AGP Executive Report

Measles watch in St. Louis: Missouri health officials warned of a possible measles exposure at Busch Stadium (Sept. 12, Section 141, about 6–11:30 p.m.), urging anyone there to monitor symptoms for 21 days and call ahead if sick. Food access push: The St. Louis Area Foodbank’s “Food On The Move” uses mobile grocery-style trailers to bring fresh food to dozens of Missouri and Illinois communities, with stops planned in Ferguson and Desloge Tuesday and several other cities Friday. Medicaid coverage fight: Medicaid enrollees and major medical groups sued over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing rules could block coverage for people with serious health conditions, including plaintiffs from Missouri. Drug supply safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway joined a 20-state coalition warning of Chinese-linked gaps in oversight for ingredients used in compounded GLP-1 and other drugs, citing FDA actions involving semaglutide-related supply issues. Flu shot convenience: Hy-Vee Pharmacy will host drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in multiple states (including Missouri) with no appointment needed. Health care access for kids: A new survey found many pediatricians report immigrant families are avoiding care due to immigration-status concerns, potentially leaving children without needed services. Hospital costs pressure: Patients and lawmakers are pushing back on hospital facility fees, arguing they drive up costs. Public health and wellness beyond clinics: Missouri’s veterinary and mosquito-related health concerns also surfaced this week, alongside broader warnings about tick-borne illness risk.

AI Policy & Economy: Top AI leaders debate how to slow advanced model development without harming jobs and daily services, but answers on what “slowing down” would look like remain fuzzy. Missouri EMS Access: Medic One is expanding ambulance service into Greene County via a partnership with St. Bernards, aiming to widen care access across the region. Flu Vaccination Timing: Some Missouri pharmacies are pushing early flu shots, raising concerns that getting vaccinated too early may reduce protection when flu season peaks. Officer-Involved Shooting (Pettis County): Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating after a deputy shot a woman during a mental health crisis call; she was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Heat Deaths Undercounted: New analysis suggests Missouri’s heat-related deaths are far higher than official records show, because heat is often listed indirectly on death certificates. Abortion Ballot Fight: Missouri voters are set again to decide abortion policy via a near-total ban measure on the ballot. Suicide Prevention (Firearms Focus): A national report highlights prevention approaches that don’t rely on predicting who will attempt suicide, including reducing access to lethal means. Homelessness Planning (Jefferson City): City Council will consider rezoning for a resource center/emergency shelter tied to a nonprofit’s plan for a 30-bed winter shelter and year-round services.

Public Safety: A gunman opened fire into a crowd of about 400 juveniles near St. Ann, injuring two before police shot him; he’s in critical condition and the case is now with Maryland Heights. EMS Access: Medic One is expanding ambulance service into Greene County via a partnership with St. Bernards, aiming to boost care across parts of Missouri and nearby regions. Health Alerts: Missouri’s Department of Conservation is asking people to report signs of hemorrhagic disease in deer, a virus spread by biting midges that can cluster near water. Disease Watch: Jackson County Public Health says a confirmed measles case exposed more than 250 people after the person visited the health department and may have contracted the virus on an Amtrak trip. Food & Pharmacy: Walmart recalled a frozen berry blend in 16 states over possible E. coli; Hy-Vee is offering drive-thru flu shots in September. Policy & Costs: Missouri pharmacy benefit manager reform efforts failed again in the legislature, keeping pressure on drug pricing and independent pharmacy access. Local Health Infrastructure: Kirksville advanced new zoning rules for data centers after a unanimous planning commission vote.

Measles Alert: A confirmed measles case at Jackson County Public Health’s Lee’s Summit facility has exposed 250 people so far, with officials linking the likely infection to an Amtrak train trip—another reminder that low vaccination pockets can fuel fast spread. Cancer & Genetics: One woman’s ovarian cancer diagnosis led family members to get tested for the BRCA1 gene, highlighting how cancer care can trigger lifesaving screening for relatives. Flu Prevention Access: Hy-Vee is rolling out drive-thru flu shot clinics in September (no appointment needed), offering regular and high-dose options for eligible ages. Food Security Pressure: A rural SNAP grocer in Oklahoma says new restrictions are cutting SNAP sales sharply, raising concerns about access to basic groceries in small towns. Community Preparedness: Cole County’s Ready Festival brought health and emergency groups together to teach families practical steps for disasters. Local Health & Safety: A Jefferson City man faces DWI charges after a hit-and-run; a Walgreens employee was charged with stealing $7,822 from store cash deposits. Public Health Funding: Columbia City Council is set to vote on a $606.7M 2027 budget, including new positions and major utility upgrades.

Hospital Quality Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report named Barnes-Jewish Hospital No. 1 in the St. Louis area and Missouri Baptist Medical Center No. 2, with Mercy St. Louis No. 3 and St. Luke’s Hospital No. 4—plus multiple “high performing” procedure and condition ratings. Public Health & Safety: Missouri regulators recalled Juicy J’s cherry limeade infused pre-rolls after random testing found Aspergillus mold; it’s the second Missouri cannabis mold recall this month. Infectious Disease Watch: California warned of possible measles exposure after an unvaccinated Amtrak passenger traveled through at least six counties; Missouri coverage also flags growing tick-borne illness concern as ticks expand with milder winters. Mental Health Access: Avenues Counseling marked 15 years with a community open house, offering counseling regardless of ability to pay. Community Health Events: Hy-Vee is running free drive-thru flu shot clinics in September (no appointment needed). Health Policy Legal Challenge: A lawsuit challenges a federal Medicaid rule that narrows “medical frailty” protections, putting medically frail people at risk of losing coverage. Caregiving & Support: A VFW Auxiliary fundraiser in O’Fallon will help provide service dogs for Missouri veterans with PTSD or brain trauma.

Medicaid Coverage Fight: A coalition including Democracy Forward and major medical groups sued over a federal Medicaid rule that tightens “medical frailty” exclusions tied to new work requirements, warning medically frail Missourians and others could lose coverage. Cannabis Safety: Missouri regulators recalled Juicy J’s cherry limeade infused pre-rolls after random testing found Aspergillus mold—marking a second September mold-related recall. Public Health Alerts: Kansas City reported rising rabies cases in bats, urging residents not to handle bats and to seek care immediately after any bite or scratch. Heat-Related Illness: Higginsville treated up to five elementary students for heat illness after a homecoming pep rally with a heat index around 102. Major Medical Milestone: SSM Health Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis separated Ethiopian conjoined twins after a 25-hour surgery. Local Health Infrastructure: Columbia and Boone County proposed a larger Animal Control site to better contain disease and expand capacity. Health Care Policy Watch: A weekly health policy roundup highlighted Senate and House action on Alzheimer’s screening, medically tailored meals, and Medicare Advantage transparency. Community Mental Health: Shelby County Cares announced a Sept. 24 suicide awareness walk with resources for people affected by suicide. Justice & Safety: Kansas City police identified a 36-year-old shooting victim and are seeking tips; a separate Missouri disability benefits case was upheld by the 8th Circuit.

Disability Benefits: The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the denial of disability insurance benefits for a Missouri woman, finding “substantial evidence” supported an administrative judge’s ruling she wasn’t disabled during the period she claimed. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a Friday homicide in a business parking lot near 39th and Broadway; 36-year-old Eric White was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after witnesses reported hearing gunshots. Health & Community: Shelby County Cares will host a Suicide Awareness Walk Sept. 24 at Shelbina Lake, offering remembrance and mental health resource connections. Food Safety: The FDA issued a highest-risk recall for more than 500,000 soups, dips and salsas due to infection concerns tied to jalapeño pepper products. Care Access & Local Services: Columbia and Boone County proposed buying a larger site for Animal Control to expand capacity and improve disease containment. Road Hazards: I-29 reopened after a sulfuric acid spill from a crash involving a tanker, though cleanup continues with limited lane closures. Wellness & Prevention: Missouri’s 100 Miles, 100 Days program is encouraging walking and outdoor activity, including tick-exposure education for participants. Healthcare Innovation: Mercy and the Alice L. Walton Foundation broke ground on the AWSOM Whole Health Campus, expanding whole-person care in Missouri.

Medicaid crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced felony charges against 17 defendants in Medicaid fraud schemes totaling more than $450,000, including alleged identity theft, personal care attendant fraud, and improper adult daycare billing. Public health & safety: Missouri conservation officials are urging residents to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads in white-tailed deer, with symptoms like drooping heads and swollen tongues. Diabetes care: Western Missouri Medical Center earned American Diabetes Association recognition for its Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program. Child emergency readiness: Schuyler County Ambulance District received a Pediatric Ready designation through Missouri EMS for Children. Rural healthcare access: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited WashU as part of a rural healthcare roundtable tour. Care workforce pressure: Direct support professionals are in short supply, and Medicaid cuts could worsen staffing for people with disabilities and older adults. Local health news: Boone County held its Ready Festival to help families build emergency plans and prepare for outages and heat. Health-related legal case: A federal appeals court revived part of an excessive-force lawsuit tied to a Sikeston police shooting during a mental health crisis. Community health & wellness: Missouri Valley Master Gardeners set a fall workshop focused on garden cleanup and preserving produce.

Public Health: St. Louis County confirmed its first measles case in 20 years after a resident boarded a Chicago-bound train; officials are tracing possible exposures and reminding vaccinated people to watch for symptoms. Maternal Addiction Care: WashU Medicine highlighted prenatal and postpartum substance use disorder treatment, stressing that treating addiction (including opioid replacement therapy) can protect both parent and baby. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls include Tex-Mex items and other supermarket products sold in multiple states, including Missouri—check labels and best-by dates. Rural Health Systems: Scotland County Hospital joined the Show-Me High Value Network to strengthen local, value-based care. Emergency Response & Safety: I-29 shut down in Holt County after a sulfuric acid and nitroglycerin tanker overturned; hazmat crews evacuated about 30 homes before residents were allowed back. Local Health & Animals: Columbia/Boone County plans to buy Columbia Animal Hospital for nearly $1 million to expand animal control capacity. Health Policy & Costs: Trump announced $500 “Obamacare refunds” for eligible ACA enrollees in 30 states, including Missouri. Community Health: VA announced over $17 million in Missouri grants aimed at combating homelessness.

FDA Recall: Six hand soaps distributed in 15 states, including Missouri, were recalled after possible bacterial contamination that can cause temporary or medically reversible illness. Public Health & Safety: Missouri saw multiple serious crashes this week, including a fatal Clay County school bus collision and another deadly Callaway County rear-end crash. Workforce & Health Costs: LIUNA Local 955 is pressing the University of Missouri system for a $19–$20 wage floor for service and maintenance workers, arguing rising healthcare costs and inflation are outpacing raises. Veterans Housing: VA awarded $17 million to 17 Missouri community organizations to help prevent and end veteran homelessness. Health Coverage Costs: Consumers may face higher health insurance premiums in Missouri, with one report projecting increases up to 26%. Community Health Access: A Missouri employment report showed job gains, including in private education and health services. Reproductive Rights: Missouri voters are set to weigh abortion protections in a state constitutional vote tied to Question 6 developments elsewhere. Data Center Backlash: Hundreds rallied at the Capitol demanding a statewide moratorium on AI data center expansion, citing health and environmental concerns.

Health Insurance Costs: Missouri consumers could see 2027 health insurance premiums rise as insurers file increases of roughly 10% to as much as 26%, with preliminary average monthly premiums estimated around $720 to $970 (and higher in the group market). Food Assistance & School Meals: SNAP enrollment in Missouri dropped by about 49,679 people year over year, raising concerns that federal school meal reimbursements could tighten—especially in St. Louis districts using community eligibility. Veteran Homelessness Funding: The VA awarded more than $17 million in Missouri grants to 17 community organizations to support housing stability and transitional supportive housing for homeless veterans. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway announced felony charges against 17 defendants tied to more than $450,000 in alleged Medicaid fraud, including identity theft, personal care attendant schemes, and adult daycare billing abuses. Public Health & Safety: A Raytown High School-area shooting left a juvenile dead; no suspect was in custody as of Wednesday evening. Youth Mental Health: A Missouri Student Survey found 1 in 8 Taney County students seriously considered suicide in the past year, prompting calls for prevention outreach. Medical Care Advances: SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital reported successful separation surgery for conjoined-at-the-head twin sisters, now recovering and undergoing rehab. FDA Recalls: FDA issued recalls for potentially bacteria-contaminated hand soaps and a mold-flagged Missouri cannabis product.

Measles Watch: Jackson County Public Health confirmed a measles case in a vaccinated eastern Jackson County resident and is tracing possible exposures at its Lee’s Summit office and two Overland Park businesses, with a statewide alert urging vigilance as Missouri reports rising cases. Maternal Care Access: A new March of Dimes report warns rural Missouri families face longer drives and riskier births as maternity wards disappear, with many women living in counties lacking labor-and-delivery units or obstetric doctors. Rural Hospital Funding Reality: Rural hospital leaders say the new $50B federal rural health fund won’t cover operating shortfalls, and that gap could mean more service cuts like labor and delivery. Public Safety & Health: Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe honored first responders with top public safety medals, including a Kansas City firefighter-paramedic fatally injured while treating a patient. Substance Use Prevention: Moniteau County’s “Glow Walk” highlighted drug addiction prevention and recovery resources, including Narcan and 988 suicide support. Nursing Pipeline: Northwest Missouri relaunches an on-campus BSN in fall 2027 to help address nurse shortages. Health Alerts & Vaccines: MU doctors warn declining vaccination rates could mean a more intense flu season, while MU plans vaccine drive-thru events. Legal/Health Fraud: An Independence man pleaded guilty to VA fraud after falsely claiming Vietnam combat service, medals, and an ALS diagnosis. Food Safety: FDA upgraded an alfalfa sprout recall to the highest risk level after reports of STEC or Salmonella illnesses. Traffic Safety: A pedestrian died after being struck in Kansas City, and multiple Missouri crash reports included injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.

Vaccines & Measles Watch: MU Health officials say Missouri’s vaccination rates are slipping, raising concern for a harsher flu season, while the state also reports measles exposure tied to a Sedalia train stop—health officials urge symptom monitoring for 21 days and prompt contact with local departments. Opioid & Synthetic Drug Alert: A teen’s death has renewed warnings about cychlorphine, described as up to ten times stronger than fentanyl and often mixed into other street drugs. Public Safety Honors: Gov. Mike Kehoe presented Missouri Public Safety Medals to 22 first responders and two civilians, including posthumous awards tied to line-of-duty rescues and gunfire incidents. Local Health Grants: Joplin Health Department received grants for dementia education and safe-driving outreach, and a student behavioral healthcare pilot is set to expand support for rural districts. Community Health & Safety: Boone Health EMS earned Pediatric Ready designation, and Cedar County paused new large solar, wind, battery-storage and data-center projects for a year amid public-health and infrastructure concerns. Healthcare Costs Policy: The White House says Obamacare overcharges will be refunded with $500 payments to nearly 1 million Americans in federal-exchange states, including Missouri.

Healthcare Access & Support: SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City donated $25,000 to the In Time of Need Foundation to help Central Missourians cover basics like rent, hotel stays, and other needs during major medical events. Cancer Care & Coverage: Guardant Health says its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth clinical guidelines starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for average-risk adults age 45+. Hospital Growth in Missouri: Strawberry Fields REIT completed a deal for a Marshall, Mo. hospital campus with a 60-bed hospital, 99-bed skilled nursing facility, and medical office building. Public Health & Safety: Missouri health officials are urging precautions as rabies exposures rise nationally, and a separate report highlights tire blowouts as a safety tech gap tied to deadly big-rig crashes. Legal/Policy Watch: A Missouri judge is set to begin weighing Bayer/Monsanto’s $7.25 billion Roundup settlement for cancer claims. Community Health Infrastructure: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Farber a $16,000 grant to study wastewater system improvements. Local Crime & Injury: Kansas City police identified a 36-year-old homicide victim, and multiple Missouri crash reports include serious injuries and deaths.

Cancer Screening Coverage: Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is getting broader coverage—EviCore by Evernorth will follow ACS guidelines starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for average-risk adults age 45+. Public Health Alert: Missouri health officials are urging rabies precautions as CDC reports rising rabies exposures nationally and bats test positive in Greene County. Mental Health Access: Three Vernon County residents launched “Bridge 2 Bed,” a free online network meant to speed up finding available mental health beds across Southwest Missouri. Healthcare Policy & Privacy: Rep. Eric Burlison promoted healthcare reform while criticizing surveillance tech, calling for an end to federal dollars for warrantless license plate reader tracking. Legal/Drug Safety Watch: A Missouri court is set to weigh the “fairness” of Bayer’s $7.25B Roundup settlement tied to cancer claims. Local Safety: Kansas City police identified a 36-year-old victim in a life-threatening shooting; separate reports also note a pedestrian death after a crash on U.S. 40. Health System Leadership: Great River Health named Jeremy Alexander as permanent CEO after Dr. Michael McCoy’s resignation.

Child Welfare Oversight: Gov. Mike Kehoe named 18 people to a new Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to set common safety standards across courts and caseworkers, with recommendations due Nov. 15 amid scrutiny over foster care deaths and investigation backlogs. Reproductive Health Politics: A new SLU/YouGov poll finds Missouri voters nearly split on Amendment 3, the proposed abortion ban measure that would also bar gender-affirming care for minors; 44% oppose, 43% support, 13% unsure. Health Policy & Access: The White House says nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Missouri, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Legal/Pharma: Bayer faces a pivotal Missouri court test Monday over a proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement tied to cancer claims. Public Safety & Health: A 6-year-old died after a crash on I-64 in Wentzville; two others were seriously injured. Community Health Tech: Webster Groves launched its Blue Envelope program to help police communicate with people with autism and other conditions during stressful encounters. Food Safety: Missouri restaurant inspection reports flagged issues including black mold, handwashing lapses, and sanitation problems.