AGP Executive Report

Measles in Pennsylvania: State officials confirmed the first two measles-related deaths in 35 years in Lancaster County, both tied to unvaccinated people, as the outbreak climbs to about 393 cases across dozens of counties—sparking a fierce public fight over transparency and vaccine messaging. Food safety: The FDA escalated its cyclospora warning tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, adding more states to the outbreak linked to Taylor Farms and reporting thousands of illnesses and hundreds of hospitalizations nationwide, including Pennsylvania. Opioid response: Allegheny County released another $1.7 million from opioid settlement funds for outreach, recovery services, and harm-reduction efforts, including support for people dealing with xylazine wounds. Women’s health access: Penn Medicine and state officials highlighted free preventive services for women under the Affordable Care Act, noting many Pennsylvanians still don’t know what’s covered. Community health & safety: Reading Hospital teamed up with Harley-Davidson for a free “RIDE READY” event teaching motorcycle safety and emergency response skills. Youth justice: Ohio’s DYS received a Lucy Webb Hayes Award after achieving full ACA reaccreditation and complete PREA compliance. Wellness & prevention: A Penn State piece argues teen suicide prevention starts with everyday connection at home, school, and community—not just crisis hotlines.

Measles in PA: Pennsylvania reported two measles-associated deaths tied to the Lancaster County outbreak—the first in 35 years—prompting urgent school vaccination clinics and renewed calls for MMR. Local dispute: The Lancaster County coroner says one infant had measles antibodies but the death was due to a ruptured spleen, not measles, fueling a public fight over how the state labels causes of death. Vaccine politics: Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traded accusations online, with Shapiro urging vaccination while critics accuse officials of fearmongering and withholding details. School response: Philadelphia schools are running vaccination efforts as measles spreads nationally and local immunization rates fall below herd-immunity targets. Family planning fight: Multiple states, including Pennsylvania, challenged new Title X funding conditions that would restrict services and patient eligibility. Big tech & youth mental health: Pennsylvania is set to receive up to $516M from a Meta settlement aimed at adding child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook.

Measles & Vaccines: U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. faced pushback after questioning Pennsylvania’s reported measles deaths during remarks in Tampa, as Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized his vaccine skepticism and Lancaster County details remain disputed; meanwhile, Pennsylvania officials say two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents—including an infant—died from measles, the first state deaths in 35 years, as cases keep rising nationwide. Local Outbreak Update: Seneca County health officials say measles in the area meets outbreak criteria, with likely spread among unvaccinated residents. Food & Family Support: Pennsylvania’s SUN Bucks summer EBT program is still open for eligible families, with an Aug. 31 deadline for the $120-per-child benefit. Food Security Strain: Food banks across Pennsylvania are struggling to meet demand amid SNAP cuts and economic pressure. Mental Health Access: Two York County women describe how misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses delayed proper mental health care. Public Health & Environment: Pennsylvania is looking to reduce “forever chemicals” from sewage sludge used on farm fields. Community Health: Penn Highlands hospitals earned Donate Life Pennsylvania awards for organ donation awareness. Health Care Workforce: UPMC Washington School of Nursing held commencement for its latest class. Consumer Health: Bucks County authorities arrested a suspect in an EBT skimming case targeting SNAP users.

Measles Alert (Lancaster County): Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths—both unvaccinated—marking the first U.S. measles fatalities in 2026 and the first in the state in 35 years, as cases climb statewide and health officials push MMR catch-up, including pop-up clinics and early-dose guidance for infants in higher-risk situations. Public Health & Vaccination Debate: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly questioned Pennsylvania’s cooperation with the CDC, while Gov. Josh Shapiro warned that vaccine skepticism is fueling outbreaks. Big Tech Child-Safety (Meta): PA Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a landmark multistate Meta settlement expected to bring at least $516M to Pennsylvania, with new limits and safeguards for teens on Facebook and Instagram. West Nile (Butler Township): A mosquito sample in Butler Township tested positive for West Nile virus; officials urged residents to use repellent and reduce standing water. Wildlife Health (Rabies): Cheltenham Township reported a rabid coyote put down by police and advised residents to seek care if exposed. School Wellness (Safety Grants): Pennsylvania school safety and mental health grants were announced for multiple districts, supporting security upgrades and behavioral health services. Community Support (Overdose Awareness): Delaware Valley events marked International Overdose Awareness Day with vigils and local resources.

Measles Alert (PA): Pennsylvania confirmed its first measles-related deaths in 35 years—both in unvaccinated Lancaster County residents—as cases climb to 393 across 28 counties, with pop-up vaccination clinics ramping up and officials urging families to check MMR status. School Vaccination Gaps (Philly region): An Inquirer analysis found double-digit drops in kindergarten measles protection across dozens of Philadelphia-area schools, leaving about 40% of classrooms vulnerable during the 2025-2026 school year. Local Health Response (Mercer & beyond): State maps show measles spreading statewide, including Mercer County, where school MMR rates vary widely. Online Child Safety (PA AG): Attorney General Dave Sunday filed a lawsuit against Snapchat, alleging the app is addictive and fails to protect children from compulsive use. Community Recovery (Centre County): Centre County marked National Recovery Month and International Overdose Awareness Day with plans to expand overdose prevention and addiction recovery support. Fitness & Wellness (Retro Fitness): Retro Fitness signed a multi-unit development deal to bring its “high-value, low-price” model to new communities, including plans tied to Pennsylvania.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County—both unvaccinated—marking the first measles fatalities in the state in 35 years as cases near 400 statewide, with officials urging MMR vaccination and noting measles can linger in the air for hours. Public Health Response: State and local leaders pointed to declining kindergarten vaccination rates and expanded outbreak tracking, while hospitals and clinicians emphasized that MMR is the best protection. Tech & Youth Safety: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued Snapchat, alleging addictive design and misleading marketing that put children at risk, following similar action against TikTok. Cancer Care Access: Allegheny Health Network will collaborate with the START Center for Cancer Research to add an early-phase clinical trial site at AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital. Organ Donation: Independence Health System and AHN were recognized for organ, eye and tissue donation efforts, earning top statewide honors. School Clean Energy: Shapiro’s Solar for Schools Program highlighted new solar funding for districts like Steelton-Highspire to cut long-term energy costs.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania kindergarten vaccination rates dipped to about 92% in 2024-25, with some schools in the 80s as measles cases climb—health officials warn that dropping below ~95% can let outbreaks spread. Food Safety: A multi-state alfalfa sprouts recall is drawing scrutiny after a federal distribution map shows only two states even though illnesses were reported in 15, including Pennsylvania—officials say the product may have reached more places. Blood Supply & Wellness: Miller-Keystone Blood Center reopened its renovated Reading Donor Center, aiming to boost donations for eastern PA and western NJ. Local Health Access: A Pittsburgh report highlights how high childcare costs and low supply are pushing families to improvise. Health Care Workforce: Penn State Health ER doctor Dr. Paul Sokoloski died after a plane crash involving a police helicopter while attempting to land at Carlisle Airport. Clinical Research: Savara shared new Phase 3 results for molgramostim in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis at the ERS Congress.

One Health Education: Penn Vet launched a new university-wide One Health certificate aimed at training cross-disciplinary leaders to tackle infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, food security, environmental change, and community health. Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps climbing, with Lancaster County adding 23 cases in a week and the state reaching 86 new cases statewide; officials stress MMR vaccination for full protection. Food Safety Alert: A multistate alfalfa sprouts outbreak linked to E. coli and salmonella has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including Pennsylvania, with FDA/CDC tracing cases to sprouts from Everything Sprouts; consumers are urged to check recalls. EMS & Blood Access: EmergyCare says it successfully started blood transfusions in the field using blood carried on supervisor vehicles, expanding pre-hospital care options in Pennsylvania. Local Health Workforce: LCCC created the Olsen Family Endowment Scholarship to help future paramedics afford training. Wellness in the Community: The American Red Cross and Hello Kitty are teaming up for September blood drives across Pennsylvania, with donors receiving special items while supplies last. Infectious Disease Risk in Daily Life: A report highlights higher Parkinson’s risk for older adults living near dry cleaners, adding to growing concerns about environmental exposures.

Medication Safety: A new JAMA Neurology observational study links levetiracetam (often seen as low-interaction) with nearly double the thromboembolic risk when used alongside DOAC blood thinners in adults with epilepsy, prompting calls for clinicians to review the combo rather than assume it’s automatically safe. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls are expanding after alfalfa sprouts were tied to multi-state E. coli and Salmonella illness reports (55 sick in 15 states), with shoppers urged to throw out affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Child Safety in PA: Spotlight PA reports Pennsylvania still lacks a consistent statewide system for investigating suspected child abuse, with some counties relying on non-medical casework while others use medical experts—raising concerns about missed injuries and false accusations. Health Care Access: A separate report highlights how rural health funding can expand primary care, mental health, and dental services—an issue Pennsylvania readers will recognize as they weigh access gaps. Workplace Violence: New reporting says hospital workers face violence-related injuries at about seven times the rate of other workers, underscoring ongoing safety and staffing pressures.

Child Welfare Oversight: Pennsylvania is still struggling to standardize how child abuse cases are assessed, with a state report warning that some counties rely on non-medical investigations—raising the risk that abuse is missed or adults are wrongly accused. Food Safety Recall: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Pennsylvania, and prompted recalls of Calco and Everything Sprouts products; health officials urge people not to eat affected lots. School Mental Health: Pennsylvania is funding a program to recruit and support school psychologists in high-need districts, including several in northeastern PA, aiming to close gaps in student mental health services. Health Tech in Surgery: A new lung cancer imaging approach using a fluorescent agent is being discussed as a way to help surgeons better find tumors and lymph nodes during operations. Local Wellness Workforce: Cheyney University named Fred Reynolds as director of athletics, highlighting student success and compliance as the focus for Wolf Athletics.

Food Safety: Federal investigators are probing a multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to 55 illnesses across 15 states, including Pennsylvania, with E. coli and Salmonella reported; affected products are being recalled and consumers are urged to toss and sanitize. Public Health: Measles is surging in the region, with Pennsylvania reporting additional cases and vaccination gaps driving spread, as health officials urge shots and quick action after exposure. Local Health & Safety: Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a homicide in Freemansburg, where a woman was killed and a man critically injured in a shooting; criminal charges are expected. Healthcare Workforce & Safety: A Penn State Health emergency physician, Dr. Paul Sokoloski, died after a small plane collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter near Carlisle Airport; two troopers were injured. Wellness in the Community: The Wild Women NEPA festival in Tunkhannock highlighted holistic wellness with nature-based healing and dozens of women-owned vendors. Tech & Privacy: Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving to rein in automated license plate reader practices as a company says it will shorten default data storage.

Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Pennsylvania, with E. coli and Salmonella infections reported; FDA/CDC urge people to throw away or return recalled sprouts and clean surfaces. Measles Watch: New York is urging residents to confirm they’re up to date on measles vaccines as cases rise ahead of school, with warnings about possible exposure from activity in nearby Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Public Health & Safety: Pennsylvania doctors and toxicology experts warn that kratom can act like an opioid, leading to dependence and serious toxic effects, including respiratory depression and seizures. Local Health Risk: A Wyomissing mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus; officials say risk is currently low but are stepping up surveillance and urging residents to reduce bites. Community Health Policy: Sen. Rosemary Brown’s resolution designates Aug. 17–23 as Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania, focusing on risks like grooming, sextortion, and cyberbullying. Workforce & Coverage: Gov. Josh Shapiro told Berks Democrats that Trump administration changes are affecting health care coverage and food assistance, urging turnout for Democrats.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC are investigating a fast-growing multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, with 55 sickened and 4 hospitalized so far; officials say consumers should discard affected sprouts and sanitize contact areas. Recall Alert: Optimal Balance Pharmacy is recalling Glutathione Injection vials after elevated endotoxin levels were found, with the FDA warning of possible fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and allergic-type reactions. Public Health—Measles: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to spread, with new cases reported statewide and vaccination concerns rising as school starts. Environmental Health: Older adults living near dry cleaners may face higher Parkinson’s risk, tied to exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). Local Wellness Access: Samaritan’s Purse is running a free medical, dental, and vision clinic in Wheeling with no income requirement or ID needed. Health Care & Safety: Investigators recovered data cards from a deadly Carlisle airport midair collision involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a Cessna, as the NTSB reviews what happened. Community Health: Parents of PennWest California soccer player Karoline Heintz spoke out after the alleged boyfriend killing, calling it a “worst nightmare.”

Food Safety: CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, with at least 55 illnesses across 15 states and four hospitalizations reported; Pennsylvania is among the affected states. Infectious Disease: Measles is surging in Pennsylvania, with health officials reporting 89 new cases in a week and warning of spread as vaccination gaps persist; Allegheny County also confirmed a case after a visit to UPMC Children’s Hospital. Public Health & Environment: A new study links living near dry cleaners to higher Parkinson’s risk in older adults, with the highest odds for those within 500 feet. Health Policy & Privacy: Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones won a court order blocking the Trump administration from demanding a massive database of commercial drivers’ personal information. Community Health: Erie County’s Justice Bell traveling exhibit is set to spotlight Pennsylvania women’s suffrage history and the importance of civic participation.

Cancer Care Access: WellSpan and Johns Hopkins renewed their oncology partnership, expanding advanced cancer care access across central Pennsylvania, including subspecialty consults and clinical trial enrollment. Public Health—Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus was detected in a Centre County mosquito sample, prompting local officials to urge residents to dump standing water and reduce breeding spots. Public Health—Measles: Measles activity continues to ripple through Pennsylvania, with new cases reported statewide and at least one confirmed at UPMC Children’s Hospital, keeping schools and families on alert. Food Security: Highmark Wholecare hosted a free farmers’ market on Pittsburgh’s North Side to help fight food insecurity, distributing thousands of pounds of produce to families. School Health & Equity: York County schools received state funds for period products as part of a broader Pennsylvania initiative aimed at reducing stigma and missed school days. Healthcare Workforce & Safety: A national spotlight is on hospital worker violence and staffing shortages driving strikes, including reports tied to Pennsylvania. Local Care Expansion: UPMC Rehabilitation Institute in Williamsport added two physicians to broaden specialized rehab services. Weather & Safety: Storms and possible tornadoes hit parts of Pennsylvania, damaging homes and a school roof and displacing residents. Health Tech Research: Monell researchers used machine learning to better map complex odors, a step toward “digital olfaction.” Local Medicine: A new family medicine doctor joined Independence Health System’s Saxonburg primary care office.

Midair Crash in Carlisle: An emergency room doctor, Dr. Paul Sokoloski, 57, was killed when his Cessna 150 collided with a hovering Pennsylvania State Police helicopter during training at Carlisle Airport; two troopers were injured and treated at Penn State Hershey, with one later released. Measles Watch: Allegheny County confirmed its first measles case since 2019 at UPMC Children’s Hospital; health officials say exposed people were notified, while Pennsylvania’s case count continues to climb amid outbreaks in multiple states. Food Safety Alert: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has expanded to 32 states with 431 reported illnesses and 57 hospitalizations; officials urge people to check recalls and avoid affected products. HIV Care & Poverty: A new study finds HIV medication adherence rises right after SNAP payments and drops as the next payment nears, highlighting how financial stress can disrupt daily health routines. Opioid Overdose Prevention: Pennsylvania DDAP launched free online naloxone training, with early completion by more than 100 Pennsylvanians and guidance on overdose response and reducing stigma. Medicare Advantage Trust: A new report says Medicare Advantage member satisfaction is falling, with physicians absorbing fallout from plan confusion and eroding trust.