AGP Executive Report

Hospital Quality Watch: A new national analysis of CMS HCAHPS ratings finds Wisconsin hospitals lead the country for patient experience (4.06/5), while Florida, New Jersey and New York land at the bottom—useful context for Iowans tracking how care feels on the ground. NICU Fundraiser: The University of Iowa opened registration for the Iowa Ladies’ Football Academy: Wave Edition on June 12, 2027 at Kinnick Stadium; $100 registration plus at least $750 fundraising will benefit the Stead Family Children’s Hospital NICU. Stroke Care Tech: OSF HealthCare is expanding AI tools for potential stroke patients across its hospital network, including rural sites, aiming to improve CT scan interpretation and speed decisions. Cancer Care Milestone: UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital’s Community Cancer Center marks 10 years, reporting more than 105,500 patient encounters since 2016. Cardiac Rehab Expansion: Orange City Area Health System added Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation, pairing supervised exercise with nutrition and stress-management education. Suicide Prevention in Rural Iowa: A Midwest “Farm Dog” initiative is tackling mental health stigma in farming communities with resources and “calm kits” after a personal loss. Community Health & Belonging: Johnson County’s Welcoming Week returns Sept. 10–19 with events including a Healthy Aging Fair and resource fairs.

Cancer Care & Screening: The Iowa Cancer Summit on Oct. 13 at DMACC will spotlight new cancer detection methods, including multi-cancer early screening tests (not yet FDA-approved), plus how water quality and other environmental factors may connect to cancer rates. Public Health & Food Security: A new report highlights that millions of older Americans don’t have enough to eat, with high food prices pushing some seniors toward cheaper diets and even skipping medication. Health Systems & Community Impact: LCHC is investing $1.6 million in community health and strengthening Lucas County’s economy, underscoring how local health funding can ripple beyond clinics. Opioids & Grants: Iowa’s opioid settlement funds are continuing to flow, including $1.6 million in grants statewide, as the state ramps up addiction-fighting support. Safety & Care Access: A child was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after being found unresponsive in Scott County; investigators are looking into what happened. Environment & Health Risks: Iowa regulators are investigating murky, ammonia-heavy water in Dry Branch Creek after a fish kill, with staff noting a strong manure smell and dead fish.

Opioid Response Funding: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced more than $1.6 million in opioid settlement grants, including $919,000 for St. Vincent de Paul to support people leaving Polk County jail and $300,000 for Sioux City’s Warming Shelter to help those facing substance abuse. Kratom Warning: Gov. Kim Reynolds is urging Iowans not to buy kratom, citing 16 kratom-related deaths since early 2026 and warning that some synthetic versions can be far more potent than morphine. Rural Hospital Impact: Lucas County Health Center says it delivered $1.6 million in community benefits in 2025, including 21,467 community service encounters and support for 432 jobs—highlighting how rural care can drive local economies. Access to Care in Rural Iowa: A rural pharmacy owner says federal action is needed to keep the store open, blaming low reimbursement from insurers and the PBM system. Public Health Watch: Iowa health officials confirmed three new measles cases, adding to ongoing concerns for the state. Community Health & Wellness: LCHC also released new data on its community benefit work, reinforcing its role in improving health close to home.

Public Health—Measles Update: Iowa HHS confirmed three new measles cases, bringing the state total to 22 this year, with most cases in southern Iowa and listed exposure locations shared by the agency. Healthcare Workforce—Allina Strike Notice: More than 150 Allina Health physicians at Unity and Mercy hospitals filed a 10-day strike notice after three years without a contract, with a walkout planned Sept. 14–17. Immigration Services—Federal Funding Strain: Iowa immigration advocates say shrinking federal support is thinning legal services, leaving some people unable to find representation as deportation and benefits issues pile up. Community Wellness—Senior & Disability Expo: The Illinois Iowa Center for Independent Living will host its 16th Senior and Disability Expo Sept. 11 in Rock Island-area Bally’s Convention Center, with free screenings and scam-prevention info. Safety & Mental Health—Crash and Suicide Reports: A motorcyclist died after a crash with an SUV in Council Bluffs, and Waverly police reported a death near the Waverly Rail Trail that appears to be suicide, urging use of 988.

SNAP Strain on Refugees: Iowa’s refugee families say SNAP cuts are pushing them toward food pantries as benefits become harder to access, with one man describing being “lost” and resorting to eating bread when money runs out. Kratom Safety Push: Gov. Kim Reynolds and state officials warn Iowans about kratom and synthetic 7-OH products, calling for a total ban and urging people not to assume “natural” means safe. Measles Watch: Health officials continue stressing vaccination as measles cases rise in Iowa and nearby areas, including new counts reported by state and local departments. Food Safety & Inspections: A Bettendorf restaurant was cited for multiple risk-factor violations, including expired and undated food, excess debris, and improper storage practices. Road Safety Tragedies: A head-on crash in Mitchell County killed two people and airlifted a third to Mayo Clinic; another death was reported near the Waverly Rail Trail, with police saying it appears to be suicide. Maternal Care Update: UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital Community Cancer Center marked 10 years, highlighting ongoing cancer support in the region.

Heat & Public Health: Eastern Iowa is under dangerous heat and humidity through Saturday, with heat index values around 100–110 degrees, raising risks for outdoor workers, kids, and older adults. Measles Watch: Iowa HHS confirmed additional measles cases, bringing Iowa’s total to 22 as officials urge vaccination and prompt reporting after exposure. Opioid Funding: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced $1.6 million in opioid settlement grants, including $317,000 to Cerro Gordo County, as the state continues distributing funds. Cancer Care Access: Compass Memorial Healthcare Oncology and Hematology Clinic in Marengo earned Iowa’s Center of Excellence in Cancer Care designation, supported by a $500,000 rural health grant to expand oncology capabilities. Maternal & Child Health: Des Moines University held a White Coat Ceremony for 456 students starting health careers, while Stead Family Children’s Hospital honored a 6-year-old “Kid Captain” with MPS 1 ahead of the Iowa football opener. Food & Pet Safety: Revival Animal Health recalled feline milk replacers due to nutrient deficiencies that can be fatal to newborn kittens. Health Policy & Regulation: Iowa will launch a vapor products directory after a court lifted an injunction; only listed products can be sold in Iowa, with penalties tied to the Health Care Trust Fund.

Measles Alert: Iowa HHS confirmed 3 more measles cases, bringing Iowa’s total to 22, as officials stress vaccination and urge anyone with symptoms to call ahead before visiting care. Regional Outbreak Watch: In neighboring southwest Wisconsin, measles cases surged to 142 (136 confirmed, 6 probable), with Iowa County and Lafayette County hit hardest—health leaders warn the highly contagious virus is spreading among close contacts. Public Health Guidance: Wisconsin and Iowa both reiterated that the MMR shot is the best protection, with school-age kids and those not fully vaccinated most at risk. Substance Safety: Gov. Kim Reynolds renewed calls for a total statewide ban on kratom and synthetic 7-OH products, citing rising deaths and warning about dependence and withdrawal risks. Rural Mental Health: A new Midwest project, Farm Dog, is working to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health support for farmers during Suicide Prevention Month. Cancer Care Milestone: UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital’s Community Cancer Center in Waterloo marked 10 years of local, coordinated oncology services. Food Insecurity: Northeast Iowa Food Bank launched Hunger Action Month efforts, highlighting tens of thousands facing food insecurity and inviting community volunteering and advocacy.

Measles Watch: Iowa health officials report measles cases have climbed to 22, with many linked to known exposures and a possible recent risk at Sunnyside Country Store in Bloomfield (Aug. 15); officials urge people who were there to monitor symptoms and stress vaccination is the best protection. Mental Health Access: Classroom Clinic is expanding telehealth children’s mental health services across Iowa schools, now serving 56 school districts and logging nearly 12,000 appointments last year. Opioid Funding: Iowa’s attorney general announced $1.6 million in opioid settlement grants, including additional state support aimed at addiction treatment and prevention. Heat Safety: Dubuque extended public cooling center hours through Friday as heat index readings top 100, with guidance for high-risk residents. Correctional Health & Safety: A Scott County Jail corrections officer was seriously injured in an inmate assault and transferred to UI Hospitals and Clinics; separately, Newton prison staff and inmates were evaluated after chemical adhesive fumes, with operations cleared to resume. Community Care: CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs closed its maternity center, transferring patients to other Omaha-area birth centers.

Opioid funding rollout: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird awarded the first wave of opioid settlement grants—$1.6M+ to five Iowa programs—after criticism over delays, with recipients including Cerro Gordo Public Health (jail harm reduction/peer support), St. Vincent dePaul (re-entry and sobering services), and the Warming Shelter in Sioux City. Kratom crackdown: Iowa confirmed 45 kratom-associated deaths since 2024 and Gov. Kim Reynolds is pushing for a total statewide ban as health officials warn about concentrated/synthetic products linked to opioid-like effects. Perinatal mental health: A Coalville, Iowa mother shared her postpartum journey as the state expands perinatal mental health care—highlighting how quickly symptoms can escalate and the need for better support. Cancer care costs: A report on hospital buyouts of independent oncology practices points to higher patient prices after acquisitions, raising concerns for Iowa cancer patients. Blood supply push: LifeServe Blood Center is urging donations Sept. 10–11 during Iowa-Iowa State rivalry week, offering limited-edition “What Color Do You Bleed” shirts. Access to care in rural Iowa: Coverage highlights how rural mothers with risky pregnancies can be far from needed services as labor and delivery units close across the state. Public health alerts: Iowa measles cases are rising, with guidance to check vaccination status before school.

Kratom crackdown: Iowa health officials are warning about the synthetic drug 7-OH (a concentrated form of kratom), citing 45 confirmed kratom-associated deaths across 23 counties, including 16 in the first seven months of 2026, and urging people to treat gas-station “over the counter” products as unsafe. Medicaid rules pressure: Rheumatology groups say looming Medicaid “community engagement” exemption standards could wrongly restrict care for people with autoimmune conditions, arguing frailty can change with treatment and shouldn’t be treated like a fixed eligibility category. Measles reminders: Iowa is seeing measles cases rise, with public health urging residents to check vaccination status and get MMR if they’re not up to date. Local care updates: Waverly Health Center added board-certified breast care surgeon Dr. Jayson Gesme to expand breast services, and ZoeCare in Yankton announced AAAHC accreditation for its pregnancy center. Heat safety at Kinnick: University of Iowa is rolling out gameday procedures for the Sept. 5 opener, including free refillable water bottles, cooling areas, and on-site medical support. Community health volunteering: Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice is recruiting volunteers with fall training sessions in West Burlington.

Cancer Care & Community: Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois/Voices for Cancer Care hosted a public leaders open house in Davenport, inviting elected officials and candidates to tour the no-cost support space and hear how cancer affects Iowans and families. Health Education Pipeline: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences partnered with Baylor University to create reserved seats and application pathways into multiple DMU graduate health programs, including podiatry, medicine, OT, PT, physician assistant studies, and biomedical sciences. Public Health Preparedness: Iowa County’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with officials urging residents to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms as cases spread in the region. Heat Safety at Kinnick: University of Iowa expanded heat protections for the Sept. 5 Hawkeyes game, including unlimited water bottle access, added cooling areas, and on-site UIHC medical staff and rapid response support. Medicare Help Locally: Floyd County Medical Center will hold a “Welcome to Medicare” seminar with free SHIIP counseling on Sept. 24 for people enrolling in Medicare and families helping with coverage decisions. Workforce & Health Careers: The Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation raised $148,000 at its Swinging for Scholars golf outing to support healthcare scholarships, with 2027 applications opening Nov. 1.

Measles Response Strain: Iowa County public health workers are stretched thin as Wisconsin’s measles surge grows, with daily case work, contact tracing, and vaccination clinic support piling onto a tiny staff. Kratom Crackdown: Iowa officials warn kratom and synthetic 7-OH products are hard to police and point to rising deaths, renewing calls for a statewide ban. Perinatal Mental Health Investment: New funding aims to improve perinatal care for Iowa mothers dealing with anxiety, depression, and severe mental health episodes. Cancer Care Story: A West Des Moines woman’s routine genetic testing led to a chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis, highlighting how early follow-up can change outcomes. Local Health Access: St. Ambrose University’s interprofessional clinic is seeking patients for no-cost rehabilitation services. Public Health Reminders: Health departments urge residents to verify MMR records and call ahead if symptoms appear as measles spreads regionally. Insurance Fraud Alert: Iowa warns of a licensing/identity theft scam targeting people seeking workers’ comp benefits and insurance producer licenses.

Kratom crackdown: Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa HHS/DPS are warning Iowans about kratom and synthetic 7-OH products after Iowa confirmed 45 kratom-associated deaths since 2024, including 16 in the first seven months of 2026, urging a “total ban.” Maternal care access: MercyOne North Iowa is adding two certified nurse midwives to expand pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum support amid Iowa’s maternity-care shortage. Measles watch (regional, Iowa-linked): Wisconsin’s outbreak tied to Grant and Lafayette counties has climbed to 110 confirmed cases (plus 6 probable), with nearly all cases among unvaccinated people; Iowa officials are urging residents to check MMR status and use local vaccine clinics. Heat safety in Dubuque: The city opened 11 cooling centers and warned about heat illness risk as temperatures push into the 90s with heat indexes near/over 100, with some schools dismissing early. Health system billing scrutiny: A report says UI Health Care’s $280M purchase of Mission Cancer + Blood led to higher patient bills after switching to hospital-based billing. Insurance scam alert: Iowa Insurance Division warns of a licensing-credential theft scheme targeting people seeking insurance producer licenses.

Infectious Disease Care: SSM Health added Dr. Deesha Bhojwani, an infectious disease physician, expanding outpatient and inpatient expertise for complex infections, including HIV care and travel medicine. Public Health & Safety: Des Moines reported a deadly overnight house fire that killed two people; an investigation is ongoing. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole recall to its highest threat level (Class I) over potential salmonella risk, with product sold in Iowa. Addiction & Recovery: Hundreds gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for an overdose awareness memorial, calling for an end to stigma and more prevention and treatment support. Community Health Access: Independent pharmacies pushed back on pharmacy benefit managers, arguing PBM practices raise costs and steer patients away from trusted local care. Local Health Education: Iowa City’s “Taste of Iowa City” highlighted local dining—an upbeat reminder of wellness through food culture.

Drug Costs in the Spotlight: An Iowa cancer patient says his medication costs $5,000 here versus far less overseas, pressing governor candidates to tackle drug pricing and PBM practices. Nursing Home Accountability: Iowa fined Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo $53,750 after resident injuries included gangrene and multiple amputations. Food Safety Watch: FDA issued a highest-risk recall for Whole Foods guacamole dip due to possible salmonella contamination, sold in Iowa and other states. Parasite Outbreak Update: Cyclospora infections have surged past 17,000 since May, while federal research support is being scaled back, raising concerns for future tracking. Water & School Meals: A Des Moines Public Schools water line break at its Food and Nutrition Center may mean temporary menu changes while crews clean up. Community Mental Health Training: Des Moines University will host a psychiatry CME conference for non-psychiatric clinicians, aiming to expand mental-health capacity. Oral Health Leadership: Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation announced board leadership changes to support oral and overall health access. Public Health & Nutrition: A Cedar Valley study found nitrate levels in drinking water can vary widely even within the same city, depending on tap location.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin’s outbreak is escalating fast, with confirmed cases in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties jumping from 42 Tuesday to 92 Friday, plus six probable cases—state health officials say spread appears local and urge people to check vaccination status. Food Access Pressure: Iowa food banks warn the SNAP hotline is headed for a funding shortfall starting Oct. 1, when federal support drops and the banks must cover more of the cost amid rising demand. Medicaid Spending Signals: New local Medicaid billing snapshots show continued movement in care categories—examples include rising Vision Services claims in Pella and Burlington, and growth in alcohol and drug abuse treatment billings in Cedar Falls—useful for tracking where public health dollars are flowing. Community Cancer Support: Hundreds rode through Des Moines rain for “Bras for the Cause,” funding mammograms and cervical screenings for uninsured and underinsured Iowans. Local Health Disruption: Des Moines Public Schools said flooding at its Central Nutrition Center may mean temporary cafeteria menu changes, though meals remain free. Workforce Training: A federal Workforce Pell expansion is starting to open doors for short-term health training programs, including an Iowa emergency medical technician program. Public Health Reminder: Adams County health officials are also pushing COVID vaccination and basic prevention steps as cases rise nearby.