AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Public Health: Federal health officials say a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with Arkansas among the distribution footprint; the FDA urges shoppers to check best-by dates and product codes and return or discard affected cartons. Food Safety & Public Health: A separate parasite outbreak, cyclosporiasis, continues to spread nationally, with CDC reporting thousands of cases and noting Arkansas has seen a rise as well—health officials keep emphasizing safe produce handling and staying alert for symptoms. Extreme Heat & Health Risks: Another round of dangerous heat is expected across Arkansas, including Northwest Arkansas, with heat advisories and heat-index values near 110; officials warn about heat exhaustion and heat stroke risk, especially for people working outdoors. Local Health & Community Support: The American Red Cross issued a rare crisis call for blood donors, citing a summer shortage worsened by extreme heat and recent illness outbreaks; donors are urged to book appointments and especially help keep type O supplies steady. Arkansas Healthcare Workforce: UAMS added a new family medicine physician, Charles Jones, to its Helena-West Helena clinic, expanding local primary care capacity. Veterans Access to Care: The Legal Services Corporation released a new toolkit to help expand veterans’ access to civil legal help—highlighting how legal problems can affect housing and stability tied to health. Health Policy Watch: HHS delayed a major HIPAA Security Rule overhaul until 2027, while CMS is preparing rule changes that could reduce some healthcare regulatory requirements.

Food Safety Alert: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with Arkansas included in distribution; federal and state officials say consumers should immediately check cartons for the Midwest Poultry Services recall and seek care if symptoms hit high-risk groups. Local Health & Education: UA Little Rock reports preliminary fall enrollment growth—headcount up 5% and undergraduate credit hours up 12%—as it prepares to welcome its first fall class of its “second century.” Nursing Workforce: Southern Arkansas University says its BSN program again hit a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for FY26. Community Wellness: UAFS launches RoarCorps in September, placing 40 AmeriCorps students with River Valley partners to support youth education, wellness, food access, conservation, and mental health mentoring. Healthcare Access Policy: CMS’s Medicaid work requirement rule takes effect, and the agency projects millions could lose coverage as states carry out the new eligibility steps. Public Health Capacity: The American Red Cross declares a national blood crisis, urging donors—especially for type O—to book appointments now. Arkansas Infrastructure: Hot Springs plans bids for demolition and hazardous-material abatement at the old St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA says nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs from Midwest Poultry Services (Indiana) are being recalled over possible Salmonella enteritidis contamination, with illnesses reported in 17 states and 26 hospitalizations so far; Arkansas shoppers may have been exposed via Kroger and Brookshire’s distribution, so check plant codes and sell-by dates and return or throw out affected cartons. Local Health Access: Baxter Health’s Emergency Department earned Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation—reportedly the first and only in Arkansas—highlighting a push for better care for older adults. Nutrition in Schools: Arkansas schools can apply for USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program funding, with the state set to distribute $3.3 million for free produce snacks for eligible elementary students starting in October. Pharmacy Billing Shift: A new Arkansas-focused study finds pharmacies that already offer cash-pay clinical services and have credentialed pharmacists are most likely to submit medical claims, suggesting workflow and credentialing matter more than training alone. Public Safety Tech: Jonesboro and Craighead County officials are moving forward on a new E-911 center, aiming to modernize emergency communications.

Pediatric Care Expansion: Pediatrics Plus is buying Jonesboro-based Cynergy Rehab Group and Arkids Pediatric Day Centers, bringing its first major Northeast Arkansas footprint and planned ABA therapy in Jonesboro by year’s end. Food Safety Alert: The FDA says a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak is linked to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, with 98 illnesses across 17 states and 26 hospitalizations; Arkansas shoppers are urged to check carton codes and sell-by dates. SNAP Fraud Protection: Arkansas DHS is rolling out the ebtEDGE New app to add anti-fraud features for SNAP EBT users as the state switches vendors. Heat & Public Health: A dangerous heat dome is pushing triple-digit temperatures across much of the central U.S., with Arkansas included in major heat-risk areas—raising the stakes for hydration and cooling. School Nutrition Funding: Arkansas schools can apply for USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program money, with more than $3.3 million available to serve free produce snacks. Care Access & Workforce: A new Arkansas physician-shortage report argues for more residency slots and a stronger graduate medical education pipeline, highlighting the role of UAMS regional campuses. Local Health Recognition: Multiple Arkansas hospitals earned American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines awards for stroke and heart care performance.

Salmonella Egg Recall: FDA says a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with Arkansas retailers including Brookshire’s; consumers are urged to check sell-by/best-by dates and discard or return affected cartons. Food Safety in Arkansas: Arkansas Department of Health reports cyclosporiasis cases have more than doubled to 79, with Benton County accounting for 50 lab-confirmed cases, as officials urge people to follow recall notices and handle food safely. Medicaid Access Shift: The nationwide one-year ban on Medicaid reimbursements for routine care at Planned Parenthood and similar clinics has expired, meaning eligible services can resume where states allow it. School Nutrition Funding: Arkansas schools are set to receive $3.3 million to serve fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks through the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, with more than 160 elementary schools expected to participate. Opioid Threat Update: Central Arkansas Drug Task Force highlights “pliable” fentanyl and new mixing trends, noting major seizures during April–June even as overdose/Narcan figures were not reported in the latest quarterly snapshot. Care for Older Adults: Baxter Health’s Cline Emergency Center earned Level 1-accredited recognition for geriatric emergency care, positioning it as the first Level 1-accredited emergency department in Arkansas. Medicare Advantage Question: A reader asks how to disenroll from a Medicare Advantage HMO when a cancer center isn’t in-network, underscoring how plan networks can affect urgent specialty care.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with investigators pointing to shell eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services; the recall covers about 1.6 million dozen eggs sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery locations including Arkansas, and officials urge shoppers to check cartons, throw them out, or return for refunds. Local Health Access: Baxter Health’s Cline Emergency Center earned Level 1 geriatric emergency department accreditation, making it the first Level 1-accredited ER in Arkansas and highlighting specialized care for older adults. Foodborne Outbreak Watch (Produce): CDC and FDA are tracking a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce, with Arkansas included among states seeing cases; an Arkansas medical expert advises shoppers to buy locally grown produce when possible while investigations continue. Community & Wellness: A new secular recovery program, Recovery Demystified, is expanding in Northwest Arkansas to offer science-based, queer-friendly addiction support beyond faith-based options. Public Input for Conservation: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is revising its Stream Black Bass Management Plan and is asking anglers and stream lovers to weigh in.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA and CDC say a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Midwest Poultry Services eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with Arkansas included among distribution areas; investigators point to eggs produced in Texas (codes P-1950 or 0840962, Julian dates 157–184, best-by/sell-by July 20–Aug. 17), prompting Kroger and Brookshire pulls and consumer “check your fridge” guidance. Produce-Linked Illness Watch: Arkansas health officials report 79 cyclosporiasis cases this year, with nearly two-thirds in Benton County, as the national Cyclospora investigation continues and grocery chains keep removing potentially linked produce. Company Response: Taylor Farms issued a fresh statement defending its Cyclospora prevention steps while saying it expanded recalls “out of an abundance of caution” amid the ongoing federal probe. Nutrition & Access: A University of Arkansas nutrition extension specialist shares practical questions for deciding whether meal kits fit your routine, while an Urban Institute report highlights low SNAP enrollment in Arkansas—less than 41% of eligible residents participate. Community Health Support: A local secular, queer-friendly addiction recovery program, Recovery Demystified, is gaining attention as it works to expand recovery options beyond faith-based models.

Food Safety Alert: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.59 million dozen eggs (over 19 million eggs) after possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi, with FDA urging shoppers to check carton codes and dates and avoid eating affected eggs. Heat & Youth Sports Safety: A Rison High School football player was airlifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital after a medical emergency during summer practice; officials say staff followed emergency procedures and are stressing hydration and heat illness prevention. Public Health Access & Care: A new real-world study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference found an Alzheimer’s blood test can help family doctors diagnose with accuracy close to specialists, potentially expanding access beyond specialty centers. Community Health Workforce: UAFS launched RoarCorps, placing 40 AmeriCorps students with regional groups on youth literacy, mental health, and health & wellness projects starting in September. Local Health Policy/Advocacy: Arkansas lawmakers and advocates continue pushing for stronger protections around healthcare costs and access, including concerns about how prescription and insurance rules limit choices.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas due to possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and more, with no illnesses reported so far. SNAP Security: Arkansas DHS is rolling out the ebtEDGE New app statewide to help SNAP recipients lock cards, block out-of-state purchases, and track balances in real time, with a planned system outage this weekend. Public Health Alerts: Arkansas is reporting Cyclospora cases tied to a lettuce-linked outbreak, and officials also issued a warning to avoid Lake DeSoto after a harmful algal bloom. Access & Care: UAMS is expanding clinical capacity with new leadership and hires, while a new Arkansas pilot program pairs therapy and hands-on skill coaching for blind and visually impaired residents. Community Health Support: Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas says pantry visits rose about 7% as grocery costs climb, and local back-to-school events are pairing supplies with health and family resources.

Food Safety Alert: FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling 1.6 million dozen eggs made in Texas after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in Arkansas and neighboring states; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health & Access: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin sued major drugmakers over alleged restrictions undermining the 340B discount program, arguing the rules make the discount access “so burdensome” for providers. Nursing Education: Southern Arkansas University reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its BSN graduates for the second straight year. Maternal Care Trend: A national report warns rural hospitals are rapidly cutting labor-and-delivery services, leaving many communities farther from childbirth care. Nutrition Assistance: New federal SNAP rules tied to payment accuracy could raise costs for states and may lead some to reduce food assistance. Local Health Facilities: Greene County approved a grant application to renovate its local health unit, aiming to upgrade exam rooms and HVAC. Healthcare Innovation: American Oncology Network highlights growth of radiology, imaging, and radiopharmaceutical therapy access, including a radioligand therapy center tied to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

UAMS Leadership: UAMS named surgeon Ronald D. Robertson, M.D., as permanent dean of the College of Medicine and executive vice chancellor, effective immediately, after serving as interim dean since May. Drug Pricing Fight: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed suit against 22 drug manufacturers and related entities, alleging they violated the state’s 2021 Act 1103 meant to protect access to 340B prescription discounts—especially for hospitals and clinics using contract pharmacies. Postpartum Medicaid Gap: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families reports 45% of new moms lost Medicaid 60 days after childbirth, with about 94% not documented as moving to other coverage—fueling renewed calls to extend postpartum coverage. Food Access in Schools: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2026-27 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, with $3.3M+ available for K-6 schools to provide free produce during the day. Community Health Fundraising: Jonesboro Church Health Center’s annual Peach Fundraiser raised $66,000+ to support affordable care for uninsured adults. Public Health Reminder: FDA says a cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, but the broader recall and outbreak investigation remain in effect. Local Wellness & Facilities: Centerton broke ground on a $26M recreation center with plans for aquatics, gym space, and community areas.

Food Safety Update: The multistate “explosive” diarrhea outbreak tied to cyclospora remains under investigation, but the FDA says an earlier positive test on Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce was a “false positive,” while traceback work still points to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico; the recall stays in effect and consumers are urged to avoid implicated lettuce. Heat & ER Strain: River Valley emergency rooms report more heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures push people to seek care faster; doctors stress hydration before you feel thirsty and watch for confusion or other red flags. Tick-Bite Allergy Awareness: Alpha-gal syndrome—triggered by tick bites and linked to a potentially life-threatening red meat allergy—has drawn fresh attention as tick season stretches and lawmakers push for more research. Medicare Advantage Caution: A reader story highlights how Medicare Advantage network rules can affect cancer care and the need to understand special enrollment timing when switching back to traditional Medicare. Geriatric ER Milestone (Arkansas): Baxter Health’s Cline Emergency Center earned Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, the first in Arkansas at that top level. Local Funding for Health Facilities: Arkansas communities received $12.5 million in grants that can support public health facilities and other infrastructure projects. UAPB Agriculture Staffing: UAPB hired a livestock specialist to expand workshops, herd health support, and youth engagement through Extension.

Food Safety Update (Arkansas): The Arkansas Department of Health says cyclosporiasis cases are up to 36 statewide, a jump of 10 from the prior week, and the source is still unclear—meanwhile some Jonesboro residents are turning to local produce and health guidance urges thorough washing and cooking leafy greens. Food Safety (Multi-state recall): A major iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora remains in focus as FDA says at least one test result was a false positive, but the voluntary recall is still tied to the ongoing investigation; experts say whole heads of lettuce and non-recalled sources are generally safer than specific shredded products. Hospital Leadership: CHI St. Vincent Morrilton named Tyler McDonald interim president, with oversight across central Arkansas operations. Cardiac Care Recognition: St. Bernards Healthcare earned national Get With The Guidelines awards for heart attack and stroke care across its Jonesboro, Wynne and Pocahontas hospitals. Community Health Pilot: A new August pilot program pairs physical and occupational therapy to improve quality of life for blind and visually impaired Arkansans. Public Health Basics: UAPB nutrition educators are reminding Arkansans to stay hydrated to prevent heat illness. Campus Safety: U of A is filming an updated active threat safety video after a prior swatting incident. Vet Health Alert: Arkansas State University veterinary experts warn that bloat can be fatal in large dogs and urge fast action if symptoms appear.

Food Safety & Outbreak Response: The FDA says a “false-positive” cyclospora test result tied to Taylor Farms lettuce does not change the basis for the ongoing cyclosporiasis investigation or the voluntary recall, leaving consumers to follow recall guidance while tracing continues. Local Health Alert: Arkansas is under an extreme heat warning for Saline County and nearby areas, with heat index values up to 115 degrees; officials urge hydration, staying in air conditioning, and checking on neighbors. Arkansas Care Investment: CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock received a $1 million gift toward its Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, supporting structural heart services with construction planned to begin this fall. Hospital Geriatrics Upgrade: Baxter Health’s Cline Emergency Center earned Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, the first in Arkansas at that top tier. Food Recall Watch (Retail): General Mills recalled 730,000+ Pillsbury bread rolls sold at Walmart due to possible glass fragments, including Arkansas. Community Health Access: Jonesboro Church Health Center’s Peach Fundraiser delivered 420 cases of Georgia peaches, raising more than $66,000 to support affordable care for uninsured adults. Research & Public Health: A study using Arkansas rice samples found water management can reduce arsenic in rice, but highlights a trade-off with cadmium that must be managed.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says a cyclospora-positive lettuce sample tied to Taylor Farms was a “false positive,” but the agency still says the outbreak investigation supports Taylor Farms’ ongoing 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell supply. Public Health (Arkansas): Arkansas health officials report 36 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases this year, urging people to wash produce and follow safe food handling. Heat & Kids Safety: An extreme heat warning in Northeast Arkansas has doctors urging parents to prioritize hydration, supervision, and earlier/late practice times to prevent heat illness. UAMS Leadership: Dr. Ronald D. Robertson has been appointed dean of the UAMS College of Medicine and executive vice chancellor, moving from interim dean to permanent role. Local Care & Community: A Jonesboro “Battle of the Badges” blood drive drew multiple agencies and comes as the American Red Cross warns summer shortages can strain local hospitals. Healthcare Workforce/Access: Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion continues to draw scrutiny, with reporting highlighting how state rules and costs can affect coverage and recipients. Health in the News (Broader): A UAPB forester and other public-health-focused community items also circulated this week, alongside national alerts about measles resurgence.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says a key Taylor Farms cyclospora test tied to the multistate outbreak was a false positive after lab experts re-reviewed results. The agency still says the recall of central Mexico iceberg lettuce remains in effect and that investigators are working to ensure implicated product is removed, with no confirmed positive samples reported so far. Retail Response: Walmart pulled specific bagged iceberg salad and shredded lettuce items from select locations as a precaution, following Taco Bell’s decision to stop using the supplier linked to the outbreak. Arkansas Context: The recalled lettuce distribution list includes Arkansas, and health officials continue tracking cyclosporiasis cases across states. Local Health Policy: Wisconsin’s Medicaid postpartum coverage expansion to a full year highlights how Arkansas’ own postpartum coverage policy is being watched nationally. Healthcare Business: Healthpeak and Brookfield announced a $2.1 billion joint venture portfolio of outpatient medical buildings that includes Arkansas properties. Community Health: A Little Rock nonprofit, The Van, named a new executive director after the founder stepped away due to health complications.