AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Coverage Risk: A new study finds nearly 1 in 5 Medicaid-eligible adults in expansion states may struggle to meet new federal work-hour reporting rules starting Jan. 1, putting millions at risk of losing health coverage. IV Safety Alert: Baxter recalled certain IV saline bags nationwide after possible fiberglass contamination; affected lots were shipped to South Carolina and other states, with FDA urging providers to stop use and return units. West Nile Update: South Carolina health officials confirmed two West Nile virus outbreaks—one in the Midlands and one in the Lowcountry—urging residents to prevent mosquito bites since there’s no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. Seizure First Aid Law: A South Carolina bill was signed into law after a local woman’s childhood injury led to misconceptions about what to do during seizures; the law focuses on proper seizure first aid. Foodborne Illness Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has expanded to 20 states with thousands of illnesses reported, including South Carolina. Community Health Support: Delta Sigma Theta’s Orangeburg chapter donated 750 hygiene and laundry items to South Carolina State’s Pack the Pantry to help students with basic needs. Public Health Monitoring: CDC says COVID-19 activity is increasing in many states, including South Carolina, though overall levels remain very low.

Hospital Recognition: Beaufort Memorial earned a 2026-2027 “Best Regional Hospital” nod from U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 7 in South Carolina and highlighting eight high-performing programs. New Care Access: McLeod Health cut the ribbon on a new $90 million inpatient hospital in Carolina Forest, adding 48 overnight beds and aiming to meet rising demand in fast-growing Horry County. Hospital Expansion Watch: Novant Health is moving through Bluffton approvals for a planned $320M, full-service acute-care hospital on an 18-acre site, with construction details still being finalized. Public Health Alerts: FDA issued its strongest warning on a cyclospora-linked lettuce recall, adding Georgia, Tennessee and Texas to the outbreak list. Medication Safety: Baxter recalled multiple injectable drugs after potential fiberglass/metal contamination, warning of serious risks including clotting issues and tissue or organ injury. Rabies Risk: South Carolina health officials confirmed rabies in a skunk and multiple bats across several counties, urging pet vaccination and avoiding wildlife contact. Research Funding: University of Arkansas received a $2.16M NIH grant to study systolic heart failure, partnering with MUSC cardiology experts.

Medical Safety Alert: Baxter recalled multiple injectable drugs, including 0.9% sodium chloride and dextrose used in hospitals and dialysis, after fiberglass or metal contamination was found—South Carolina is among the affected states. Public Health: SC DPH confirmed West Nile virus outbreaks in the Midlands and Lowcountry, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites with repellent, screens, and removing standing water. Rabies Watch: Rabies was confirmed in a skunk and bats across several SC counties, with one person and multiple pets exposed; officials urge keeping vaccinations up to date and avoiding wild animals. Food Assistance Update: South Carolina delayed its Healthy Food SC SNAP restrictions on candy and sugary drinks until Nov. 1 after a USDA directive and court-related fallout. Community Health & Food Security: SC State SGA is running a “Bulldog Pantry” with health and wellness items plus snacks and toiletries for students. Research & Care: A University of Arkansas professor received a $2.16M NIH grant to study systolic heart failure, partnering with MUSC cardiology experts. Workforce: PruittHealth celebrated Senior CNA graduates, highlighting career ladders that expand skills and leadership in patient care.

Pedestrian Safety: Coastal Carolina University student Kalina Trent, 21, died after a hit-and-run while crossing Highway 544 near campus; officials and lawmakers have debated long-term fixes for years as the road sees heavy traffic. Public Health: South Carolina DPH confirmed two new West Nile virus outbreaks—four cases in the Midlands and two in the Lowcountry—prompting mosquito-control guidance and increased local spraying. Maternal Health: A South Carolina midwife and doula team are working to reduce preventable maternal deaths, highlighting how midwifery and doula support can complement traditional care. Child Safety Online: Meta reached a major multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, with South Carolina expected to receive over $245M and new safety requirements for minors. Food Access: FoodShare South Carolina opened a Sumter hub offering low-cost produce boxes to help families facing food insecurity. Healthcare Leadership: Atrium Health Navicent named Elmer Polite president for Middle Georgia hospitals and care sites. Research Watch: USC researchers report nanoparticle therapy that may regenerate neurons and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s mice.

Child Safety & Social Media: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate settlement worth up to $17.1B over claims Facebook and Instagram were built to be addictive and harmful to teens, with South Carolina set to receive at least about $247M; the deal requires teen protections like daily time limits and overnight access blocks, plus stronger parent controls. Mental Health Policy: NAMI South Carolina is holding its State Mental Health Conference Sept. 3 in Columbia, bringing legislators and advocates together to push for better mental health resources statewide. Public Health Alerts: SC DPH confirmed West Nile virus outbreaks in both the Midlands and Lowcountry, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites and reduce standing water. Measles Watch: Pennsylvania reported two measles deaths as cases surge nationwide, with South Carolina among states seeing high confirmed case counts this year. Care Transparency: A new SC Child Care website lets parents look up licensing status, inspection history, and background-check basics for day care facilities. Workforce Impact: After an MLily fire, Scout Motors is hosting info sessions for displaced workers in South Carolina.

Alligator Escape in the Lowcountry: A 31-year-old triathlete training in the Savannah River near South Carolina’s 324 East Shoreline Drive survived an alligator bite after forcing the animal to release his arm by poking its eye, then getting help from bystanders and emergency responders. Alzheimer’s Community Talk: Orcas Senior Center is hosting a Sept. 9 discussion with Dr. Robert Rubey on how understanding of Alzheimer’s has evolved, followed by Q&A. Upstate Affordable Housing Summit: CommunityWorks is holding an Aug. 27 Upstate Affordable Housing Summit and workshop at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park to connect housing experts and funding partners. Measles Warning Beyond SC: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles deaths in Lancaster County, both in unvaccinated residents, as cases surge nationwide and officials stress MMR vaccination. Local Health Impact—Job Loss After Plant Fire: Healthcare SC says its Winnsboro MLILY mattress facility will permanently close after an Aug. 16 fire, ending operations and affecting 254 workers. SC Senate Politics With Health Stakes: Darline Graham won the GOP runoff to replace Lindsey Graham, setting up a November matchup with Dr. Annie Andrews, who is pushing for debates on lowering costs and protecting health care and rural hospitals.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles deaths in Lancaster County, both unvaccinated, underscoring how quickly the virus can spread and how preventable severe outcomes are with MMR vaccination. Local Health & Safety: South Carolina’s Greenville County Schools is holding a transportation job fair to fill bus driver and aide openings, with pay and benefits listed as districts continue to battle staffing shortages. Autism Care Access: Action Behavior Centers’ ABC Academy is expanding across Texas, adding more school-age ABA support for children with autism. Consumer Protection: South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is offering a “Thinking About Solar?” webinar and guidance on contract rights, cancellation rules, and red flags for solar scams. Maternal Health Costs: A new cost roundup ranks Louisiana among the cheapest states for childbirth, highlighting how network status and delivery type can swing out-of-pocket bills. Healthcare Policy/Payments: A federal Medicaid pricing model for weight-loss drugs remains unclear for states, with no participating Medicaid agencies named yet. Workforce & Community: A Winnsboro mattress factory fire led to plans to terminate more than 250 employees, with the plant’s future described as uncertain.

Food Safety Alert (South Carolina): CDC says an alfalfa-sprout outbreak tied to E. coli (STEC) has reached South Carolina, with one confirmed case and likely more unreported, raising flags for symptoms like bloody diarrhea and severe illness. Public Health (Cancer Care): MUSC Hollings Cancer Center highlights that quitting smoking as soon as a cancer diagnosis is made can improve treatment effectiveness and survival, with patients referred quickly to tobacco-cessation specialists. Community Health (Heart Failure): Prisma Health is hosting a free heart failure webinar Aug. 26, aimed at helping patients and caregivers recognize symptoms and manage care. Infectious Disease (Rare Amoeba): Reports from Louisiana describe an 8-year-old’s death from Naegleria fowleri after warm freshwater exposure—rare, but a reminder to avoid contaminated water in hot weather. Local Wellness & Safety: A North Augusta Ironman practice swimmer survived an alligator attack by gouging the reptile’s eye, underscoring the need for caution during river training. Health Workforce (Education): Clemson held its inaugural veterinary white coat ceremony, expanding South Carolina’s pipeline for animal health professionals.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA say an outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including South Carolina, with E. coli and salmonella involved; four people have been hospitalized and Everything Sprouts has issued a recall. Public Health: South Carolina’s rabies risk is rising in the CSRA, with Aiken County reporting multiple confirmed cases and post-exposure treatment costs that can run into the thousands without insurance. Infectious Disease: Measles continues to spread nationally, with South Carolina still among the highest in case counts, while other states report sharp jumps—raising renewed calls to check MMR status before school resumes. Local Care Access: Charleston Plastic Surgery added Dr. Craig Blum, expanding specialty capacity for patients in the Lowcountry. Community Safety: A Savannah River alligator attack in Georgia is a reminder to avoid risky water behavior and never feed wildlife. Health & Wellness Lifestyle: A dietitian’s “eat a peach every day” experiment highlights how simple seasonal produce can support healthier routines.

Kidney Wellness: MUSC nephrologist Dr. Anthony Kent shares practical lifestyle routines to support healthy kidneys, including how hydration and blood pressure regulation affect long-term kidney health. Public Health & Safety: A South Carolina nursing home faces allegations after an 83-year-old resident was found swarmed by fire ants following an alleged unsupervised walk-out through an unlocked door. Vaccines & Outbreak Risk: A new look at childhood immunization shows states and parents are pushing back against Trump’s proposed limits on recommended childhood vaccines, as measles cases remain a major concern. Food Recalls: Publix frozen berry products tied to possible E. coli risk were upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level; separate reporting says no recalled berries were supplied to the UAE. Infectious Disease Lab Watch: Researchers report live H5N1 was isolated from fetal bovine serum used in lab cell culture, raising biosafety and quality-control scrutiny for lab workflows. Local Health Tech: Novant Health expands primary care with AI-enhanced virtual options, adding 24/7 access and tools to streamline patient intake and answer questions. Community Health: Charleston County School Board filings closed with 15 candidates seeking five seats, keeping local education leadership in focus for families.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA and CDC say recalled alfalfa sprouts linked to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak have sickened 55 people across 15 states, with 4 hospitalizations; South Carolina is among the affected states, and shoppers are urged to check for Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand products. Local Health Access: Novant Health is expanding primary care in North and South Carolina with 24/7 AI-enhanced virtual options, including tools meant to streamline visits and answer patient questions using medical records. Mental Health in the Upstate: Dr. Annie Andrews will attend the 2026 Upstate Black Women’s Mental Health Forum in Greenville, focusing on access to care and lowering prescription costs for women and families of color. Community Support: Hope Missions of the Upstate reports a sharp rise in eviction-related requests for help in late July, driven by high housing costs and limited rental availability. Public Safety & Health: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Townville after an armed woman was shot and later died; no officers were injured.

Food Safety Alert: Everything Sprouts LLC recalled specific alfalfa sprout products after a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak sickened 55 people across 15 states; four were hospitalized and no deaths reported. Local Health & Safety: A Charleston County hit-and-run on I-26 injured two deputies and a motorcyclist; all were released after treatment and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating. Community Wellness: We Are Sharing Hope SC hosted its fifth annual Community Health Fair in West Ashley, connecting residents with physical and mental health resources, plus organ donation info. Public Health Watch: Jasper County’s population jumped 6% (2024–2025), driving demand for parks, trails, and youth recreation programs. Health Care Education: Presbyterian College’s School of Pharmacy welcomed its Class of 2030 with a White Coat ceremony emphasizing service and compassion. Workplace/Environmental Risk: A Winnsboro farmer filed suit against Healthcare SC over the MLily factory fire, alleging chemical contamination of land, crops, and nearby water.

Food Safety Alert: Federal and state health officials say a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including South Carolina, with four hospitalizations and no deaths reported so far. FDA Recall Update: Separately, Publix’s frozen berry recall has been upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level (Class 1) over E. coli concerns, with 12 illnesses and four hospital stays reported. Local Health & Safety: A woman died after falling off a golf cart in Surfside Beach; minor injuries were reported in a separate Horry County vehicle flip. Public Health & Schools: New CDC data shows kindergarten vaccination rates dipped as exemptions hit a record high, raising renewed concerns after recent measles lessons. Community Wellness: A Hampton County nonprofit hosted a fishing clinic for more than 20 families, mixing outdoor skills with healthy waterways and stewardship.

Vaccine Watch: CDC data show kindergarten vaccination rates slipping as non-medical exemptions hit a record high, with experts warning the drop could fuel measles risk. Food Safety: FDA/CDC linked a growing multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts; 55 people sick and 4 hospitalized, with South Carolina among affected states—health officials urge people to discard recalled sprouts and sanitize surfaces. Recall Alert: Publix frozen berries tied to possible E. coli contamination were upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level (Class I); products were sold in multiple states including South Carolina, with reported illnesses and hospitalizations. Public Health & Prevention: Separate coverage highlights measles outbreaks and renewed calls for back-to-school vaccinations after rising exemptions. Local Health Justice: A Charleston jury acquitted a former substitute teacher accused of molesting a West Ashley student, closing a high-profile case. Health in the Spotlight: Ongoing reporting on Hayden Panettiere’s death includes new claims about Narcan being administered before CPR, while authorities say the cause remains under investigation.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA says a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people in 15 states, including South Carolina, with four hospitalizations; investigators say most patients reported eating sprouts from Minnesota grower Everything Sprouts under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Recall Watch: FDA also upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise berries to its highest-risk Class I status over possible E. coli contamination; the recall includes specific 10- and 48-ounce blueberry and mixed-berry packs shipped across multiple states, including SC, and officials warn not to eat affected products. Infectious Disease: Measles continues to surge nationally, with Pennsylvania reporting 89 new cases in a week; health experts point to low vaccination coverage as outbreaks spread. Public Health & Safety: South Carolina marks Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, urging residents to recognize overdose signs and keep naloxone on hand. Local Health: SC’s Department of Public Health reports a rabid raccoon in Aiken; officials note vaccines remain the best protection and warn about animal exposure.

Immunization Push: South Carolina health officials used National Immunization Awareness Month to urge families to catch up on routine vaccines, pointing to lessons from the state’s measles outbreak and warning that back-to-school dips can let preventable diseases spread fast. Food Safety Alert: The FDA upgraded a Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry recall to its highest-risk Class I after E. coli concerns linked to a multistate outbreak, with 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations reported; consumers are told not to eat affected berries. Maternal Mental Health: Neutrogena responded to backlash tied to former ambassador Hayden Panettiere’s postpartum depression claims, admitting it made her “feel unsupported” and saying it will invest in a community health partner to expand access to postpartum depression support. Local Care Expansion: Keystone Substance Abuse Services rebranded as Keystone Behavioral Health in York County, expanding beyond substance misuse treatment to add more behavioral health services. Research Spotlight: UNC-led work in western North Carolina found tick bacteria linked to Lyme disease at rates comparable to the Northeast, underscoring rising tickborne risk in the region. Workforce & Training: CHEST and APCCMPD selected a Medical University of South Carolina educator, Anna Brady, MD, as the 2027 mentor for a diversity fellowship and opened applications for mentees.