AGP Executive Report

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania reported additional measles deaths as cases climb into the hundreds, keeping vaccine access and public messaging in the spotlight. Vaccine Trust Under Fire: At a Senate hearing, surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier faced heavy questioning over MMR and autism, while lawmakers tied the outbreak to vaccine misinformation. CDC Leadership Shake-Up: The new CDC director pledged a more transparent, staff-empowering approach as the country heads into fall respiratory virus season without a confirmed “nation’s doctor.” Health Policy Tensions: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed health code changes drew pushback from school leaders over private student conversations during disease investigations. Care & Costs for Families: A free webinar will teach Pennsylvania ag professionals how to use a new Medicaid risk calculator for long-term care planning. Food Safety Watch: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged cleanliness and pest-risk issues at multiple sites. Local Health Wins: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and CHOP earned top pediatric honors in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. Community Wellness: A Philly bathhouse wellness brand announced its Center City opening, adding pools and sauna access.

Measles Surge in PA: Pennsylvania health officials report 731 confirmed measles cases across 38 counties, with 141 hospitalizations and 4 measles-associated deaths; 4 cases are among vaccinated people (under 1%), and the state says it’s running pop-up MMR clinics and updating a public dashboard. Political Fight Over Vaccines: Sen. Bill Cassidy called the outbreak a “terrible legacy” for the Trump administration, criticizing vaccine misinformation and delays to protection. CDC Trust Under Pressure: New CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz says rebuilding public trust is a top priority while addressing the measles surge and vaccine hesitancy. FDA Hand Soap Recall: The FDA issued a Class II recall for six hand soap products sold in 15 states (including Pennsylvania) due to possible bacterial contamination, urging people to stop using and discard affected items. Local Health Planning: Allegheny County health leaders say they’re preparing for possible measles spread, including lining up PPE and pop-up vaccination sites. Other Health Alerts: Delaware County reported a case of bacterial meningitis at George W. Hill Correctional Facility and is identifying close contacts for preventive antibiotics.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania confirmed its fourth measles death as the U.S. faces its worst outbreak in decades, with the state reporting about 693 cases across 38 counties and most cases among people who are unvaccinated. Public Health Response: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Debra Bogen renewed calls for MMR vaccination amid a heated dispute with RFK Jr., as officials warn measles can cause severe complications and hospitalization. Clinical Care Research: A new study on preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia found extremely preterm babies didn’t have worse respiratory visits after discharge than later preterm peers, even though severe BPD and oxygen use were higher. Substance Use Treatment: Contingency Management Innovations partnered with Gaudenzia to expand contingency management for stimulant use disorder, combining clinical expertise with a technology platform and training. Cybersecurity for Patients: MyChart users are being targeted by phishing scams using fake medical results and Medicare-themed messages to steal passwords and personal data. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for six foaming hand soap products due to possible bacterial contamination, including shipments to Pennsylvania.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: The state reported two more measles-associated deaths—one in Jefferson County (a 40-year-old woman) and one in Mifflin County (an 18-year-old)—bringing Pennsylvania’s total to four deaths tied to the outbreak, with officials stressing that both victims were unvaccinated and urging access to the MMR shot. Vaccine Trust Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traded accusations over whether CDC reporting was politicized, as national case counts hit their highest levels in decades. Local Health Watch: Doctors in Allegheny County said the area is not considered an outbreak zone yet, but residents should still protect themselves—especially if they’re not fully vaccinated. Hospital Staffing Disruption: Sharon Regional Health employees reported delayed paychecks tied to an IT upgrade, while the state said the hospital remains properly staffed for now. Animal Health & Welfare: Penn Vet’s Swine Teaching and Research Center marked 25 years, crediting its work with helping drive better swine welfare practices across Pennsylvania. Public Safety: A 33-year-old man died after being ejected in a Northern Liberties motorcycle crash, and a 98-year-old driver died in a Butler County stop-sign crash. Health Tech & Cancer: DataMEDS completed an acquisition of Helomics, expanding into oncology diagnostics and lab services. Policy & Environment: The EPA repealed pollution limits for fossil-fuel power plants, a move that could affect air quality and energy costs.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: The state’s outbreak hit 693 confirmed cases across 38 counties, with hospitalizations rising to 133, as CDC Director Erica Schwartz said Pennsylvania hasn’t requested federal outbreak support (Epi-Aid) despite repeated offers—leaving families focused on faster exposure tracking. Vaccine Trust Wobble: A Reuters/Ipsos poll found U.S. trust in measles-mumps-rubella shots has dropped (76% now say they’re safe for kids), a worrying backdrop as Pennsylvania reports multiple measles-related deaths. Public Charge Legal Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition suing to block a Trump administration rule that would broaden what immigration officials can count as “public benefits” for green cards—arguing it will fuel fear and strain local services. Healthcare in the Spotlight: A Pennsylvania nurse faces charges after allegations she performed an “exorcism” on a nursing home resident, while Penn Medicine named Julia Puchtler as UPHS executive vice president and CFO. AI, Health, and Policy: Philadelphia activists pushed for a citywide moratorium on AI data centers, and a new study suggests AI trained on how pathologists scan slides could improve cancer detection. Local Wellness & Care: Merakey opened a new North Philadelphia education center for children with autism and emotional challenges.

Measles Outbreak Watch: Pennsylvania health officials report 693 confirmed measles cases across 38 counties, with 133 hospitalizations and two confirmed outbreak-linked deaths; a Jefferson County coroner says a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman died from measles complications, and the state is reviewing whether it meets its fatality definition. Vaccine Confidence: A public health advocate warns the surge is a “warning sign” tied to vaccine hesitancy and urges Pennsylvanians to vaccinate to prevent severe, potentially deadly complications. Veteran Health & Housing: The VA awarded more than $44 million to 34 Pennsylvania community organizations to help homeless or at-risk veterans secure stable housing and support services. Community Pediatrics: Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie Campaign raised $30,081 for Shriners Children’s Erie, supporting specialized pediatric care. Public Health Beyond Humans: Penn State researchers report PCR fecal testing detected Echinococcus in Pennsylvania wild canids, highlighting the need for vets and pet owners to know the parasite is present. Immigration Policy & Health Access: States and cities sued to block a Trump “public charge” rule that would count use of benefits like Medicaid and SNAP against green-card applicants, raising fears families will avoid care.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania confirmed its third measles-related death of 2026 after a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Jefferson County died from complications, as cases climb to about 676 statewide across dozens of counties and more hospitalizations are reported. Local Outbreak Watch: Mercer County is seeing rising counts, while nearby Ohio’s Trumbull County reports additional cases, underscoring how quickly the virus can spread across state lines. Prevention Push: Health officials are urging residents to get the two-dose MMR vaccine, noting severe outcomes are far more likely without vaccination—especially for people with chronic lung conditions. Maternal Health Access: Delaware County is moving forward with a doula directory and a maternal care initiative after the collapse of Crozer Health left gaps, including training birthing companions and building a centralized intake plan. Child Well-Being Policy: Pennsylvania schools will be required to offer daily recess for K-5 starting next school year, aiming to support physical health and focus. Hospital Safety Tech: A report highlights why hospital network segmentation projects often stall and how that can affect patient safety.

Measles Alert in Pennsylvania: A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County died from measles complications, the state’s third measles-related death in 2026, as Pennsylvania’s outbreak climbs to about 676 cases and 124 hospitalizations across dozens of counties; officials say the woman was unvaccinated and had serious underlying respiratory conditions, underscoring that measles can be dangerous for people of any age. Public Health Tension: The new death lands amid an ongoing dispute over how cases and deaths are counted and how information is shared between local officials and state/federal health authorities. 9/11 Health Reminders: Separate coverage marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with renewed focus on long-term health effects from toxic dust exposure, including respiratory and cancer risks for survivors and responders. Community & Wellness Context: Local remembrance events in the Harrisburg area highlight ongoing support for first responders and public awareness around health and safety.

Measles Alert in PA: Jefferson County confirmed its first measles-related death, underscoring how serious the virus can be for people of any age and urging residents to follow public health guidance. Outbreak Update: Pennsylvania’s measles situation continues to climb, with reporting tied to vaccination efforts and ongoing case tracking. GLP-1 Drug Safety Signals: A University of Pennsylvania team used AI to scan 400,000 Reddit posts and flagged underreported side-effect signals tied to Ozempic/Wegovy and similar drugs, including reproductive changes and temperature-related symptoms—researchers stress it doesn’t prove cause. Medical-Justice Case in PA: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is weighing whether defendants accused of supplying drugs in fatal overdoses should get new legal protections, as critics argue prosecutions can overreach. Public Health Policy Fight: Pennsylvania is facing debate over proposed health regulations that would expand the state’s authority, including access to private homes and health information. Community Wellness & Mental Health: WCR Center for the Arts is staging “Trich,” a solo performance exploring trichotillomania and recovery.

Measles Outbreak Watch: Pennsylvania health officials report 676 measles cases across 37 counties, including 4 fully vaccinated people; nearly all cases involve unvaccinated residents, and MMR remains the best protection as the state continues pop-up vaccination clinics. Public Health Oversight: Pennsylvania Auditor General DeFoor released a performance audit finding the Department of Health needs stronger internal controls and review processes for inspections and enforcement in the medical marijuana program. Local Wellness Access: Remote Area Medical (RAM) held a free clinic in Erie offering no-cost medical, dental, and vision care, with dental demand especially high. Community Health Through Nature: Pew Charitable Trusts awarded $1.15M to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to expand greening in North Philadelphia’s Nicetown and Tioga, aiming to boost social connectedness and community safety. Care for Seniors: The Pennsylvania Lottery topped $1B in annual profit for the 15th straight year, funding programs that support older Pennsylvanians, including transportation and prescription help. Health & Safety in Schools: Coverage highlights how health misinformation can affect the school year, as measles vaccination gaps remain a concern.

Measles Watch (PA): Pennsylvania’s confirmed measles count hit 676, with health leaders urging vaccinations as cases keep climbing across multiple counties, including reports of infections among fully vaccinated people. School Health & Safety: Coverage highlights how kids back in classrooms and misinformation can affect the school year, while local school immunization gaps—especially in some Lancaster-area schools—raise concerns about outbreaks. Mental Health Support: A practical guide on how to help someone struggling in silence points to subtle warning signs and encourages early action during Suicide Prevention Month. Care Access & Costs: Pennsylvania’s health insurance rates are poised to rise again as regulators say they have limited power to curb increases. Community Wellness: Pottstown is rolling out public pianos to get people moving and connecting through music, and Lancaster’s editorial pushes for free school meals for all to end lunch shaming. Legal Win for Survivors: The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence scored a federal lawsuit win blocking Trump administration grant conditions that would have restricted program work.

Measles Watch in Pennsylvania: The state reported 676 measles cases across 37 counties, including 4 “breakthrough” infections in people fully vaccinated for their ages (no hospitalizations reported). Health leaders say the outbreak is still rising—108 cases in the prior week—and stress MMR vaccination as the best protection. Cyclospora Update: A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak that sickened nearly 12,883 people in 21 states is officially over, though the FDA says its investigation continues. Healthcare & Legal: A federal appeals court upheld decisions clearing Globus Medical of spinal surgery patent infringement claims. COVID Access: GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacies in Pennsylvania now offer COVID-19 vaccines in-store. Workplace Health: Pennsylvania ER doctors move forward with a wage lawsuit against Prime Healthcare Services. Public Health Reminder: If you were exposed to recalled lettuce or develop symptoms after known measles exposure, contact a clinician promptly.

9/11 Health Legacy: A new look at the long aftermath of Sept. 11 highlights how toxic dust and smoke kept harming people for years, with thousands of first responders and survivors still facing illness and death tied to exposures. Hospital Preparedness: Erie hospitals say the attacks permanently changed security and emergency planning, including tighter access screening and stronger coordination for mass-casualty events. Medicare & Cancer Care: A Penn-linked study finds Medicare spending on radiation therapy is lower after a practice shift toward shorter-course breast radiation, showing how evidence-based care can change both outcomes and costs. Youth Health: Pennsylvania schools are seeing a continued decline in youth vaping, with experts pointing to enforcement, awareness, and early intervention as key. Infant Safety: A CDC report finds most sudden unexpected infant deaths involved unsafe sleep factors, reinforcing guidance for babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, separate surface. Mental Health Support: Franklin County marked September as Suicide Prevention Month, promoting free QPR training and urging residents to use 988 and local resources when help is needed.

Substance Use Crisis: A Pittsburgh-area hospital reports a sharp uptick in withdrawals tied to “gas station heroin” (kratom), warning Pennsylvania’s light regulation is leaving people unsure what they’re taking and how much—sending more patients into ICU-level care. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Gannon University earned PA CARES Certified Suicide Prevention Institution status, highlighting campus crisis support and student mental health resources as colleges face ongoing suicide risk. Health Care Accountability: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sentenced Superior Health owner Tina Bell to prison for Medicaid fraud and neglect, including billing for care not provided and misrepresenting caregiver qualifications. Public Health Research: A federal effort is launching a new study to better understand 9/11 health effects on young people and those in utero, after earlier research focused mostly on adult responders. Local Wellness Infrastructure: UPenn completed a new $17M veterinary education center at New Bolton Center, expanding hands-on training and simulation for future animal health professionals. Community Care Access: Family Practice Center and Sylvan Health expanded access to personalized nutrition care across central Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Public Health Policy: Pa. lawmakers are pushing back on proposed Department of Health infectious-disease rules, arguing the plan could let health officials talk privately with students during outbreaks without parental consent—coming as the state battles a fast-growing measles outbreak. Measles Outbreak Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles cases have climbed to the high hundreds, with multiple infant deaths reported and a public fight over how deaths are counted and reported. Food Safety in PA: Chester County restaurant inspections show a mix of clean passes and specific issues, including temperature control problems and missing handwashing setup at a West Chester venue. Emergency Care Milestone: LVHN MedEvac marked 45 years of air and ground medical transport, citing more than 105,000 patients served since 1981. Local EMS Quality: Centre LifeLink EMS received reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, highlighting compliance with national standards. Health Care Costs & Access: Princeton University is switching pharmacy benefits managers from OptumRx to Judi Rx and continues legal action over alleged insulin price inflation. Community Health & Safety: A Pennsylvania trooper was bitten by a dog during a reported mental health incident; the suspect was taken for evaluation.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps climbing, with the state DOH reporting 624 confirmed cases across 37 counties and 109 hospitalizations, plus 2 measles-associated deaths; officials say vaccination efforts are ramping up with thousands of MMR shots delivered at pop-up clinics and urge residents to check protection status. Regional Spread: Wisconsin is also seeing rapid growth, reporting 159 cases as of Sept. 8, with nearly all tied to unvaccinated people in southwestern counties. Public Health Safety: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center will begin entrance security screenings Sept. 12 as part of a phased rollout, with weapons prohibited and visitors guided to specific entrances for women’s health appointments. Health Tech Scam Alert: Hospitals across the U.S. are warning patients about phishing texts and emails using the MyChart name to lure people into paying for “free” kits or handing over login details. Community Health & Access: Wawa opened its first Salem store in the I-81 region, continuing expansion that brings fresh food and convenience options to more Pennsylvania communities.