AGP Executive Report

Grocery & Pharmacy Access: Kroger announced it will buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana; the deal is expected to close in 2027 and Giant Eagle will keep its name and myPerks loyalty program. Cancer Screening in Rural WV: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Monroe, Greenbrier and Lewis counties for low-dose CT scans, with options for insured patients and grant-funded screenings for eligible uninsured residents. Public Health & Safety: A heat wave has triggered a U.S. electrical grid emergency, with PJM ordered to conserve power and reduce load on some data centers to protect essential services like hospitals—West Virginia is in the affected PJM region. Care Workforce & Training: United Hospital Center’s Family Medicine Residency graduates all passed board certification exams, exceeding national averages, as the program marks strong long-running pass rates. Community Support: Hope in Action Alliance and the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities are launching “TheLink,” a regional app pilot to help West Virginians find services and manage health reminders. Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, including West Virginia’s law. Local Health Equity: Buckhannon will receive $33.3 million for water infrastructure upgrades, including a new treatment plant and replacement lines—aimed at safer, more reliable service for about 23,110 residents.

Mobile Health Access: WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Monroe, Greenbrier, and Lewis counties, offering low-dose CT scans for eligible people with appointments booked at least 14 days ahead; screenings are billed to private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, with grant support for uninsured West Virginians who meet criteria. Grocery & Pharmacy Watch: Kroger announced a $1.65 billion deal to acquire Giant Eagle’s nearly 200 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana; Giant Eagle stores keep their name and myPerks loyalty program, with the deal expected to close in 2027 pending approvals. Public Safety & Privacy: Monongalia County commissioners raised concerns about Flock license-plate cameras that can interface with crime alerts, with residents questioning public notice and data security. Sports Policy Impact: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports, including West Virginia’s law, with major ripple effects for school athletics nationwide. Community Health & Wellness: Tyler County 4-H held a Western-themed camp with hands-on activities like archery, fishing, and outdoor cooking, plus a service project assembling hygiene bags.

Lung Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is scheduled to stop in Monroe, Greenbrier, and Lewis counties, offering low-dose CT scans with appointments required and insurance pre-authorization; uninsured West Virginians may qualify through grant support. Supreme Court & Sports Health Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, citing Title IX and “biological sex,” a ruling that could reshape eligibility rules statewide and nationwide. Child Health Coverage: A new Georgetown report finds West Virginia’s youngest children are falling behind, with uninsured rates for kids under 6 rising faster than older children in several states. Extreme Heat Safety: An Extreme Heat Watch warns of dangerous heat index values around 105–110 in parts of West Virginia and nearby areas, urging hydration, cooling centers, and extra precautions for outdoor workers and families. Food Costs & Access: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal, expanding Kroger’s footprint across West Virginia and the region. Local Care Workforce: Butler Family Medicine Residency opened a new permanent facility in Butler County, expanding its training model aimed at boosting primary care access.

Supreme Court & Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, saying states can set eligibility by biological sex and that the laws don’t violate the Constitution or Title IX—sparking protests and renewed debate across the country. Local Impact in WV: West Virginia’s case centers on Becky Pepper-Jackson, a student who challenged the state’s law after puberty-delaying treatment and hormones; the WV Secondary Schools Activities Commission says the matter isn’t fully over and will follow the district court’s next steps. Maternal Health Access: A new West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy report links hospital mergers to obstetrics unit closures, finding fewer OB services statewide and associating reduced access with worse birth outcomes. Water & PFAS: A proposed federal settlement could require Chemours to pay more than $11 million to West Virginia, tied to alleged PFAS violations at facilities including Washington Works in Parkersburg. Health & Safety in WVU Hospitals: WVU Medicine suspended an employee after a hidden camera was found in a staff restroom at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital; officials say no other cameras were found and the case is now under criminal investigation. Community Wellness: Morgan County is opening cooling centers during an extreme heatwave, and Clay County’s farmers market is hosting a free tomato sandwich and bottled water event.

Heat Safety: A National Weather Service Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Watch are in effect for parts of West Virginia and the region, with heat index values near 104–105 and a reminder to limit outdoor work, hydrate, and treat heat stroke as an emergency. Transgender Sports at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide the legality of West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender student athletes in female sports, with lower courts siding with challengers under the Constitution and Title IX. Foster Care Tragedy: West Virginia officials are responding after a four-month-old in foster care died in Mingo County; the governor says the state is working to get answers as multiple people face charges tied to alleged neglect and CPS violations. Local Care Update: The Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg is rebranding as WVSOM Health on July 1, aiming to better connect patient care with osteopathic medical education. Nutrition Policy Watch: While not WV-specific, Arkansas is moving ahead with a SNAP ban on candy and soda despite a judge’s ruling, underscoring how food-assistance rules are becoming a major health policy battleground. Public Health Infrastructure: HealthNet Aeromedical Services marks 40 years serving all 55 WV counties, adding newer helicopters described as flying intensive care units. Community Health & Wellness: Energy Express, a WVU Extension reading and nutrition program, is bringing summer meals and learning to kids in Raleigh County.

SNAP Food Rules Fight: A federal judge struck down USDA SNAP “junk food” restriction waivers, saying the agency can’t redefine what counts as “food,” a move that directly affects West Virginia and other states trying to limit soda, candy and similar items. Emergency Medical Access: HealthNet Aeromedical Services is marking 40 years in West Virginia and adding five newer helicopters to its statewide critical-care transport fleet, aiming to improve safety and reach across all 55 counties. Primary Care Update: The Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg is rebranding to align with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, with the name change set for July 1. Heat Risk: A major extreme-heat outlook puts nearly 80 million people across the eastern U.S., including West Virginia, in the highest danger category by July 3—raising stakes for summer health planning. Substance Use & Safety: West Virginia State Police charged a Marion County couple after finding fentanyl, meth and psychedelic mushrooms in a home with juveniles present, citing child neglect creating risk of injury. Community Health Education: WVU’s Energy Express summer reading and nutrition program brought a Mountaineer visit to Beckley, pairing learning with meals for kids during school break.

SNAP & food access: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration push to restrict what people can buy with SNAP, keeping soda and candy eligible in multiple states and underscoring how federal rules limit state “food” changes. PFAS & drinking water: The U.S. reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including funding for PFAS controls and drinking-water work tied to West Virginia and nearby communities. Public health & environment: A West Virginia-linked report highlights how flood events have more than doubled since the 2016 disaster, raising health and recovery risks as storms intensify. Substance use & community safety: In Louisiana, wastewater testing tied to opioid settlement spending found some of the highest methamphetamine levels reported worldwide—an example of how local monitoring is being used to track drug trends. Local health news: WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary awarded 2026 scholarships to two area students pursuing healthcare careers. Community & wellness: West Virginia Land Trust’s “Tails on Trails” invites volunteers to walk shelter dogs for physical and emotional wellbeing. Heat & safety: Forecasters warn a heat dome could push West Virginia toward dangerous temperatures ahead of July 4.

Federal Facilities Health Risks: A new report highlights a massive federal maintenance backlog—leaks, mold, and broken elevators—raising safety concerns for workers and visitors as repair approvals drag on for more than a year on average. SNAP Soda Ban Blocked in WV: A federal judge paused West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have restricted sugary drinks and candy, saying USDA exceeded its authority; Gov. Morrisey’s office says it’s disappointed by the ruling’s impact on the state’s plan. PFAS Accountability in WV Water: Regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including pollution tied to WV operations, with funding aimed at discharge controls and drinking-water cleanup—though some communities want stronger protections. Opioid Treatment Access Expansion: Ohio University researchers won nearly $4 million in NIH support to expand primary-care opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, pairing prescribing support with mentorship. Rural Heat Warning: A dangerous heat dome could push West Virginia toward 100 degrees around the July 4 holiday, increasing risks for dehydration and heat illness. Homelessness Housing Closing: Morgantown’s West Run Housing Facility is set to close at the end of July after foreclosure proceedings, ending a key transitional and supportive housing site.

SNAP Soda Ban Blocked: A federal judge halted USDA SNAP waivers that would have let states restrict purchases of soda (and in some cases candy) with food benefits, saying the agency overstepped authority and didn’t follow required procedures—prompting disappointment from West Virginia’s governor’s office. PFAS Accountability: Regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” tied to releases affecting New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, including major spending for pollution controls and drinking-water cleanup—while critics say communities still need stronger protection. Opioid Treatment Access: Ohio University researchers won nearly $4 million from NIH to expand a primary-care model for opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to close the gap between proven meds and real-world prescribing. Rural Health & Safety: A West Virginia Air Guard staff sergeant received a Freedom 250 hometown hero award after surviving injuries from an ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C. Public Health Watch: CDC guidance now allows many Americans to stop masking when hospital risk is low to medium, while still urging masks in higher-risk areas and for people with symptoms. Local Housing: Morgantown’s West Run Housing Facility is set to close at month’s end after foreclosure proceedings begin. Heat Alert: A dangerous heat dome could push West Virginia toward triple digits ahead of July 4, raising dehydration and heat illness risks. Substance Use Recovery: Wood County approved September as “Goes Purple” Month to support recovery and reduce stigma around substance use disorders.

SNAP Oversight: USDA says the SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, with $10.1B in improper payments nationwide—triggering new “pay if you miss” consequences for states starting as soon as Oct. 1, 2027. Court Blocks Food Limits: A federal judge paused SNAP waivers that would have restricted soda and candy purchases in West Virginia and four other states, saying the USDA overstepped its authority. Teen Health Funding Cut: HHS is canceling most Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants, including some in West Virginia, citing misalignment with agency priorities. Worksite Clinics Expansion: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2.4M to expand employer-based health care and worksite clinics statewide under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Local Care Access: Tug River Health Association marked 50 years serving McDowell County with expanded services including dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health. Housing Stability: West Run Housing Facility in Morgantown will close July 31 after foreclosure proceedings begin. Public Health & Safety: A heat dome could push West Virginia toward dangerous 100-degree highs around the July 4 holiday. Health Fraud Enforcement: WV AG JB McCuskey announced a $325,000 Medicaid fraud settlement tied to alleged improper claims and invalid prescriptions.

SNAP Health Policy Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA SNAP waivers that would have limited what people can buy with benefits in West Virginia and four other states, saying the agency overstepped its authority—leaving the soda/candy restrictions paused. PFAS Accountability in WV: The Trump administration reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including penalties and major cleanup and drinking-water support tied to West Virginia facilities. Worksite Clinics Expansion: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2.4 million to expand employer-based health care and worksite clinics across West Virginia, aiming to improve prevention and early treatment for chronic conditions. Rural Health Access Milestone: Tug River Health Association marked 50 years serving McDowell County with multiple clinic locations and services including dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health. Workplace Safety Push: Advocates used Workers Memorial Day to urge lawmakers to address high workplace fatality rates, with West Virginia cited as having a lower fatality rate than Wyoming. Community Recovery Spotlight: Wood County commissioners proclaimed September as “Goes Purple” Month to support substance-use recovery and reduce stigma.

SNAP Food Rules Blocked: A federal judge stopped USDA waivers that would have restricted what SNAP recipients can buy in West Virginia and four other states, saying the agency overstepped its authority. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding Cut: HHS confirmed it’s canceling 53 of 67 Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants, including awards in West Virginia, citing misalignment with agency priorities. PFAS Settlement With Chemours: EPA, DOJ and WV DEP announced a landmark $450M settlement over “forever chemicals,” with alleged PFAS releases tied to health risks and drinking-water impacts across the Ohio, Delaware and Cape Fear river basins. Drinking Water Grants: EPA is pushing more than $25M in grants for small and rural communities to improve water systems and address PFAS and lead. Tick-Bite Warning: Health experts say tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms, a possible early sign of a tough summer for Lyme and other tick-borne illness. Nursing Pipeline: Bluefield State and WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital recognized students in the 2026 West Virginia Junior Nursing Academy. Workforce & Safety: A Veterans Fire Corps recruitment drive is targeting veterans for wildland firefighting and natural resource roles, with pay and lodging noted.

SNAP Fight in West Virginia: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s waiver that would have barred SNAP purchases of soda, and the ruling also knocks out similar limits in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and Tennessee—leaving the state’s “Healthy Choices” approach in limbo while the court says USDA can’t bypass Congress. PFAS Accountability: EPA and DOJ reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharges; the deal includes major corrective work and clean-water steps tied to West Virginia facilities, with a proposed WV-specific consent decree also in the mix. Public Health Funding Watch: West Virginia’s PEIA finance board reported the state’s public employee health plan is stable heading into the next fiscal year, though officials warned costs could still spike. Rural Care & Aging: A new look at how older populations are outpacing kids highlights the strain on access to basic care in remote places—an issue that hits West Virginia’s workforce and health system planning. Local Health Services: Kanawha County named a new executive director for its emergency ambulance authority, continuing leadership changes after a high-profile case. Community Support: Volunteers and local groups kept showing up—like United Way’s Day of Action and a McDowell County fundraiser that will send money to help children through the Children’s Home Society.

OSHA Funding Fight: Public Citizen urged the Senate to reject proposed FY 2027 OSHA cuts, warning that reducing the agency’s budget could put workers at greater risk—especially in industries that employ many West Virginians. PFAS Accountability in WV: Chemours is facing a proposed $450 million federal settlement over “forever chemicals” releases, including a plan that could bring more than $11 million to West Virginia and require major drinking-water and compliance steps. SNAP Soda Ban Blocked: A federal judge struck down West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have barred soda purchases, pausing similar restrictions in multiple states and sending the issue back for review. Medicaid Change Prep: West Virginia’s Department of Human Services is telling Medicaid members to stay informed about upcoming 2027 federal eligibility requirements, including community engagement rules. Aging Care Model: A new report finds that fully integrating medical and long-term care for older adults can reduce emergency visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Homelessness Housing Closure: The West Run Housing Facility in Morgantown is set to close at the end of July after foreclosure proceedings begin. Workforce Watch: West Virginia’s unemployment rate fell, but fewer people were actually working—an important reminder that “down” numbers don’t always mean more jobs. Public Safety: State police continue searching for a missing 71-year-old man in Braxton County, and officials confirmed an EF1 tornado in Barbour County with 110 mph winds.

Medicaid Update: West Virginia Department of Human Services is urging Medicaid members to stay informed about upcoming federal changes tied to community engagement requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, with system updates underway now. PFAS / “Forever Chemicals”: The Trump administration reached a multistate settlement with Chemours over PFAS discharges, including a $22.5 million penalty and major cleanup and drinking-water commitments affecting West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. SNAP Food Rules Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA-approved SNAP soda and candy restrictions in five states, including West Virginia—meaning the Aug. 1 SNAP ban won’t take effect there. Opioid Response Funding: Brooke County commissioners say they’re close to beginning distribution of the county’s share of West Virginia opioid settlement funds after reviewing requests from local agencies. Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to visit Lewis and Upshur counties in mid-July for low-dose CT scans, with options for insured and qualifying uninsured patients. Worksite Clinics: Gov. Morrisey announced $2.4 million to expand employer-based worksite clinics across West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Public Health & Safety: A 2026 analysis ranks West Virginia among the states with higher estimated venomous snakebite rates, highlighting risk during warm months.

Mobile Lung Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS unit will bring low-dose CT scans to Lewis and Upshur counties in July, with appointments at Community Care of Weston (July 14), Rock Cave (July 15-16) and Buckhannon (July 17); uninsured West Virginians may qualify via grant funding, but a physician order and insurance pre-authorization are required. SNAP “Junk Food” Limits Blocked: A federal judge ruled USDA exceeded its authority in approving SNAP waivers that would have barred soda and candy in West Virginia and four other states, potentially derailing similar state plans. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450 million multi-state settlement tied to “forever chemicals,” including $90 million for mitigation and drinking-water support in West Virginia, plus pollution controls at its local facility. Public Health & Safety: Cheat Lake’s Millstone Beach stays closed after a state inspection found code violations, including first-aid, trip hazards, restroom issues, signage, and waterline repairs needed. Care Access for New Moms: A WIC hospital liaison program now helps eligible families enroll before leaving the hospital in parts of North Central West Virginia. Rural Health Workforce: WVU Tech’s Southern West Virginia Summer Nursing Academy students toured a medevac helicopter at Beckley ARH Hospital as part of efforts to grow the nursing pipeline.