AGP Executive Report

Court Fight Over Kids’ Health Data: A Nashville judge extended a temporary order blocking Tennessee officials from reporting 400 sick, disabled immigrant children to immigration enforcement, setting a July 10 deadline for a longer agreement as doctors argue the mandate could disrupt care. Summer Nutrition Boost: West Tennessee’s Summer Nutrition Program is on track to deliver about double last year’s meals, with 630,000 meals distributed in the first five weeks and new counties added, though rural home delivery is under pressure. Extreme Heat Safety: Tennessee health officials and local police urged residents to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and never leave children or pets in cars as a dangerous heat wave pushes heat indexes higher and strains cooling resources. Food Safety Scrutiny: Tennessee Valley inspectors reported serious restaurant violations, including raw chicken contamination practices, improper storage temperatures, expired certifications, and sanitation failures. Norovirus on the Move: A Princess Cruises ship reported 102 guest and 23 crew illnesses in a norovirus outbreak, prompting heightened cleaning and isolation steps. Healthcare Workforce: USAntibiotics in Bristol is holding a July 8 career fair to fill manufacturing roles supporting amoxicillin supply.

West Nile Watch: Nashville health officials say West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito pool near Cass Street in North Nashville, urging residents to prevent bites as summer ramps up. ALS Spotlight: Former Titans running back Chris Johnson publicly shared his 2025 ALS diagnosis, while Panthers legend Cam Newton questioned how the NFL should respond to player safety amid links between head trauma and ALS. Local EMS Upgrade: Putnam County officials highlighted an early win in a new program letting ambulance crews administer blood on scene—already used twice for lifesaving medical and trauma calls. Tennessee Policy Update: New Tennessee laws took effect July 1, including changes tied to immigration enforcement and childcare requirements. Health Care Business News: Centerstone marked the official rebranding of Preferred Family Healthcare clinics in Missouri, expanding its whole-person care model under one nonprofit network. Extreme Heat Reminder: Multiple reports warn heat index values could push past 110 degrees during the July 4 weekend, raising the risk of heat illness.

Tennessee Health Policy: Tennessee lawmakers and advocates are pushing back on a new state approach that would delay or restrict care for critically ill immigrant children, with courts weighing in on whether the policy can move forward. Public Health & Safety: Tennessee health officials issued an extreme-heat safety warning as a heat dome threatens parts of the state, urging residents to watch for heat exhaustion and take precautions outdoors. Healthcare Access & Services: Nashville Concierge Medicine announced new educational content for Suboxone treatment, aiming to improve patient understanding and support for opioid use disorder care. Medical Innovation: Harrow launched BYOOVIZ, an FDA-approved ranibizumab biosimilar, expanding anti-VEGF options for wet AMD and other retinal conditions in the U.S. Community Health: Students made friendship bracelets for kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, a small but meaningful effort to brighten pediatric cancer care. Health Care Fraud Watch: A major Medicare scam tied to urinary catheter billing was reported as federal agents unraveled a scheme involving millions of patient records.

Medicaid Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (including Tennessee) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people to stay covered. Public Health Alert: A cyclospora outbreak linked to explosive diarrhea has sickened at least 145 people across multiple states, with investigators still working to identify the source. Cancer Care Update: Tennessee Oncology’s Sara Nunnery discussed the SERENA-6 breast cancer trial and why liquid biopsy and newer endocrine strategies (including oral ER degraders) are gaining attention for hormone receptor–positive metastatic disease. Food Safety: The FDA/USDA issued a health warning about mislabeled raw chicken sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer locations in Tennessee and other states, citing undeclared allergens. Local Health & Wellness: Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital joined the Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative, using local photography to support wellness in the hospital setting. Community Support: Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee received a $32,000 grant to expand its school pantry program, helping students and families access groceries year-round. Health-Related Crime: In Covington, three people were charged after a shooting sent a man to the hospital; investigators say it stemmed from an argument and involved convicted felons. Trial Update: In Nashville, the defense rested in the Blaise Taylor murder trial; closing arguments are set for Wednesday.

Heat Safety in the Mid-South: Memphis-area Severe Weather Center 13 is warning residents about dangerous heat dome conditions, with heat exhaustion and heat stroke risks rising as heat index values push past 105–110, plus Saharan dust that may slightly worsen air quality for people with asthma or heart issues. Local Health Leadership: FountainRx Specialty Pharmacy earned URAC’s 2025 “Pioneer in Performance Measurement” recognition for tracking and improving patient engagement, adherence, access, and clinical support. ALS Spotlight (National, Tennessee ties): Former Titans star Chris Johnson, 40, revealed he has ALS and is using a speech-generating device; the Titans also released an emotional statement of support. Policy Watch (Medicaid): Democratic-led states, including Tennessee, sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements and a narrower “medically frail” exemption that could affect ill and disabled enrollees. Food Assistance Policy: Arkansas is moving ahead with a SNAP ban on candy and soda despite a court ruling, and launched an app to help beneficiaries check what’s eligible. Ophthalmology Innovation: Provectus and VisiRose announced a U.S. patent covering a light-independent antibacterial eye drop aimed at drug-resistant ocular infections like MRSA.

ALS Spotlight (Tennessee): Former Titans star Chris Johnson revealed on “Good Morning America” that he has ALS, communicating now through an eye-triggered speech device after a fast-moving 2025 diagnosis; he says it’s “sporadic ALS” with no family history, and Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk shared support for him and his family. Public Health & Safety (Heat): A heat dome is pushing extreme heat across the eastern U.S., with Nashville forecast to feel like 115; local groups are opening cooling centers and Metro Social Services is activating severe-weather meal and welfare checks for seniors and disabled residents. Community Health (Blood Supply): Blood Assurance is urging donors with a June 29–July 7 push, offering $40 e-gift cards as local blood supplies drop, aiming to keep a 2–3 day supply for hospitals. Local Health Infrastructure: Flooding and HVAC issues are forcing 201 Poplar courts to reopen later this week after a water line break flooded the Shelby County Criminal Justice Complex. Access to Care (Tennessee): A GRACE Table ministry panel in Brentwood (June 30) will focus on men’s mental health and masculinity, linking mental and physical health barriers to healing.

Public Health & Safety: A dangerous heat wave is expanding across Tennessee, with NWS warning that triple-digit heat and extreme heat index values could hit Middle Tennessee through Thursday, pushing residents toward hydration, shade, and heat-illness prevention. Health Care Costs & Access: A WBUR investigation highlights how for-profit jail health contractors can profit from limiting hospital trips, raising concerns about inmate care quality and preventable suffering. Medical Research: Nashville-based Insight Molecular Diagnostics (IMDx) says its Chief Science Officer Ekkehard Schuetz has published his 200th paper, tied to dd-cfDNA testing used in its GraftAssure transplant rejection assays. Health Policy & Budgets: Tennessee’s SNAP error rate remains above federal targets, putting the state at risk of paying tens of millions more starting in 2027 unless management improves. Community Health: East Tennessee elder abuse prevention tips from SCHAS spotlight warning signs beyond physical harm, including emotional and financial abuse.

Drug Pricing Push: States are moving to lower prescription costs by targeting pharmacy benefit managers, including Tennessee’s move to bar PBMs from operating retail pharmacies starting July 1, 2028—though CVS is fighting back in federal court. Air Quality & Health: Environmental groups say TVA’s plan to keep burning coal at the Cumberland Fossil Plant violates the Clean Air Act, warning of cancer, asthma, respiratory and heart risks from added pollution. Behavioral Health Access: Centerstone held a ceremony marking the official rebrand of Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH) to Centerstone, highlighting “whole person” care at its LaHarpe Clinic. Public Health & Safety: Clarksville Fire Rescue reminded residents of Fourth of July fireworks rules and safety steps, including strict limits near hospitals and churches. Community Health Support: The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway selected this year’s winner in Arlington, raising $2.15M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Local Health Emergencies: A missing 75-year-old woman in Etna was found safe after a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office K-9 tracked her through dense woods, and a Whitehaven shooting left one man dead and a woman seriously injured.

Drug-Price Pressure: States are moving to regulate pharmacy benefit managers as consumers worry about medication costs, including Tennessee’s PBM retail-pharmacy limits starting July 1, 2028 (CVS is suing to avoid closing its Tennessee pharmacies). SNAP Food Rules Fight: A federal judge blocked Tennessee’s SNAP waiver that would have restricted buying soda, candy, and processed foods with benefits, keeping the long-standing federal definition of “food” in place while other states’ waivers face uncertainty. Behavioral Health Marketing: TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health in Tennessee is partnering with Nashville-based Web Logix Group to expand access to care using an AI-powered healthcare marketing platform. Rural Health Access: Coverage highlights programs aimed at keeping rural hospitals open and improving patient navigation—key themes as Tennessee continues tackling access gaps.

Rural & Community Health: Cherokee Health Systems rebranded as River Valley Health, expanding integrated care across East Tennessee with clinics, telehealth, and new pharmacy delivery and walk-in GetWellNow services. Maternal & Infant Care: ETSU Health is offering the region’s only prenatal breastfeeding consultations, pairing expectant parents with lactation planning before delivery. Public Health—HIV: Shelby County reported rising HIV concern, noting over 13% of people with HIV don’t know their status, and hosted free HIV testing. Health & Environment: Memphis officials are disputing a South Memphis air-quality monitoring report, with residents and researchers clashing over how much to trust neighborhood pollution data. Health Access & Workforce: ETSU Health also launched a free pharmacy dual-enrollment class for eligible high school students, aiming to grow the local pharmacy pipeline. Policy & Costs: A national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY2025, raising pressure on states tied to federal quality-control rules.

Heat Safety: The National Weather Service warns of a dangerous, prolonged heat wave across central and eastern U.S. starting Sunday through the Fourth of July, with heat indexes often 100–110 and locally up to 115, plus warm nights that limit recovery. Older Driver Safety: Tennessee Highway Safety Office kicks off Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (Dec. 1–5) with tips for families and drivers as age-related fragility raises crash death risk. Elder Abuse Prevention: East Tennessee nonprofit SCHAS shares warning signs of emotional and financial elder abuse during Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Postpartum Mental Health: Regional One Health highlights postpartum depression vs. “baby blues,” noting symptoms lasting beyond two weeks—or severe thoughts of harm—need urgent care. Animal Health Watch: Tennessee Department of Agriculture increases scrutiny after New World screwworm confirmation in Texas, adding movement controls and enhanced surveillance to protect livestock and pets. Workplace Injury: A construction worker was airlifted after roof trusses collapsed onto him at a Newport site. Road Safety: A Newport crash involving a car and motorcycle left three injured, including serious injuries for the rider. SNAP Restrictions Fight: A judge blocks Tennessee’s SNAP junk-food limits, keeping soda/candy purchases allowed while legal challenges continue.

SNAP Fight in Federal Court: A judge blocked USDA waivers in five states, ruling the agency can’t change what SNAP can buy without Congress—an issue that directly affects nutrition and health for Tennessee families. Immigrant Kids’ Care Under Threat: Tennessee doctors sued to stop a July 1 policy requiring health departments to share immigrant children’s information with immigration authorities, arguing it could disrupt care for about 400 medically vulnerable kids. Healthcare Data Privacy in the Spotlight: A separate court hearing is set in a case challenging Tennessee’s requirement that benefit recipients’ immigration status be checked, with a temporary restraining order already in place. Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for mislabeled raw chicken breast products that may contain undeclared egg allergens, urging consumers to throw away or return affected items. Care Access & Workforce Training: Walters State plans noncredit allied health programs, including certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy technician tracks, with discounted fall tuition. Recovery Funding: FEMA approved $50M+ for Tennessee recovery projects tied to Tropical Storm Helene and other disasters, including utility and bridge repairs.

PBM Legal Fight: Express Scripts and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association filed new lawsuits against Tennessee over the Fair Rx Act, which bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies—setting up a fresh legal fight after similar challenges in other states. SNAP Overhaul in Courts: A federal judge struck down SNAP restrictions on candy and sugary drinks in multiple states, including Tennessee, saying USDA can’t bypass Congress’s rules—leaving states to rethink enforcement and possible appeals. Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for “PRIVATE SELECTION Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat” sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer due to misbranding and undeclared eggs; no recall, but consumers are urged to check labels. Local Care Expansion: Highpoint Health, with Ascension Saint Thomas, won approval to expand services at its Sumner Station campus with a $59.3 million project. Stroke Treatment Update: CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital in Tennessee is offering Vivistim, a new therapy aimed at stroke survivors with ongoing arm and hand weakness. Public Health Outdoors: A tick-safety roundup flags Nashville/Davidson County and other hotspots as tick season ramps up, urging extra protection. Recall Watch: FDA classified a recall of 684,248 bags of Zapps and Dirty chips as Class I over potential Salmonella exposure.

Immigration & Child Health: A Nashville judge temporarily blocked Tennessee from sharing identifying information about about 400 seriously sick and disabled immigrant children enrolled in the state’s Children’s Special Services program with immigration authorities, after doctors sued—arguing the policy could push families to leave care; a July 2 hearing is set. SNAP Oversight: Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett says he’ll introduce bills targeting SNAP fraud and improper payments after USDA reported $10B in improper payments nationwide, with Tennessee’s error rate cited at 9.44%. Healthcare Leadership: HealthTrust Performance Group promoted Haley Addis to Chief of Staff for GPO Operations and Brian Moran to Chief Pharmacy Officer for GPO Operations, expanding executive pharmacy and operations leadership. Public Health & Safety: Clarksville police reported a multi-vehicle crash that sent one person to Nashville by air; Graves County also saw separate injury crashes with hospital transports. Air Quality Funding: TDEC released a second solicitation for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle projects under the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement, with $4.3M available to cut nitrogen oxide emissions.

SNAP Rule Update: A federal judge blocked Tennessee’s Healthy SNAP Tennessee plan that would have limited SNAP purchases of sugary items, meaning the Aug. 1 restriction won’t take effect as planned. Food Safety in Tennessee: Tennessee Valley health inspectors reported serious issues at a local facility, including water leaking onto ready-to-eat foods, cross-contamination, improper glove and handwashing practices, missing date markings, and multiple violations tied to storage and sanitation. Opioid Fraud Sentencing: A Celina pharmacy owner, Thomas K. Weir, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1.4M in restitution for a Medicare and TennCare opioid and health care fraud scheme. Public Health Leadership: Marshall County’s Dr. Billy Pitts was elected to the NACCHO board as Region Four representative, aiming to strengthen local public health workforces and outcomes. Infectious Disease Watch: Lyme disease risk is expanding beyond traditional regions, with tick-bite-related ER visits rising in CDC data cited by Johns Hopkins, a reminder for Tennesseans to watch for symptoms after outdoor exposure.

Rural Health Access: A new push to keep rural hospitals open is getting louder as Tennessee communities face long drives for care and widening health gaps when inpatient services disappear. Emergency Care Expansion: TriStar is moving ahead with a freestanding 24/7 ER in Fairview (and another in Lebanon), aiming to cut travel times for fast emergencies in fast-growing areas. Nursing Homes & Surveys: Nursing home leaders say staffing shortages and long survey backlogs are distorting ratings, pushing facilities to focus on resident-first care while trying to recruit and retain clinicians. Health Policy Fight (SNAP): A federal judge blocked USDA from approving SNAP waivers that would restrict soda and candy purchases, keeping the debate alive for Tennessee and other states. Immigration & Kids’ Care: Doctors are suing over a Tennessee law requiring families to prove immigration status to access life-saving care for disabled children, warning of serious harm if families opt out. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced a nationwide $6.5B health care fraud takedown; Tennessee-linked providers were charged, including allegations involving controlled substances and impersonating nurses. Public Health & Safety: Heat risks are building across the Tennessee Valley, while local crashes and shootings continue to send residents to hospitals. Community Health Events: Mercy Children’s Clinic hosted an astronaut fundraiser, and local groups are planning more support events for medical expenses.