AGP Executive Report

Powassan & ticks: Rhode Island health officials are urging extra tick precautions after new reports of Powassan virus disease cases, including a Rhode Island man and a Newport County resident diagnosed with the rare tick-borne illness. Hospital safety: South County Hospital in South Kingstown ended a lockdown after police determined an active-shooter report was unfounded, with patients diverted while officers swept the building. Managed care pricing: Brown University researchers report that most hospitals with vertically integrated Medicare Advantage plans charge similar prices to affiliated and unaffiliated plans, though some hospitals charge higher rates for affiliated plans. Vaccines & exemptions: CDC data shows US kindergarten vaccination rates fell again in 2025–2026, while nonmedical exemptions rose. Neuroscience research: URI pharmacy researchers received a $1.5 million grant to study cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a brain-bleed risk linked to Alzheimer’s. Public health progress: CDC estimates predicted US drug overdose deaths dropped 12.3% over the 12 months ending March 2026, with Rhode Island showing the largest percentage decline. Local health & safety incident: A 19-year-old was seriously injured after a crash into a utility pole in Attleboro, with the driver transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

Thumb arthritis breakthrough in Rhode Island: University Orthopedics surgeon Dr. Joseph A. Gil performed the first R.I. thumb joint replacement using the newly FDA-approved TOUCH CMC 1 implant, aiming to restore grip and reduce pain for people with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Critical care transport milestone: Brown University Health’s LifePACT earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, recognizing patient care and safety for its 24/7 ground-only transport of about 1,500 critically ill patients yearly. Primary care + mental health connection: Rhode Island’s shortage of primary care capacity is pushing doctors to handle more behavioral health needs in-house, with burnout risks rising as referrals and documentation demands grow. Tick season update: Rhode Island’s tick season isn’t over—it’s shifting, with local experts warning that prevention and product choices matter as tick species and exposure patterns change. Lead and PFAS worries for private wells: A Tiverton well test found PFAS at more than 20 times the state limit, raising concerns about long-term exposure from private water systems; separately, researchers are exploring AI-guided approaches to bind lead without adding new genetic code. Community health support: Hasbro Children’s received $30,000 from the Rhode Island Senate’s annual charity golf tournament, adding to more than $200,000 raised since 2019.

PFAS Water Crisis: Tiverton residents are raising alarms after testing found PFAS in a private well at more than 20 times Rhode Island’s safety limit, with one resident saying he may have been drinking contaminated water for up to 23 years—spotlighting how private wells can go unmonitored for decades. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: Rhode Island officials confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples from Cranston, Providence, and North Providence; no human cases reported so far, but the statewide risk remains high. Right to Repair: Rhode Island lawmakers are pushing bills that would expand “right to repair” protections for electronics, wheelchairs, and farm equipment, aiming to reduce barriers that keep people from fixing devices they already own. Care Access & Costs: A new report highlights how prior authorization reform stalled federally, while Rhode Island already launched a three-year ban on insurers requiring prior approval for in-network primary care orders. Housing + Recovery Treatment: A Woonsocket shelter resident says GLP-1–based treatment helped end daily alcohol use, pairing housing and recovery support through OpenDoors. School Health Policy: Cumberland schools approved a phone ban during the school day, with limited exceptions and administrator-only device searches. Public Safety: Providence police report a stabbing at Kennedy Plaza with the victim taken to Rhode Island Hospital.

Lead & water safety: WPI researchers are using AI to redesign how E. coli Nissle could bind lead without adding new genetic code—aimed at reducing neurological harm from even small lead exposure. Housing + recovery in RI: Open Doors in Woonsocket says a shelter resident, Jessica Vega, used GLP-1 treatment support alongside housing to stop daily drinking and stay sober for months. Mosquito-borne risk: Rhode Island confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples from Cranston, Providence, and North Providence; officials say risk stays high and prevention matters. PFAS drinking-water crisis: Tiverton residents heard updates after private wells near the fire station area tested extremely high for PFAS “forever chemicals,” raising health concerns. School health policy: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban and limit device searches to administrators, with medical exceptions. Public health + environment: Rhode Island also reported West Nile detections again, while local officials discussed tick spray and Roundup use amid groundwater worries. Health access & costs: A new analysis argues prior authorization reform stalled in Congress, while RI already moved to limit insurer permission for primary-care-ordered services. Infectious disease watch: Nationally, measles cases are rising as vaccine guidance shifts; CDC also reports a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled produce.

Lead and kids’ health: Rhode Island-linked research highlights how scientists are using AI to redesign bacteria that could help bind lead—an ongoing public health threat from old pipes that can cause permanent neurological damage. Dental equity: A new national map flags where children face the worst tooth decay rates, with big gaps tied to where kids live. Insurance costs and access: Rhode Island’s own prior-authorization fight is in focus as a new report argues federal rules stalled reform—while the state moved ahead with a three-year ban on insurers requiring prior approval for in-network primary care orders. Medicaid and disability work: Reporting shows how Medicaid income caps can force disabled workers to choose between a job and the home care that makes work possible. Mosquito-borne risk: Rhode Island officials confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples in Cranston, Providence, and North Providence, keeping the statewide risk level high. PFAS in wells: Tiverton residents are pressing for answers after PFAS was found at very high levels in private wells near the fire station area. Kratom crackdown: The Healey administration issued an emergency order targeting kratom products, citing serious health risks and inconsistent potency. Measles watch: A measles map shows cases rising as federal vaccine guidance changes raise concerns about immunity gaps.

Lead exposure research: A Rhode Island-linked project is using AI to redesign how the probiotic E. coli Nissle could bind lead, aiming to reduce harm from contaminated water—especially for children. Medicaid & disability: New reporting highlights how Medicaid income caps can force disabled workers to lose home-care coverage that makes it possible to keep their jobs. Measles warning: A measles map shows cases spiking as federal vaccine guidance is overhauled, raising concerns about immunity gaps and more outbreaks. Mosquito-borne illness: Rhode Island confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples from Cranston, Providence, and North Providence; officials say risk remains high statewide and urge bite prevention. PFAS in drinking water: Tiverton residents are pressing officials after PFAS detections in private wells near the fire station area, with levels far above state safety benchmarks. Kratom crackdown: Gov. Healey issued an emergency order temporarily restricting kratom products, citing serious health risks and inconsistent regulation. Food safety outbreak: Cyclosporiasis cases continue to climb nationwide, with FDA inspections underway in Mexico tied to the lettuce recall.

Public Health Alert: Rhode Island health and environmental officials confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples from Cranston, Providence, and North Providence, keeping the statewide risk level high; no human cases have been reported so far. School Health & Safety: Cumberland schools approved a personal electronic device policy that bans phones, smartwatches, and earbuds during the school day, with searches limited to administrators. Community Privacy: Foster tabled a plan to remove Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras after residents questioned where data goes and asked for a company representative. Energy Costs: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a major rate increase. Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand nationwide, with FDA inspection activity now reaching Mexico processing sites tied to the lettuce recall. Maternal Health Context: A new national ranking highlights how Texas is near the bottom for having a baby, while Rhode Island and nearby states rank much higher. Workforce & Health Access: A new government analysis finds grocery workers are heavily reliant on Medicaid and SNAP even when employed.

Workforce Housing Push: Quonset Development Corp. and Moran Properties plan 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park, with 40% set aside for workforce needs and additional low- to moderate-income units—aimed at easing Rhode Island’s recruitment and retention squeeze. New Apartments Open in Pawtucket: Dexter Street Commons, a $55M mixed-use project, officially opened with 150 all-electric apartments near transit, including 20% middle-income units. Tick-Borne Health Alert: Rhode Island confirmed a second Powassan case in 2026, urging residents to prevent tick bites since there’s no vaccine or treatment. Public Health at the Beach: RIDOH recommended closing King Park Beach swimming due to high bacteria counts, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Harm Reduction in Newport: A new free harm-reduction vending machine is planned for Newport, offering items like Narcan and fentanyl test strips—drawing both support and concerns from residents. Healthcare Strain: A new look at Rhode Island’s healthcare system highlights ongoing recovery challenges amid staffing and financial pressures.

Tick-borne risk in Rhode Island: RIDOH confirmed a Newport County man in his 70s has Powassan virus, the state’s second case in 2026 and 10th since 2016. Officials say there’s no vaccine or treatment, so prevention matters: use EPA-approved repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, avoid brushy wooded areas, and check for and remove ticks promptly. Beach safety: RIDOH recommends closing the swimming area at King Park Beach due to high bacteria levels, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Harm reduction in Newport: A new free harm-reduction vending machine is planned for Fire Station One, offering items like Narcan and fentanyl test strips; some residents worry it could increase street drug use. Kratom crackdown: Gov. Healey issued an emergency order restricting kratom statewide, temporarily placing products into Schedule I under state law. Health policy watch: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration move to take over Los Angeles homelessness funds, and Rhode Island’s own court ruling earlier this month similarly rejected HUD’s 2026 spending plan. Care access reminder: Lung cancer screening eligibility can extend 15 years after quitting smoking, yet many eligible people aren’t getting screened.

World Cup Health Watch: Rhode Island health officials saw some spikes in alcohol-related ER visits on World Cup weekend match days, but say hospitals and urgent care weren’t overwhelmed. PFAS Accountability: Tiverton residents pressed officials for answers after PFAS were found in private wells near a fire station, with DEM pointing to historic use of PFAS foam. Mental Health & Care Access: In the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, defense claims she was “turned away” from a postpartum inpatient program weeks before the killings, while testimony also highlights intrusive thoughts and medication struggles leading up to the tragedy. Local Health Leadership: Baptist Health named Thomas Gough COO, tasking him with advancing operations, quality, patient safety, and access to integrated care. Cancer Treatment Business: American Shared Hospital Services reported stronger 2026 revenue, driven by growth at its Rhode Island radiation therapy centers. Community Health & Wellness: The Washington County Fair returns with a Hasbro Children’s Hospital fundraiser and nonprofit-run food concessions. Research Spotlight: Nithya Gnanapragasam was selected to keynote a red cell research seminar in Newport in 2027.

Shingles-to-dementia link: A new study finds people 50+ who got at least one shingles vaccine dose had about a 24% lower risk of developing dementia over four years, with Rhode Island collaborators including Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital. Pharmacy staffing pressure: Unionized CVS pharmacists/technicians in Rhode Island (and other states) voted to approve a strike sanction over what they call unsafe staffing and unsustainable workloads, though no walkout is scheduled. Health care fraud leadership: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Judge Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court; his background includes prosecuting health care fraud and public corruption. Local food insecurity: A Rhode Island Community Food Bank report says more families are needing help month after month, with pantries rationing supplies as food insecurity rises. Mental health care access: In the Lindsay Clancy trial, clinicians testified about medication changes and “intrusive thoughts” leading up to the killings, spotlighting postpartum mental health and the challenge of finding the right care. Healthcare finance: Greystone secured $30.3M in FHA/HUD-insured financing to refinance a Rhode Island skilled nursing portfolio. Beach health: Reports track greenhead fly swarms across RI and nearby coasts, helping people plan safer beach days.

Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Dan McKee and DCYF announced nearly $12 million in federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration support to expand Rhode Island’s Children’s Behavioral Health System of Care, including a new Single Point of Access and Intensive Care Coordination for families. Public Health Alert: Experts warned about a rise in the deadly drug-resistant fungus Candida auris, with thousands of cases reported nationwide and growing concern for vulnerable hospital patients. Maternal Mental Health: In the Lindsay Clancy trial, testimony focused on the medications and care she received in the months before she killed her three children, including messages about intrusive thoughts, hopelessness, and worries about medication side effects and dependence. Food Access: Central Falls launched a new Mobile Food Pantry to bring fresh food directly into neighborhoods, aiming to reduce barriers like transportation for seniors and families relying on SNAP. Local Care Access: Rhode Island Blood Center opened its first permanent Massachusetts donor center in Swansea as blood supply challenges continue. Health Tech & Privacy: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont urged limits on new safety cameras and license plate readers while privacy guidelines are developed. Clinical Innovation: Rhode Island Hospital performed the state’s first thumb joint replacement using the newly FDA-approved TOUCH® CMC 1 implant for painful thumb arthritis. Community Safety: A motorcycle crash in Webster sent a rider to UMass Memorial with serious injuries, while a Rhode Island couple were transported as a precaution.

Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Dan McKee and DCYF announced nearly $12 million in federal SAMHSA grant money over four years to expand Rhode Island’s Children’s Behavioral Health System of Care, including a new Single Point of Access for families and an Intensive Care Coordination service for wraparound support. Local Health Access: The Rhode Island Blood Center opened its first permanent Massachusetts donor center in Swansea, aiming to rebuild supplies after declaring a blood emergency last month. Food Security in Focus: Central Falls launched a new Mobile Food Pantry with partners including the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation and Central Falls Foundation, bringing fresh food directly to neighborhoods for seniors and families facing transportation barriers. Caregiving Crisis in RI: A Cranston woman, Anna Maria Angelosanto, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 21-year-old autistic daughter, with police citing around-the-clock care needs and finding prescriptions and a handwritten note during the investigation. Orthopedics Update: Rhode Island Hospital performed the first RI thumb joint replacement using the newly FDA-approved TOUCH® CMC 1 implant, offering another option for painful thumb arthritis.

Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing: Regulators reopened Rhode Island’s adult-use cannabis retailer application process after residency requirements were scrapped, with online submissions accepted through Nov. 23 and social equity certification due by Sept. 11. Food Safety: The CDC is widening its probe of salmonella linked to recalled jalapeños, with multiple retail brands and finished products pulled after illnesses tied to Sinaloa peppers. Health Coverage Costs: Rhode Island is among states challenging a proposed 2027 ACA marketplace payment rule that critics say could raise out-of-pocket costs and reduce coverage, including limits on catastrophic plan protections. Homelessness Funding: A federal judge again blocked the Trump administration from diverting Housing First grants, ruling HUD violated federal procedure in attempts to shift money toward short-term housing. Public Health & Climate: NOAA reports July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., a backdrop for rising heat-related health risks. School Wellness: Rhode Island’s cellphone-in-schools law is now in effect, but eight districts missed the Aug. 1 policy deadline. Mental Health Care Access: A new push urges banning prior authorization, arguing it delays or denies medically necessary care and drives up costs. Lyme Prevention Tech: A new at-home tick diagnostic (TiCK TEST) promises rapid results by testing the tick for Lyme-causing bacteria.

Food Safety: Salmonella outbreaks are spreading across the U.S., tied to recalled eggs, jalapeño peppers, and even backyard pets—CDC and FDA updates say illnesses are linked to Texas shell eggs and Sinaloa jalapeños, with more products under investigation and recall notices expanding. School Health & Privacy: Rhode Island’s cellphone ban in schools is rolling out unevenly, with some districts still missing or awaiting approvals; separately, Connecticut is weighing a pause on Flock cameras and automated license plate readers over privacy concerns. Health Insurance Costs: A new push urges banning prior authorization, arguing insurers profit by blocking care; Rhode Island is already testing a pilot that removes the requirement for primary care. Homelessness Funding: A Rhode Island federal judge again blocked a Trump administration move to divert federal “Housing First” money, saying HUD violated federal procedure. Climate & Public Health: NOAA reports July 2026 was the hottest month on record nationwide, a reminder of rising heat risks that can worsen health outcomes. Local Care: CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island named Dr. Ciaran J. McNamee as chief of thoracic surgery and thoracic diseases. Workplace Health: Unionized CVS pharmacists in Rhode Island voted to approve a strike sanction over staffing and burnout concerns.

Medicaid Work Rules: A new federal requirement to verify that many Medicaid enrollees are working, volunteering, or studying is raising alarms among people with disabilities who say it forces them to choose between benefits and employment. Public Health Alert: The USDA issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that may contain Salmonella linked to FDA-regulated jalapeños, with distribution reported across multiple states including Rhode Island. Local Health Leadership: CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island named Dr. Ciaran J. McNamee as chief of thoracic surgery and thoracic diseases, aiming to expand thoracic oncology and lung cancer care at its Providence and North Providence hospitals. Caregiving & Retirement: A national study finds unpaid caregiving can erode financial security and health, with effects that may follow caregivers into retirement. Food Assistance Fraud: A Rhode Island DHS supervisor pleaded guilty in federal court for improperly accessing SNAP EBT information and altering PINs, with more than $300,000 in benefits allegedly misused. Blood Supply Access: Rhode Island Blood Center will open its first Massachusetts donor center in Swansea, expanding donation options as supply levels remain strained. Housing & Health: Coverage highlights how housing affordability is increasingly pushing seniors into riskier rental situations, with health and stability impacts.