AGP Executive Report

New Cardiac Care in South Arkansas: El Dorado Heart opened two clinics (El Dorado and on the Ouachita County Medical Center campus in Camden) offering general cardiology, interventional cardiology and peripheral artery disease care. Food Safety Alert: Walmart shoppers in Arkansas and 29 other states were told to dispose of recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup kits due to possible listeria contamination; people who ate it and develop symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. Heat & Health at Events: The Walmart AMP in Rogers is urging concert goers to stay hydrated during triple-digit temperatures, with cooling tents, medical staff and a fire-department spray station. Workforce Pipeline for Health Tech: Northwest Arkansas startup leaders say the region’s tech talent gap is still a major barrier to hiring, even as high-tech jobs keep growing. Local Health System Moves: Baptist Health bought 12.41 acres in North Little Rock for $2.25 million, saying it’s for long-term flexibility with no immediate project plans. Research Spotlight: Arkansas researchers used “genetic neighborhood” patterns to better distinguish disease-causing poultry bacteria strains, aiming to improve detection and animal health. Caregiving Reminder: A new piece highlights that self-care is essential for caregivers to avoid burnout and health decline.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA issued a listeria-related recall for Walmart tomato soup kits (Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup) and urged shoppers to toss the product and contact a clinician if symptoms show up. Public Health: The FDA also upgraded a large salmonella egg recall to its highest risk level (Class I), tied to dozens of illnesses and hospitalizations, with many cartons still within sell-by dates. Local Care Access: A new cardiovascular health clinic opened in South Arkansas (El Dorado and Camden), expanding options for general cardiology and interventional care. State Forensics Upgrade: Arkansas lawmakers announced major investments to modernize the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, including a new facility and added staffing to speed DNA, toxicology, and other testing. Workforce & Coverage Policy: Arkansas legislative committees reviewed Medicaid and other health-related rule changes, while education committees discussed rising healthcare costs for public school employee health insurance. Community Health & Prevention: Arkansas researchers are using “genetic neighborhoods” to better spot disease-causing bacteria strains, aiming to improve poultry health and reduce losses.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas shell-egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level, tied to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened nearly 100 people and hospitalized 26; the eggs were sold under multiple brands (including Kroger, Simple Truth, Country Morning, Brookshire’s) in Arkansas and other states, and shoppers are urged to check carton codes and best-by/sell-by dates before they expire. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Arkansas and 28 other states face a separate recall: Kettle Cuisine’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits (3,240 packs) were pulled over possible listeria contamination; no illnesses have been confirmed. Public Health/Community: Arkansas reports ongoing cyclosporiasis activity linked to lettuce, with the CDC noting thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide and additional states added to the outbreak map. Healthcare Access: Springdale-based Circle of Life is buying Washington Regional Hospice, adding the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville as its third inpatient location. Workforce/Training: Southern Arkansas University launched a second Health Careers Opportunity Program academy, placing Delta-area students into hands-on healthcare simulations with UAMS support. State Health Infrastructure: Arkansas lawmakers approved major upgrades for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, including a new facility and added staff to expand DNA, toxicology, and medical examiner services.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas-linked egg recall affecting about 19 million eggs to Class I, its highest risk level, after salmonella concerns sickened nearly 100 people in 17 states; Arkansas is among the states where the eggs were sold. Food Safety: The FDA also issued a recall for Walmart tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination, including Arkansas. Public Health: Arkansas reported 12 more cyclosporiasis cases, bringing the year total to 275, with most new cases in Northwest Arkansas. Hospice Care: Springdale-based Circle of Life is buying Washington Regional Hospice, including the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, with the deal expected to close by late September. Health Workforce Education: Southern Arkansas University’s second-year Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy trained 23 students from the Delta region through simulations and UAMS experiences. State Policy: The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed revenue, education changes, energy rules, and new health insurance contribution rates. Library Rules: The Arkansas State Library Board revised proposed restrictions on “sexually explicit” materials, softening enforcement language after concerns about accidental shelf placement. Crime Lab Capacity: Arkansas lawmakers backed upgrades for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, including a new facility planned for completion in 2027 to expand DNA, toxicology, and medical examiner services.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level, tied to possible salmonella contamination; the recall covers about 1.6 million dozen eggs produced in Texas and sold in Arkansas (including Brookshire’s), with specific carton codes and sell-by dates between July 20 and Aug. 17. Listeria Watch: Walmart shoppers in Arkansas and 28 other states face a tomato bisque soup kit recall over possible listeria contamination; the company says no confirmed illnesses yet. Cyclospora Update: Arkansas health officials reported 12 more cyclosporiasis cases, bringing the state total to 275 for the year, with most new cases in Northwest Arkansas. Outbreak Investigation: The FDA and CDC began onsite inspection and sampling at Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato as the lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak now totals 9,481 illnesses across 17 states, including Arkansas. Community Care: Circle of Life will acquire Washington Regional Hospice and the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, expanding inpatient hospice services in the region. Heat & Health: Extreme heat continues to disrupt daily life, with utilities postponing planned outages and residents urged to hydrate and limit outdoor work.

Medicaid Fraud Push: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Tom Cotton backed the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, saying it would expand authority for Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary/recipient and provider fraud. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall to Class I after a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak sickened 98 people in 17 states; Arkansas is among confirmed distribution states, so shoppers should check carton codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates 157–184. More Listeria Risk: Walmart soup kits are also under recall—Kettle Cuisine Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold in Arkansas and 28 other states due to possible Listeria. Maternal Care Access: A new report says only 22 of 75 Arkansas counties have hospitals that deliver babies, with multiple obstetrics closures since 2019 and many mothers traveling long distances. Cybersecurity: Poynter Law Group is investigating an Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons ransomware incident disclosed in 2026, alleging patient data may have been posted online. Local Health Care Contracting: Conway Regional reached a multi-year in-network agreement with UnitedHealthcare, avoiding an out-of-network split.

Maternal health & coverage: Arkansas clinics are warning that many new moms lose Medicaid after 60 days, with a DHS report saying 45% of new mothers drop coverage—raising concerns for postpartum care access. Food safety: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to its highest risk level after a Salmonella outbreak, and Walmart also issued a recall for a Marketside tomato bisque soup kit sold in Arkansas due to possible Listeria contamination. Public health watch: CDC updates show cyclosporiasis cases remain high nationwide, even as some areas report slowing—keeping pressure on food safety and outbreak monitoring. Heat and health risk: Entergy Arkansas is suspending power disconnects through Aug. 21 because extreme heat can worsen health risks; officials urge hydration and heat-exhaustion awareness. Local care expansion: Easterseals Arkansas opened a new K-12 academy for kids with disabilities, and Community Service, Inc. celebrated an expanded Batesville office for mental health and family services. Workforce pipeline: Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville expanded to 96 students, aiming to grow future physicians for Arkansas and rural communities.

Maternal Health: Hospitals are rolling out “I Gave Birth” silicone wristbands to flag postpartum danger and cut maternal deaths, with Arkansas health systems among those adopting the tool. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall to its highest risk level after Salmonella Enteritidis concerns; the eggs were shipped to stores including in Arkansas. Salmonella in Retail: Whole Foods recalled multiple Arkansas-sold salsas and guacamoles made with jalapeños tied to a multistate Salmonella investigation, and the broader recall has expanded across major retailers. Nutrition & Access: Saline Health System opened a “Food Is Medicine” pantry in Benton to help patients and community members manage hunger and chronic disease with physician referrals. Heat Preparedness: Entergy will suspend power disconnects for a week due to extreme heat, while local cooling-center guidance continues across Arkansas. Workforce & Tech Training: NWACC and MIT’s PATH program are collaborating on an AI curriculum for professional skills and healthcare workforce pathways. Local Care Updates: Dr. Timothy Abels joined Hegg Health Center, adding another provider to the region’s primary care options.

Food Safety Recall: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling select salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and other prepared foods made with jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors; products were sold in Arkansas and 11 other states with “best before/by” dates in mid-August, and the company says no illnesses have been reported. Public Health Update: Arkansas reported 11 more cyclosporiasis cases since Monday, bringing the state total to 263 this year, with Benton County still leading; officials say it’s too early to tell if recent food recalls are driving a sustained decline. Maternal Care Access: A March of Dimes report highlights Arkansas’ maternity care gaps, classifying 44% of counties as “maternity care deserts.” Healthcare Policy: A federal rule would end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for kids under 18, with an Oct. 13 start date. Local Health & Safety: A Little Rock elementary student was injured at a bus stop after being struck by a vehicle; school leaders urged families to review walking and bus safety. Animal Health: A Northeast Arkansas nonprofit ran a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Bono to ease overcrowding and reduce euthanasia risk.

Heat & Safety: Forecasters warn Arkansas could see a potentially historic heat wave, with Little Rock-area temperatures hitting 100°F and triple digits for at least 10 days, plus dangerous overnight heat that can drive more widespread heat illness. Medicaid Watch: Arkansas Advocate coverage highlights uncertainty around the state’s Medicaid expansion/waiver situation, keeping pressure on access to care. Maternal Health Tool: Hospitals are adopting “I Gave Birth” postpartum wristbands to flag emergency risks after delivery and help reduce pregnancy-related deaths. Local Care Access: A new Jefferson primary care clinic opens in Marion County to address a major healthcare gap, operating as an FQHC-LAL. AI in Government: Clark County adopts workplace AI rules that allow limited drafting and summarizing but bar AI from being used for legal/medical decisions or as the sole source for compliance advice. Food Safety: Multiple recalls tied to salmonella and other outbreaks keep shoppers on alert, with Arkansas included in the ripple effects. Veterinary Workforce: Arkansas State University opens the state’s first public veterinary college, launching with an inaugural class of 122 students. Research & Health Tech: UAMS receives a $2.4M grant to study age-related bone loss and disease in aging. Public Health Education: Back-to-school guidance emphasizes routines, sleep, and healthful eating to reduce stress and support learning.

UAMS Funding Boost: UAMS won a $2.4 million National Institute on Aging grant to study how aging and brittle bone disease affect bone formation, aiming to improve bone strength by targeting cellular recycling in bone-forming cells. Major Cardiac Investment: CHI St. Vincent received a second $5 million gift from Alan and Boots Warrick for the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, bringing the Warrick commitment to $10 million for construction starting in 2027. Local Health Access: The Child Safety Center will open a Heber Springs office inside City Hall this fall, expanding 24/7 trauma-informed services like forensic interviews, therapy, and sexual assault medical exams. Insurance Cost Pressure: Little Rock officials were warned a 35% jump in health insurance costs for 2027 could follow a 142% loss ratio trend. Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms expanded recalls tied to a multi-state salmonella outbreak involving jalapeños sold at major retailers, with FDA/CDC tracing pointing to a Mexico grower. Public Health & Safety in Action: A helicopter rescue saved a dehydrated, heat-exhausted hiker on Pinnacle Mountain, while a Maumelle teen’s practice was interrupted after a cottonmouth was found inside his helmet.

Food Safety: The FDA says a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has triggered downstream recalls, with Taylor Fresh Foods pulling jalapeño-containing prepared items (salsa, guacamole, dips and more) distributed to 26 states including Arkansas, and federal officials reporting 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations across 27 states. Public Health Access: March of Dimes highlights Arkansas maternity care deserts, noting nearly half of the state’s counties lack obstetric physicians and warning that policy choices and underinvestment are driving gaps. Healthcare Workforce/Systems: Washington Regional in Northwest Arkansas named its first chief medical informatics officer, Dr. Rowland “Todd” Stewart, to lead clinical informatics across the system. Maternal & Reproductive Care: The Arkansas Abortion Support Network hired Holly Barron as interim executive director, citing “critical need” for full-spectrum reproductive healthcare access. Local Care & Philanthropy: Alan and Boots Warrick doubled their earlier pledge to CHI St. Vincent’s Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, bringing total support to $10 million for a center expected to begin construction in 2027. Community Health: The Red Cross warns the national blood supply is days from a crisis as summer donations lag and hospitals request more units. School Safety (Arkansas): A Maumelle High School football player discovered a cottonmouth snake inside his helmet during practice; animal services removed it and the student was not bitten.

Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and prepared items sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger and Whole Foods after jalapeños linked to a Salmonella outbreak sickened hundreds across 27 states. Public Health: CDC-linked Salmonella and a separate cyclospora outbreak tied to salad greens continue to drive recalls and guidance as cases rise nationally. Arkansas Health Research: UAMS received a $2.4 million federal grant to study why bone formation declines with age and in brittle bone disease, aiming for better fracture prevention. Local Health Leadership: Samaritan Community Center in Rogers named Gardner Andreas executive director, succeeding Debbie Rambo, as the nonprofit expands meal, pantry, counseling and dental services. Health & Policy Watch: A federal judge dismissed legal challenges to South Dakota’s drug discount law tied to the 340B program, a reminder of how medication pricing rules can reshape rural care. Community & Wellness: Jonesboro’s Leadership Jonesboro marked its 40th graduating class, including projects touching mental health, food access and summer heat relief. Safety: Arkansas State Police reported weekend traffic deaths in Little Rock and near Wrightsville.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling jalapeño-containing prepared foods sold in Arkansas and across 26 states after federal investigators linked Coast Citrus Distributors jalapeños to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak; affected items include dips, salsas, guacamole and ready meals with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16, and officials say customers should discard recalled products. Substance Use Recovery Tech: Bentonville-based Empathy Health Technologies says its partnership with SHARE Health Information Exchange now delivers daily hospitalization reports for emergency and inpatient encounters, helping recovery teams reach people faster after major health events. Medicaid Policy: A bipartisan Senate bill, SUSTAIN 340B Act, would add new annual reporting rules for hospitals and clinics using the federal 340B drug discount program, including transparency changes that could affect safety-net providers. Maternal Mental Health: UAMS psychiatrist Dr. Erin Jefferson is expanding access through a Northwest Arkansas women’s mental health clinic focused on pregnancy and postpartum conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. Nursing Recognition: Baptist Health-Fort Smith honored four nurses on Arkansas’ Great 100 Nurses list for patient care and leadership. Local Health Update: Arkansas has reported 237 cyclosporiasis cases so far, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. Public Health Context: A nationwide study ranks Tennessee among the states with the greatest disadvantages for children, with Arkansas also placing in the top 15.

Food Safety Alerts: Salmonella linked to Mexican jalapeños has triggered a wave of recalls, with major retailers including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods pulling affected Taylor Fresh Foods products; a separate USDA public health alert flags additional meat and poultry items containing FDA-regulated jalapeños distributed across Arkansas and 21 other states. Parasite Watch: Cyclospora tied to iceberg lettuce continues to expand nationwide, with Arkansas among states reporting rising cases as health agencies urge caution with salad greens. Arkansas Medicaid: Arkansas is seeking a two-year extension of its hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) after federal denial, warning of coverage disruption for more than 200,000 people. Local Health & Wellness: Little Rock approved a sustainable energy district that would share heating and cooling across downtown buildings, including city facilities—an approach often used in healthcare settings. Community Care: Former Thunder player Isaiah Joe’s golf fundraiser raised $300,000+ to support pediatric heart programs, with half going to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Public Health & Safety: Ozarks heat advisories return with heat index readings near 100–105, and Arkansas State Police reported a fatal El Dorado crash. Healthcare Workforce: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education received approval for a doctor of executive leadership program, with the first class starting Aug. 10.

Heat Safety: A new Heat Advisory is back for the Missouri Ozarks, with heat index values around 100–105 and guidance to hydrate, stay in A/C, and treat heat exhaustion/heat stroke as urgent. Medicaid Coverage Risk: Arkansas is seeking a reprieve for its hybrid Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) after the Trump administration denied renewal, raising concerns for more than 200,000 people who rely on the program. Foodborne Illness Watch: The USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, with Arkansas included among affected states. Cyclospora Update: Cyclospora cases tied to lettuce continue to climb nationally, with CDC reporting spread across many states—an ongoing reminder to follow food safety guidance. Public Health at Home: A boil order was issued for the Mammoth Spring Waterworks system after a water main break, with residents told to boil water before use. Workforce & Training: ACHE (Fort Smith) launched an executive leadership doctoral program after Higher Learning Commission approval, with the first class starting Aug. 10. Veterinary Care Expansion: Arkansas State University held a white coat ceremony for its inaugural veterinary class, marking the start of new local training capacity.