AGP Executive Report

Heat Safety: A dangerous heat dome is pressing across the central U.S., with about 70 million people facing heat advisories and extreme heat warnings; western Nebraska is forecast near 108°F, and overnight lows won’t cool enough to help people recover. Wildfire Tragedy: Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died from burn injuries after being trapped in a June 27 burnover while fighting the Knowles Fire near the Colorado-Utah border—his death marks the fourth fatality from the incident. Foodborne Illness Watch: The FDA and CDC are widening a multistate cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with cases now reported across more states and health officials urging people to avoid the implicated products. Local Health Access: A nationwide Medicaid ban on routine care at Planned Parenthood has expired, allowing clinics in states that opt in to resume Medicaid reimbursements for non-abortion services. Injury Prevention: AAA’s “E-Ride Ready” campaign is rolling out safety guidance for families as e-bike and e-scooter injuries involving young riders continue to rise. Community Health Data: Medicaid dental billing in Papillion jumped sharply in 2024, reflecting growing use of covered dental services. Medical Update: Nebraska comedian Larry the Cable Guy says he’s recovering after appendicitis and a hospital stay.

Extreme Heat Alert: A third “heat dome” is building over the weekend, with dangerously hot conditions expected to push temperatures above 100°F across the central U.S. and leave about 70 million people facing heat advisories; western Nebraska is under an extreme heat warning with forecasts near 108°F. Local Public Health: Lincoln-Lancaster County officials urged residents to prevent heat illness, stay hydrated, and use extended-hours cooling centers during the warning. Wildfire Tragedy: Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died from burn injuries after being trapped in a burnover while fighting the Knowles Fire near the Colorado-Utah border; three other firefighters died at the scene. Cancer Research Support: The Carla Kilpatrick Memorial Bags Tournament in Lincoln raised funds for triple-negative breast cancer research at UNMC, adding a new kids division this year. Health Care in the News: Nebraska hospital efforts continue against pancreatic cancer, as new treatment options become available locally. Community Health & Safety: Mosquito surveillance updates include West Nile detection in Nebraska counties, reinforcing the need for bite prevention.

Cyclospora Update: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, now reporting 1,947 infections across nine states, with Nebraska officials saying they’ve found no link to cases reported there this year. Medicaid Access: A nationwide Medicaid ban on routine care at Planned Parenthood expired, letting clinics again bill for non-abortion services in states that opt in. Extreme Heat Safety: A third “heat dome” is building across the central U.S., with about 70 million people facing heat advisories and western Nebraska forecast near 108°F—raising risks for heat illness. Wildfire Tragedy: Nathan Matthews, a Lincoln, Nebraska firefighter, became the fourth death tied to a June burnover while battling Colorado’s Knowles Fire near the Utah border. Local Health Spending: Medicaid dental billing in Papillion jumped 88.4% in 2024, reflecting rising use of covered dental services.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: The FDA and CDC expanded a multistate cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now listing 1,947 reported infections across nine states, with at least 98 hospitalizations and no deaths. Nebraska Heat Safety: Nebraska’s Severe Weather Center issued Weather Alert Days for dangerous heat Saturday through Monday, with Lincoln/Lancaster County heat index values up to 109 and guidance for high-risk groups, cooling steps, and help lines. Blood Supply Watch: Nebraska Community Blood Bank marked its first anniversary at a second Omaha location while warning of ongoing summer blood shortages and urging more donations. Medicaid Work Requirements: A federal interim final rule sets how states will implement Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027, raising the stakes for outreach and eligibility systems. Local Health & Access: Lincoln released new income guidelines for free and reduced lunch, and Nebraska’s Department of Education outlined how families can apply for nutrition programs. Veterans Recognition: Nebraska honored 82 living Korean War veterans at a Memorial Stadium ceremony, part of a statewide recognition effort.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: The FDA and CDC expanded their cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, adding four states to bring the total to nine; 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations have been reported, with no deaths so far. SNAP Policy Shifts: New SNAP eligibility and purchase restrictions are reshaping grocery spending, with some states facing uncertainty after a federal court blocked certain waivers, while overall SNAP household counts and EBT spending have declined. Medicaid & Care Access: A Mostly Medicaid Ideas Workshop gathered 52 Medicaid leaders to focus on protecting vulnerable members during eligibility changes and avoiding people “falling through the cracks.” Patient Experience in Iowa: A new nationwide report ranks Iowa hospitals 9th for patient experience, scoring above the national average on communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, and discharge clarity. Nebraska Health Costs Snapshot: New BEA data shows Nebraska’s per-capita health care spending at $10,192 (ranked 19th). Public Health & Mosquitoes: West Nile has been detected in Hall County mosquitoes, adding to the state’s ongoing summer monitoring. Cancer Camp in Nebraska: Camp CoHoLo continues to give children with cancer and blood disorders a traditional camp experience while supporting their medical needs.

Medicaid & Work Requirements: CMS approved a temporary hardship exemption from Nebraska Medicaid work requirements for Dawson County expansion beneficiaries after high unemployment tied to the Tyson plant closure, with automatic exemptions for residents since Feb. 1, 2026. Mosquito-Borne Illness Watch: Douglas County Health Department found mosquitoes carrying West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses, while Hall County also detected West Nile in mosquito collections—health officials urge bite prevention and standing-water cleanup. Care Access & Oversight: An Omaha family says an interRAI assessment left their developmentally disabled son without 1-on-1 care, leading to missed medication, raising questions about DHHS funding tiers and supervision. Cancer Treatment in Nebraska: Nebraska Medicine made a new pancreatic cancer drug available that reports doubled survival time, adding another option for patients. Data Infrastructure in Health: Innovaccer’s CEO says the company’s push to fix hospital data plumbing helped it surpass $200M in annual recurring revenue, with work across major health systems. Public Health & Food Safety: The ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to draw scrutiny of lettuce supply chains and recalls tied to Taylor Farms. Heat Safety: Lincoln and eastern Nebraska face dangerous heat and humidity this weekend, with heat-index readings potentially reaching 115 degrees. Nutrition Programs: Nebraska DHHS/education nutrition services announced income eligibility guidelines and meal application availability for free and reduced-price school meals.

Public Health Alert: Central District Health Department detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Hall County, urging Nebraskans to limit outdoor time at dawn and dusk and protect themselves from bites as peak transmission typically rises through summer. Heat Safety: Lincoln and eastern Nebraska are bracing for a dangerous weekend heat surge, with heat-index readings potentially reaching 115 degrees Sunday and Monday, and little overnight relief. Food & Water Safety: A Nebraska Extension piece highlights grazing standing corn as a drought-stressed feed option, with nitrate precautions and the need for clean water and careful herd management. Health Access: RefillGenie, a physician-founded service, says it now offers Spanish-language, text-based same-day prescription refill access across 49 states and D.C. Workforce & Care: New research from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute finds a $500 childcare retention bonus could help keep providers from leaving, but stresses ongoing gaps in behavioral support. Local Tech in Agriculture: UNL partnered with ALA Engineering to bring autonomous “smart feeding” to a University of Nebraska feedlot innovation center.

Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough in Nebraska: Nebraska Medicine’s Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has started an expanded access program for daraxonrasib, an investigational pill for patients whose pancreatic cancer no longer responds to chemotherapy, with reported trial results showing survival roughly doubling (about 6.5 months vs. 13 months) and potential quality-of-life benefits. MS Care Gap: A new analysis of more than 42,000 multiple sclerosis deaths found death rates rising over 12 years and highlighted the growing role of high blood pressure, pointing to the need for earlier diagnosis and stronger management of other health conditions. Public Health Alert—Measles: The CDC reported 2,260 measles cases across 44 states as of July 16, warning that summer travel is driving new spread amid declining vaccination rates. Foodborne Illness Watch: Nebraska health officials continue tracking the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce supplier Taylor Farms, with advisories and case counts rising in parts of the state. Local Health & Safety: Lancaster County schools received active shooter and tactical medical training, while Grand Island launched a Residential Knox Box Loaner Program to speed emergency access for seniors and people with medical or mobility barriers. Wellness in the Community: South Heartland Health Department logged more than 38,000 minutes in a fitness challenge within weeks.

Rural Access Worry: A new report highlights how rural hospital closures are pushing emergency care farther away, raising fears for heart attack, stroke, and childbirth outcomes. Medicaid & Reproductive Care: A temporary federal ban on Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood-type clinics has expired, restoring coverage for non-abortion services like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing—though states decide how to implement it. Food Safety Alert: Nebraska DHHS is reminding residents about routine food safety as cyclosporiasis cases rise nationally, with no confirmed links to the current outbreak reported in Nebraska so far. Local Emergency Readiness: Grand Island Fire Department launched a Residential Knox Box Loaner Program to speed entry for residents who may not be able to open the door during medical emergencies. Cancer Trial Access: NHO Revive says it will become Nebraska’s only site for a Johnson & Johnson Phase 3 prostate cancer trial, expanding options for eligible patients. Pregnancy Medication Caution: UNMC researchers review common pregnancy medications and warn they may disrupt cholesterol-related processes in fetal brain development, urging careful interpretation.

Behavioral Health Workforce: A new Psychiatric Services paper spotlights how Nebraska used $25.5 million in ARPA pandemic relief to build a behavioral health workforce model, funding 105 projects statewide, boosting rural telebehavioral health, paying about 390 graduate interns, and nearly doubling clinical supervision capacity. Food Safety Alert: Nebraska DHHS says cyclosporiasis cases remain low locally (49 since May) and urges people with symptoms lasting more than three days to contact a clinician, as the national outbreak tied to lettuce continues to expand. Drug Pricing Accountability: Nebraska Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $29.6 million multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Local Care Access: Lexington Regional Health Center added Dr. Rebecca Gill, a general surgeon focused on breast care, to expand continuity of specialized services closer to home. Public Health & Safety: Omaha’s proposed 2027 budget includes staffing and funding boosts for police and fire, aiming to reduce strain and callbacks. Mental Health Crisis Response: Scottsbluff police say a man in a mental health crisis ingested prescription medications after a standoff at WNCC and was taken to Regional West Medical Center for care.

Breast Care Access: Lexington Regional Health Center added Dr. Rebecca Gill, a board-certified general surgeon focused on breast health, expanding local evaluation, treatment, and follow-up without long-distance travel. Food Safety Alert: Nebraska DHHS is urging routine food safety as cyclosporiasis cases rise nationally; since May, Nebraska has reported 49 cases, and people with symptoms lasting more than three days should contact a healthcare provider. Medicaid Work Requirements: Nebraska DHHS says Dawson County residents are getting a temporary hardship exemption from Medicaid work requirements tied to high unemployment, with automatic exemptions for people residing in the county since Feb. 1, 2026. Disability Services Update: Nebraska DHHS says the Division of Developmental Disabilities was renamed to the Division of Disability and Aging, effective July 18, with the mission unchanged. Public Health Leadership: DHHS named Barbara Lacina as the new director of the Office of Economic Assistance. Community Health & Safety: AAA launched its “E-Ride Ready” campaign with a free safety guide for families as e-bike and e-scooter injuries continue to climb. Local Care & Wellness: Nebraska’s 988 crisis line marked its fourth anniversary, logging 39,000 contacts in 2025.

Cyclospora Alert in Douglas County: Nebraska’s Douglas County Health Department reports a rapid rise in Cyclospora infections, with 27 confirmed cases and 12 additional unconfirmed cases in recent days, and says nearly two-thirds of interviewed patients point to eating at Taco Bell—while officials stress they’re still determining whether local cases connect to a wider multistate outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce. Food Safety Update: Federal officials say an earlier FDA positive test for Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, but they’re continuing the investigation and urging consumers to avoid recalled product. Diabetes Support for Nebraskans: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is offering a no-cost virtual prediabetes and type 2 diabetes management program for UNL employees and adult dependents through Virta. Heat and Air Quality Risks: Lincoln-Lancaster issued a heat advisory with heat index values around 105–110, and Sioux City-area air quality shifted to “moderate” due to wildfire smoke. Nebraska Policy Watch: Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission moved forward on updated regulations and proposed fees for licensed cannabis establishments and applicants. Community Health Access: Nebraska’s 988 crisis line marked its fourth anniversary, logging 39,000 contacts in 2025.

Cyclospora Update (Douglas County): Douglas County Health Department reports a rapid surge of Cyclospora infections, with 27 confirmed cases and 12 more reported in the last four days, and investigators say eating at Taco Bell is the most common exposure among interviewed cases. Food Safety & Recall (Taylor Farms/Taco Bell): Federal health authorities say a prior positive lettuce test was a false positive, but they’re still investigating the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak and continue to urge people not to eat recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Prenatal Medication Safety (UNMC): A UNMC/Child Health Research Institute review warns that interfering with fetal brain development processes—linked to certain medication classes—may increase risk for neurodevelopmental problems, calling for careful consideration of prenatal medication use. Heat Risk (Lincoln-Lancaster): A heat advisory is in effect across much of Nebraska, with Lincoln/Lancaster expecting heat index values around 105–110; officials urge hydration, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Blood Supply (Iowa/Red Cross): The American Red Cross warns of an emergency blood shortage in Iowa, with summer travel and fewer donations straining supplies. Local Health Alerts (Nebraska): Health officials continue monitoring local health threats as extreme weather and toxic air conditions affect the region.

Heat Preparedness: Douglas County Health Department launched a new online dashboard to help residents find cooling and warming centers during extreme summer temperatures, with heat-illness trends tied to hospital visits. Food Safety & Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary iceberg lettuce recall tied to the cyclospora outbreak; the FDA/CDC advisory so far covers only five states, while the recall list reaches 27, leaving many Nebraskans without a formal “check your fridge” warning. Access to Care: Retina specialists say Nebraska Medicaid pays about 84% more than Medicare for vitreoretinal surgeries, highlighting how reimbursement rates can shape provider participation and patient access. Community Health Infrastructure: UNMC’s new residence hall opens as the University of Nebraska system faces budget cuts, underscoring ongoing pressure on health education capacity. Mental Health Support: Nebraska marked the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s fourth anniversary, reporting 39,000 contacts in 2025. Care Delays Under Scrutiny: Health insurers are walking back parts of a prior-authorization improvement pledge, with patient advocates saying barriers still feel “performative.”

Cyclospora Alert: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce and salad products tied to the multi-state cyclospora outbreak, now covering 27 states; the FDA/CDC advisory so far has named only five states, leaving many Nebraskans without a formal “check your fridge” notice even as cases climb. Medicaid & Access: New data presented at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting shows Nebraska Medicaid reimbursement for vitreoretinal surgeries is higher than Medicare (about 84% higher), adding nuance to how payment rates shape provider availability. Heat Safety: Douglas County Health Department launched a multilingual online dashboard to help residents find cooling and warming centers and track heat-related illness trends. Workforce Education: Nebraska’s LB 748 took effect July 17, letting NEST 529 accounts pay for more credential and career training programs, including health care and skilled trades. UNMC Budget Pressure: University of Nebraska System leaders marked a new UNMC residence hall opening while preparing for a state-mandated $36 million cut that could tighten hiring and travel.

Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce and salad products tied to the cyclospora outbreak, now covering 27 states; federal advisories so far cover only five, leaving many Nebraskans without an official “check your fridge” notice while cases climb nationwide. Public Health Access: Douglas County Health Department launched a summer heat dashboard to help residents find cooling and warming centers, with heat-illness guidance and hospital-visit trends. Healthcare Costs & Access: New ASRS data compares Medicaid vs. Medicare payment rates for vitreoretinal surgeries, showing Nebraska Medicaid pays more relative to Medicare—highlighting how reimbursement can shape provider availability. Local Health System: UNMC opened a new residence hall even as the University of Nebraska system faces a $36 million state budget cut, tightening hiring and travel. Workforce Education: Nebraska’s LB 748 took effect, letting NEST 529 accounts cover more credential and career training programs, including health care and skilled trades. Community Health & Wellness: An 80-year-old Nebraska powerlifter set a state record at the Cornhusker State Games, underscoring the “keep moving” message for healthy aging.