AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Alert: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry recalls to its highest risk “Class I” level after suspected E. coli contamination sickened 12 people and hospitalized 4; the affected 10-oz and 48-oz packs (distributed in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA) may still be in freezers until Feb. 9, 2028, and shoppers are urged to check UPCs and discard/return. Local Public Health: Charleston researchers say Vibrio vulnificus is present in Charleston Harbor, with higher counts in summer tied to warmer water—reminding residents that even small skin injuries after exposure can become serious fast. Workplace Health Law: South Carolina signed a seizure first-aid bill requiring the Department of Public Health to create evidence-based materials and post them for state workplaces to improve response and reduce stigma. Health & Wellness Education: A native-plant reminder highlights how planting local trees, grasses, and flowers can support pollinators and improve erosion and water quality across South Carolina. Ongoing Investigation (Health Context): Greenville authorities say actress Hayden Panettiere died after emergency crews found her unresponsive and in cardiac arrest; toxicology and cause of death are still pending, while reports say the DEA has joined the investigation.

Public Health & Safety: MUSC is moving ahead with a statewide telemedicine clinical trial for a new drug aimed at treating COVID-19 and other respiratory virus symptoms early, with up to 3,000 South Carolinians expected to participate. Food Safety: Publix expanded its GreenWise frozen berry recall after FDA upgraded the risk to its highest level (Class I) for possible E. coli O145 contamination; consumers are urged to discard or return affected blueberries and mixed berries. Infectious Disease: Georgia confirmed a new measles case, its seventh this year, as kindergarten vaccination coverage and exemptions remain below levels needed to prevent spread—an alert for South Carolina families heading back to school. Local Health Care: Tidelands Health Gastroenterology added board-certified Dr. Meghan Malone in Georgetown for digestive care and colon cancer screening. Community Wellness Event: The Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour is set for Aug. 29 in North Charleston, offering health information and expert-led sessions. Health Policy & Access: A new SNAP crackdown bans certain “junk foods” in multiple states, including South Carolina, limiting what can be bought with benefits. Workplace/Transport Risk: A school bus driver was placed on administrative leave after a crash into a home in Orangeburg County involving 42 students.

Health & Safety Recall: Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is voluntarily recalling select Outshine frozen fruit bars sold in South Carolina after reports they may contain glass pieces; affected flavors include strawberry, watermelon, grape, tangerine and black cherry in specific 6-pack sizes, with no illnesses reported as of Aug. 16. Public Health Access: September SNAP payments are rolling out nationwide with varying state dates; the federal program provides monthly EBT benefits for eligible households, with maximum allotments for 2026 ranging from $298 (one person) up to $994 (four people). Local Care Quality: Beaufort Memorial earned a top-hospital nod in Forbes’ inaugural “Top Hospitals by State” rankings, citing CMS-based measures including outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience. Infectious Disease Watch: Georgia confirmed a new measles case tied to low kindergarten vaccination coverage; CDC data show exemptions rising nationally, and Georgia’s rate remains below the level needed for community protection. Community Health Event: A Columbia event is set to focus on Medicare and mental health coverage, offering residents a chance to ask questions. Food & Allergy Alert: A vegan cheddar puff recall expanded after complaints of undeclared milk from related products, with the FDA tracing the issue to an ingredient supplier level. Local News: A school bus crash in Orangeburg County sent the bus driver and 18 students to a hospital for evaluation; officials say no serious injuries were reported.

Maternal Health & Public Safety: South Carolina’s new seizure first aid law (Act 229) requires the Department of Public Health to create evidence-based seizure response materials and post them across workplaces and agencies. Nutrition Access: The state budget now funds free school breakfasts for every K-12 student, aiming to support learning with healthier morning meals. SNAP Health Pilot: Starting Aug. 31, South Carolina’s Healthy Food SC pilot will limit SNAP purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages (diet/zero-sugar drinks still allowed). Diabetes Research: A new mouse trial reports Type 1 diabetes reversal by reprogramming the immune system to protect insulin-producing cells. Infectious Disease Watch: A new measles case in Georgia is prompting contact tracing and renewed reminders about vaccination. Local Health News: A Greenville-area school bus crash sent dozens of students for evaluation, with many released after checks. Healthcare Business: Dignity Health named a new hospital president for its San Bernardino facilities, signaling leadership changes in regional care.

Public Health & Nutrition: MUSC’s Dr. Joshua Neal says healthy home cooking helps people manage chronic conditions by letting them control ingredients, cut ultra-processed foods, and reduce hidden sodium. Cardiovascular Care: New U.S. cholesterol guidelines urge earlier, more comprehensive treatment of harmful blood fats to lower lifetime heart-attack and stroke risk. Addiction & Safety (National, with local relevance): After actress Hayden Panettiere died at 36 in Greenville, police say there were no signs of foul play and an autopsy found no trauma; dispatch audio and reports mention a possible overdose and Narcan was found at the scene, while the official cause is still pending. Maternal/Child Health: A Monroe, N.C. case highlights the risks of unsafe sleep after police charged a mother in an infant death tied to co-sleeping. Community Health: South Carolina DSS is rolling out healthy food programs aimed at improving habits among SNAP participants. Workplace Safety: A Cherokee County sanitation worker died after falling from a garbage truck on his first day.

Public Health Alert: South Carolina DPH says a cat found near Old Greenville and Liberty highways in Liberty tested positive for rabies; two people were exposed and referred to healthcare providers. SNAP Nutrition Policy: SCDSS will launch Healthy Food SC, a two-year SNAP pilot starting Aug. 31 that restricts purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages; diet and zero sugar drinks stay allowed. Mental Health & Community Care: Pearl Behavioral Health in Hilton Head points to a late-summer rise in anxiety and mood issues as school and seasonal routines shift. Local Safety: Health officials urge caution after a raccoon bite in the Columbia County area; the animal was captured and sent for rabies testing. Health Systems/Workforce: Winthrop University says it completed its 2025-26 strategic plan, including a new health sciences bachelor’s degree set for a soft launch this fall. Medical/Wellness Note: A Greenville County coroner update says no trauma was found in the autopsy of actress Hayden Panettiere; cause and manner remain pending.

Public Health & Safety: Greenville police say actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at Judson Mill Lofts and pronounced dead at the scene; an “acquaintance” made the 911 call, and investigators report no signs of foul play so far, with the case now handled with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. Cancer Care Research (SC): MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researchers discussed new findings that many advanced lung cancer patients never receive treatment despite care breakthroughs, pointing to gaps in access and follow-through. Community Health Access: HopeHealth marked National Health Center Week with partner events in Florence, highlighting how community clinics and collaborations support local well-being. Medical Transport: Brown Health’s LifePACT critical care transport team earned national accreditation, underscoring safety and care standards for critically ill patients during transport. Workforce & Costs: North Augusta credit union leaders warn “financial pressure is real,” linking housing costs and wage gaps to hiring and small-business risk. Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection updates show one Charleston County food/cosmetics firm and one Lexington County food/cosmetics firm received July inspections with no action or voluntary action indicated.

Extreme Heat Safety: The Red Cross is assisting a Summerville family after a house fire and is also urging South Carolinians to protect themselves during peak summer heat, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, infants, children, and athletes. Public Health Inspections (FDA): FDA records show one Lexington County-area facility—US Foods, Inc.—received a July inspection with “Voluntary Action Indicated,” while Horry County’s The Blood Connection, Inc. had a July inspection with “No Action Indicated,” and Pickens County’s Cerelia - US Waffle Company, Inc. also saw “No Action Indicated.” Community Health & Safety: Coastal Carolina University students were hospitalized after a Sunday hit-and-run near campus housing; a 17-year-old faces felony DUI and hit-and-run charges. Water Safety: A York man died after drowning in the Broad River near Blacksburg; friends said he couldn’t swim. Wildlife Wellness: Kiawah Island is logging a standout sea turtle nesting season, with about 495 nests counted so far.

Long-Term Care Costs: A new report highlights how the price of nursing homes and other long-term care keeps climbing, leaving families scrambling for coverage and money. Vaccine Safety & Misinformation: Letters and commentary push back on vaccine misinformation and warn that political fights over childhood shots can put children at risk. Extreme Heat Preparedness: Multiple outlets flag dangerous heat across the Carolinas and urge hydration, cooling breaks, and local cooling-center resources. Public Health Threats (Ticks/Lyme): A CDC-linked study finds high Lyme-causing bacteria rates in blacklegged ticks in a western North Carolina town, underscoring the need for better clinician awareness and tick checks. Food Safety Recalls: FDA recall updates continue to warn consumers about salmonella-linked products, including eggs and jalapeño-based items. Caregiver Neglect Case: SLED says two workers at a Summerville support facility left a vulnerable adult strapped to a toilet with a leaking feeding tube for an hour before getting help, leading to neglect charges. Local Health & Safety: A Greenville County head-on crash killed a motorcyclist; separate reports note a fatal pedestrian crash in Horry County. Environment & Health: Tree Check Month urges residents to inspect for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle to protect hardwoods. Wildlife Hope: Kiawah Island logged nearly 500 sea turtle nests this season, a bright spot for conservation efforts.

Lyme Risk in the Carolinas: A CDC report found nearly 40% of adult blacklegged ticks collected in a western North Carolina town tested positive for the Lyme bacteria, raising concerns that clinicians trained to see Lyme as “mostly northern” may miss cases. Heat Safety: Extreme heat advisories and warnings are pushing triple-digit heat index values across the Carolinas and nearby regions, with local governments opening cooling resources and urging hydration, shade, and checks on kids, seniors, and pets. Food Assistance in Rural NC: A rural North Carolina district is delivering free summer meals directly to families via school nutrition staff driving set routes—tacos and breakfast included—so children can eat even when school is out. Public Health Policy Debate: California health officials defended the standard childhood vaccine schedule after a federal push to separate MMR shots into multiple visits. Injury & Care: Clemson freshman safety Polo Anderson tore his ACL during practice and is expected to miss the 2026 season. Food Recall Watch: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level after salmonella illnesses spread across multiple states. Local Tragedy: Horry County coroner identified a Massachusetts woman who died after being hit while crossing Highway 707.

Extreme Heat Safety: South Carolina and the wider Southeast are under heat warnings, with officials urging frequent water breaks, shade, and checking on elderly people, kids, and pets; Savannah is running cooling centers during the hottest hours. Measles & Vaccines: CDC reports 2,566 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2026, with most cases tied to unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status, as federal guidance shifts raise new concerns for immunity gaps. Food Safety Recalls: FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level after salmonella illnesses and hospitalizations; Lidl is recalling a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix sold in SC and other states. Public Health Benefits Policy: South Carolina’s Healthy Food SC SNAP changes take effect Aug. 31, limiting purchases of items with little nutritional value like candy and sugary drinks. Diabetes Research: MUSC-linked mouse trial work suggests reprogramming the immune system could reverse Type 1 diabetes by protecting insulin-producing cells. Local Care & Health Infrastructure: MUSC moved forward on a $1B cancer hospital in downtown Charleston, aiming to support future National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center status. Veteran Health Access: A South Carolina veteran is pushing state lawmakers to require insurance coverage for activity-specific athletic prosthetics.

Heat Safety: South Carolina DPH is warning residents to take extreme heat seriously as a prolonged hot stretch brings major to extreme risk of heat illness, with officials urging hydration, checking on neighbors, and watching pets. West Nile Update: Georgetown County mosquito testing found West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes, prompting increased county spraying and reminders to use repellent and avoid bites. Measles Watch: CDC reports 2,566 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2026, with South Carolina tied to a large outbreak and most cases in unvaccinated or unknown-status people. Foodborne Illness: Cyclosporiasis cases keep rising (13,895 lab-confirmed), and FDA is inspecting processing sites in Mexico tied to recalled produce. Maternal Care Access: A March of Dimes report says maternity care deserts affect more than 180,000 women across Georgia and South Carolina, straining NICUs and specialist availability. Local Health Care Growth: MUSC is moving ahead with a $1B cancer hospital in downtown Charleston and also marked the topping-out of its new College of Medicine building. Prosthetics Coverage: An S.C. veteran is pushing lawmakers to require insurance coverage for athletic prosthetics so amputees can stay active.

Maternal Health Access: A March of Dimes report flags “maternity care deserts” affecting more than 180,000 women across Georgia and South Carolina, with distance to labor-and-delivery services driving missed care and added costs. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix jar after Salmonella showed up in routine testing; no illnesses reported, but only one lot/UPC is affected. Hospital Quality: Beaufort Memorial Hospital earned a top-10 statewide spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Hospitals list, with rankings tied to outcomes like infections and readmissions. Public Health Policy: A new federal push on childhood vaccines is drawing scrutiny, including calls to split MMR into separate shots—an approach experts say lacks support. Community Health & Support: The AFSP York County Out of the Darkness Walk is set for Sept. 12 in Fort Mill, aiming to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Local Health Ecosystem: MUSC leadership search prompts reflection on the value of a health-sciences-only university focused on training and research.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA says Frankie’s Organic Plant-Based Vegan Cheddar Puffs were recalled in 3 states after reports of allergic reactions tied to undeclared milk; Child Safety: CPSC warns parents about fake squishy toys sold online and in stores, citing choking hazards and possible lead or banned chemicals; Salmonella Outbreak: Whole Foods and other retailers expanded jalapeño-related recalls tied to a salmonella outbreak linked to peppers distributed from Mexico, with hundreds sickened across dozens of states; Local Health Care: Beaufort Memorial Hospital earned a statewide U.S. News Best Regional Hospitals ranking, highlighting outcomes and patient survey measures; Community Wellness: Ridgeway’s Word Alive Worship Center hosts a free Community Health & Wellness Fair with Prisma Health, Lexington Health, and BlueCross BlueShield offering screenings and family resources; Public Health Policy: Canada’s pediatric and public health groups say Trump’s new childhood vaccine spacing order isn’t supported by evidence and urge families not to delay shots. Injury Update: A deputy was hurt in an Upstate crash while running radar, and a separate watercraft incident in Horry County left one person critically injured.

Vaccine Policy Watch: A new report from metro Atlanta medical experts warns that President Trump’s proposed changes to childhood vaccines could be risky and not grounded in strong public health policy, as parents weigh the feasibility of shifting from the current schedule. Food Safety Alerts: Whole Foods announced a salmonella-related recall of jalapeño-containing salsas and dips in 12 states, tied to jalapeños linked to a broader outbreak; separately, Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible salmonella contamination. Cyclospora in Schools: Orangeburg County schools say they’re following CDC food-safety guidance and vetting vendors as Cyclospora concerns continue, with no menu items removed and added breakfast access. Stroke Belt Reminder: South Carolina is in the “Stroke Belt,” and local clinicians stress “time is brain” for treatment—urging residents to recognize stroke signs and seek care fast. Extreme Heat: Beaufort County issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Thursday with heat index values expected at 113°F or higher, urging residents to take precautions. Local Health & Wellness: Clemson and state officials ask residents to report suspected yellow-legged hornets to protect pollinators, as nest removals surge in Beaufort County. Community Health Careers: SC State received nearly $600,000 from a $10 million NSF initiative to expand STEM research and workforce pathways. Public Safety: Horry County reported a pedestrian crash with critical injuries and a separate crash into an apartment unit that sent one person to the hospital.

Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination, warning it can cause serious illness in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Salmonella Watch: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-related Salmonella recall after 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations, with products sold across major retailers including Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Public Health: The U.S. is seeing record measles levels, with experts pointing to lower vaccination rates as outbreaks spread; South Carolina is among states reporting cases. Immunization Policy: A Trump executive order scaling back childhood vaccine schedules is drawing legal and political pushback, including threats aimed at states that allow nonmedical exemptions. Local Care & Workforce: USC is expanding a program to prepare future nursing faculty statewide, aiming to help train about 300 more nurses by 2030. Community Grants: Greenville Health Authority awarded $119,000 in micro grants to 14 nonprofits supporting mental health, wellness, youth safety, and nutrition access. Women’s Health Access: Tidelands Health added Dr. Brent Baroody to its OB/GYN practice in Georgetown-area offices. Recall Alert (Personal Care): Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip mousse was recalled in multiple states, including South Carolina, after reports of a potential packaging issue that could leak under pressure.