AGP Executive Report

PFAS Watch in Tiverton: Rhode Island DEM is urging some Tiverton residents to test private wells after elevated PFAS (“forever chemicals”) were found near Crandall Road, with free filtration offered where levels exceed the drinking-water standard. Boil Water Lifted: RIDOH has lifted a boil water advisory for Stone Bridge Fire District customers after a water main break was repaired, chlorine was adjusted, mains were flushed, and bacteria samples came back clean. COVID-19 Update: CDC estimates COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 37 states, including Rhode Island, based on recent trend data. Healthcare Workforce & Access: A Rhode Island man’s “miracle baby” story is now tied to a Newport double shooting arrest, while a separate Rhode Island Hospital trial update shows 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals hit minimum enrollment for a severe babesiosis study with interim results due by Oct. 6. Policy & Care Continuity: Rhode Island’s charter school moratorium is being challenged in federal court by De La Comunidad Bilingual Public Charter School, arguing the pause unlawfully impairs its contract and violates due process.

PFAS Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Brown urged the EPA to keep drinking-water limits on PFAS “forever chemicals,” warning a rollback would strip public protections. School Mental Health: AG Brown joined a coalition winning court action to block federal cuts to school mental health grants, protecting services for tens of thousands of students. Boil Water Lifted: RIDOH lifted a boil-water advisory for Stone Bridge Fire District customers in Tiverton after a main break was repaired, chlorine was adjusted, mains were flushed, and bacteria samples came back clean. Babesiosis Trial Update: 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals hit minimum enrollment for an interim analysis in a hospitalized severe babesiosis study, with results due by Oct. 6. Local Health & Care: A Providence-area chiropractor was ordered to repay about $74K after Medicaid fraud, and Rhode Island’s primary election race continues to draw attention as health policy intersects with education and workforce priorities. Public Safety With Health Links: Police captured Newport’s “miracle baby” suspect in Virginia, after a double shooting tied to a Vatican-recognized birth recovery story.

Heat & Schools: A new report highlights how extreme summer temperatures can overwhelm school cooling systems, leaving students stuck indoors with little structure when air conditioning fails. Migraine Awareness: Rhode Island-linked Shades For Migraine says its global campaign hit record participation in 2026, aiming to reduce stigma around a condition affecting about a billion people worldwide. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM lifted the Wilson Reservoir “avoid recreation” advisory after a harmful algae bloom cleared, while keeping Wenscott Reservoir contact restrictions in place due to potentially harmful cyanobacteria. Court & Ethics: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court seat race continues to draw scrutiny, with a judge ruling on whether former House Speaker Shekarchi’s candidacy fits state revolving-door rules. Workplace Health: Colorado and New York City expand heat protections for workers, signaling more compliance pressure as extreme heat worsens. Local Health Leadership: Saint Elizabeth Community in East Greenwich named Brian McGuinness as its new executive director for the skilled nursing home. Community & Business: RIBBA announced honorees for its 2026 gala, spotlighting workforce and small-business support across Rhode Island.

Water Safety Alert: RIDOH and DEM lifted the avoid-recreation advisory at Wilson Reservoir in Burrillville after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but they still warn Rhode Islanders to avoid contact with Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence due to potentially harmful cyanobacteria. Mental Health Funding Fight: A judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Education from ending school-based mental health grants, a move led by AG Nick Brown and a coalition of 14 states. Perinatal Psychiatry Gap: A national report highlights how few inpatient perinatal psychiatric units exist in the U.S., leaving many families to seek care far from home when severe postpartum illness hits. ACA Enrollment Shift: New federal analysis finds Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollment fell in 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired, with drops in nearly every state. Healthcare Workforce & Tech: NSF announced new CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service awards to expand AI-and-cybersecurity training, while Rhode Island’s U.S. News ranking placed the state 33rd overall. Local Health Leadership: Saint Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich welcomed Brian McGuinness as its new executive director.

Affordable Care Rankings: WalletHub’s 2026 health care study puts Tennessee among the 10 worst states for affordability and outcomes, while Rhode Island lands in the top tier—highlighting how cost, access, and health results move together. Local Health & Safety: Rhode Island’s Department of Health issued a boil-water advisory for Stone Bridge Fire District in Tiverton after a water main break, with disinfection and flushing underway. Maternal Health: Dr. Isaac Mawuko Adusu says strengthening prenatal and newborn care is key to preventing developmental disabilities. Rhode Island Courts & Health Policy: A Superior Court ruling lets former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi continue seeking a Rhode Island Supreme Court seat, as ethics rules face renewed scrutiny. Health Care Quality Spotlight: East Liverpool City Hospital made Forbes’ “Top Hospitals by State” list, underscoring outcome- and experience-based measures. Access to Care & Coverage: A Stateline review finds death rates fell in many states, including Rhode Island, but warns gains could be threatened by Medicaid and rural hospital funding cuts. Rhode Island Health Tech: Brown University Health rolled out “Dragon Copilot” for clinicians, expanding AI support across hundreds of providers.

Charter School Fight: A dual-language Providence charter school, De La Comunidad, sued Gov. Dan McKee and state leaders after a new moratorium blocked it from opening next fall, arguing lawmakers targeted its plans. Healthcare Rankings: WalletHub’s 2026 state-by-state review puts Rhode Island among the top five for healthcare, while Texas lands near the bottom—an affordability, access, and outcomes snapshot that will matter to Rhode Islanders shopping for care. Hospice Under Scrutiny: A national debate over hospice fraud is growing, raising questions about how profit pressures can distort end-of-life care. Superbug Research: URI researchers are working on “Rhody Phage Cocktail” approaches to help control drug-resistant infections. Court & Care Access: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court ruled inmates can bring discrimination claims tied to medical accommodations. Local Health Policy: RIDOH is seeking public comment on Smithfield’s clean water infrastructure replacement plan update. Public Safety & Health: A Rhode Island fugitive, Ronald Fischer, made his first court appearance since capture, while a separate Rhode Island case continues to unfold after a double shooting warrant.

AI in Care Delivery: Brown University Health scaled Microsoft Dragon Copilot to 400+ clinicians and built 24 AI agents to support emergency guidance, patient routing, translation, and scheduling—aimed at easing documentation-driven burnout. Workplace Wellness: Blue Cross & the Greater Providence Chamber named 48 Rhode Island employers to its 2026 Worksite Health Awards, with programs spanning screenings, mental health training, and flexible schedules. Telehealth for Pets: Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation allowing Rhode Island veterinarians to provide telemedicine, including prescribing meds for up to 30 days with client consent and renewals requiring an in-person exam. Blood Supply Alert: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency as inventories fell below a two-day level during peak summer trauma season. Breast Cancer Support: Rhode Island Medical Imaging’s “Pink Out” raised $5,500 for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation through co-branded school merchandise. Public Health Watch: FDA/CDC expanded a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, while Rhode Island stores say they’re double-checking recalls and advising thorough produce washing.

Blood Supply Alert: Rhode Island and Connecticut blood centers declared a blood emergency after inventories fell below a two-day level, just as hospitals hit peak summer trauma season and donations dip. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, while Rhode Island grocery stores say they’re double-checking recalls and urging customers to wash produce. Tick-Borne Illness Funding: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and URI researchers called for more federal funding to tackle rising tick encounters and diseases like Lyme and alpha-gal. Pharmacy Care Expansion: A new Rhode Island law lets pharmacists perform simple screenings such as A1c and cholesterol tests and expand collaborative practice arrangements. Community Health Support: A Providence running club is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Rhode Island on Aug. 12. Local Research: URI researchers are studying how snapdragons grow in Rhode Island to improve regional plant health guidance. Injury & Safety: Police reported a serious SUV crash after an alleged red-light run in Bourne, highlighting ongoing roadway safety concerns.

GLP-1 Access Gap: Massachusetts Medicaid stopped covering weight-loss GLP-1s July 1, and Rhode Island’s Medicaid coverage ends for all state residents Oct. 1—leaving patients facing steep out-of-pocket costs and possible weight rebound. Public Health: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, adding four states; Rhode Island officials say they haven’t found links to local cases, while stores are double-checking recalls and urging customers to wash produce. Care Access in RI: A new Rhode Island law lets pharmacists perform simple screenings like A1c and cholesterol tests and expand collaborative practice arrangements. Blood Supply: Rhode Island and Connecticut blood centers declared a blood emergency as inventories fell below a two-day level during peak summer trauma season; donors are being urged to help. Tick-Borne Worries: Sen. Jack Reed and RI health leaders called for more federal funding to tackle rising tick encounters and tick-borne illnesses. Local Cannabis Licensing: Cranston investors say a new RI law forced them to restart the social-equity cannabis retail licensing process after spending $500,000.

Blood Supply Watch: The Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency after inventories fell below a two-day level, warning hospitals face peak summer trauma season with fewer donations. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding four states and reporting 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations; Rhode Island stores say they’re double-checking recalls and urging customers to wash produce. Pharmacy Care Access: A new Rhode Island law effective July 1 lets pharmacists perform simple screenings like A1c and cholesterol tests and expand collaborative practice agreements with more provider types. Tick-Borne Illness Funding: Sen. Jack Reed and URI researchers urged more federal funding to tackle rising tick encounters and diseases such as Lyme and alpha-gal. Mosquito Update: RIDOH/DEM reported a second West Nile Virus detection in Cranston, with no Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in the latest mosquito samples. Community Health & Support: URI researchers are running a regional snapdragon study to improve plant “health” data for southern New England, while a Providence running club plans an Aug. 12 Ice Bucket Challenge to support ALS Rhode Island.

Public Health Watch: The FDA and CDC expanded their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, now listing cases in nine states and reporting 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, with Rhode Island officials saying they haven’t found links to the outbreak yet. Local Food Safety: Rhode Island grocery stores say they’re double-checking lettuce recalls and urging shoppers to wash produce thoroughly. Mosquito Season Update: Rhode Island confirmed a second West Nile Virus detection in 2026 after a positive mosquito sample in Cranston; officials say the statewide risk is medium and remind residents there’s no vaccine or treatment for people. Care Access in Rhode Island: A new RI law starting July 1 lets pharmacists run simple screenings like A1c and cholesterol tests and expands collaborative practice arrangements. Community & Wellness: A Barrington teenager is raising money and awareness for hemophilia care through a nonprofit partnership. Health Policy & Equity: Rhode Island reset social equity dispensary licensing, forcing some applicants to restart after investing heavily. Safety & Health: A Newport man died after a suspected drunk driver struck him in a mobility scooter crash, with charges upgraded.

Mosquito-borne alerts: RIDOH/DEM confirmed a second Rhode Nile Virus detection in Rhode Island this year, found in a Cranston mosquito sample (July 14). WNV risk is “medium statewide,” with no vaccine or treatment for people—so officials are urging bite prevention. Food safety: The FDA and CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, adding four states; Rhode Island stores say they’re checking for recalls and advising customers to wash all produce. Public health in the community: Rhode Island Blood Center declared a blood emergency amid a national shortage and summer trauma season; donors are being urged to give, especially as inventories fall below a two-day level. Local health & safety: Newport police say a man struck by an alleged drunk driver while crossing Memorial Boulevard in a mobility scooter has died; the DUI charge was upgraded to driving resulting in death. Access to care: Rhode Island parents and schools continue to adjust to health needs, including new leadership roles at Newport Public Schools focused on student services, health, safety, and well-being. Workforce housing: Quonset Business Park will add 140 workforce housing apartments, aiming to ease Rhode Island’s housing crunch for employees.

Medicare-for-all Debate: Michigan Democratic Senate primary frontrunner Abdul El-Sayed is pushing universal Medicare coverage, while critics point to a personal practice detail that he says doesn’t undercut his plan. Rhode Island Health Costs: A new BEA-based map ranks Rhode Island at $9,864 per person in 2024 health spending—middle of the pack nationally. Cyclosporiasis Watch: Rhode Island reports 10 cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with none in Washington County, as national outbreaks linked to contaminated produce continue. Blood Shortage: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declare a blood emergency as inventories fall below a two-day level during peak summer trauma season; donors are urged to step up. Mobile Health in Pawtucket: The city will launch a Mobile Integrated Health Program next month, sending EMS/fire to check on high-need residents (especially in elderly housing) to prevent repeat 911 calls. Winter Energy Relief: Gov. McKee signs an executive order directing $28 million in emergency help for households facing a double-digit winter electricity price spike. Local Health Innovation: Lilac Biosciences and Soin Neuroscience publish a clinical review on RNA biomarkers for neuropathic pain, aiming to improve how pain is measured and monitored. Community Wellness: Rhode Island is offering free skin cancer screenings at select beaches and a state park this summer, with dermatology-led follow-up referrals.

Blood Supply Alert: The Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency as inventories fell below a two-day level, warning hospitals are heading into peak summer trauma season while donations slow. Addiction Care in Jails: A Maine jail series highlights how corrections staff administer buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder, showing the practical realities of treatment behind bars. Hospital Closures: Carney Hospital’s final days in Boston’s Dorchester area underscore fears about access and emergency-room strain after Steward’s planned shutdown. Public Health & Food Access: Lawmakers are pushing back on a Social Security email they call misleading for seniors, while new federal SNAP rules could raise costs for states with higher payment error rates—raising concerns for food assistance. Community Health & Safety: Newport police charged a driver with DUI after a crash struck a man in a motorized wheelchair, sending him to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. Care for Kids: Hasbro Children’s Hospital honored nurse Stacy Pizzuti with its Brite Lite award for caring, communication, cooperation and competence. Telehealth Convenience: RefillGenie expanded Spanish-language access for same-day prescription refills across 49 states and D.C. Air & Water Risks: RIDOH and DEM renewed/extended advisories urging people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond and Tiogue Lake due to algae blooms.

Measles Alert: The CDC says U.S. measles cases hit 2,260 across 44 states as summer travel drives new spread, with vaccination gaps leaving some communities especially vulnerable. Public Health & Water Safety: Newport’s boil-water advisory was lifted after repairs and water tests cleared bacteria concerns, while Rhode Island health and environmental officials also warned residents to avoid contact with algae-affected waters at Lower Melville Pond and Tiogue Lake. Caregiving Spotlight: Hasbro Children’s Hospital honored nurse Stacy Pizzuti with its Brite Lite Award for caring, communication, cooperation and competence. Health Policy & Access: A Rhode Island AI and healthcare privacy law is now in focus, raising questions about how virtual tools should protect patient data. Local Housing for Healthier Lives: Quonset Business Park plans 140+ workforce housing units, including set-asides for low- and moderate-income residents—aimed at easing local housing pressure that affects health and stability. Health Coverage Costs: A GAO report finds gig and ride-share workers increasingly rely on Medicaid and SNAP, including Rhode Island, highlighting how low wages can push working families onto public support.

Measles Surge: The U.S. reported 2,260 confirmed measles cases across 44 states as summer travel drives new exposures, with outbreaks concentrated in communities that have low MMR vaccination rates. PFAS Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined other states urging the EPA to reverse proposed rollbacks on “forever chemicals” in drinking water, warning the changes would weaken testing and protections tied to serious health risks. Access to Reproductive Care: AGs including California’s Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting continued access to mifepristone as a case returns to the Fifth Circuit. Local Health & Community: Actress Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon donated $1.2 million to build a Central Falls “community hub” connecting families to food pantry and support services. Outdoor Wellness: Gov. Dan McKee declared July 26 Rhode Island’s 37th annual Governor’s Bay Day with free state beach parking and license-free saltwater fishing, plus RIPTA fare waivers. Public Health & Safety: RIDOH and DEM advisories continue around Melville Pond and Tiogue Lake due to algae blooms, urging residents to avoid contact. Health Policy Watch: A new report finds more workers in Amazon and gig platforms are relying on SNAP and Medicaid, highlighting pressure on household health budgets.