AGP Executive Report

ACA Legal Fight: Maryland Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking the 4th Circuit to uphold a lower-court block on a Trump-era rule that would make it harder to enroll in and keep Affordable Care Act coverage—arguing it could raise costs, cut exchange funding, and leave more people uninsured. Public Health: The CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce—linked to 12,883 illnesses, 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths—is officially over, though the FDA will keep investigating. Oral Health Myth-Busting: Experts push back on viral claims that mouthwash “wrecks” the oral microbiome and causes major diseases, saying occasional use is unlikely to harm while heavy, frequent use of certain types may be risky. Community Safety: Baltimore County police report at least six Dundalk High School students were injured after a vehicle left the roadway and struck pedestrians near Delvale and Holabird avenues; injuries were non-life-threatening. Vaccines in Pharmacies: GIANT and MARTIN’S say COVID-19 vaccines are now available at their in-store pharmacies, with walk-ins and online booking options. Local Health & Service: Gov. Wes Moore launched the 4th class of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program, expanding paid full-time service for young Marylanders.

Rabies Alert: The CDC says rabies cases rose about 17% in July–August after “high-profile outbreaks,” urging anyone with possible exposure to seek care fast; Maryland saw rabid beaver attacks at a state park. Safe Sleep Reminder: A new CDC report finds nearly three in four sudden unexpected infant deaths involved unsafe sleep factors, with many babies found in adult beds or futons—reinforcing back-to-sleep on a firm, separate surface. Maternal Health Access: A Liberian teen’s obstetric fistula story highlights how long waits for urgent surgery can trap patients in debilitating, life-altering conditions. Health Policy & Fraud Watch: FinCEN flagged about $17.5B in suspicious activity tied to possible health care fraud, with home health providers named most often. Maryland Vaccine Guidance: Maryland released its own 2026–27 vaccine recommendations as federal policies shift. Food Access Funding: Gov. Moore announced the FY27 NourishMD grant round opening Sept. 22 for fresh-food retailers in food deserts. Work-Life Strain in Medicine: A physician’s account of choosing family over overwork spotlights burnout pressures in clinical careers.

Vax Act Rollout: Maryland health officials released the state’s first 2026-27 vaccine recommendations for children and adults, covering COVID-19, flu and RSV, with no new school-entry mandates and expanded pharmacist access. Flu Season Prep: The guidance is meant to reduce confusion as federal recommendations shift, aligning with major medical groups. Community Health Access: Baltimore County hosted engAGE Day to combat senior isolation with meals, social connection and countywide partner events. Wellness Events: Montgomery County is set for a free Fall Into Wellness Health & Wellness Fair (Sept. 19) with screenings, STI testing, nutrition and mental health resources. Healthy Aging Outreach: Carroll County’s 19th Annual Aging Your Way Expo (Sept. 23) will offer screenings, medication management and chronic disease self-management. Public Health & Safety: Maryland regulators are weighing a proposed wastewater permit expansion for Perdue near Salisbury amid PFAS “forever chemical” concerns. Care Logistics: Crown Care NEMT launched nationwide private-pay medical transportation with online booking and faster confirmation.

Connected Care Expansion: WellCheck is joining St. Mary’s 360: Connected Care Everywhere, a $3.53 million countywide effort to link residents to healthcare, behavioral health, oral health, wellness and digital support across St. Mary’s County. Safe Sleep Warning: Baltimore reported 11 sleep-related infant deaths in 2026—matching all of 2025—with officials saying co-sleeping or bed sharing was involved in about 74% of cases, prompting renewed safe-sleep demonstrations and reminders. Cybersecurity Disruption: A cyberattack on Luminis Health Care disrupted systems at Anne Arundel Medical Center, affecting appointments, scheduled services and MyChart access. Medicaid Oversight: Maryland lawmakers clashed with health officials and auditors over millions in Medicaid payments tied to incarcerated people, with repeat audit issues still drawing scrutiny. Fentanyl Awareness Push: USPS announced new semipostal stamps launching Oct. 6 at NIH in Bethesda to raise funds for fentanyl awareness and NIDA research. Emergency Bleeding Product Retail Rollout: Baltimore-based BC3 Technologies expanded retail availability of its FDA-cleared SEAL hemostatic wound spray to 77 Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations.

Maryland Health & Safety: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and city health leaders are sounding the alarm after 11 sleep-related infant deaths were reported in 2025 and another 11 in 2026 so far, urging families to follow safe-sleep basics (alone, on the back, in a crib) and use local resources. Community Health Funding: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the Baltimore Ravens renewed and expanded their “Huddle Up for Health” partnership, adding two grants in 2026 and turning the CareFirst Club Level at M&T Bank Stadium into a year-round hub for Maryland nonprofits. Public Health & Prevention: For All Seasons is hosting the Eastern Shore’s first First Responder Peer Support Symposium on Sept. 17, focused on mental wellness support for people who respond to emergencies. Healthcare Fraud & Scams: A MyChart-themed phishing wave is targeting patients with fake “free kit” offers that ask for payment or login details. Local Legal/Health Impacts: A Waldorf crash injured two pedestrians, while Baltimore police investigate a Cherry Hill shooting after a 19-year-old walked into a hospital with gunshot wounds.

New Rehab Facility: Encompass Health is opening a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Montgomery County, adding intensive therapy for stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions. Substance Use Recovery at Work: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “recovery-friendly workplace,” requiring state agencies to offer support and treatment resources before discipline when substance use affects job performance. Cancer Care Access & Education: RadNet announced a free public prostate cancer webinar in September and will present at a major healthcare conference later this month, underscoring ongoing outreach around screening and diagnosis. Maternal Health Warning: A ProPublica analysis of CDC data reports a sharp rise in deaths after ectopic pregnancy from 2020–2025, with abortion bans contributing to delays in care. Housing Help for Health Workers: Maryland opened applications for a $50 million mortgage program to help first responders and teachers buy first homes with reduced rates and down-payment/closing-cost assistance. Public Health Regulation: Baltimore County’s smoke shop bill passed with a 1,000-foot distance rule from schools, health clinics and daycares, plus limits on certain signage. Local Health Fraud Case: A Howard County woman was sentenced for filing false home healthcare claims through Maryland Medicaid.

Safe Sleep Push: Baltimore leaders are urging families to follow the “ABCDs” of safe sleep after 11 sleep-related infant deaths were recorded in 2026 so far—matching 2025’s total—with co-sleeping a major factor; officials also warn against smoking or vaping around infants. Chesapeake Bay Recovery: Maryland DNR says underwater grass coverage in the Chesapeake Bay expanded nearly 13% in 2025, with Maryland’s portion reaching 41,419 acres, a sign of progress toward restoration goals. New Clinical Milestone: A Baltimore woman became the first in the city to receive a thumb joint replacement, reporting she was pain-free within days after outpatient surgery. Public Health & Access: Washington state joined a coalition suing to block new federal Title X conditions that would force providers to discourage contraception, promote marriage/childbearing, and exclude transgender patients to keep funding. Local Health Workforce: Charles County library workers ratified their first union contract after lengthy talks, including wage increases and language-related bonuses. Justice System Watch: A true-crime show’s subject, Raminder Kaur, remains contested after a federal judge vacated her murder conviction over misuse of privileged attorney-client information. Community Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in Somerset County involving a caretaker relationship, with the medical examiner ruling one death a homicide.

Workforce Pay Boost at BWI: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a $1-an-hour raise for airport support workers, bringing some contract staff to $18 an hour effective immediately, aiming to keep the airport competitive and reduce reliance on public assistance. Cancer Screening Access: UM Shore Regional Health’s Cancer Center in Easton will host free prostate screenings Sept. 22 (5–7 p.m.) for eligible men, including those who’ve never had screening and those due for annual checks. Local Health Tech & Diabetes: Sernova and Seraxis agreed to merge into BetaNova Biotherapeutics, building a pipeline for type 1 diabetes islet cell replacement therapies with an early trial dosing target in 2027. Care Delivery Partnerships: Rellevate partnered with Taylor Regional Hospital to launch “Pay Any-Day,” giving healthcare workers on-demand access to wages. Health & Safety in Baltimore: A Baltimore firefighter was hospitalized after injuries during a Waverly house fire; the cause is under investigation.

Hospital Access & Tech Disruptions: Johns Hopkins hospitals reported “Code Black” emergency department restrictions Monday, with Howard County Medical Center, Suburban Hospital, and Sibley Memorial affected after a temporary technology network issue (not a cyberattack). Workforce & Health Costs: Gov. Wes Moore announced an $18 minimum wage for about 120 direct contract workers at BWI Marshall, with emergency legislation planned in 2027 to extend wage increases to more indirect contract staff under the Secure Maryland Wage Act. Cardiac Care in the Community: Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando is recovering after a weekend heart attack, treated with a stent and expected to be discharged later this week. Public Health & Research: Researchers described a new tick-borne virus in China carried by a tick species already found in 21 U.S. states, underscoring that the tick is present even if human cases aren’t reported here. Cancer Burden Spotlight: A Maryland fundraising event highlighted Ghana’s cancer toll—17,944 deaths in 2022—and pushed for a comprehensive cancer center of excellence. Local Safety: A Baltimore City firefighter was hospitalized after battling a Waverly house fire; in Waldorf, an 83-year-old woman was rescued after her car entered a creek.

Medicaid Mental Health Contract Fight: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued UnitedHealth/Optum over a behavioral health computer system the state says crashed on day one, was taken offline for eight months, and “never functioned properly,” seeking $380M after paying $126.9M for the 2019–2024 contract. Rural Care Access: St. Mary’s County Health Department won $3.53M to launch “St. Mary’s 360: Connected Care Everywhere,” aiming to connect residents to medical, behavioral health, oral health, wellness, and digital supports through local outreach and a county health portal. Women’s Health—Endometriosis Testing: New reporting highlights how endometriosis can take a decade to diagnose and points to newer tests used abroad that aren’t yet available in the U.S. Public Health & Safety: A 50-something woman was flown to UM Capital Region Medical Center after an ATV crash in Charles County; 11 people were hospitalized after a van overturned on the Beltway near I-70. Clinical Research: A study described an experimental cancer drug that may help post-menopausal mice with both osteoporosis and midlife weight gain.

Health Policy & Access: A Maryland physician assistant says state “collaboration” paperwork rules can force them to stop seeing patients if a collaborating physician leaves or dies, arguing it treats teamwork as a formality instead of real clinical practice. Public Health & Care Delivery: A Reuters report says McKesson will buy Bethesda-based Precision Medicine Group in a deal valued at about $2.25 billion, expanding McKesson’s oncology and clinical research services. Medical Research & Early Detection: Neurologists point to eating changes as possible early signs of dementia, urging families to flag shifts in cooking and interest in food. Community Health & Environment: Maryland’s fall allergy guidance highlights how to manage ragweed season at home and outdoors. Safety & Emergency Response: A van crash on the Beltway near I-70 sent 11 people to hospitals after overturning; separately, a wrong-way crash on I-270 in Montgomery County killed a mother and daughter and led to an ICE detainer. Workplace Health: Maryland modernized physician assistant practice rules, with lawmakers urged to finish the job.

Endometriosis Care: A new report highlights how long many patients wait—often a decade or more—for an endometriosis diagnosis, and points to emerging tests abroad that could speed answers, though they’re not yet available in the U.S. Diabetes Warning Signs: Physician Dr. Kunal Sood shared five common clues of high blood sugar, including frequent urination, intense thirst, and blurry vision, urging earlier recognition of possible diabetes. Stroke Prevention: Baltimore VA earned primary stroke center status, underscoring faster, better-coordinated care for time-sensitive brain emergencies. Public Health Alerts: Fire crews responded to carbon monoxide poisonings in Gaithersburg apartments, with 12 people taken to hospitals after high readings were found; officials traced the source to a stove. Allergy Season: Maryland’s fall ragweed surge is tied to longer pollen seasons and more missed school/work and asthma-related visits, with tips on managing exposure at home and outdoors. Water Quality Innovation: A Maryland park is testing an algae-based river-cleaning system that grows algae to capture pollution nutrients, aiming to reduce harmful blooms and protect aquatic life. Local Safety: Baltimore City Hall faced a suspicious package response that triggered downtown road closures during festival setup.

Stroke care upgrade: Baltimore VA Medical Center earned primary stroke center status, aiming to speed treatment with the “time is brain” focus for veterans. Endometriosis diagnosis: Doctors are pushing for faster ways to diagnose endometriosis as patients can wait a decade or more for answers, and new tests abroad aren’t yet available in the U.S. Storm recovery: Pepco says power has been restored to about 90% of roughly 76,000 customers hit by damaging storms, with thousands still out in Prince George’s County and D.C. Carbon monoxide scare: Gaithersburg crews responded to high carbon monoxide readings at two adjacent apartment buildings; dozens were evaluated and multiple residents were hospitalized while investigators worked to identify the source. Flu prevention: TidalHealth will host free drive-thru flu clinics in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, with high-dose shots at select sites. School meals: Maryland raised income limits for free and reduced-price meals for the 2026-27 school year, potentially expanding eligibility for families. Paid family leave: Maryland opened employer registration for its new paid family and medical leave program, with benefits up to $1,000 a week. Kidney breakthrough: A Lancet report highlights a pig kidney transplant case that may offer hope for patients waiting for human donors.

Medicaid Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown joined a 22-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth and some young adults. Child Health & Safety: Baltimore officials are investigating an agency that placed a mother and six children in an East Baltimore rowhouse after police found the kids malnourished and living in squalor. School Health: Montgomery County teachers warn that broken or failing HVAC is leaving some classrooms above 80 degrees, raising safety and learning concerns. Public Health Access: Montgomery County will recognize 988 Day with a virtual event promoting the free, confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Health Care Policy & Workplaces: Gov. Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “Recovery-Friendly Workplace,” updating state employment policies for workers in substance use recovery. Food & Consumer Protections: Maryland’s new cash-acceptance law for essential goods starts Oct. 1, alongside other policing and road-safety measures. Medical Diagnostics: A new report highlights how endometriosis can take years to diagnose and points to emerging testing approaches abroad.

Recovery & Workplace Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “recovery-friendly workplace,” requiring state agencies to train staff on substance use disorders, treatment, recovery, and overdose response while steering people toward support before punishment. School Nutrition: Maryland updated 2026-27 income eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals, with a family of four qualifying for free meals at $42,900 or less and reduced-price up to $61,050, plus rules for automatic eligibility and reapplication. Public Health Watch: Baltimore health officials warned residents after a dead fox tested positive for rabies near Groveland Avenue, urging pet owners to check for bites and keep rabies vaccinations current. Medication Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit Maryland after two IV saline actions within days—one tied to potential fiberglass contamination and another to iron oxide—prompting providers to stop using and return affected lots. Maternal Support: Experts say postpartum support should be treated as a pro-life issue, highlighting the need for community-based help for new mothers facing postpartum mental health struggles. Opioid Community Effort: Talbot Goes Purple will host a free screening of “An American Opioid Crisis” in St. Michaels, aiming to reduce stigma and boost awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Regenerative Farming: Maryland DNR opened 111 acres for lease using regenerative practices to expand land access and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Healthcare Access & Aging: Partners In Care Maryland added four community leaders to its advisory board to support older adults aging in place.

Maternal & Infant Health: Milwaukee will adapt Baltimore’s “B’More for Healthy Babies” model to cut Black infant mortality, citing a 35% infant-death drop and more equal outcomes in Baltimore. Healthcare Policy: Maryland AG Dana Nessel joined a 22-state coalition suing to block a Trump administration move that would bar Medicaid reimbursement for transgender youth care for low-income minors and some young adults. Cybersecurity in Care: Luminis Health’s cybersecurity incident is still disrupting operations at Anne Arundel Medical Center, with hospitals in the region hit by fallout. Public Health & Safety: Baltimore City confirmed a rabid fox in West Baltimore, urging residents near Groveland Avenue to watch for possible animal contact and check pets. Health & Climate: Maryland reported 59 heat-related deaths this summer, the deadliest on record, as officials warn the toll could rise into the Labor Day period. Access to Care: Maryland’s FAMLI registration is now live, with deadlines and employer planning questions ahead. Community Health & Wellness: A UMD-linked smart underwear concept aims to track flatulence to better understand digestive health and fiber tolerance.