AGP Executive Report

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the department plans to end funding despite a prior court order. Healthcare Cost Policy: Indiana advanced a law that caps what certain nonprofit hospital systems can charge for employer-based plans, with penalties tied to tax-exempt status and daily fines for noncompliance. Drug Pricing Enforcement: Oregon and other states continue pursuing multi-state settlements tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing schemes involving Glenmark. Oregon Food & Water Safety: Oregon Health Authority issued warnings for harmful algae blooms in recreational waters, stressing that conditions safe for people can still be dangerous for dogs. Public Health & Climate Pressure: Wildfire smoke and extreme heat are driving air-quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast, with health officials urging people to stay indoors. Oregon Economy Snapshot: Oregon’s unemployment rate held at 5.2% in June, with private health care and social assistance adding jobs over the past year. Dementia Support in Warm Springs: Warm Springs Community Health hosted a free dementia education event with OHSU experts, focusing on caregiver support and local resources.

Heat & worker safety: A New Jersey bill would finally set workplace heat protections—cold water, shade, rest breaks, and limits on shift length—after data shows thousands of heat injuries and deaths on the job. Drug pricing accountability: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield joined a multistate $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation; Oregon’s share is just over $316,000, with claims tied to purchases from May 2009–Dec. 2019. Oregon CAFO fight: Critics sued Oregon over a new general permit for confined animal feeding operations, arguing it falls short of Clean Water Act requirements, including monitoring and water-quality protections. Public health alerts: West Nile Virus turned up in mosquitoes and cattle in Washington’s region, with officials urging bite prevention as human cases remain rare so far. Mental health funding in court: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued to block Trump administration cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program. Care access & privacy: An Oregon EMT sued after being fired for allegedly turning off ambulance cameras pointed at patients. Climate & health: A new NASEM report is set to examine how climate change drives extreme weather, feeding into major lawsuits over health and disaster impacts.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to stop a planned end to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a prior court order and would cut millions for hiring and training counselors in schools. Oregon Health Policy: Oregon’s Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden demanded answers from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz over a newly formed Healthcare Advisory Committee, citing limited healthcare experience and potential conflicts. Public Health Alerts: Oregon is warning about West Nile virus as mosquito season ramps up, especially for people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems. Food Safety: A parasite outbreak causing “explosive” diarrhea—cyclosporiasis—has spread across 34 states, with Oregon watching for cases as health officials urge careful produce washing. Care Access & Community Support: OnPoint Community Credit Union awarded $500,000+ in grants across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including support for food security, housing stability, and summer camp scholarships. Transplant Hope: A Battle Ground teen received a “one-in-a-billion” kidney transplant after a direct deceased donor match connected him with OHSU transplant information.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to stop cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a prior court order and would leave districts without funds to hire and train counselors. Oregon Health Policy Watch: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley demanded answers from HHS and CMS over a newly formed Healthcare Advisory Committee, citing limited healthcare experience and potential conflicts tied to major industry players. Public Health Alerts: Oregon Health Authority reminded residents to prevent West Nile virus as mosquito season ramps up, especially for people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems. Food Safety: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce continues to spread, with Oregon monitoring as cases rise nationwide. Care Access & Community Support: OnPoint Community Credit Union awarded $500,000+ in grants across Oregon and Southwest Washington for food security, housing stability, youth programs, and summer camp scholarships. Transplant Hope Story: A Battle Ground teen received a “one-in-a-billion” kidney transplant after a direct deceased donor match connected him with a donor family through OHSU.

Oregon Public Health: The Oregon Supreme Court cleared the way for Multnomah County’s flavored tobacco ban, a move health officials say targets youth who are most likely to start with flavored products. Foodborne Illness Watch: Oregon health officials say they’re not seeing an unusual spike locally as cyclosporiasis “explosive” diarrhea cases rise in other states, while they keep coordinating with partners and the CDC. Access to Care: Legacy Health opened a new primary care clinic in Ridgefield, Wash., aiming to close a regional gap in primary and specialty providers for Southwest Washington. Housing & Homelessness Support: St. Vincent de Paul opened the Murnane Family Resource Center in Eugene, bringing multiple services together for unhoused and vulnerable families. Rural Health Navigation: Partners In Care highlighted how a transitions coordinator/community health worker helps residents in Central Oregon bridge gaps in complex health and support systems. Health Policy & Funding: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek urged the Trump administration to withdraw a proposed federal grants rule she says would politicize funding and disrupt services that include healthcare and emergency preparedness. Health Insurance Costs: New federal data shows ACA marketplace enrollment dropped by 2.6 million after enhanced subsidies expired, raising concerns about what happens when coverage gets too expensive. Legal/Compliance: Oregon’s factory farm general permit faces a clean-water lawsuit over alleged weak monitoring requirements.

School Mental Health Lawsuit: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block termination of a $1B school-based mental health grant program, arguing the cuts violate a prior court order and would strip districts of funds to hire and train counselors. Oregon State Hospital Scrutiny: A sister filed a wrongful death lawsuit over Kenneth Hass’ 2025 death in seclusion at Oregon State Hospital, alleging prolonged restraint, months in isolation, and delayed care; the case adds to ongoing federal regulator concerns about patient safety. Measles Alerts in Oregon: OHA and county partners identified three new Providence exposure sites in the Portland metro, urging anyone at specific emergency department times to contact a health care provider. Rabies Risk in Lane County: Lane County reported a rabies-positive bat, the third in 2026, and urged dog and cat vaccinations and immediate medical attention after any bat bite or scratch. Public Health & Access: Oregon OSHA and the Employment Department are offering free rural worker safety trainings, including heat-illness prevention and key construction hazards. SNAP Cost-Sharing: States face new financial responsibility tied to SNAP payment error rates, with reviews underway and penalties starting in 2027. Blood Supply Emergency: The American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage emergency as donations drop and trauma-season demand rises.

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block unlawful cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the Education Department plans to end funding despite a December 2025 court order. Oregon Parasite Watch: Oregon Health Authority reported seven cyclosporiasis cases in May and seven in June, keeping current levels low while outbreaks grow in other states. Trans Care Funding Backtrack: NPR reports HHS is abandoning a proposed rule that would have blocked Medicare/Medicaid funding for hospitals providing pediatric gender-affirming care—described as a partial win by advocates. Homelessness Housing Funding: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a lawsuit challenging HUD’s attempts to cap funding for permanent housing projects, warning tens of thousands could lose homes. SNAP Cuts Hit Oregon Families: Rep. Andrea Salinas says federal SNAP cuts will affect about 15,000 people in Oregon’s 6th district. Portland ICE Tear Gas Limits: Two lawsuits seek to restrict federal tear gas and crowd-control tactics outside the Portland ICE facility, with early injunctions challenged in the 9th Circuit. Care in the Community: Oregon’s Intermountain Education Service District is set to formalize a regional “first 1,000 days” plan for pregnant people and young children in Umatilla, Morrow, and Union counties.

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Oregon is among 15 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a court order and would strip districts of funds used to hire and train thousands of counselors and other professionals. Oregon Health Costs: Insurers are seeking about a 17% average premium jump in 2027, with Oregon already seeing thousands drop private coverage—raising the odds of fewer people sharing costs and higher bills for those who stay. Suicide Risk After Cancer: A new JAMA Oncology study led by OHSU/VA Portland finds veterans with cancer face elevated suicide-attempt risk, with higher rates among younger patients and specific cancers like thyroid and brain/central nervous system. Forensics Expansion in Eugene: Oregon State Police is planning a $71.6 million medical examiner and forensic lab facility in Eugene, replacing a smaller Springfield site by 2029. Public Health & Safety: Cyclospora diarrhea is rising nationally, though King County cases remain at normal levels; Oregon also urges people at higher mpox risk to get vaccinated.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a December 2025 court order and would strip districts of funds for hiring and training counselors. Oregon Forensics Expansion: Oregon State Police is planning a $71.6 million medical examiner and forensic lab facility in Eugene, with construction starting March 2027 and replacing a smaller Springfield site by January 2029. Veterans’ Cancer Suicide Risk: An OHSU/VA Portland study in JAMA Oncology found veterans with cancer face elevated risk of suicide attempts, with higher rates among younger veterans, women, American Indian/Alaska Native patients, and people with thyroid cancer plus certain brain/CNS, pancreas, head and neck, and liver cancers. Impaired Driving Grants: A new grant effort targets drunk and drug-impaired driving by strengthening state DUI systems through support to state highway safety offices. Public Health Watch: Cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” cases are rising nationally, but King County numbers remain at normal levels; officials say most exposures are tied to travel. Local Safety: Oregon State Police reported a fatal Grant County crash on Hwy. 395 involving a 17-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a December 2025 court order and would strip districts of funding to hire and train counselors. Public Health Watch: A parasite causing explosive diarrhea (cyclosporiasis) is surging nationally, but Washington’s King County case counts remain at normal levels, with most infections tied to travel. Oregon Health & Safety: Oregon Humane held a “super-sized” spay/neuter event, completing 269 surgeries for 237 cats and 32 dogs, as demand continues to outpace routine capacity. Food Safety: Clackamas County and OHA reported June inspection results for Lake Oswego, West Linn and Wilsonville restaurants, with multiple sites earning perfect 100 scores. Medical Malpractice Claim: A lawsuit alleges a Kaiser doctor injected 70% isopropyl alcohol instead of a local anesthetic before toenail removal, causing severe injury. Community Health Policy: Oregon’s rural healthcare funding push continues, with new federal dollars aimed at expanding access.

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to stop planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a December 2025 court order and would strip districts of funds for hiring and training counselors. Public Health Alerts: Oregon urged people at higher risk to get mpox vaccinated as a more serious virus clade spreads globally, and warned about a toxic algae bloom at Silverton’s Pettit Reservoir—no swimming, and even boiling won’t remove toxins. Food Safety & Care Oversight: Clackamas County and OHA reported June restaurant inspections with many Lake Oswego/West Linn/Wilsonville sites passing, while another nursing home case raised alarms after a resident went missing and was later found dead; the facility has a one-star Medicare rating and recent fines. Community Health Access: Oregon Humane ran a “super-sized” spay/neuter event completing 269 surgeries to address demand that outpaces routine services. Health & Safety in Oregon Outdoors: ODFW shared tips to avoid rattlesnakes at central Oregon parks, and officials warned pets and kids are most vulnerable during waterborne outbreaks.

Mpox Vaccine Push: Oregon Health Authority urged people at higher risk to get vaccinated as more severe mpox clade spreads globally, with Pride-season gatherings raising exposure chances. Nursing Home Accountability: South Hills Rehabilitation Center in Eugene is under scrutiny after a wheelchair resident went missing and was later found dead; Medicare records show repeated health-related citations and large federal fines. Psilocybin Safety Question: A Johns Hopkins study using Oregon Health Authority data found many psilocybin participants seek general wellness rather than serious medical needs, raising safety concerns as Oregon’s “supported adult use” model expands. School Mental Health Funding Fight: Oregon joined a multi-state lawsuit seeking to block Trump administration cuts to school-based mental health grants, arguing the move violates a court order and threatens youth counseling capacity. Public Health Advisory: Oregon issued a health warning for Pettit Reservoir in Silverton due to a toxic algae bloom—swimming and swallowing water are discouraged, and boiling won’t remove toxins. Community Health Access: Healthy Klamath opened a new downtown Klamath Falls location to improve visibility and coordination across local health partners. Rural Care & Wellness: Oregon Health Authority also highlighted rural healthcare funding and nutrition support through state programs. Public Safety & Health: A Highway 126 head-on crash sent one driver to a hospital by Life Flight and another with moderate injuries; separate news noted a missing person case reopened as homicide in Gresham.

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Oregon AG Peter F. Neronha joined a multistate lawsuit to stop the U.S. Department of Education from ending congressionally approved school-based mental health grants, warning the move would cut about $3 million for Oregon and disrupt services for students. Public Health Watch: Health officials in Spokane say a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak could reach the Inland Northwest; the parasite spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause severe, hard-to-control watery diarrhea. Oregon Cold Case: Gresham police reopened the 1993 death of Astrid Bridges after a medical examiner reclassified it from accidental to homicide. Food Safety Surveillance: A report says the CDC scaled back monitoring for foodborne illness pathogens a year before cyclospora cases surged, raising questions about preparedness. Health Policy & Access: Oregon Health Plan expands nutrition benefits, aiming to improve health outcomes through food support. Medical Research: Oregon State University researchers report sugar-coated lipid nanoparticles that helped extend survival in mice with glioblastoma by delivering therapy across the blood-brain barrier. Workplace Health Equity: Bakery workers in Washington are still bargaining for a living-wage contract; Oregon Safeway/Albertsons workers are also flagged as among the lowest-paid and eligible for food assistance.

Oregon Health Plan Nutrition Boost: The Oregon Health Authority rolled out two new nutrition benefits for eligible OHP members with serious conditions—Fruit and Vegetable and Pantry Stocking—starting July 1, aiming to improve diet and help lower medical costs. Rural Healthcare Funding: OHA announced about $97.1 million in federal rural healthcare grants across 136 projects statewide, including major allocations for Jackson and Josephine counties to support clinics, workforce efforts, recovery treatment, and community health programs. Oregon Hospital Recognition: Sky Lakes Medical Center won the American Hospital Association’s Foster G. McGaw Prize for community service, with a $100,000 award to be reinvested locally. Public Health Alerts: OHA urged people at higher risk to get vaccinated for mpox as a more severe variant spreads. Community Safety & Care Access: Clatsop County commissioners approved a plan to fund shelter beds at a consistent per-bed rate, while ODHS offices in Hillsboro and Tigard marked four years of districtwide Free Food Markets. Health Risks Outdoors: OHA reminded Oregonians to prevent mosquito bites to reduce West Nile virus risk.

Assisted Dying Fight: Churches on the Isle of Man are urging lawmakers to reject a re-submitted assisted dying bill, warning it’s rushed and could pressure vulnerable people, citing concerns seen in places like Canada and Europe. Nursing Home Scrutiny: Medicare fined South Hills Rehabilitation Center more than $100,000 over the past two years, including a case where a wheelchair resident went missing and was later found dead. Health Insurance Costs: New analysis says Obamacare Marketplace premiums are likely to rise again in 2027, with insurers proposing double-digit hikes as enhanced subsidies expire. Oregon Health Plan Cuts Debate: Oregon’s Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan task force is weighing options to reduce about $421 million over two years, including possible changes to drugs, neonatal care, psychotherapy rates, and some benefits. Rural Care Access: Oregon awarded $97 million in federal rural healthcare grants statewide, aiming to expand services where shortages hit hardest. Food Safety & Local Health: Jackson County Health posted results from recent restaurant inspections, with scores ranging from failures to strong compliance. Public Health Threats: Scientists warn West Coast soft-shell clams are spreading a contagious cancer in Washington’s Puget Sound; Oregon says risk is currently low but monitoring is limited. Heart Failure Innovation: VisCardia reported the first U.S. patient received its VisOne diaphragmatic stimulation implant in the RECOVER-HF trial. Foodborne Illness Alert: Taco Bell pulled certain ingredients tied to a cyclospora outbreak investigation, as cyclosporiasis cases rise nationwide.

Rural Health Funding: Oregon Health Authority announced $97.1M in federal grants to support 136 rural healthcare projects statewide, with first-year recipients able to start using funds this month. Hospital Access: Salem Health asked the state for emergency approval to buy Santiam Hospital in Marion County, as leaders warn the rural facility could become insolvent without faster action. Medicaid & Food as Care: A new study finds “medically tailored meals” for Medicaid enrollees can improve health and reduce costs, adding momentum to the food-as-medicine push. Native Healing Coverage: California’s Medicaid/CHIP traditional healing waiver is set to expire Dec. 31, 2026, raising renewal stakes for Oregon and other states with similar approvals. Community Reentry Support: SriPonya Collective in Madras won $1.4M to build a Brothers & Sisters In Progress Recovery & Reentry Community Center, aiming to expand peer-led mental health and substance-use recovery services. Public Health & Safety: Oregon officials urged precautions after a rabid bat was found in Marion County, while New Mexico reported a wild rat testing positive for plague. Energy & Health Infrastructure: Western governors, including Oregon, launched a task force to speed permitting and upgrades for the regional power grid.