health and culture. Nutrition Research Buzz: A new review highlights that many sedentary adults may be overdoing protein, linking higher intake to faster aging signals—fueling fresh debate over diet trends. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin’s water systems face growing cyberattack concerns nationwide, with officials warning communities about boil-water notices and offline operations. Community Events: National Night Out is set for Aug. 4 across central Wisconsin, continuing neighborhood-police relationship building.

Medicaid Shockwave: Wisconsin DHS says new federal work rules could jeopardize coverage for about 200,000 BadgerCare members, with 63,000 lacking work history documentation and deadlines tied to proof before renewal. Public Health Watch: Wisconsin has logged 160 cyclosporiasis cases as a broader Michigan outbreak linked to lettuce tops 10,000; DHS notes no active Wisconsin outbreak and no single common food has been identified. Tornado Recovery & Safety: Gov. Evers activated the Wisconsin National Guard for Fox Cities/Winnebago County cleanup after an EF-3 tornado; damage assessment teams are assessing Menasha losses and shelters are supporting displaced residents. Heart Health Clarity: A health explainer tackles how heartburn can mimic heart attack symptoms and stresses that only medical evaluation can sort it out—seek emergency care for concerning chest discomfort. Healthy Aging Research: A new review suggests protein restriction may help slow aging and improve metabolic health, while noting benefits for active people who need adequate protein. Community Health Tip: A free electronics recycling event in Howards Grove runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (no batteries, paint, or medical waste).