AGP Executive Report

Men’s Mental Health: Rhode Island health officials launched “Man Therapy,” using humor and a fictional Dr. Rich Mahogany to reach working-age men with practical support for depression, divorce, and suicide. Local Care Expansion: South County Health became the first Rhode Island organization to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, aiming to keep local control while adding access to Mayo expertise. Nursing Workforce: CCRI and URI announced a fully online RN-to-BS program for active nurses, designed to strengthen the state’s nursing pipeline. Health Costs & Coverage: RI’s health insurance commissioner approved 2027 premium hikes averaging 12.4% for individuals, with Attorney General Neronha calling them unsustainable. Medicare Help: The RI SHIP program is recruiting volunteer counselors to offer free Medicare guidance statewide. Community Health Access: URI students, faculty, and staff can now ride RIPTA buses for free via a new U-Pass partnership. Public Health & Safety: Cranston police reported a serious Park Avenue motorcycle crash; the rider was not wearing a helmet. Housing & Health: A report says where you raise a family shapes outcomes, highlighting policies like paid leave, childcare support, and health coverage for ages 0–3.

Nursing Workforce Boost: CCRI and URI announced a new fully online RN-to-BS program to help working nurses earn bachelor’s degrees without stepping away from patients, aiming to strengthen Rhode Island’s care workforce. Climate & Public Health Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined lawsuits challenging the Trump EPA rollback of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the move will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke. PFAS Accountability: AG Brown also joined a bipartisan effort to block DuPont (EIDP) and related companies from shifting assets to avoid cleanup costs for “forever chemicals,” seeking to freeze assets tied to PFAS liabilities. Generic Drug Price Settlement: A coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul is seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged conspiracies to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition. Flu & Vaccines on Campus: URI Health Services urged students to get vaccinated as flu cases rise, highlighting available shots and steps to reduce spread. Energy Costs in Providence: Providence set winter electricity supply rates for its Community Electricity program, with fixed pricing and bill credits to help offset higher costs. Transit Access: URI students, faculty, and staff can ride RIPTA buses for free via a new U-Pass partnership starting Thursday.

Medicaid Updates: Rhode Island Medicaid changes take effect Oct. 1, including new federal eligibility limits for some noncitizens and coverage shifts for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible enrollees. Health Costs & Coverage: OHIC approved 2027 individual market rate hikes—an average 12.4% increase for about 50,700 people buying their own plans, with different impacts for Blue Cross and Neighborhood Health Plan. Suicide Prevention: A new piece highlights ongoing research and the role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in improving support for adolescents and young adults. Food & Longevity: A major study links higher ultra-processed food intake to higher risks of cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular events, and early death. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island also faces elevated rabies activity this year, mostly in raccoons and bats. Workforce Pipeline: Rural Rhode Island education and health officials celebrated $5.48M in federal grants to build a healthcare workforce pipeline. Local Health Events: A Bristol blood drive runs Oct. 4 at the fire department headquarters, and Rhode Island’s Mission of Mercy free dental clinic helped more than 600 people. Fire Department Probe: A whistleblower lawsuit alleges Johnston firefighters used alcohol and marijuana on the job; the mayor denies the claims.

Election & Affordability: In the first post-primary matchup, Helena Buonanno Foulkes and Ken Block kept things comparatively civil while debating government efficiency, contracting reforms, and voting rights protections—issues tied closely to affordability for Rhode Islanders. Courtroom Self-Defense: A UMass Dartmouth student accused in a Providence stabbing says he’ll argue self-defense, with his attorney pointing to video and a confrontation involving football players. Hepatitis B Risk After Transplant: New research reports only 4 in 10 liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, raising concerns about preventable complications. Workplace Safety Lawsuit: A Johnston fire dispatcher’s whistleblower suit alleges firefighters used alcohol and marijuana on the job, while the mayor denies the claims. Rural Health Workforce Funding: Foster-Glocester received the largest share of $5.48M in federal rural healthcare workforce grants, aimed at building the pipeline. Data Privacy & Health Vendors: A multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach highlights ongoing pressure on healthcare companies to manage vendor security. Food Access in Schools: CVS-backed expansion of a Woonsocket High School food pantry aims to support students and families with groceries on campus. Accessibility Spotlight: A Rhode Island nonprofit leader shared how improving public access helps people with disabilities participate fully in community life.

Forensic DNA in Rhode Island: The 37th International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) runs Oct. 26-29 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, with STRmix scientists among featured speakers and workshops on probabilistic genotyping and DNA mixture interpretation. Health Care Costs: Rhode Island’s health insurance commissioner approved 2027 premium increases after cutting insurers’ requests by $86.7M; the average hike ranges from 2.9% to 15.8% depending on plan. Data Privacy: Rhode Island and other states are part of a multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, with new vendor-management requirements emphasized. Food Access: CVS Health funded a Woonsocket High School food pantry partnership with FeedRI and RIDE, aiming to serve students and families on campus. Maternal Anemia Treatment: A new review finds IV iron for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy boosts hemoglobin and ferritin and reduces transfusion rates. Workplace Health Policy: Menopause workplace protections are expanding nationwide, with Rhode Island’s 2025 law highlighted alongside new 2027 requirements in other states. Community & Inclusion: A Providence interview spotlights RAMP’s push for better accessibility for people with disabilities.

Health Care Costs in Rhode Island: The RI health insurance commissioner approved 2027 commercial premium increases averaging 2.9% to 15.8%, cutting about $86.7 million from insurer requests—still a major hit for roughly 169,000 people. Maternal Health Update: A new review finds IV iron for iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy boosts hemoglobin and ferritin and cuts transfusion rates during delivery, especially for more severe cases. Workplace Health Protections: Menopause accommodation laws are expanding nationwide; Rhode Island already has a 2025 reasonable-accommodations requirement, with more changes slated for 2027. Data Privacy: Rhode Island is part of a multistate settlement over a Labcorp/AMCA data breach, with regulators emphasizing stronger vendor rules. Community & Access: A free Mission of Mercy dental clinic served 600+ Rhode Islanders with nearly 3,500 procedures despite nor’easter conditions. Disability Inclusion: RAMP’s founder is pushing Rhode Island to build more accessible public spaces and shift language around disability. Public Health & Safety: A panel on kratom use is set for Oct. 27 in Portsmouth as Rhode Island and Massachusetts take sharply different regulatory paths.

Bedbug Fight in State Offices: Rhode Island Department of Human Services staff say bedbug problems keep recurring across multiple offices, with union workers accusing the administration of not doing enough and citing out-of-pocket treatment costs. Youth Mental Health & Bullying Prevention: The “No Hate Tour” brought BMX athletes and an anti-bullying, kindness-focused message to Mt. Hope High School, pairing stunts with conversations about resilience and mental health. Generic Drug Price Claims: Attorney General Alan Wilson is urging consumers to file for compensation after multistate settlements over alleged generic drug price inflation. Wastewater Medication Concerns: A Rhode Island hydrogeologist explains how flushed and unused medicines can end up in wastewater, raising questions about what happens after disposal. Cholesterol Awareness: Neighborhood Health Plan highlights why cholesterol checks matter—high levels often have no symptoms but raise heart disease and stroke risk. Free Dental Care Despite Storm: More than 600 Rhode Islanders received care at the 2026 Mission of Mercy clinic, with nearly 3,500 procedures delivered even as a nor’easter hit. Rabies Update: Rhode Island reports elevated rabies activity this year, mostly in raccoons and bats, and reiterates the importance of post-exposure treatment. Hospital Access Pressure: A national look at safety-net hospital closures spotlights how Medicaid funding strains can force patients to travel farther for emergency care. AI and Mental Health Risks: New research warns that AI chatbots used for companionship may be linked to severe negative emotional outcomes. Local Health Care Innovation: Brown University Health is rolling out ultrasound for inflammatory bowel disease management to speed results in clinic. Data Breach Settlement: A multistate settlement reached with Labcorp includes stronger vendor security requirements after a 2019 breach exposed sensitive patient data. Hospital Ownership Scrutiny: Rhode Island’s AG says new owners’ turnaround plan for Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals isn’t sufficient and demands a revised plan.

Hospital & Care Access: Newport Hospital became the first in Rhode Island to use the da Vinci 5 surgical system, funded by donors, expanding minimally invasive options in urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island reported elevated rabies activity this year, mostly in raccoons and bats, and highlighted its 24/7 exposure assessment and the high stakes of post-exposure treatment. Local Health Systems: Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha rejected a turnaround plan from the new owners of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, citing insufficient assumptions and pressing for a revised plan. Health Workforce & Tech: Rhode Island Medical Imaging is seeking its first CEO as it prepares for leadership transition. Food & Consumer Health: USDA recalled 4,596 pounds of chicken stew products distributed in eight states due to inspection concerns. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement reached by 44 attorneys general resolves a Labcorp-related data breach investigation, with injunctive relief and payments to states. Community Health Infrastructure: Woonsocket is nearing completion of lead service line replacements, aiming to meet the 2033 deadline.

Robotic Surgery in Newport: Newport Hospital became the first in Rhode Island to use the da Vinci 5 surgical system, funded by donors, expanding minimally invasive options for urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery. Local Health Care Leadership: Rhode Island Medical Imaging, an 80-year-old radiology practice, is hiring its first chief executive officer as it prepares for senior leadership retirement. Sports Medicine Partnerships: University Orthopedics is now the official orthopedic provider for nearly all Providence College Division I teams, covering injury prevention, treatment and recovery for 19 of 21 programs. Health Equity & Access: Hundreds lined up for Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s free dental clinic in Providence, with care provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Aging & Poverty Watch: AARP Foundation analysis of new Census data finds senior poverty has risen for the fifth straight year, with more than 10 million people 65+ living in poverty. Disaster Preparedness: Rhode Island and Massachusetts urged safer generator use ahead of a rare September nor’easter, highlighting carbon monoxide risks during outages. Policy & Public Health: A multistate coalition secured a $2.3 million settlement involving Labcorp’s role in a major patient data breach, underscoring vendor oversight in health cybersecurity.

Severe Weather & Safety: A rare September nor’easter is battering the Northeast, with coastal flooding and widespread power outages; Rhode Island officials also warned about generator use and the carbon monoxide risk. Emergency Care Access: Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s free dental clinic drew hundreds to Providence overnight, with care running weekend hours for uninsured and underinsured patients. Public Health & Data Privacy: A multistate coalition of attorneys general reached a $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 data breach involving AMCA, highlighting stronger vendor oversight for sensitive health information. PFAS in Food Packaging: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to strip PFAS “forever chemicals” from New Hampshire food wrappers and packaging, citing links to serious health harms. Local Health Infrastructure: FEMA awarded Rhode Island fire departments and first responders nearly $2.7 million, including Newport’s $68,000 grant for CPR devices. Community Cancer Support: More than 200 paddlers took part in Paddle for Progress in Wickford, raising over $140,000 for breast cancer research.

Severe Storm Safety: Rhode Island and Massachusetts braced for a rare September nor’easter with damaging winds, flooding risk, and widespread outages—officials urged residents to charge devices, avoid water, and especially prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping portable generators outdoors and far from homes. Free Dental Care: Even as the storm approached, Rhode Island Mission of Mercy held a weekend free dental clinic in Providence, with hundreds lining up for first-come care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Patient Data Accountability: A multistate coalition announced a $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a medical debt collector, highlighting stronger vendor oversight for sensitive health information. School Mental Health Funding: A court order continues blocking the Trump administration’s plan to terminate federal school mental health funding, keeping resources for counselors and related services in place. Public Health Research: New findings link stroke to faster glioma growth, adding to concerns about brain injury and later cancer risk. Breast Cancer Support: More than 200 paddlers raised over $140,000 for breast cancer research at Wickford’s Paddle for Progress.

Storm Safety: Rhode Island is bracing for an early-season nor’easter with wind gusts up to 50–60 mph, coastal flooding, and possible power outages—Gov. Dan McKee urged residents to charge devices, avoid water, and stay off the roads. Free Dental Care: Even with the storm approaching, hundreds lined up overnight in Providence for the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy free dental clinic, offering care on a first-come basis with no appointments. School Mental Health Funding: A federal court action keeps blocking the Trump administration’s plan to terminate school mental health funding, preserving grants that support counselors and other services. Medicaid Coverage Fight: Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a coalition opposing a proposed federal Medicaid rule that could put funding at risk and interfere with state health insurance oversight. Data Privacy & Health: Multistate settlements tied to Labcorp/AMCA patient data breaches continue to roll in, with states pushing for stronger vendor safeguards. Public Health Research: New findings link stroke to glioma growth, adding urgency to brain-injury prevention and follow-up care. Local Health & Wellness: FEMA awarded Rhode Island fire departments and first responders grants for equipment and wellness, including CPR devices in Newport County. Community Cancer Support: More than 200 paddlers raised over $140,000 for breast cancer research in Wickford’s annual pink paddle.

Privacy & Health Data: Rhode Island readers are seeing a new wave of lawsuits over website “pixels,” tiny trackers that can quietly send visitor activity to ad and analytics companies—raising fresh concerns for patient-facing sites and clinics. Medicaid & Coverage: Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition opposing a proposed federal Medicaid rule, arguing it could threaten Medicaid funding and interfere with state health insurance oversight. Attorney General Action on Patient Data: Ford also announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 patient-data breach involving a medical debt collector, with promises of stronger vendor safeguards. Public Health Watch: CDC reported measles cases rising to 3,659 nationwide as of Sept. 24, with Rhode Island among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Local Emergency Preparedness: Gov. Dan McKee warned Rhode Island to prepare for an early-season nor’easter with strong winds, flooding risk, and possible power outages. Cancer Support in RI: Wickford’s Paddle for Progress drew 200+ paddlers and raised $140,000 for breast cancer research.

Medicaid & Health Coverage: Rhode Island Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition of 24 states opposing a proposed CMS rule that critics say could jeopardize Medicaid funding and interfere with state health insurance oversight. Patient Data Accountability: Ford also announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 patient data breach involving a medical debt collector, with stronger vendor safeguards required. Public Health Watch: CDC reported 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with Rhode Island among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Local Emergency Readiness: FEMA awarded Newport $68,000 for CPR devices, part of nearly $2.7 million to Rhode Island fire and first-responder agencies. Research & Health: Studies link stroke to faster glioma tumor growth, pointing to new mediators behind brain injury–cancer connections. Safety in the Storm: Gov. Dan McKee urged Rhode Islanders to prepare for an early-season nor’easter with damaging winds, flooding risk, and possible power outages. Community Health Fundraiser: More than 200 paddlers raised $140,000 for breast cancer research in Wickford’s Paddle for Progress. Health Policy Leadership: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse backed Chris Klomp’s HHS nomination as it advanced toward a full Senate vote.

Vaccine Policy Clash: Rhode Island AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to keep federal vaccine guidance science-based, warning recent changes have sown confusion and could lower vaccination rates. Brain Cancer Research: A new study links stroke to faster, more aggressive glioma growth, pointing to cellular and molecular pathways that may help explain higher tumor risk after brain injury. Whole-Grain Nutrition: Research suggests increasing whole grains may improve heart and metabolic health while helping reduce body weight. Student Loan Strain: Many health care grad students say federal loan confusion is blocking plans and forcing difficult school choices. Local Care Expansion: Brown University Health opened its first Massachusetts primary care practice in Taunton, adding more access to routine care, chronic disease management, immunizations, and screenings. Mental Health Support: People’s Credit Union held a “Day of Purpose,” closing branches to volunteer with Rhode Island nonprofits focused on mental health and youth services. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement targets Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a medical debt collector, with new vendor-management requirements. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island health officials are also urging tick precautions after Powassan virus cases.

Rural Health Funding: Rhode Island is rolling out its share of a $156M federal award under the Rural Health Transformation Program, with officials mapping how to use the money in communities that lack easy access to care. Data Privacy & Health: A multistate coalition announced a $2.3M settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, with states pushing stronger vendor and medical-debt data protections. Public Health & Vaccines: Attorney General Tong joined other AGs urging HHS to keep federal vaccine guidance grounded in science, warning recent changes have fueled confusion and could lower vaccination rates. Mental Health in the Community: People’s Credit Union closed branches for a “Day of Purpose,” logging 500+ volunteer hours supporting Rhode Island mental health organizations. Campus Wellness: URI held “Chalk the Quad” to promote suicide prevention and connect students to mental health resources. Local Health & Safety: Middletown approved $7.5M for major renovations to Forest Elementary, including accessibility and safety upgrades. Storm Watch: A nor’easter is expected to bring coastal flooding risk and damaging winds to the region, including Rhode Island’s shoreline.