AGP Executive Report

Measles in Metro Atlanta: Georgia DPH confirmed four additional measles cases tied to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak. The new patients were close contacts of a case found last week and were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated; health officials are now working to identify more exposed contacts. Cyclospora Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to expand, with CDC reporting thousands of illnesses nationwide and Georgia now among the affected states. Medical Cannabis & Work Absences: A University of Georgia study found health-related work absences were about 6.9% lower in states with medical cannabis laws, with the biggest drops in physically demanding jobs. Rural Hospital Funding: Georgia is set to receive nearly $93.3 million to modernize rural hospitals, part of federal support aimed at expanding and improving care capacity. Public Health Leadership: Kaiser Permanente named Jonathan Watkins as senior vice president and area manager for its Santa Rosa service area, overseeing hospital operations and the health plan.

Rural Hospital Funding: CMS delivered the remaining $93.3M of a $218M rural hospital award to Georgia, supporting upgrades like telehealth, surgical robotics, training, recruitment, maternal and behavioral services, and newborn screening for 87 rural hospitals. Public Health—Foodborne Illness: The FDA/CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, adding Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas; national totals now top 11,000 illnesses across 20 states. Vaccines: CDC school vaccination data shows kindergartener coverage dipped overall, while exemptions rose to 4.2%; Louisiana’s nonmedical exemption rate hit its highest level since 2011–12. Health Equity & Access: Warner Robins is getting an ADA-compliant “inclusive gym” called Weights on Wheels, built for people with disabilities after local mainstream gyms weren’t accessible. Care & Safety: Georgia’s rural hospitals also received $93M through federal grants to modernize care, while a separate local update highlights a safe-haven baby box opening at Henry County fire station.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC widened the iceberg lettuce–linked cyclosporiasis probe to 20 states, adding Georgia, Tennessee and Texas; totals now reach 11,458 cases with 495 hospitalizations, and officials say recalled lettuce tied to the outbreak is off the market. Pediatric Allergy Innovation: At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory, researchers are testing a “skin stamp” microneedle that delivers tiny doses of peanut protein weekly to help severely allergic kids become less sensitive (not a cure). Maternal & Infant Safety: Georgia’s first Safe Haven Baby Box opens Aug. 28 at a Henry County fire station, letting parents anonymously surrender newborns up to 45 days old with 24/7 monitoring and rapid first-responder response. Public Health Alerts: Fulton County mosquito traps in multiple parks tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting treatment and public signage. Healthcare Access & Policy: Georgia agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit by a former Georgia Southern employee who alleged retaliation tied to decisions affecting LGBTQ students. Local Health Systems: Georgia’s 87 rural hospitals are set to receive about $93.3M for health upgrades, including support for inpatient maternity care.

Maternal Health & Caregiving: Falcons DE Za’Darius Smith opened up about retiring last season after a call from his mother’s doctor; he said he left the Eagles when told she didn’t have long to live, and later lost his mother, grandmother and father. Public Safety & Health Infrastructure: Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat urged commissioners to speed up repairs to nonworking elevators at the Rice Street jail, citing incidents where medical teams had to carry equipment up stairs and an officer was trapped alone. Workplace Health & Cannabis: A University of Georgia study found health-related work absences dropped about 7% in states with medical cannabis access, with the biggest effects in physically demanding jobs. Child Safety & Social Media: Georgia is set to receive up to $135 million in a landmark Meta settlement tied to child online safety changes. Community Health & Disease Prevention: A mosquito trap at a South Fulton park tested positive for West Nile virus, raising local awareness for bite prevention. Healthcare Access & Fraud: A Fulton County Medicaid fraud case alleges a therapy center owner used a deceased provider’s credentials, highlighting ongoing risks in care billing. Sports & Injury Management: Dodgers Roki Sasaki was placed on the injured list with a blister, a reminder that even elite athletes can face sudden health setbacks.

Southwest Atlanta Hospital Push: Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health got state approval for a new $700M teaching hospital in southwest Atlanta, aiming to restore 24/7 emergency care, Level III trauma, obstetrics, NICU, adult critical care, and more after the 2022 closures of Atlanta Medical Center facilities. Child Safety Online: Georgia is among states receiving money from a sweeping multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook teen harms; Meta must add protections like nighttime access blocks and screen limits for under-18 users. NFL Player Safety Rules: The NFL and NFLPA agreed to tougher discipline starting in 2026 for five high-injury fouls (including hip-drop and horse-collar tackles), with one-game suspensions after three offenses. Public Health & Access: An HIV testing center in Charlotte is closing after federal funding shifts—highlighting how changes in prevention dollars can quickly disrupt local care. Georgia Care Quality: U.S. News ranked top hospitals in Georgia, with multiple Emory and Piedmont Atlanta facilities earning national specialty recognition. Community Health & Wellness: A local cancer-survivor wellness feature spotlights sound-bath and supportive programs for people navigating recovery.

AI in Medicine: A new report says 74% of U.S. physicians use AI tools for clinical information, and in 79% of campaigns AI assistants pushed doctors to brand sites—raising questions about how AI is shaping care and marketing. Maternal Health Access: Georgia’s Medicaid alternative is facing a funding decision that could affect access to care, while hospitals and researchers continue pushing tools to reduce childbirth risks. Brain Health & Football: A Georgia-focused report highlights new findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) risk in former NFL players, with local concussion experts stressing full recovery before any return to contact. Public Safety & Injury: Atlanta police report a 33-year-old bicyclist hospitalized after a hit-and-run in northwest Atlanta; separately, the Beltline stabbing suspect’s family apologized and cited severe mental illness, renewing calls for legal and safety changes. Infectious Disease Watch: DeKalb County health officials reported additional West Nile virus-positive mosquito trap results, and Georgia confirmed another measles case tied to low vaccination coverage. Health-Adjacent Policy: A federal court struck down a proposed H-1B visa fee, while the administration tries again—an issue that could affect access to healthcare staffing and other skilled workforces.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Georgia AG Chris Carr indicted Desmond Maul, 74, of Conyers, alleging Medicaid fraud tied to a Fulton County mental health and chemical dependency provider, including billing for services allegedly signed by a psychiatrist after his death—over $88,000 at issue. SNAP & Public Health: A new study finds SNAP restrictions aimed at limiting soda purchases cut sugary drink buying by more than 12% in early 2026, raising questions about whether the policy reduces health harms or adds stigma. Maternal Care Costs: Louisiana is cited as the second-cheapest state for childbirth in 2026, with big differences between in-network and out-of-network vaginal deliveries and C-sections—an affordability reminder for families nationwide. Local Health Care Recognition: Advanced Urology physicians Dr. Marc Greenstein and Dr. Vik Sabarwal were named to Atlanta Magazine’s 2026 Top Doctors list. Community Health & Safety: Metro Atlanta saw fresh West Nile virus positives in DeKalb County mosquito testing, while a separate report notes a clerk was hospitalized after a dump truck crashed into a Barrow County convenience store. Health in the Headlines: Georgia’s Medicaid alternative faces a funding decision, and officials also reported a new measles case in metro Atlanta.

SNAP in Georgia: New federal work rules and added paperwork are driving steep SNAP enrollment drops, with Georgia seeing declines of more than 20% in recent reporting—raising alarms about worsening food insecurity. West Nile in DeKalb: DeKalb County confirmed more mosquito traps testing positive for West Nile virus, with no human cases reported yet this year. Heart health education: Prisma Health is hosting a free heart failure webinar Aug. 26, aimed at helping patients and caregivers recognize symptoms and manage treatment. Mental health & focus tech: An AI app called Asoma is in beta at Georgia Tech and Emory, designed to help students with ADHD organize assignments and reduce overwhelm. Local safety alerts: UGA issued guidance to students after a possible sexual assault downtown Athens, urging people to stay in groups and use campus resources. Immigration detention in Georgia: A Cary woman and permanent resident is being held in ICE detention in Georgia after a family says a routine check-in turned into custody. Community response to homelessness: DeKalb and an interfaith group are launching a three-part series on building bridges to address homelessness.

Cancer Trial Update: A new interview highlights cemsidomide (CFT7455) as an all-oral option for heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with the MOMENTUM phase 2 trial testing it with dexamethasone. Public Health Alert: Metro Atlanta officials report a bat positive for rabies in the Stone Mountain area, urging pet vaccinations and immediate care after any bite or scratch. Workplace Mental Health: The Carter Center hosted an employer symposium on workplace mental health, focusing on how manager “attunement” and parity in mental health coverage can improve outcomes. Community Safety: Atlanta police say a fatal Beltline stabbing near the Kroger involved an argument; investigators are looking at whether mental health played a role. Food Aid & Health Access: SNAP enrollment fell more than 13% nationally, with advocates pointing to paperwork and missed deadlines as major drivers—an access hit for nutrition and health. Maternal Care Expansion: Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health received approval for a new south Atlanta teaching hospital and care network. Immigration Detention: An immigration judge is set to hear bond release for a Cary woman detained in Irwin County, with health issues including type 2 diabetes raised in court.

Georgia Disability Care: After years of federal oversight, a DOJ memo signals the state may face a new test for community-based disability services, raising alarms that monitoring could change. Public Health & Safety: Metro Atlanta saw multiple deadly crashes and at least one Beltline stabbing near Kroger, with police citing possible mental health factors in one fatal incident. Health Policy in the Spotlight: A new poll shows Georgia’s governor race effectively tied, with healthcare—especially Medicaid expansion—front and center for both candidates. Weight-Related Health Concerns: Doctors and outside experts are warning about major weight gain and related risks after new reporting on Trump’s rising weight. Medical Care in Detention: Advocates renewed calls to free Pauline Binam from a Georgia ICE detention center, arguing her past detention included unwanted medical procedures and that fear of care persists. Allergy Research: Scientists report progress on changing peanut DNA to make peanuts hypoallergenic, aiming to reduce risk in shared spaces.

Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal stabbing near the Atlanta Kroger on Ponce de Leon Ave. NE near the Beltline’s Eastside Trail; a possible suspect was detained and the victim died at the hospital. Public Safety: In separate early-morning incidents, Atlanta police reported two pedestrian deaths on major interstates; investigators say one may have involved a mental health crisis before a man ran into traffic on I-75/85, and another involved a woman struck after stopping on the shoulder. Air Travel Safety: An American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas landed safely after a laptop battery fire filled the cabin with smoke; the FAA is investigating and one passenger received medical attention for burns. Health & Weight: Doctors and public health experts are warning that President Donald Trump’s reported weight gain is a serious health risk, citing obesity-related concerns and other recent health issues. Workplace Health: The CDC’s new director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, told staff she’ll advocate for underfunded programs while acknowledging burnout and staffing gaps. Community Health: Decatur’s Book Festival returns Oct. 2-3 with free events across downtown, including a Pulitzer-winning keynote—an easy win for community connection and wellness through reading.

Georgia Medical Education: UGA’s new School of Medicine kicked off a “Georgia Road Trip” for its inaugural class, using simulation tech and community visits to help future doctors learn the state’s healthcare needs firsthand. Food Security in Georgia: SNAP enrollment in Georgia fell sharply—more than 13%—as tighter federal work rules and paperwork burdens take effect, with advocates warning eligible people are getting cut off. Air Travel Safety: An American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas faced a cabin emergency after a passenger laptop caught fire, sending smoke through the cabin and burning several people; the FAA is investigating. Public Health Watch: CDC modeling shows COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in nearly every state, signaling a late-summer surge. Local Care Expansion: Morehouse and Atrium Health received approval for a new teaching hospital in southwest Atlanta, aiming to expand training and services. Health Policy & Access: TACC launched its 11th partnership site to bring low-cost mental health care to underserved communities.

New Hospital in Southwest Atlanta: Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health received approval to open a new teaching hospital at 675 Metropolitan Parkway SW, aiming to bring a Level III trauma center and expanded acute care (including OB and a neonatal ICU) to the area, with 50 beds at launch and growth to more than 700. Air Travel Safety: American Airlines Flight 2398 from Atlanta to Dallas landed safely after reports of smoke and a laptop fire; at least one passenger was treated for burns, highlighting ongoing lithium-battery risks. Local Public Safety: Atlanta police say a 23-year-old shot suspect was injured after allegedly shooting during an argument at an Atlanta adult store; a security guard fired back and the suspect was charged. Georgia Health Watch: Georgia’s measles situation remains in focus, with reports of additional cases tied to low vaccination coverage and rising exemptions. Community Health & Wellness: A new wellness columnist is joining Health Reporter of Georgia, and local events continue to spotlight fitness and health resources for residents.

SNAP Health Access: SNAP enrollment fell more than 13% in the past year as new work rules and tighter requirements take hold, with advocates in Georgia and beyond pointing to paperwork and missed deadlines as major drivers of coverage loss. Medicaid Stability in Georgia: Patient advocates are alarmed by Gov. Brian Kemp’s suggestion that Georgia Pathways to Coverage could end unless the federal government boosts its share of costs, raising concerns for about 18,500 low-income Georgians. Infectious Disease Watch: Georgia wastewater monitoring shows a small COVID-19 uptick in metro Atlanta and the Southeast, with clinicians warning many cases look like “back-to-school sniffles.” Public Health & Safety: FDA upgraded a frozen berry recall to its highest risk level over possible E. coli contamination, urging shoppers to check products. Care Decisions & AI: Georgia’s new law aims to limit insurers’ use of AI in medical denials, requiring a licensed human to sign off when care is refused. Health-Related Incident: An American Airlines flight departing ATL reported a laptop cabin fire in Dallas, with reports of burn injuries to multiple passengers.

New Hospital for South Fulton: Atrium Health and Morehouse School of Medicine announced a $700 million teaching hospital plan in Atlanta, aiming to bring a Level III trauma center plus primary, urgent, and specialty care; the project starts with about 50 beds and plans to grow to 700+ with a 24/7 emergency department. Food Safety Recall: The FDA upgraded a Publix frozen berries recall to its highest risk level after possible E. coli contamination; the affected GreenWise products were shipped to multiple states including Georgia. Drug Supply Warning: A U.S. attorney says Georgia’s meth and fentanyl largely come from powerful cartels, then get pushed out by local gangs—highlighting the shift toward counterfeit pills. SNAP Cuts Hit Georgia: Federal data shows SNAP enrollment dropped more than 13% over a year as work requirements and eligibility rules tightened. Rural Care Spotlight: Georgia Public Broadcasting will air “Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story,” filmed with Mercer’s Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, after a Macon Film Festival screening. Hospital Update: Quality Control Music co-founder Pierre “P” Thomas is hospitalized after a medical emergency; the label says he’s alive and receiving care.

Measles Alert (Georgia DPH): Georgia confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident, with health officials starting contact tracing and urging anyone with symptoms to call a provider; the agency reiterates MMR is highly effective and measles spreads through the air. Public Health & Food Safety (FDA recall): FDA upgraded a Publix frozen blueberry recall to its highest risk level over possible E. coli contamination, with officials warning consumers to check affected products. Metro Atlanta Health Access (Maternity care): A report says Georgia is below herd immunity as vaccine exemptions climb, while another story flags gaps in maternity care at the county level. Infectious Disease Watch (Drought and disease): A new study highlights how a hotter, drier world can shift infectious disease patterns—some infections surge as water-dependent parasites/pathogens struggle. Community Health (Pollinators): The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is underway this weekend, inviting residents to document bees and butterflies to support food-system health. Local Safety (Violence): Atlanta police reported multiple shootings, including a northwest Atlanta case with a 39-year-old hospitalized. Health Policy & Politics (Governor race): Georgia’s governor candidates are trading ethics and affordability plans, with Rick Jackson also promising to end certain state healthcare contracting if elected.