AGP Executive Report

Mobile Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Randolph and Lewis counties in late August, offering low-dose CT scans at Valley Health Care (Mill Creek Aug. 25-26; Elkins Aug. 27) and Family Medical Clinic in Jane Lew (Aug. 28). Rural Access to Care: WVU Medicine will also provide a $9 million contribution to Monongalia County to expand preventive health services for uninsured and other vulnerable residents. Cancer Care Expansion: Princeton Community Hospital announced a new hematology/medical oncology physician, Dr. Mohammed Abdulhaleem, as it ramps up cancer services and plans a comprehensive cancer center. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce remains a major concern in West Virginia and nine states, with CDC reporting rising cases and continued investigation; consumers are urged to avoid recalled products. Health Equity & Safety Nets: Catholic Charities West Virginia’s Grace Shelter director says the 19-bed emergency shelter is consistently full, with five-plus people turned away daily (and more during extreme weather). Workforce Training: Boardman Training Center will expand some short-term healthcare programs to online or hybrid formats, including phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting. Community Health Tech: A “hospital on wheels” program (GOHOSPITAL) is set to bring mobile, hospital-level care to rural veterans starting late 2026.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: Michigan reported 9,253 cyclosporiasis cases, up 1,077 since Friday, with 160 hospitalizations and no deaths; officials say the curve may be plateauing but reporting delays and a long incubation period complicate trends. Multi-State Spread: Federal and state investigators say the outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico now involves nine states, including West Virginia, and they’re also tracking additional, unrelated clusters nationwide. Food Safety Confusion: The FDA says a key positive lab sample tied to the recall was later judged a false positive, while Consumer Reports found the recall notice used abbreviations that made it harder for shoppers to identify affected products. West Virginia Response: After flooding, Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is running a free, weekday vaccine clinic (tetanus and Hepatitis A) for people potentially exposed during cleanup. WVU Investment in Prevention: WVU Health System plans a $9 million contribution to expand preventive services for uninsured and vulnerable residents in Monongalia County through local health programs. Mental Health Access: A new report highlights mental health care deserts nationwide, where long waits and provider shortages leave many people without timely treatment.

Cyclospora Outbreak Hits WV: Federal health officials say the diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, including West Virginia, with 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations reported so far. Flood Recovery Mental Health: Community Care of West Virginia is setting up drop-in crisis counseling clinics for Upshur and Lewis County residents, and is also offering free Tdap after the storms. Hospitals Keep Care Running in Flood Zone: WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s and Vandalia Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Hospital reported disaster plans held up during the flooding, with no patient moves and limited service disruptions. Federal Disaster Aid Request: Gov. Jim Morrisey has asked President Trump for an expedited major disaster declaration for multiple WV counties to unlock individual and public assistance plus hazard mitigation funding. Rural Maternal Care Gains: A new federal report highlights how West Virginia and two other states expanded rural maternity access using telehealth, remote monitoring, navigation, and doula support. Measles Warning: A CDC report says measles cases this year have surpassed all of 2025, with most cases among unvaccinated people.

Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: Federal health officials expanded the multistate “explosive diarrhea” parasite investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce to 9 states, including West Virginia, with 1,947 confirmed illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations; CDC and FDA say the count may keep rising as cases are identified and linked. Salmonella Eggs Recall: The FDA also linked a separate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak to a Texas egg recall, warning shoppers to check cartons after 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations were reported across 17 states. Flood Recovery & Health Safety: After July 21 storms and flooding, Gov. Morrisey requested expedited federal disaster help for multiple counties; local updates also stressed debris handling and well-water safety for residents. Rural Health Workforce: Morrisey announced a $500,000 Rural Health Transformation Program investment aimed at helping employers hire and retain workers with higher health needs. Local Care in Action: HealthNet responded to a Harrison County crash, while Lewis County officials said a body found at Stonewall Jackson Lake is not tied to the flooding.

Cyclospora “lettuce-gate” grows: CDC says the multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has reached 1,947 illnesses across nine states, with at least 98 hospitalizations and no deaths. West Virginia is included as federal and state teams keep tracing the supply chain after a Taylor Farms recall; the company says FDA testing hasn’t confirmed positives on its samples, adding to consumer confusion. Salmonella egg recall: FDA/CDC also report 19 million+ eggs recalled after a salmonella outbreak sickened at least 98 people and led to 26 hospitalizations across 17 states, urging shoppers to check cartons and discard recalled products. Flood recovery health guidance: Gov. Morrisey requested an expedited federal disaster declaration after severe storms and flooding; local health officials are warning residents about injury and illness risks and advising private well testing before use. Rural maternal care: A new HRSA report highlights how West Virginia and other rural networks expanded maternity access using telehealth, remote monitoring, navigation, and doula support, serving 8,600+ women. Mental health event: Charleston’s MADFEST 6 raised funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in West Virginia.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: CDC and FDA expanded the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the original group that already included West Virginia. Food Safety & Local Impact: Federal officials report at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths, and warn the real number is likely higher because many people aren’t tested. Accountability & Confusion: The FDA remains focused on Taylor Farms’ central Mexico lettuce supply even as the agency’s earlier “false positive” test controversy continues to fuel public uncertainty and calls for stronger oversight. Rural Maternal Care: A new federal report says West Virginia’s rural maternity networks used telehealth, remote monitoring, navigation and doula support to expand access, serving more than 8,600 women across three states from 2021–2025. Flood Recovery Health Guidance: After deadly West Virginia flooding, Lewis County officials say a body found at Stonewall Jackson Lake is not connected to the flood, while the health department urges residents with private wells to wait for testing before using water. Community Health & Preparedness: West Virginia National Guard and state agencies continue debris removal and recovery support after severe storms, with ongoing public health efforts in hardest-hit areas.

Food Safety: The CDC expanded the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Public Health Guidance: Officials report 1,947 illnesses tied to Taco Bell exposure, at least 98 hospitalizations, and no deaths, while investigators continue tracing the supply chain and note the true case count is likely higher. Local Health Watch (WV): West Virginia remains on the CDC list, and state health departments are monitoring cases as the FDA and CDC keep focus on lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, despite earlier lab confusion. Healthcare Access & Community Response: In Boone County, volunteers repaired homes at no cost through a partnership with local health and community groups, highlighting how health systems and nonprofits are supporting recovery beyond clinics. Flood Recovery: Red Cross and local partners are running shelters and distributing supplies in flood-impacted areas, including free cleaning help and vaccines through county health departments. Privacy & Care: A lawsuit alleges a medical administrator improperly accessed and shared family health records, raising new concerns about HIPAA and patient data security.

Food Safety Alert: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations has expanded to nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the original list that included Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; federal officials report 1,947 confirmed illnesses tied to the outbreak and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths, while warning the real total may be higher because many people recover without testing. Local Response: The CDC has sent “disease detectives” to Ohio to help track the fast-growing outbreak, where the state reported 2,576 cases this year as of July 23, and health officials urge residents to watch for prolonged watery diarrhea and follow recall and produce-washing guidance. West Virginia Health: West Virginia Department of Health is also urging flood cleanup precautions—protective gear, handwashing, safe water and food handling, and staying current on tetanus—after recent severe flooding. Care Access & Wellness: WVU researchers say driving anxiety can be triggered by common situations and often leads to distraction, relying on others, or avoidance, which can worsen safety and mental health.

Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: FDA says it’s investigating a new cyclosporiasis cluster with at least 72 cases, while the larger lettuce-linked outbreak tied to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms continues to spread across 41 states; Mexico’s health ministry also reported negative Cyclospora results from Taylor Farms samples, adding confusion to the source. West Virginia Health Impact: Kentucky reports the multistate Taco Bell/lettuce outbreak includes West Virginia, and local clinicians in the region are seeing diarrhea cases consistent with cyclosporiasis as officials urge careful food handling and medical care for symptoms lasting more than three days. Flood Recovery and Public Health: After historic north-central West Virginia flash flooding, Gov. Morrisey says roads are reopening, power is returning, and search-and-rescue continues; the state is also tracking drinking-water disruptions and FEMA-eligibility through the Disaster Survey. Accessibility in Care: West Virginia launched the “Blue Envelope” program to help law enforcement communicate during traffic stops with drivers who have autism, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Community Health Services: Valley Hope opened a new outpatient addiction treatment center in Columbia, Missouri, highlighting continued expansion of intensive outpatient care options.

Cyclospora Outbreak Watch: U.S. cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 4,173+ across 41 states, with CDC estimating 7,400+ more likely cases; officials say the outbreak may involve multiple sources, even as a major cluster is still tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell in several states including West Virginia. FDA Investigation Update: FDA opened a new Cyclospora probe after 72 illnesses with an unknown source, while also continuing to trace the larger lettuce-linked outbreak after earlier lab results were walked back as a false positive. Food Safety for West Virginians: With the recall expanding to 27 states, health coverage is urging people to check product lists and follow safe handling steps for produce. Storms and Health Response: Severe storms and flooding hit parts of West Virginia, prompting evacuations and shelter support; the Red Cross is also dealing with a national blood and platelet shortage and is asking donors—especially type O—to give when safe. Cancer Care Support: Louis Thomas Subaru delivered 80 blankets and care kits to WVU Medicine Camden Clark cancer patients through Subaru Loves to Care. Community Wellness: Appalachian Regional Healthcare is hosting free screenings and wellness events in Beckley and at its Beaver Family Clinic in the coming days. Public Health Tips for Families: Experts encourage parents to help kids use social media safely through clear rules, privacy settings, and regular check-ins. Local Agriculture Alert: Spotted lanternfly was confirmed in Kanawha County for the first time, adding to detections across 22 West Virginia counties.

Cyclospora/Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: The FDA opened a new Cyclospora investigation after 72 people fell ill from an unknown source, while the larger multistate outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to climb—CDC now reports 4,173 confirmed cases across 41 states, with more than 7,400 additional suspected cases; the FDA says a prior Taylor Farms lettuce test was a false positive, but the agency still links the investigation to Taylor Farms produce and urges people to follow recall guidance. Local Health Watch: West Virginia communities are seeing spillover attention as nearby states report surges; Maryland reported 110 confirmed cases, and Shelby County, Tennessee confirmed 11 cases, with officials stressing persistent diarrhea after travel or produce exposure should prompt medical care. Flooding Response in WV: Lewis County shifted from rescues to recovery after flash flooding from heavy rain; officials reported more than 60 water rescues overnight, no one unaccounted for, and ongoing cleanup, while Upshur County remains under intense search-and-rescue with Gov. Morrisey saying he’s concerned about fatalities. Air Quality: Wildfire smoke and severe weather are affecting local air quality, with health officials urging caution for sensitive groups. Telehealth Policy (WV): West Virginia’s Board of Medicine proposed a rule to set telehealth standards for genetic counselors, aligning care expectations for remote and in-person services. Community & Wellness: WVU research highlights how tourism can grow without harming housing, working families, and natural resources—an issue for rural health and wellbeing.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to the “explosive diarrhea” parasite have surged to nearly 4,200 lab-confirmed infections across 41 states since May 1, with more than 7,400 additional suspected cases still under review; no deaths reported and 308 hospitalizations so far. FDA/Taylor Farms Twist: The FDA retracted a key lab result that had pointed to Taylor Farms lettuce as the source, calling it a false positive, but officials say the recall and outbreak investigation are still based on broader links and guidance to avoid the recalled products. West Virginia Angle: Federal health officials list West Virginia among the hardest-hit states in the multistate cluster linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations. Local Health & Safety: Food-safety experts urge West Virginians to skip recalled lettuce, ask restaurants about produce sources, and wash produce thoroughly under clean running water. WVSOM Expansion: Construction is underway on a $35 million WVSOM science building expansion, adding space for research and a gross anatomy lab, with completion targeted for 2027. Severe Weather Response: Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties as tornadoes and record flooding battered parts of the region, including West Virginia.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 4,173 in 41 states, with West Virginia reporting 139 confirmed cases as of July 17 and 15 hospitalizations; the outbreak remains tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms, even as FDA says one earlier lettuce test was a false positive and continues investigating. What to Do Locally: West Virginia health officials advise people to avoid recalled lettuce and seek care if symptoms are severe or dehydration sets in; antibiotics like Bactrim can shorten illness for eligible patients. Recall & Retail Response: Taylor Farms’ lettuce recall continues to ripple through stores and restaurants, including Taco Bell locations in West Virginia, while retailers pull affected products and consumers are urged to check labels. Access to Care: Rainelle Medical Center broke ground on a new clinic near White Sulphur Springs, aiming to expand services for Greenbrier County. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $11M+ to expand virtual care and mobile health clinics statewide. Weather Preparedness: Morrisey declared a statewide State of Preparedness for all 55 counties ahead of severe storms. Community Health Event: Bonnie’s Buses will offer screening mammograms at multiple West Virginia locations in August, with help available for uninsured and underinsured women.

Cyclospora Update (WV impact): Federal health officials say a key Taylor Farms lettuce test was a false positive, but they insist the multistate cyclosporiasis investigation and the recall remain in effect. The FDA says traceback and outbreak data still point to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ central Mexico operations, with cases concentrated in places including West Virginia. Food Safety Guidance: Consumers are urged to avoid recalled lettuce and follow safe washing/handling steps while clinicians consider Cyclospora in prolonged watery diarrhea. TRICARE Flood Relief (WV): TRICARE authorized temporary prescription refill waivers for Barbour County residents through July 30 due to severe flooding. Local Courts & Health: A Gilmer County mother alleges WVU-affiliated doctors mishandled her newborn’s sepsis evaluation, leading to permanent injuries. Public Health & Community: Blue Ridge Care will host the first Camp Erin® West Virginia grief camp for youth in Martinsburg (Sept. 12), with applications due Aug. 1. Safety/Preparedness: The West Virginia National Guard is supporting the 21st National Scouting Jamboree in Fayette County with logistics, security, and medical planning.

Cyclospora Outbreak Update (WV): Federal health officials say a lab test that initially flagged Cyclospora in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was a false positive, but they insist the outbreak investigation still points to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico—meaning the recall guidance stays in place. Where it hits: The CDC has linked the Taco Bell-associated cluster to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with 1,600+ confirmed cases nationally and 94 hospitalizations reported; West Virginia cases have been rising as other states report thousands. What to do: Health agencies continue to urge people to discard recalled Taylor Fresh Foods/Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and avoid implicated products even as testing results shift. WV Policy & Health Access: West Virginia’s Department of Human Services launched a website asking Medicaid recipients to update contact info ahead of new federal “community engagement” work requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027. Primary Care & Tech: A Commonwealth Fund report based on interviews in rural West Virginia finds patients feel both hope and distrust about AI in primary care, calling for patient-centered implementation. Local Governance: Weston City Council formally opposed the Valley North Transmission Line, citing concerns that include public health and impacts on tourism and agriculture.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says the cyclospora “positive” test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, after lab experts re-reviewed results. The agency also says there are no confirmed positive product tests as of July 19, even as Taylor Farms continues a broad recall and works with federal and state partners to remove implicated product. Local Impact (West Virginia): Federal officials previously linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations to the outbreak in West Virginia and four other states, but the FDA’s reversal means the investigation is still ongoing and the source question remains unsettled. Healthcare Spotlight: Raleigh General Hospital’s trauma registrar, Josh Vance, earned a rare national trauma coding credential (CAISS), highlighting continued investment in trauma care quality. Health System Watch: A secret shopper study found compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in West Virginia clinics may include added ingredients, raising safety and oversight concerns as enforcement resumes. Community Health & Environment: Separate reporting highlights Louisiana air monitoring gaps near industrial pollution—another reminder that health risks can be shaped by where testing and oversight happen.