AGP Executive Report

Medicare Enforcement Ruling: A federal appeals court said HHS can seek Medicare fines from participants without a jury trial, rejecting a Maryland nursing home operator’s challenge. Food Assistance in Maryland: The Maryland SUN Bucks program is back for summer meals, with 2026 updates tied to EBT vendor changes, address updates, and replacement cards. Aging & Mobility Tips: A geriatrician urged Marylanders to use strength and weight-bearing exercise to slow muscle and bone loss as people age. Hearing Loss and Balance: Reporting highlighted how hearing loss can affect walking and fall risk, pointing to the value of baseline hearing tests. Public Health Alert (Cheese Recall): FDA/CDC-linked coverage flagged a Clover Hill Dairy recall of soft ricotta/requeson cheeses in Maryland and nearby states due to Listeria concerns. Local Safety: Baltimore County investigated a life-threatening Essex shooting, while Towson police reported a road-rage-related driver death on York Road near Towson Circle. Energy & Health Costs: U.S. Sen. Mark Warner pushed data-center rules to prevent new facilities from driving up consumer energy bills.

Immigrant Protections: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force aimed at coordinating state and Attorney General efforts against fraud and exploitation targeting immigrant residents. Sickle Cell Gene Therapy Push (Maryland): Lentigen Technology, a Miltenyi Biotec company in Gaithersburg, won a $500,000 Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund award with the University of Maryland, Baltimore to develop a lentiviral gene vector and point-of-care manufacturing platform for sickle cell disease, targeting lower cost and faster translation. Public Health—Sewage Overflows: A University of Maryland study presented at ASM Microbe found sewage overflow exposure in Maryland homes linked to fecal-indicator bacteria, with nearly half of homes showing Enterococci and a portion carrying antibiotic-resistant strains. Cancer Care Access: Connecticut enacted insurance coverage for scalp cooling therapy, joining Maryland and other states expanding coverage to help chemotherapy patients manage hair-loss side effects. Community Health Funding (Anne Arundel): Anne Arundel Women Giving Together awarded $262,913 in grants to 13 nonprofits supporting women and families, including programs for hygiene access and caregiver support. Emergency Response Training: Anne Arundel-area firefighters held extrication drills to speed rescue during vehicle crashes, practicing stabilization and “jaws of life” techniques.

Federal Health Policy: A new multi-state lawsuit filed in Maryland challenges Trump administration changes to Affordable Care Act marketplace rules, arguing they’ll make coverage harder to get and more expensive—potentially pushing more people into being uninsured or underinsured. Public Health & Safety: Baltimore City’s Sheriff’s Office launched an enforcement push against illegal smoke shops selling cannabis and tobacco, seizing thousands of untaxed tobacco products and more than 70 pounds of illegal cannabis over two weeks. Cancer Support: Friends Together expanded its free wig program through a national partnership with EBeauty Community for Cancer Support, adding same-day fitting and more wig inventory for people dealing with treatment-related hair loss. Long-Term Care: CMS data show Potomac Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Rockville earned a higher-than-state-average nursing home rating in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported. Community Health: A Curtis Bay fuel oil spill left residents reporting chemical odors and irritation, with community leaders criticizing the lack of timely warnings. Local Crime: Police are searching for two women charged with first-degree murder after a 67-year-old woman was found dead in a Silver Spring senior living community.

AI in hospitals: Johns Hopkins-linked Bayesian Health says its FDA-cleared AI can detect sepsis up to 48 hours earlier than standard methods, cutting mortality by 18% across dozens of hospitals—an example of Maryland’s push to turn research into bedside impact. Maternal health policy: Maryland signed perinatal behavioral health coverage into law, a step aimed at improving support for mental health during pregnancy and after delivery. Cancer support: A Maryland-based nonprofit is expanding its free wig program through a new national partnership, helping cancer patients with hair loss get wigs fitted during the same visit. Local clean water: Annapolis unveiled two new infiltration cells in the Severn River watershed to reduce polluted stormwater runoff and protect nearby oyster habitat. Community health & environment: Montgomery County received $8.3 million for clean-energy and energy-efficiency upgrades, including solar-powered backup systems for public facilities. Public health risk: Residents reported a fuel oil spill in Curtis Bay that left people smelling irritating fumes for hours before cleanup began.

Cell Therapy Breakthrough in Maryland: UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center says it’s the first in the region to offer TCR-T cell therapy for advanced synovial sarcoma, using a single infusion of engineered T-cells. Nursing Home Watch (CMS data): In Q1 2026, Wilson Health Care Center ranked No. 2 in Montgomery County by bed count with a 5/5 overall rating, while Autumn Lake Healthcare Post-Acute Care Center ranked No. 2 in Baltimore City County with a 4/5 rating. Public Health & Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal Worcester County crash where a driver failed to stop at a stop sign at Route 50 and Route 610. Local Health System/Community: UPMC Western Maryland held a ribbon-cutting for the Hillman Cancer Center at the Schwab Family Cancer Pavilion, highlighting expanded oncology access in rural areas. Food Safety: Maryland’s health department issued a recall of Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta products due to possible listeria contamination. Health-Related Research: A new study links long-term GLP-1 use with lower odds of knee replacement in people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.

Xenotransplantation Watch: Surgeons at the University of Maryland previously performed the first successful pig-heart transplant in a human, underscoring how far xenotransplantation has come—and why rejection remains the big hurdle before routine use. Cardiac Tech & Trust: A new report on AI-ECG highlights the tension between FDA clearance and clinician confidence, raising the question of what “proof” should look like before AI reads the 12-lead ECG at the bedside. Heart Transplant Research Network: The American Heart Association is launching a national heart transplant research network to tackle gaps in innovation, equity, and outcomes, including for Black patients and children. Maryland Policy in Motion: New Maryland laws took effect this month, including rules limiting federal immigration enforcement inside state hospitals and correctional facilities. Public Health Alerts: USDA says a flesh-eating screwworm was detected 25 miles from the U.S. border in Mexico, prompting renewed concern for agriculture. Community Health & Care: Maryland’s nursing home rankings and CMS ratings continue to roll in, with multiple facilities in the region earning top marks in Q1 2026. Local Safety: A Baltimore officer was injured after being struck from behind by a dirt bike during an arrest, as the city pushes to crack down on dangerous riding.

Heart Transplant Breakthrough: Surgeons at the University of Maryland performed the first successful pig-heart transplant in a human, highlighting how xenotransplantation could ease the long wait for donor organs. Maternal & Primary Care Support: A Maryland-based randomized trial found a five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients, adding to the growing interest in non-drug supports. Emergency Response Upgrade: Dorchester County accepted a state grant to bring whole blood to ambulances, aiming to improve outcomes for trauma patients on the ground. Hospital Leadership: LifeBridge Health named Brian J. Cawley president and COO of Carroll Hospital, effective June 29. Public Health & Access: Maryland codified state-level emergency abortion access amid federal uncertainty, while other coverage points to ongoing gaps in childhood vaccination and preventable illnesses. Workforce & Policy: Gov. Moore hosted a roundtable on how federal immigration policy is affecting Maryland employers, including healthcare. Safety & Health Risks: A USDA pest agency in Beltsville has been repeatedly infested with bed bugs, raising concerns about workplace conditions. Community Health Equity: A housing resource fair and eviction-data efforts in Maryland underscore how housing stability and health are increasingly linked.

Medicaid Watch: Baltimore’s Health Commissioner says upcoming Medicaid changes will land in phases, with the city urging residents to get ready and use services available now. Hospital Leadership: LifeBridge Health names Brian Cawley as Carroll Hospital’s next president and COO, effective June 29, as the system looks to expand patient-centered care. Health System Deal: WVU Health System signs a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System in western Pennsylvania, with a late-September/early-October close expected. Community Health & Safety: Maryland DNR announces three license-free fishing days for 2026, encouraging newcomers while keeping other rules in place. Public Health Risk: A new tick forecast flags high Lyme risk this June across multiple states including Maryland, with prevention steps urged. Maternal Mental Health: Maryland signs perinatal behavioral health coverage into law, a boost for maternal mental health support. Research & Care Options: A University of Maryland trial finds a five-minute proximal intercessory prayer session can reduce pain and anxiety in primary care patients. Access to Nature: DNR opens applications for the FY2028 Greenspace Equity Program, funding greenspace projects in underserved communities.

Public Health & Safety: Tick season is driving a surge in tick bites and ER visits, with Maryland among states seeing rising activity; experts urge quick tick removal and yard-prep steps to reduce exposure. Food & Consumer Health: FDA issued a Class I recall for Wawa bottled drinks sold in Maryland and nearby states due to an undeclared milk allergen. Water Safety: Severna Park crews contained a 16,200-gallon sanitary sewer overflow into Cypress Creek; officials advised thorough washing for anyone who may have contacted affected ground. Health Care Innovation: Johns Hopkins researchers used magnetic particle imaging in animal studies to track cell therapy injections, aiming for more precise dosing in future personalized treatments. Mental Health Workforce: Maryland’s Youth Mental Health Corps is launching Year Two, expanding across more states to address unmet care needs for young people. Local Health Policy: Gov. Wes Moore vetoed five bills, including one that would have required Medicaid hospice room-and-board reimbursement, citing federal limits and potential cost impacts. Community Health & Crime: Baltimore reported a drop in homicides and shootings, while police continue investigating a recent playground shooting that injured a child. Transportation & Medical Risk: A Virginia I-95 bus crash tied to a driver with prior speeding violations has led to additional involuntary manslaughter indictments and federal scrutiny of licensing. Care Access: Maryland joined a national cohort to strengthen eviction data systems, aiming to improve housing-related health stability.

Assisted-Living Violence in Maryland: A medication technician accused of fatally shooting an 87-year-old resident at a Potomac assisted-living center has been ruled mentally unfit for trial and ordered to a secure state hospital, as a related negligence lawsuit grows. Maternal Mental Health in Maryland: Maryland signed perinatal behavioral health coverage into law, a milestone aimed at improving support for new and expecting parents. Health Care Costs—And How to Fight Back: A North Carolina couple’s battle over a denied mental health claim highlights the “external review” option that can force insurers to reconsider denials. Women’s Preventive Care: A Baltimore gynecologic oncologist says pap smears and ongoing check-ins should continue after menopause, depending on risk and medical history. Public Health Access: Maryland’s Medicaid payments are under scrutiny in an audit, raising questions about whether care was billed for inmates and deceased people. Community Health Events: Ocean City and Blood Bank of Delmarva are gearing up for a June 4 summer blood drive as donations typically dip during travel-heavy months. Environmental Health Watch: After a jet fuel leak into Piscataway Creek at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland lawmakers are pressing for answers about delays and the spill’s full impact.

Medicaid Oversight: Maryland auditors say the state Medicaid program lacked effective processes to flag questionable payments to dead or incarcerated people, and also delayed care-plan updates—raising concerns for patient safety and access. Maternal Mental Health: A new report highlights the emotional fallout when childbirth autonomy is taken away, tying forced obstetric interventions to lasting mental health consequences. Food Allergy Burden: Research finds kids’ more frequent or severe reactions—and parents’ avoidance stress—can raise psychosocial strain and lower quality of life, with milk, egg, and wheat avoidance playing a big role. Public Health & Policy: Maryland’s opioid settlement tracking dashboard is rolling out to monitor how funds are used, while separate coverage flags ongoing gaps in health-care systems and community supports. Community Health Events: Wellpoint and Nadia Care brought “The Ebony Canal” to Morgan State to spotlight Black maternal health challenges, and Harbor Splash returns to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in a new pop-up format tied to water quality goals. Bees & Food Security: Coverage warns USDA plans to close a key Beltsville bee research lab, just as pollinator stressors threaten crop pollination and food systems.

Maryland Mental Health Push: Gov. Wes Moore signed four new mental health bills into law, aiming to expand integrated behavioral care, improve school psychological services, require perinatal mental health screenings, and strengthen continuity of coverage when providers leave networks. Marijuana Policy Watch: Federal DOJ rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III is expected to help state-licensed businesses with some tax benefits, but Maryland and other states still face a fragmented, uncertain path as the DEA weighs broader changes. Inflammation & Wellness Tips: A Maryland doctor shared five daily habits to help lower inflammation naturally, including fiber-rich whole foods and daily walking. Care Access & Costs: A report highlights how patients across the country—including in the region—are getting hit with unexpected medical bills and lawsuits, underscoring gaps in billing transparency and affordability. Community Health & Safety: Baltimore saw a violent 24-hour stretch with multiple shootings and a fatal stabbing, while local officials continue investigating unattended deaths and serious crashes, including a motorcycle collision that sent an adult and child to major trauma care. Public Health Research: A University of Maryland-led study found in-person prayer for five minutes reduced pain and anxiety for adult patients.

Cancer Research & Clinical Trials: Salubris Biotherapeutics shared updated Phase 1/2 results for JK06, a 5T4-targeted antibody drug conjugate, presented at the 2026 ASCO meeting in Chicago—showing a 50% overall response rate in squamous NSCLC at the 4.5 mg/kg dose, with a 35% ORR and 94% disease control rate across response-evaluable patients, plus a favorable safety profile. Long COVID in Kids: A Children’s National/NIH PECOS study published in Pediatric Research found that about two-thirds of children and teens with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 reported at least one post-infection symptom at 12 months, with 20 symptoms appearing more often than in uninfected controls through a year. Maternal Mental Health Policy: Maryland signed perinatal behavioral health coverage into law, a milestone aimed at improving support for maternal mental health. Hospital Safety & Access: The 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to Maryland and West Virginia 340B contract pharmacy laws, a fight that could affect how safety-net hospitals access discounted medications. Public Health & Environment: Advocates warned that garbage incinerators are failing to cut “forever chemical” PFAS air pollution, including concerns about facilities in the region. Local Health Alerts: Baltimore saw two overnight shootings in early Saturday hours, leaving one man dead and others injured, underscoring ongoing community health and safety needs.

4th Circuit Health Policy: The full U.S. 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to West Virginia and Maryland’s 340B “contract pharmacy” laws after a prior panel struck them down—an issue that could reshape how safety-net hospitals access discounted drugs. Maternal Mental Health: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed HB 1118, requiring insurers and Medicaid to cover standardized perinatal behavioral health screenings during pregnancy and the first year after birth, with screening starting July 1. Nursing Home Ownership: A major eldercare deal is moving 18 CommuniCare communities (about $500M) to Jack Shelby-led family trusts, with operational control planned to shift to consulting firms. Public Health Alerts: Measles and whooping cough are rising in parts of the U.S. amid low vaccination rates, with Virginia and Maryland among states seeing higher counts. Caregiving Funding: Maryland is reducing self-directed care funding for family caregivers, potentially cutting wages by up to 50% starting July 1. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC reports serologic evidence of H5N1 transmission from a domestic cat to a human, while noting the overall public risk remains low.

Heat & public health: Maryland health officials reported the state’s first heat-related death of 2026, a reminder to take cooling and hydration seriously as hotter conditions arrive early. Health coverage costs: New data show Americans are dropping out of Obamacare, including in Maryland, with cost cited as the main driver as premiums rise after pandemic subsidies end. Medicaid oversight: An audit says Maryland’s Medicaid agency may have paid for care for inmates and dead people, raising questions about billing controls. Hospital safety: A new Leapfrog report ranks hospital safety grades across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, spotlighting infection and error prevention. Water system governance: Baltimore proposed a charter amendment to create a standalone agency to oversee the regional water system, aiming to modernize management and funding. Community support for immigrants: Howard County launched an Immigrant Affairs Task Force to recommend an Office of Immigrant Affairs, including access to health and social supports. Food allergy risk: An FDA-linked recall issued a highest-risk warning for certain Wawa beverages due to undeclared milk allergens. Local health & wellness events: Baltimore’s Harbor 1-Mile Swim returns June 7 to promote healthier harbor access and water safety education. Policy & privacy: Gov. Wes Moore vetoed a bill that would have protected divorce records from public inspection, citing privacy and oversight concerns. Workforce & care access: Maryland’s cover crop termination deadline was extended to June 5, supporting soil health that indirectly affects long-term community wellness.

Long COVID Care: A new Annals of Family Medicine study argues clinicians can borrow treatment approaches from ME/CFS for long COVID patients with overlapping symptoms, pointing to targeted options like beta-blockers and low-dose naltrexone. Heat Risk in Maryland: Maryland reported its first heat-related death of 2026 in Calvert County and urged residents to use cooling centers, hydrate, avoid alcohol/caffeine, and check on older adults and people with chronic conditions. Baltimore Water Safety: Baltimore County Public Works issued drinking water quality notices for Sparks, Loch Raven-Hillendale and Bird River-Harewood Park after tests found total trihalomethanes above federal standards, saying there’s no immediate health risk and no boiling needed. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: New federal data show rising Medicaid billing in Maryland communities, including Baltimore’s large jump in “Medicine Services and Procedures” claims and Takoma Park’s higher alcohol and drug abuse treatment spending. Public Health Oversight: FDA reported a low number of medical device inspections in Maryland in 2025, and the agency issued a recall for certain Imperial Nougat cookies/candies due to undeclared milk, wheat and tree nut allergens. Local Health & Safety: A crash in Lexington Park sent a 4-year-old girl and a 36-year-old woman to trauma centers, and Baltimore police reported a person of interest after a teen was shot in East Baltimore.