AGP Executive Report

New World screwworm: Iowa officials are monitoring the first U.S. case in Texas after USDA confirmed a calf infection, with Iowa State experts noting the parasite isn’t a food-safety risk but is a serious livestock threat; guidance emphasizes wound checks and year-round pet prevention for dogs and cats. Cancer policy: An Iowa legislative session fell short on combating cancer, leaving families facing fast-rising incidence rates without promised public health fixes. Access to care: A free prostate cancer screening is set for Saturday at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, part of ongoing community prevention efforts. Water and health: Iowa’s water pollution is framed as both a public health risk and a threat to summer recreation, while separate local reporting highlights expanded well-water testing outreach in Kandiyohi County. Oncology expansion: Washington County Hospital plans to open an oncology department in 2027. Immigration health oversight: ICE will stop reporting certain detainee deaths after release, raising concerns about transparency into medical neglect. Nutrition support: More than 500 Iowa summer meal sites are offering free lunches for kids and teens.

Organ Donation Spotlight: Fort Dodge family shares how 29-year-old Travis Grazier’s organ donation after a seizure helped save multiple lives, underscoring the real-world impact of signing up. Cancer Care Access: Washington County Hospital and Clinics plans to open an oncology department in January 2027, aiming to bring treatment closer to rural patients with donor support and a major grant. Summer Nutrition: Iowa’s SUN Meals program is back with 530+ free meal sites statewide for kids 18 and under, plus SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) for eligible families. Public Health Screening: Team Blue Iowa is offering free prostate cancer PSA blood tests at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market Saturday, with a quick walk-in process. Livestock Health Alert: Iowa officials are monitoring New World screwworm detections in Texas after USDA confirmed a second case in Zavala County; Naig says there’s no food-safety risk from properly cooked meat. School Safety: A new Iowa law gives teachers more input in handling violent and repeated disruptive behavior, with educators citing safety and serious injury concerns. Transit & Health Equity: Indianola residents react to HIRTA cutting public transit days, raising worries for riders who rely on services to reach care and daily needs.

Summer Nutrition Access: Iowa’s Department of Education says more than 530 sites statewide are offering free SUN Meals—meals and snacks for kids 18 and under—at schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries and camps, with families able to find locations via 2-1-1, 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744. Preventive Care Push: ISU Extension is urging Iowans to keep up routine checkups and screenings as June marks Men’s Health Month, noting small steps like annual physicals, blood work, dental visits, and cancer screenings can catch problems early. Safety for Kids on E-Bikes/Scooters: AAA Iowa’s “E-Ride Ready” campaign warns parents about severe injury risks and calls for proper training and speed-appropriate helmets; two Des Moines hospitals report a sharp rise in e-bike and scooter injuries since 2022. Livestock Health Watch: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the state is monitoring USDA’s confirmation of New World screwworm in Texas and stresses there’s no food-safety risk from properly cooked meat. Cancer Equity Effort: Johnson County Public Health is joining a statewide push to reduce cancer disparities, expanding prevention, screening awareness, radon mitigation, and access—using telehealth tablets in rural areas. Local Healthcare Education: St. Anthony Foundation in west central Iowa awarded $69,000 in healthcare scholarships to 42 students, supporting careers across nursing, pharmacy, EMS, and more.

Health & Care Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare appointed Shanna Stofer, PharmD, MHA, as its new President and CEO, starting July 13. Hospital Quality: Cass Health earned a 5-star CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, one of just seven Iowa hospitals to reach the top mark. Maternal Health: A JAMA study links swapping hours of sitting for light activity and daily steps with lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Community Mental Health: Muscatine’s “Empowering Mental Health Together” fundraiser is set for June 6, with organizers urging people to use local support resources and fight stigma. Public Health & Prevention: Youth groups marked World No Tobacco Day by picking up cigarette butts in Keokuk parks. One Health / Food Safety: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in decades from a Texas calf, with Iowa-linked lab testing and federal containment steps underway. Trauma Training: UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown hosted a trauma simulation day bringing together hospital staff, students, and the Iowa National Guard to practice teamwork and emergency response.

Environmental Health & Research: The University of Iowa launched INSIGHT, a 5-year, $6 million (goal $10 million) effort to track how air and water contaminants like nitrates and PFAS may be driving Iowa’s rising cancer rates and other health issues, including maternal/newborn outcomes and neurodevelopment. Public Health & Air Quality: A NASA-supported study found wildfire smoke is worsening ground-level ozone across the U.S., creating unhealthy air far from where fires burn. Food & Water Safety: Iowa’s new education law (for 2027–28) expands statewide testing to include social studies and updates health education to cover fitness, nutrition, disease prevention, emotional well-being, and safety skills. Animal Health & Human Risk: USDA confirmed the first U.S. New World screwworm case in decades in a South Texas calf, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly releases—raising concerns for livestock, wildlife, and pets. Local Safety: In Poweshiek County, a semi-train crash on Highway 21 killed a 14-year-old and injured his father, with cleanup expected to keep the highway closed for days. Community Health Guidance: A tick-safety reminder urges Iowans to check skin after outdoor time, use repellents and treated clothing, and remove ticks promptly with tweezers.

Environmental Health Research: The University of Iowa is launching INSIGHT, a multi-year effort to track how air and water conditions may be driving Iowa’s rising cancer rates and other health problems, with field sampling and lab work across the state. Public Health Supply: LifeServe warns Iowa is nearing a blood shortage as younger donors fade away, leaving several blood types at under a two-day supply. Maternal & Reproductive Care Access: With Planned Parenthood closed in Ames, local pregnancy services like Obria Medical Clinic and Martha’s House of Hope are stepping in with early testing, ultrasounds, and support. Food Assistance Policy: Iowa signed a law aligning with federal changes that restrict SNAP eligibility for some immigrants, including refugees and people with humanitarian parole. Animal Health Threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in Texas, and the case was confirmed at the Ames lab—raising concerns for livestock and rural economies. Emergency Response & Safety: A semi-truck collision with a train near Victor killed one and seriously injured another, while an officer-involved shooting in West Branch sent a suspect to the hospital.

Health & Safety (Fatal Crash): A semi-truck collision with a train in Poweshiek County killed one person and seriously injured another; the Iowa Interstate train derailed and damaged rails, and Highway 21 was closed for crews to secure the scene. Public Safety (Shooting): Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation is probing an officer-involved shooting in West Branch; officers were not hurt, and the subject is receiving medical care. Maternal Health Research: A new study reports that women who sit more than 10 hours a day during pregnancy face about double the risk of adverse outcomes like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Medicare Access (Supplies): A coalition of patient advocates launched “The High Cost of Low Bids,” urging CMS to pause competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies, warning that lowest-bid purchasing could reduce access and raise complications. Community Health (Youth Sports + Care): The Waterloo Bucks are partnering with Peoples Community Health Clinic on two youth baseball camps (June 13 and Aug. 1), with care provided regardless of ability to pay. Water Stewardship (Iowa Impact): Google announced new water stewardship commitments, including $17 million for projects in Nebraska and Iowa aimed at protecting local water resources.

Iowa Senate Showdown Takes Shape: Democrats picked Josh Turek to challenge GOP Sen. nominee Ashley Hinson in November, with Turek—an Iowa lawmaker and Paralympian—arguing for better access to care and affordability. GOP Primary Upset With Health Stakes: Zach Lahn won the Iowa governor nomination, beating Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra in a close race; Lahn’s pitch included tackling Iowa’s cancer burden and scrutinizing “big ag” and “big pharma.” Blood Supply Push: LifeServe Blood Center is expanding “Blood Donor Days” across June, aiming to offset summer demand spikes and supply dips. Policy Moves From the Capitol: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed final 2026 bills, including an emeritus medical license measure and changes affecting healthcare-related licensing and other public-safety items. Local Health & Safety Notes: A teen was treated after an intoxicated-driving crash in Lawrence and taken to juvenile detention; separately, Iowa’s primary election day also included a range of community updates. Healthcare-Adjacent Legal Watch: A wrongful death lawsuit tied to a COVID-era JBS Marshalltown gathering was dismissed with prejudice, ending claims against named executives.

Community Health Calendar (Winona): Winona Health is hosting upcoming classes and free blood pressure screening clinics, plus its “Basket Bonanza” fundraiser running June 8–19 to support patient and resident health projects. Local Leadership & Care: Winona Health’s longtime family and emergency medicine physician Dr. Wayne Kelly is retiring after 43 years, with an open house June 7 at the Robinson Healing Garden. Public Safety & Health Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Iowa’s “three strikes” law, setting a mandatory seven-year minimum for a third felony, and also signed a ban on warrant resolution clinics after a Polk County case tied to a later killing. Health Workforce & Community Support: A First Responder Center for Excellence mental wellness symposium at the University of Iowa is spotlighting trauma-focused care for first responders, who face elevated suicide risk. Senior Care Expansion: Ensign Group announced it acquired a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, plus a memory care property in California. Iowa Tragedy: Muscatine police say seven people died in a domestic dispute shooting spree, including the suspected gunman.

Rural Health Policy: The Senate unanimously passed the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, extending the Medicare rural hospital payment test for five years—an effort led by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and backed by rural hospital leaders nationwide. Food Assistance: Iowa’s Sun Bucks Summer EBT program will load $120 per child for June–August grocery purchases for families already eligible for free or reduced-price meals, using the same SNAP cards. Cancer Survivorship Support: Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington will run “Survivorship 101,” a nine-week program for cancer survivors starting July 9, with sessions covering nutrition, exercise, intimacy, and anxiety. Community Health Funding: The Otto Schoitz Foundation awarded $1.517M in Cedar Valley grants supporting childcare, healthcare access, housing, and behavioral health. Public Safety—Muscatine Tragedy: Muscatine police say a domestic-related dispute led to a shooting spree across multiple locations, killing six victims plus the suspect. Workplace Rules: A U.S. Department of Labor opinion letter says leaving the worksite during a bona fide meal period doesn’t make the break compensable. Local Healthcare Business: Lucas County Health Center approved selling the Vredenburg Center in Chariton for $500,000, with a prospective buyer planning to keep current tenants.

Nursing Oversight: The Iowa Board of Nursing has filed new disciplinary charges against West Des Moines RN Ranae Fallis, alleging habitual intoxication or addiction and unethical conduct; a July 23 hearing is set. Rural Care Access: The Iowa Primary Care Association will run two June 4 technical assistance sessions in Osceola on co-location and school-based coordinated care, tied to upcoming Iowa HHS rural funding. Diabetes Affordability: OneroRx says it’s now offering Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin), a lower-cost SGLT2 option for adults with type 2 diabetes, via select Iowa pharmacies. Emergency Readiness: The American Red Cross is urging Iowans to take CPR and AED training during June 1–7 awareness week, noting most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal without immediate action. Public Health Watch: Norovirus is spreading nationally, with wastewater monitoring showing rising levels; Iowa readers may want to brush up on hygiene and staying home when sick. Health Policy & Food Security: A national update highlights SNAP participation drops after federal changes, with advocates warning families may avoid applying due to fear and new requirements.

Senior Mental Health Access: MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center launched “Senior Life Solutions” with Psychiatric Medical Care, offering group therapy three times a week plus individual support to help older adults manage depression, anxiety, and life changes. Mobile Memory Care: A Des Moines hospital unveiled Iowa’s first mobile memory clinic, expanding dementia-related support beyond clinic walls. Oral Health Education: Blanc Dental Aesthetics released a new patient resource on full mouth rehabilitation in West Des Moines, aimed at helping people understand comprehensive, long-term treatment planning. Public Health & Safety: Waterloo reported an 18-year-old hospitalized after a shooting; Cedar Rapids reported a pedestrian with life-threatening injuries after a crash; and Linn County cited a driver after a crash sent a passenger to a local hospital. Community Care in Action: A Clay County dispatcher was honored for calmly guiding a couple through an emergency highway delivery before responders arrived.

Road Safety & Trauma Care: A Pocahontas, Iowa man died after a dust-storm-linked 16-vehicle crash on I-80 near Brule, Neb., with five others seriously hurt and one life-threatening; both directions were closed during investigation and cleanup. Injury Updates (Iowa): Two people were seriously injured in an Evansdale motorcycle crash near the I-380 ramp; the driver was later life-flighted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, with both reported stable. Public Health Funding: Iowa County will redirect opioid settlement money to cover the county’s share of a law enforcement mental health liaison salary, after rescinding earlier authority for the county health department to manage the funds. Cancer Prevention & Awareness: Doctors in Iowa mark Skin Cancer Awareness Month with reminders that sun and tanning beds raise risk, clothing and SPF 50+ sunscreen help, and new or changing moles should be checked promptly. Blood Supply Alert: The American Red Cross says Iowa-area blood donations are down heading into summer’s higher injury season and urges donors to book appointments now. Local Health Services: Lifenet Medical Helicopters is returning air ambulance service to western Iowa, based in Sioux City, to speed critical care across the region.

Rural Hospital Funding: Iowa and other states got a boost as the Senate unanimously passed the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, extending a Medicare rural hospital program for five more years and keeping payment experiments alive for Iowa hospitals including Spirit Lake, Newton, Fort Dodge and Grinnell. Local Care Access: UnityPoint Health opened a new outpatient pharmacy in downtown Des Moines, and Iowa Methodist Medical Center also opened a new pharmacy—both aimed at making it easier for patients to get prescriptions close to home. Mental Health in Communities: Iowa communities are working to fill gaps in statewide mental health care, with new counseling efforts showing up in places like Creston and a Le Mars YMCA mental health walk encouraging year-round conversations. Public Health & Food Security: SNAP cards for thousands of Iowans were inadvertently canceled and then reissued, and Iowa’s EBT disruptions prompted follow-up support for affected families. Cancer Research Funding: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a vape tax that funds pediatric cancer research, channeling new dollars into treatment and prevention efforts. Water Safety: The Iowa DNR warned swimmers about E. coli and toxic algae at four state beaches. Health-Related Giving: ImpactLife held a blood drive for a Rock Island boy who died of cancer, highlighting ongoing demand for blood and platelet donations.

Rural Hospital Funding: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a reauthorization of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, a move aimed at helping keep rural hospitals open—UnityPoint Health’s Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge is among those expected to benefit. Cancer Care Access: Pella Regional Health Center won more than $2 million in Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program grants to expand cancer services, including a new radiation oncology center with a PET/CT scanner and a nurse navigator. Public Health & Food Security: Iowa HHS says 5,554 SNAP households had EBT cards deactivated or canceled; replacement cards are on the way in 5–7 days, and families are urged not to request new cards in the meantime. Water Safety: The Iowa DNR warned residents to avoid swimming at four state beaches due to E. coli or toxic algae, listing specific locations and health risks from contaminated water. Mental Health Services: Rosecrance Jackson Centers is reopening mental health counseling and substance abuse services in Creston after Crossroads Behavioral Health Services closed, with medication management and plans to grow locally. Birthmark Awareness: A Waterloo-area story highlights vascular birthmarks and treatment options, including early pulsed dye laser care and emerging therapies.

Nursing Home Accountability: A Henry County judge has allowed new criminal charges to move forward against a licensed practical nurse accused of controlled-substance violations and wanton neglect at a Pleasant Hill-area facility, after an earlier case was dismissed over a missed filing deadline. Local Care Disruption: MercyOne North Health Plaza in Clinton is closed for the rest of Friday due to a city sewage system problem, with services including convenient care, physical therapy, and obstetrics affected. Rural Health Workforce: Osage Veterinary Clinic added two new veterinarians, highlighting how northern Iowa communities are struggling with fewer clinics and longer travel distances as older providers retire. Maternal Health & EMS: A Clay County 911 dispatcher was recognized after guiding a couple through a roadside childbirth on Highway 18 until first responders arrived. Women’s Brain Health Research: Iowa State University researchers are launching two studies tracking blood flow changes during menopause to better understand links to later dementia risk. Public Health & Safety: Iowa State Patrol reports a Mason City-area motorcycle crash sent a rider to the hospital with serious injuries. Vision Care Education: Kugler Vision in Omaha published a patient resource explaining why EVO ICL’s removable lens may differ from laser procedures—aimed at helping patients make informed decisions.