AGP Executive Report

Mobile Mammography Access: WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals and the WVU Cancer Institute are sending “Bonnie’s Bus” to Morgan, Fayette, Harrison and Mercer counties with 3D screening and breast care education, including stops June 30–July 2; screenings can be billed to insurance, and eligible uninsured/underinsured women may qualify for free help through the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Foster Care Lawsuit Moves Forward: Foster children suing West Virginia over the troubled foster care system won a Fourth Circuit appeal, sending the case back so it can proceed toward real change. Food Security in Summer: WVDE is again listing USDA-funded summer feeding sites for kids statewide, warning hunger doesn’t pause when school ends and pointing families to the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder. Heart Health Decision-Making: A new look at aortic stenosis care highlights how patients and insurers weigh TAVR versus surgical valve replacement, stressing the need for clear, patient-specific discussions. Coal, Health, and Policy Crosscurrents: President Trump says he’ll use Cold War-era emergency powers to direct nearly $700M to coal plant upgrades and exports, including support tied to West Virginia—sparking renewed health concerns from advocates. WVU Health Expansion: WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System in Pennsylvania, with a planned close in September or October. Tick & Lyme Watch: ER visits for tick bites are rising, with the Northeast and Midwest seeing the biggest increases—another reminder to protect yourself during peak tick season. NextEra Transmission Line Pushback: Thousands of West Virginians have opposed NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, with public comment hearings scheduled across multiple counties.

Mobile Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring 3D mammograms to Morgan, Fayette, Harrison and Mercer counties, with dates June 30–July 2 and help for uninsured/underinsured women through the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Lung Cancer Access: WVU’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will offer low-dose CT scans in Morgantown-area and Lewis County sites June 30–July 2, with grant support for eligible uninsured patients. Cancer Care Expansion: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is adding Pluvicto radioligand therapy for advanced prostate cancer, THOR supportive photobiomodulation, and cooling cap therapy to reduce chemo-related hair loss. Nursing Workforce & Wellness: AARP West Virginia and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department launched “Walk with a Doc” at the Capitol, including a discussion of GLP-1 weight-loss meds. Nursing Home Watch (CMS): Multiple Q1 2026 CMS updates spotlight nursing home size and ratings across West Virginia counties, including several 5-star facilities and others with lower scores and reported fines/penalties. Local Health Systems: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital also expanded its Nurse Extern Program, selecting 20 nursing students for hands-on clinical experience. Health Policy/Community: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission scheduled public comment hearings on NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project after thousands of comments opposed it.

Mobile Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is coming to Monongalia and Lewis counties with low-dose CT appointments June 30–July 2, serving insured patients and offering grant-funded scans for eligible uninsured West Virginians who meet screening criteria. Cancer Care Expansion: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital added Pluvicto radioligand therapy, THOR photobiomodulation for supportive care, and Cooling Cap Therapy to reduce chemo hair loss—bringing advanced options closer to home. Nursing Pipeline: Princeton Community Hospital selected 20 nursing students for its 2026 Nurse Extern Program, a summer clinical internship for students entering their final year. Local Health & Wellness: AARP West Virginia and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department launched “Walk with a Doc” at the Capitol, with a discussion on GLP-1s and weight-loss meds. Foot Health Business Opening: Foot Solutions opened in Morgantown as the first franchise in West Virginia, offering custom orthotics and supportive footwear. Sport Fish Update: West Virginia released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories with fewer restrictions after improved water quality. Hospital Ownership Watch: Welch Community Hospital’s ownership could change, but officials say services won’t be lost as talks move toward a nonprofit operator. Prevention Coalition: Wetzel Advocates Toward Community Hope (WATCH) was selected for the 2026 Community Coalition Cohort to strengthen local prevention efforts.

Mobile Lung Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS unit will bring low-dose CT lung cancer screenings to Monongalia and Lewis counties—Milan Puskar Health Right (June 30), Camden Family Health at Lewis County High School (July 1), and Family Medical Clinic of Jane Lew (July 2). Food Safety: More than 10 recalls have been linked to milk powder from California Dairies, flagged as Class I for possible Salmonella contamination. Nursing Home Watch (CMS Q1 2026): Valley Health earned a Top 15 regional health system spot; meanwhile, CMS ratings show a wide spread across facilities—Continuous Care Center Wheeling Hospital and Weirton Geriatric Center hit 5 stars, while several homes landed at 1 star (including Beckley Healthcare Center, Ohio Valley Health Care, and Cortland Acres). Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $3.4M in Rural Health Transformation funding for community-driven chronic disease prevention. Care Access: LUCAS screenings are billed to insurance, with grant support for eligible uninsured West Virginians; appointments require a physician order and prior authorization.

Maternal Health Research: WVU-led study in JAMA finds pregnant people who sit more than 10 hours a day face about double the risk of adverse outcomes like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age babies. Hospital Expansion: WVU Medicine signed a definitive deal to acquire Independence Health System in southwestern Pennsylvania, with a planned $800M investment across five hospitals and an expected late-September/early-October close. Public Health & Safety: West Virginia’s Department of Health released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories, easing some restrictions thanks to improved water quality, while still urging extra caution for pregnant people, children, and frequent fish eaters. Chemical Disaster Oversight: The Trump administration is seeking to end the federal watchdog that investigates chemical disasters, raising alarms for states like West Virginia with a history of deadly industrial incidents. Rural Hospital Watch: McDowell County leaders are asking questions after public reports of possible sale or privatization of Welch Community Hospital, warning it’s the only hospital in the county. Tobacco/Vaping Regulation: WVABCA expanded enforcement under the new “Vape Safety Act,” adding labeling and ingredient rules for vape and smoke shops. Community Health Access: WVU Health System and Independence Health System merger timelines continue to move forward as regulatory approvals are pending.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3.4M Rural Local Health Challenge grant under the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to boost prevention-focused, community-based health efforts in West Virginia. Sport Fish Safety: The state released its 2026 Sport Fish Consumption Advisories, with fewer restrictions thanks to improved water quality—most notably removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing limits for smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah River. Tick Season Warning: CDC-linked reporting says tick-bite ER visits are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with Lyme disease the most common tick-borne illness; experts urge quick tick removal and yard/pet prevention steps. Managed Care Research: WVU researchers examined how public insurance eligibility changes can create “mismatched” coverage within families, potentially disrupting consistent care. Community & Wellness: Active Southern West Virginia opened applications for summer Kids Run Club mini-grants to help children stay active with free, structured fitness activities. Health Education Leadership: Jayne M. Brandel was named dean of Seton Hall’s School of Health and Medical Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $3.4 million Rural Local Health Challenge grant opportunity under the Rural Health Transformation Program, bringing total RHTP funding to more than $65 million, with prevention-focused community initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, physical activity, and healthier lifestyle choices. Health Costs at Home: A new WalletHub ranking says West Virginia residents spend about 9.14% of income on essential medical care and medications—one of the highest burdens in the country—highlighting how rising costs can force people to delay or skip care. Workforce & Care Access: The state’s Rural Health Transformation plan also ties into efforts to expand rural access to care and train more healthcare workers, with programs designed to support “Personal Health Accelerator” activities. Local Health Institutions: WVU’s Art Museum received a $100,000 gift from retired WVU School of Medicine faculty Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer, supporting the museum’s greatest needs and community programming. Workplace Safety Context: Multiple national reports focus on the growing complexity of workplace safety management as OSHA rules expand, underscoring the broader health-and-safety pressures employers face.

WVU Medicine UHC Expansion: United Hospital Center in Bridgeport cut the ribbon on a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit using AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and some neurology patients. Imaging Contract Boost: Pro Medicus’ U.S. Visage Imaging signed a five-year, $28M contract renewal with Allegheny Health Network, adding Visage 7 Workflow—good news for regional care capacity and imaging efficiency. Local Health Tech Grant: Fairmont State won a $71K IDeA Network grant to buy peripheral nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and electromyography equipment for applied biomechanics and human performance labs. Community Health & Safety: Wood County’s Solid Waste Authority collected more than 1,000 tires at a free drop-off event, helping curb illegal dumping. Public Health Watch: A federal judge granted a delay in the Greenbrier takeover fight, potentially affecting timelines for the historic resort’s future operations. Environmental Health Alert: Coverage also flags ongoing chemical-disaster concerns after major incidents, including a deadly paper mill tank rupture in Washington state.

AI in Care: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit with AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and some neurology patients. Public Health & Safety: A toll booth worker was hospitalized after a tractor-trailer struck an I-77 toll booth in Chelyan; injuries were reported as minor. Chemical Disaster Oversight: Reporting highlights back-to-back chemical disasters and renewed debate over federal oversight, including a proposal to cut funding for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Cancer Risk & Coal: A new American Cancer Society review links coal mining and living near coal infrastructure to higher cancer deaths, especially in Appalachia. Local Health Access: Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care opened a Community Resource Center in Clarksburg to connect Medicaid members to case management and wellness supports. Addiction Response: Monongalia County’s Quick Response Team is credited with improving overdose-to-treatment connections, including new data showing a 12-fold increase in treatment likelihood after successful interactions. Health Tech Funding: Fairmont State received a $71K grant to buy neuromuscular diagnostic and imaging equipment for biomedical research training. School Wellness: Madison Elementary was named a 2026 PBIS Tier 1 Model School, recognizing school-wide behavioral and mental health supports. Legal/Policy: The 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to West Virginia’s 340B contract pharmacy laws. Sports & Health Policy: West Virginia’s transgender athlete case remains in the spotlight after a Bridgeport sophomore won state track titles while the Supreme Court case is pending.

AI in Care: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit with AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and some neurology patients—aiming for more efficient, earlier detection of worsening symptoms. Cancer & Environment: A new American Cancer Society review links coal mining and living near coal operations to higher cancer death rates, especially in Appalachia, warning that weakening protections could raise risks and costs. Public Health Response: Monongalia County’s Quick Response Team is showing measurable impact—each successful overdose response boosts the odds of treatment connection 12-fold—after adding data tracking with a DOJ-funded coordinator. Health Infrastructure & Access: Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of Clarksburg launched a Community Resource Center to connect Medicaid members to case management and wellness supports in one location. Research Funding: Fairmont State won a $71K grant for neuromuscular diagnostic and imaging equipment to strengthen graduate programs. Legal/Policy Watch: The 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to West Virginia and Maryland 340B contract pharmacy laws, a key issue for how medication access is structured. Community Wellness: The Wheeling YMCA dedicated its gymnasium to Robert and Jody Contraguerro for long-running support. Safety & Health: A toll booth worker was hospitalized after a tractor-trailer struck an I-77 toll booth in Chelyan; injuries were reported as minor.

AI in Care: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit with AI-powered patient rooms, aiming to improve monitoring for cardiac, respiratory, and some neurology cases. Health & Community: Community Care of West Virginia and Aetna Better Health opened a Community Resource Center in Clarksburg to connect Medicaid members and others to case management and wellness support. Addiction Response: Monongalia County Health Department’s Quick Response Team says its overdose-intervention work is boosting treatment connections, with new data showing a 12-fold increase in linking people to services. Courts & Pharmacy Access: The 4th U.S. Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to West Virginia and Maryland 340B contract pharmacy laws, after a prior ruling found them unconstitutional. Public Health Policy: A new study links coal mining and living near coal operations to higher U.S. cancer mortality, with a focus on Appalachia. Food Security: New data warns SNAP cuts and work requirements could leave millions without benefits, with higher risk for Black, Latino, and Native American households. Local Safety: Vienna City Council approved alcohol-related ordinances after public comment, including a change limiting sales to 11 p.m. Mental Health in Schools: Madison Elementary was named a 2026 PBIS Tier 1 Model School.

4th Circuit Pharmacy Fight: The full U.S. 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to West Virginia’s 340B contract pharmacy laws after a prior panel struck them down, keeping a major policy fight over how Medicaid-linked drug programs operate in play. Behavioral Health Workforce: Mountaineer Autism Project launched a statewide campaign to recruit recent grads for behavioral therapy roles, citing long waitlists and a shortage of autism services. Hospital Tech Upgrade: United Hospital Center in Bridgeport rolled out $2 million in AI-enhanced patient rooms designed to let nurses monitor patients more efficiently and reduce interruptions. Addiction Response Results: Monongalia County Health Department’s Quick Response Team says its overdose response model is boosting treatment connections, with new data showing a sharp increase in follow-through after successful encounters. Whole-Person Care Access: Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care opened a new Community Resource Center in Clarksburg to connect Medicaid members with case management and wellness support. Public Health Preparedness: Cabell-Huntington Health Department hosted a Community Threat Preparedness Forum with local emergency partners and the National Weather Service. Community Health Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.15M+ for water and sewer projects across West Virginia, aiming to improve reliability and support flood recovery.

Community Health Access: Community Care of West Virginia opened a new Community Resource Center in Clarksburg (700 Oakmound Road) to connect Medicaid members and other residents with case management and wellness support under one roof. Water & Public Health Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced IJDC approval of more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including flood recovery and upgrades to aging systems. Emergency Preparedness: Cabell-Huntington Health Department hosted a Community Threat Preparedness Forum with local first responders and the National Weather Service, offering practical guidance for residents. Opioid Treatment Funding: Hancock County commissioners approved additional opioid funds for Family Care Excellence while also moving forward with memoranda of understanding for other previously approved groups. Substance Use Care Trends: New Medicaid billing data show alcohol and drug abuse treatment spending rising sharply in New Martinsville, and dental services payments increasing in Parkersburg. Workforce & Health Policy: West Virginia University researcher findings suggest light exercise and sitting less during pregnancy may cut complication risks, including preeclampsia. Cancer Care Coverage: AngioDynamics said Medicare coverage guidance for NanoKnife irreversible electroporation is advancing for prostate and liver cancer indications. Community Wellness Event: Reynoldsville Baptist Church will host a free community health fair June 6 with vision, dental, blood pressure and glucose checks plus wellness demos.

Cancer Care Access: Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County says new treatments are now available closer to home for southern West Virginia patients, including Pluvicto for advanced prostate cancer and other advanced options announced at a Thursday press conference. Opioid Response: Hancock County commissioners approved an additional $400,000 in opioid-related funding for Family Care Excellence, while one commissioner raised concerns about missing paperwork and requirements. Recovery Housing: Youth Services System launched West Virginia’s first transitional living recovery program for young adults ages 18–24, housed at the McCrary Center in Wheeling and aimed at people with opioid and stimulant use disorders. Medicaid Spending Watch: New data show Medicaid dental payments rose in Parkersburg (+24% in 2024) and Bridgeport (+0.7%), while Wheeling’s Procedures/Professional Services spending increased 8.1% in 2024. Public Health & Safety: West Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken child online protections. Maternal Health: A new study links sitting less and light exercise during pregnancy to lower risk of complications, including preeclampsia. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: Sen. Jim Justice introduced the GROUSE Act to reimburse landowners for conservation work that supports habitat and wildlife.

Cancer Care Closer to Home: Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County says three new cancer treatments are now available in southern West Virginia, including Pluvicto for advanced prostate cancer and other advanced options announced at a Thursday press conference. Legal Fight Over Child Welfare Speech: A conservative legal group filed an amicus brief urging the state Judicial Hearing Board to reject sanctions against Kanawha Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers, arguing discipline over her public comments would violate free-speech rights. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA classified three Legacy Bakehouse chip and crisp recalls as Class I after links to a wider salmonella-related ingredient issue involving recalled California dairies milk powder. Caregiving Strain in WV: A new report highlights that more than one in four West Virginians are family caregivers, with women carrying most of the unpaid load and many facing major out-of-pocket costs. Workforce Training Boost: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills aimed at expanding trained workers, including Workforce Pell Grant short-term training and a standardized micro-credential program. Health Costs Snapshot: A national map shows nursing home costs vary wildly by state, with labor shortages and aging driving prices higher.

PFAS & Youth Bone Health: A long-term study links higher PFAS (“forever chemicals,” especially PFOA) exposure to lower bone mineral density in children and teens, raising concerns about future fracture and osteoporosis risk. Caregiving in West Virginia: More than 375,000 West Virginians provide unpaid family caregiving worth over $3 billion a year, and the burden falls heavily on women juggling full-time work and major out-of-pocket costs. Rural Hospital Relief: Rep. Carol Miller and partners introduced the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, offering interest-free federal loans to help rural hospitals build and renovate so patients don’t have to travel hours for care. Lung Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile LUCAS unit will bring low-dose CT screenings to Randolph, Barbour, and Preston counties in late June, with options for insured and qualifying uninsured patients. Drug Problem Watch: A new WalletHub look ranks West Virginia among the worst for drug overdose deaths and unmet treatment needs, despite major settlements and recovery efforts. Medical Quality Lawsuit: The Greenbrier Clinic faces multiple class-action lawsuits over alleged poor mammography quality after FDA action tied to imaging standards. Public Health Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.15M+ for water and sewer projects supporting flood recovery and long-term reliability in Kanawha, Tucker, and Barbour counties. Traffic & Trauma: Two people were flown to Ruby Memorial after a tractor-trailer crash in Upshur County.