AGP Executive Report

Measles Surge in the Midwest: Wisconsin health officials report measles cases tied to an outbreak in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties jumped from 42 Tuesday to 92 Friday, with six more probable cases; officials say transmission is local and urge people to check MMR status as schools resume. Mental Health Access in Iowa: Des Moines University Clinic added its first psychology intern, expanding adult therapy and new psychotherapy groups as it works to train and retain more Iowa psychologists. Caregiving Planning for Families: South Dakota State University Extension will host a free Sept. 1 webinar on end-of-life and future caregiving decisions, including legal basics for health care agents and fiduciaries. Community Health & Food Support: Hy-Vee raised more than $295,000 for Midwest food banks and pantries through a back-to-school drive, aiming to help families facing hunger as kids return to class. Local Health Workforce Growth: Iowa Specialty Hospital and Clinics and The Meadows assisted living unit celebrated a milestone, highlighting ongoing community health services.

Measles Alert (WI, with Iowa spillover): Wisconsin health officials say the southwest outbreak tied to Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties has surged to 98 confirmed cases plus 6 probable, with most patients unvaccinated and transmission linked to previously identified contacts—public exposure locations haven’t been reported, but officials urge Iowans to check MMR status and call ahead if symptoms develop. Food Safety (FDA recall): Whole Foods’ Mild Guacamole Dip recall has been upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level after a Salmonella investigation tied to jalapeño supplier Coast Citrus Distributors; the company says affected products were pulled from shelves in multiple states. Foodborne Parasite (Cyclospora): The lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues expanding, with CDC updates adding Georgia, Tennessee and Texas as the total climbs past 11,400 illnesses. Iowa Health Access (SNAP hotline funding): Iowa’s SNAP hotline is facing federal funding cuts starting Oct. 1, forcing food banks to cover more of the hotline costs as demand rises. Local Care & Workforce: Iowa nurses face state discipline actions ranging from patient care issues to theft and other misconduct, according to Iowa Board of Nursing sanctions.

Measles Watch in Iowa: Public health officials are urging residents to check immunization status as measles activity rises, with Scott County offering free MMR vaccine and other local clinics monitoring exposure risk. Food Safety Alert (Cyclospora): The FDA upgraded the cyclospora-linked lettuce recall to its highest risk level and says the outbreak now spans 20 states, including Iowa, with thousands sickened and hundreds hospitalized—health officials continue tracing the contaminated supply chain. Food Is Medicine in Iowa: Iowa launched “Honor Harvest,” a new food box program for rural veterans that pairs fresh, locally sourced produce with diet-related chronic health needs, aiming to improve wellness while supporting Iowa farmers. Hospital Hiring: Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center/Great River Health is holding acute care open interviews in West Burlington and Fort Madison, with sign-on bonuses for eligible RNs and patient care techs/CNAs. Veterinary Recall: An Iowa company recalled kitten milk replacers nationwide after testing found some batches low in key nutrients; no illnesses reported, but the recall targets bottle-feeding situations where the formula is the kittens’ full diet.

Food Safety Watch: Whole Foods recalled multiple jalapeño-containing dips across 13 states, including Iowa, after Salmonella contamination concerns; check guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo products tied to the recall dates. Public Health: Iowa’s measles risk stays in focus as Dubuque County Public Health urges residents to confirm they’ve had two MMR doses while cases rise nearby. Mental Health & Youth Safety: Iowa is set to receive $126.4 million from Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over claims of addictive harm to children, with required changes like nighttime blocks and daily time limits on Instagram/Facebook. New Treatment Access: UnityPoint Health’s Robert Young Center launched an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders in the Quad Cities, aiming to keep adults in the community instead of traveling for higher-level care. Healthcare Regulation: A physician is asking the Iowa Supreme Court to stop the Board of Medicine from issuing a disciplinary decision, arguing the board lacked probable cause and tried to “dig up” support for charges. Local Care Innovation: A mobile podiatry service is coming to the Tri-States to bring diabetic foot care and nail treatment directly to rural patients’ homes.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a landmark multistate deal with Meta requiring sweeping Instagram and Facebook youth-safety changes, including daily screen breaks and nighttime access blocks, with Michigan set to receive at least $171 million. Iowa SNAP Rules Pressure: A new federal cost-sharing framework is pushing states to cut SNAP payment errors to avoid penalties, with Iowa among the states that stayed under the 6% error threshold in 2025—while stricter rules have already reduced enrollment. Measles Watch in Iowa: Health officials are urging Iowans to check MMR status as measles cases rise in the region, including new Iowa exposure locations and guidance for families. Cancer Prevention in Rural Iowa: Bremer County is offering free radon test kits through a statewide Healthy Hometowns: Combat Cancer effort, aiming to reduce lung-cancer risk from long-term radon exposure. Community Health & Preparedness: Scott County’s Be Ready QC Emergency Resource Fair returns with hands-only CPR, Stop the Bleed training, and mental-health and disaster-prep resources for residents.

Meta child-safety settlement: Iowa is set to receive about $124.4 million over the next decade as part of a $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta over alleged harms from addictive teen social media use, with changes including nighttime blocks (midnight–6 a.m.) and simplified parental controls for Facebook and Instagram. Nursing oversight: The Iowa Board of Nursing has charged four nurses with incompetence or actions that put patients at risk, including allegations tied to documentation errors, isolation and disinfection failures, and inadequate patient assessment. Measles preparedness: UW-Platteville is urging students to check MMR status and voluntarily share immunization records as a regional measles outbreak grows, with Wisconsin reporting dozens of cases and Iowa reporting confirmed and probable cases. Long-term care quality: Gov. Reynolds honored Westview Care Center in Britt with a 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, citing stable staffing and technology used to speed up call-light response. Opioid treatment access: Iowa has launched a 24/7 opioid treatment hotline for providers statewide. Local health events: Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary is hosting Women’s Wellness Night Out on Sept. 1, and a LifeServe blood drive is also set for Sept. 1 in Waukon. Workplace safety: A railcar derailment at a Shell Rock facility injured one worker; Trinity Industries says it stopped operations in the affected area and is investigating.

Measles Watch: Iowa health officials say confirmed measles cases have climbed to 17, with new potential exposure locations added in Bloomfield and earlier exposure tied to Ottumwa’s Pizza Ranch—residents are urged to check MMR status and call ahead if symptoms show up. Primary Care Access: WinnMed is expanding family medicine and obstetric services with new physician Samantha Storts, who will also provide inpatient hospitalist coverage. Cardiology Close to Home: Buchanan County Health Center (BCHC) is adding cardiology capacity with a new interventional cardiologist and an ARNP, with monthly specialty clinic visits. Maternal & Women’s Health: Mason City hospital is adding two midwives to expand women’s care. Community Health & Prevention: Davis County Hospital & Clinics received multiple American Heart Association “Get with the Guidelines” awards for stroke and heart care, alongside documentation improvements. Health-Related Local Growth: Iowa State University Extension released a free home-gardening guide on cover crops to support soil health and reduce garden pest and disease pressure. Health in the Newsroom: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in July, while national and local coverage continues to track affordability pressures that can affect healthcare access.

Measles Response in Iowa: Iowa HHS says the 2026 measles outbreak has grown to 17 confirmed cases, with a new potential exposure at Sunnyside Grocery in Bloomfield (Aug. 15, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.). Officials urge anyone who was there to watch for symptoms and call ahead if they feel sick. Regional Outbreak Updates: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to climb, with 61 total cases reported and the Iowa/Grant/Lafayette region at 42 confirmed plus 17 probable; public health teams are pushing MMR record checks and vaccination. Local Health Care Workforce: Northeast Iowa Community College launched a sterile processing technician career pathway certificate (14 weeks, starts October 2026), aiming to feed the CRCST pipeline for hospitals and clinics. Hospital Labor Lawsuit: A class-action filed against UnityPoint Health alleges wage-and-hour violations tied to timekeeping that rounds down workers’ clock-in/clock-out times. Community Wellness Infrastructure: Prairie Summit YMCA in Cedar Rapids is nearing opening, adding a student-run coffee shop and a pool partnership tied to local school programming. Outdoor Health & Safety: Iowa DNR highlights Labor Day boating safety tips, including life jacket rules and alcohol limits. Nutrition Policy Watch: A new study finds SNAP restrictions tied to soda purchases cut sugary drink buying by more than 12% in early 2026.

Eye Care Access Milestone: KeraLink International says it has now reached 4 million lives impacted through global vision care programs, highlighting its push to build local “last mile” eye-care systems. Local Health Workforce: Great River Health in Fort Madison welcomed third-year medical students from A.T. Still University for two years of clinical rotations across its Southeast Iowa campuses. Hospice Labor Watch: Allina hospice nurses authorized a seven-day strike as contract talks continue, with a federal mediator meeting set soon. Domestic Violence Support: DVIP and RVAP in southeast Iowa promoted free, confidential services for survivors, including safety planning, legal/medical advocacy, court accompaniment, youth programming, and a 24-hour hotline. Measles Update (Iowa): Iowa HHS reported 17 confirmed measles cases and added new exposure locations, urging anyone potentially exposed to monitor symptoms and call ahead. Food Insecurity: A report says millions of older Americans don’t have enough to eat as food prices rise beyond fixed incomes. Public Health & Food Safety: Federal updates on a multistate alfalfa sprouts recall show illnesses across many states, including Iowa, while distribution details are still being worked out.

EMS Funding & Governance: Mills County supervisors plan a public hearing (Nov. 10) on declaring county EMS “essential services,” setting up a possible March levy up to $1.50 per $1,000 valuation to support local EMS agencies. Nursing Safety: The Iowa Board of Nursing issued warnings to four nurses over alleged drug use or impairment at work, including a case involving fentanyl and a sedative at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Public Health Costing: New research estimates it costs about $244,480 to launch a measles response before a second case is even counted—highlighting why small outbreaks can be expensive per patient. Food Safety & Recalls: Alfalfa sprouts remain tied to a multi-state E. coli and salmonella outbreak, with additional recall updates as illnesses continue to be reported. Rural Health Support: UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Foundation awarded grants to seven Eastern Iowa rural organizations to bolster emergency medical and transportation services. Health Care Workforce/Training: Des Moines University PA student Bryn Miller received a $10,000 CVS Caring Hearts Scholarship. Policy & Access: USDA announced “Harvest to Hallways” to improve school lunch nutrition and expand farm-to-school efforts, including additional Iowa funding.

Food & Safety: A multi-state recall linked to alfalfa sprouts tied to E. coli and Salmonella has been issued after reports of 55 illnesses across 15 states, with affected products sold through May 27–Aug. 21; consumers are urged to throw out recalled sprouts and related mixes and sanitize surfaces. Public Health: Southwest Wisconsin’s measles outbreak has climbed to 48 cases, and Iowa County is holding a community vaccination clinic today (noon–5) in Mineral Point to help residents get up to date. Healthcare Workforce: Northeast Iowa Community College launched a Sterile Processing Technician Career Pathway Certificate (14 weeks, starts Oct. 20) to train workers for hospital surgical support roles and prepare students for CRCST credentialing. Local Care & Access: Compass Memorial Healthcare says it completed the first robot-assisted total shoulder replacement surgeries in rural Iowa, and the hospital also ran a sports physical program that generated $5,300 in donations for participating schools. Wellness in the Community: Iowa City’s inaugural Downtown Wellness Festival offered free runs and classes, aiming to make healthy activities more accessible. Mental Health & Environment: Northern Iowa smoke advisories are being linked by a mental health expert to stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, not just breathing issues.

Food Safety Alert: Alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands are being recalled after a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including Iowa, with four hospitalizations reported; the FDA says affected lots include Alfalfa 6/5oz and 12/6/5oz plus two sprout-mix products, and consumers should throw them out and sanitize surfaces. Public Health: Iowa HHS and local agencies are updating measles exposure locations tied to a southern Iowa outbreak, including a Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa (Aug. 14, 12–3 p.m.); officials urge anyone exposed and feeling symptoms to call ahead and mention measles. Rural Care & Training: Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo performed the first robot-assisted total shoulder replacement surgery in rural Iowa, using Stryker Mako robotics, as it expands advanced joint-replacement options. Health Education Funding: Kirkwood Community College is asking voters to approve an $88 million bond (Nov. 3) to upgrade nursing and EMT equipment and technology, including outdated simulation tools. Community Health Access: Compass Memorial Healthcare donated $5,300 back to seven local schools after completing 212 affordable student sports physicals through its sports physical program.

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, with four hospitalizations reported and Iowa among the affected states; health officials urge people not to eat recalled lots and to sanitize any surfaces the product touched. Measles Watch in Iowa: Iowa HHS confirmed a new measles case in Ottumwa and listed Pizza Ranch on Venture Drive (Aug. 14, 12-3 p.m.) as a potential exposure site, urging anyone there to monitor symptoms and call ahead before visiting care. Hospital Safety Concerns: A UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s patient in Cedar Rapids was charged after allegedly damaging $50,000 in hospital computer equipment, while a separate report describes a medication error in Nashville that left at least one patient paralyzed—raising attention on patient safety and medication handling. Community Mental Health & Housing Support: Ottumwa’s Heartland Humane partnership is helping residents manage anxiety and depression through animal volunteering, and Wapello County’s Pit Stop Connection saw more visitors facing evictions and utility back-pay as homelessness pressures rise. Local Health System Updates: MercyOne named a chief medical officer for Des Moines-area medical centers, signaling leadership changes in regional care.

Measles Watch (Iowa): Iowa HHS confirmed a new measles case in Ottumwa and flagged a Pizza Ranch exposure on Venture Drive (Aug. 14, 12-3 p.m.), urging anyone there to monitor symptoms and call ahead if sick. Measles Watch (Regional): Wisconsin’s southwest outbreak keeps climbing, with DHS reporting 41 confirmed and 7 probable cases across Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties—health officials stress low vaccination pockets are driving spread. Food Safety (Alfalfa Sprouts): Federal investigators are looking into a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC; 55 people in 15 states are sick, including at least one Iowa case, and FDA urges people to throw away or return affected sprouts. Local Health Prep (Ottumwa Regional Health Center): ORHC says it has stocked extra PPE and trained staff to spot symptoms, emphasizing patients should call before arriving. Community Wellness (Iowa City): The Downtown Iowa City Wellness Festival featured runs, yoga sculpt, Zumba, pickleball clinics, and matcha sampling—more movement, less waiting. Sports + Health (Iowa State): Iowa State says guard Killyan Toure’s shoulder surgery was successful and he’s expected back in January.

Measles Alert: Iowa HHS confirmed four new measles cases tied to the southern Iowa outbreak and added a new possible exposure at Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa (Aug. 14, noon–3 p.m.), urging anyone who was there to watch for fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose and rash and to call ahead before seeking care. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts; 55 people are sick in 15 states, with four hospitalizations, and consumers are told to discard affected sprouts and sanitize contact areas. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS added two Iowa nursing homes—Oakland Manor (Pottawattamie County) and Harmony House Health Care Center (Waterloo)—to its special-focus list for serious, recurring resident-care problems. Local Health Infrastructure: Cedar Rapids voters will consider a $60M bond in November for major fire station upgrades aimed at reducing cancer-causing exposure from contaminated gear. Hospital Expansion: Floyd County Medical Center is moving ahead on partnerships and expansion planning, including a possible oncology collaboration with University of Iowa Health Care. Workforce/Access: Iowa officials are urging MMR checks as measles risk spreads, while Iowa’s health system continues adding programs and clinics to support care pathways.

Measles Response in Iowa: Iowa HHS says measles is spreading with 16 confirmed cases as of Aug. 21 and evidence of person-to-person spread, urging anyone who visited the Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa (Aug. 14, noon–3 p.m.) to watch for symptoms and call ahead. Cross-State Measles Watch: Wisconsin DHS reports 41 confirmed and 7 probable cases tied to Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties, with health departments emphasizing MMR checks and vaccination. Food Safety Alert: Federal officials link a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts/Calco, with 55 illnesses in 15 states and four hospitalizations; Iowa is among the affected states. Workforce Pipeline for Health Care: Ivy Tech won U.S. Education approval for a Workforce Pell Grant program for an eight-week clinical medical assistant track, joining Iowa Central’s earlier EMT approval. Rural Care Expansion: Rep. Zach Nunn joined Wayne County Hospital leaders to break ground on a new dialysis center doubling capacity from five to 10 stations. Local Health Funding: Elderbridge Agency on Aging received a $5,000 Alliant Energy Foundation grant for emergency shelf-stable meal kits for older adults and adults with disabilities. Health Care Oversight: An Iowa Board of Optometry order sanctions a Mason City optometrist over alleged AI-generated patient videos and alleged misconduct.