AGP Executive Report

Incontinence Care Partnership: TZMO USA (Seni) is teaming up with CARE Pharmacies Cooperative to expand access to incontinence products and clinical education for older adults across CARE’s nearly 170 independent pharmacies in 23+ states. Injury Prevention—Kids & Burns: Doctors warn children are microwaving gel-filled NeeDoh sensory toys despite safety warnings, leading to serious scald burns. Public Health—Parasite Outbreak Watch: Georgia health officials are tracking rising cyclosporiasis/cyclospora cases and advising residents on risk and prevention as the outbreak spreads. Mental Health & Youth Support: A Georgia-focused “Handle With Care” webinar will train professionals on trauma-informed strategies for children exposed to violence. Local Safety Updates: Metro Atlanta saw multiple fatal shootings reported this week, including a man killed in Griffin and a woman found dead in DeKalb County. Sports & Health Caution: World Cup coverage highlights heat stress and injury updates for players ahead of the semifinals in Atlanta and beyond.

Partnership for Older Adults: TZMO USA (Seni incontinence products) is partnering with CARE Pharmacies Cooperative to expand access to incontinence supplies plus pharmacist training across nearly 170 independent pharmacies in 23+ states. Mental Health & Safety in Atlanta: Atlanta police are asking for help locating a missing 17-year-old, B’yatta Washington, who needs prescribed bipolar disorder medication; police say her mental functioning may be comparable to a 12-year-old if she’s not taking it. Health Risks in Extreme Heat: England’s World Cup win over Norway in Miami came in brutal conditions (heat index around 113°F), a reminder of how dangerous high humidity can be for athletes and fans. Injury Watch (Local Sports): Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese was ruled out with a lower-leg injury and arrived in a boot; the team said it was still evaluating severity. Community Event: Zoo Atlanta’s “Grossology Day” (family activities on poop, insects, and animal defenses) is set for July 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with free options for members and young children.

Heat & Safety: A massive, unusually persistent heat dome is expected to blanket much of the U.S. for days to a week, with temperatures 15–25°F above normal and higher risk of heat-related illness—especially when nights stay warm and relief is limited. Foodborne Illness Watch: A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to the “explosive diarrhea” parasite has surged across many states, including Georgia, as public health officials warn that tracking changes may make it harder to find the source. Local Care Access: TZMO USA is partnering with CARE Pharmacies to expand access to Seni incontinence products and provide clinical education for older adults managing bladder and bowel issues at home. Community Health Support: Ronald McDonald House Atlanta says its new facility is already at capacity, with families traveling long distances for children’s care and the design focused on emotional support as well as lodging. Sports & Well-Being: A Trans Liberation Basketball League in Atlanta is creating a safer space for transgender athletes amid ongoing legislative pressure.

Infectious Disease Alert: Georgia health officials are urging residents to watch for cyclosporiasis after the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis was linked to cases in at least 18 states, with guidance on testing and prevention as symptoms can linger for weeks. Food Safety: Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries were recalled in multiple states, including Georgia, after confirmed E. coli O145 illnesses tied to specific lots. Mosquito Season Watch: Fulton County detected the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the year near Grant Park, prompting families to take bite-prevention steps. Community Health & Access: Savannah-Chatham schools hosted a back-to-school health and wellness event with free screenings, vaccines, sports physicals, and a diabetes-focused family session. Care for Older Adults: TZMO USA partnered with CARE Pharmacies to expand access to Seni incontinence products and clinical education for aging adults managing incontinence. Mental Health for First Responders: Atlanta Police became the first agency to offer the Calm app to all officers as part of a broader mental health support push. Public Health in Motion: Georgia Aquarium is preparing to receive beluga whales from a closed Canadian marine park, with health assessments and care planning underway.

Incontinence Care Partnership: TZMO USA (Seni) teamed up with CARE Pharmacies Cooperative to expand access to incontinence products and clinical education for older adults across CARE’s nearly 170 independent pharmacies in 23+ states. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved an extra $36.6M for Georgia’s Hurricane Helene recovery, including COVID-19 protective measures at medical centers, disaster case management, and repairs to damaged power and facilities. Oxygen Access Strain: A national survey by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association found limited access to high-flow home oxygen is delaying hospital discharges and adding risk and cost, with insurance approvals and supplier availability cited as major barriers. Heat Preparedness: A new guide lays out policy steps for extreme heat resilience—aimed at protecting homes, workplaces, schools, and communities as dangerous heat becomes more common. Tick-Borne Risks Shifting: Experts warn that changing deer populations, land use, and warming temperatures are moving tick species and diseases into new regions, raising summer health risks. Fentanyl Awareness Walks: United Against Fentanyl’s Walk for Lives is set for July 11 in Atlanta and 100+ locations nationwide, spotlighting overdose prevention and the crisis’ reach into every community. Georgia Public Health & Safety: Georgia officials reported West Nile activity concerns in the state, including positive mosquito samples in Grant Park.

West Nile in Georgia: Mosquito samples in Atlanta’s Grant Park tested positive for West Nile virus, as federal officials warn the season is starting earlier and more aggressively than in decades. Mosquito precautions: Health officials say most infections cause no symptoms, but severe cases can lead to brain or spinal cord illness; Georgia reported 54 cases and five deaths in 2024. GI outbreak watch: Georgia health providers also flagged a growing parasite concern, with Cyclospora linked to explosive diarrhea spreading across multiple states; local clinicians urged thorough produce washing and testing when symptoms hit. Cancer support tech (local): Two Atlanta-area high school students launched “Soothe Note,” an app that helps cancer patients and caregivers track meds, moods, meals, and symptoms between appointments. Incontinence care partnership: TZMO USA partnered with CARE Pharmacies Cooperative to expand access to Seni incontinence products and pharmacist training for older adults. Heat risk context: A national report highlights that extreme heat is killing more Americans than major storms, yet federal disaster declarations often don’t cover heat waves.

West Nile Watch (Metro Atlanta): Fulton County reported its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito trap around Grant Park, urging residents to trim vegetation, drain standing water, avoid dawn/dusk exposure, and use DEET. Food Safety (Georgia-linked): As cyclosporiasis cases rise nationwide, some Taco Bell locations pulled ingredients like lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a “nationwide recall,” warning customers that affected items won’t be served. Primary Care Access (Colbert): MedLink Georgia brought back Dr. Michael Rountree to its Colbert clinic for adult primary care, chronic disease management, wellness services, and medication-assisted recovery for substance use disorders. Health Coverage Navigation (Statewide): MyCarePro expanded to 32 states, including Georgia, to help people and brokers with COBRA, Medicare, Marketplace plans, and other insurance transitions. Oral Health (Community Care): High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine provided $33,411 in free dental care to immigrant and refugee families during National Oral Health Month outreach. Health Equity (Hispanic/Latino Georgians): A new report highlights Georgia’s high uninsured rates for Hispanic adults and children, contributing to lower access to age-appropriate medical and dental visits.

Food Safety Alert: A parasite linked to “explosive” diarrhea—cyclosporiasis—has been reported across the U.S., with hundreds of cases in at least 18 states and Michigan leading; health officials urge extra caution with fresh produce and good hygiene. Local Health Access: Atrium Health Floyd’s mobile mammogram coach is visiting multiple Bartow County sites, offering free screening dates through the fall. Public Health in Action: The American Heart Association’s Mobile CPR Unit at FIFA fan events has trained crowds in Hands-Only CPR, with more than 800,000 compressions performed by participants. Emergency Response Tech: Metro Atlanta 911 centers are using AI-enabled RapidSOS to speed up caller location and improve communication, including guidance during medical emergencies. Community Health & Wellness: A Griffin child living with spinal muscular atrophy and scoliosis is sharing his story of treatment and determination with support from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Health & Safety News: Georgia’s hospitals are also facing scrutiny tied to federal hospital price transparency rules.

West Nile Watch (Metro Atlanta): Fulton County health officials confirmed the first 2026 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples near Grant Park, with spraying and door-to-door outreach planned; residents are urged to avoid dusk/dawn exposure, use DEET, and eliminate standing water. Foodborne Illness Alert (Georgia + U.S.): Health officials say a parasite linked to “explosive” diarrhea—cyclosporiasis—has spread across at least 18 states with 1,000+ cases reported, including Georgia, and experts recommend careful produce handling and soap-and-water handwashing. Local Public Health/Access: Metro Atlanta Urban Farm in College Park is expanding hands-on growing programs for veterans, students, and families to improve access to healthier food. Health Care Operations (Stroke Care): TeleSpecialists will host a webinar on getting hospitals operationally ready for the 2026 AHA/ASA stroke guidelines. Community Safety (Marietta): A squatters call in a vacant apartment led to charges in a human trafficking investigation involving minors, with two girls taken to a pediatric hospital.

Heat & Public Health: Atlanta leaders are pushing for a citywide heat safety plan after extreme Fourth of July temperatures exposed gaps in how cooling resources are triggered and communicated, with calls to expand cooling centers and outreach for people without reliable A/C. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall of Publix GreenWise frozen organic blueberries in eight states, including Georgia, after E. coli illnesses; consumers are urged to check lot codes and discard affected product. Infectious Disease: Health officials are tracking a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Cyclospora, with Georgia listed among affected states as severe watery diarrhea cases rise. Care Access & Insurance: A Georgia family says prior authorization delays cut off critical end-of-life support, highlighting concerns that automated insurer denials can slow care and worsen outcomes. Community Health & Prevention: The American Red Cross honored a Michigan judge for performing CPR that saved a man’s life—an example of why quick action and training matter. Local Health Policy: DeKalb County extended a data center moratorium while studying potential impacts on residents, including public health concerns.

Public Health & Safety: Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) performed its first HIPEC procedure, a specialized heated chemotherapy treatment for select abdominal cancers, aiming to improve outcomes by targeting tumors in the peritoneum. Foodborne Illness Watch: Health officials are investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water; Georgia cases are being tracked as hundreds of illnesses are reported across multiple states. Cancer Care Access: NGHS’s HIPEC milestone adds another advanced option for abdominal cancer patients in the region. Community Health & Caregiving: A metro Atlanta case highlights risks for vulnerable adults in unsafe group homes, with allegations including shut-off utilities and eviction pressure. Workplace Health Costs: A Georgia woman filed a federal class action against Waffle House alleging an illegal tobacco surcharge for health insurance, arguing the company’s wellness program didn’t meet federal requirements. Local Health Infrastructure: Atlanta City Council is pushing for a $200M Fulton investment in a new South Fulton hospital, as leaders seek to expand local healthcare capacity. Health in Everyday Life: Metro Atlanta restaurants are adapting to customers using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, changing how they serve and portion meals. Injury & Emergency Response: A tree crash at Six Flags Over Georgia sent four guests to hospitals during severe weather.

Heat Safety: The Northeast heat dome is weakening, but officials warn the danger isn’t over—overnight lows stay in the 70s–80s, raising risk for people without power and for older or ill residents. Public Health Alerts: A separate report flags a new “heat-risk window” as the heat moves south and west, with New Jersey deaths tied to homes without air conditioning. Drowning Prevention: Doctors are urging faster rescue after new guidance highlights drowning as a top killer for young children, especially in pools and even bathtubs. Food Safety: Publix-linked frozen blueberries are recalled across multiple states, including Georgia, after reported E. coli illnesses. Local Health Access: Atlanta leaders are pushing Fulton County to invest $200M toward a new South Fulton hospital and expanded services. Workplace Safety: A Georgia USPS distribution center faces scrutiny after four employee deaths over two years, with lawmakers demanding answers. Community Health & Wellness: Retaaza expanded its DeKalb Farm Fresh Mobile Market to improve access to fresh produce amid food insecurity.

Heat & health risk: A July 4 heat wave left about 1.3 million utility customers without power across multiple states, creating a compounded danger for people who rely on electrically powered home medical equipment; New Jersey health officials said resources like chillers and generators were being sent to facilities in distress, with possible evacuations when needed. Aging & care gaps: “Aging Untold” breaks down why Medicare often doesn’t cover caregiving help with daily living, plus common gaps like dental, vision, hearing, home modifications, and certain care needs. Public safety & violence: The GBI is investigating a July 4 shooting in Vidalia, where Rashad Lamar Lumpkin, 36, died after officers found him with multiple gunshot wounds. Local health expansion: Emory Healthcare plans to expand its footprint at Northlake Mall in Tucker, more than doubling leased space and adding capacity after a mall ownership change. Community health alerts: A recall watch list flags multiple products, including Aldi kimbap with undeclared tuna and recalled Pedigree canned dog food.

Reproductive Health in Georgia: The Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation in DeKalb County is marking 50 years with a gala Oct. 17, offering family planning, gender-affirming care, abortion services, and advocacy—continuing to operate despite Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. Public Health & Safety: Four people were injured after a fallen tree struck them at Six Flags Over Georgia during severe weather; they were taken to a hospital. CDC Trust & Policy: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has caused “irreparable harm,” pointing to a sharp drop in public trust in CDC recommendations. Food & Plant-Based Nutrition: A University of Georgia study suggests marigold flowers could be a new plant-based protein source, with proteins stable at higher temperatures and potential benefits for baking and emulsification. Community Health Risks: Metro Atlanta police reported a woman critically injured after celebratory gunfire came through a home wall on July 4; two men were arrested.

Heat & public health: A record-breaking heat wave across the East Coast and parts of the Southeast and Southwest has killed at least 25 people, with tens of millions under heat alerts and dangerous heat index readings continuing into Sunday. Reproductive health access: DeKalb’s Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation is marking 50 years with a gala Oct. 17, highlighting its ongoing family planning and abortion services amid Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. Gun violence in metro Atlanta: Two women were hospitalized after a shooting near Piedmont Avenue downtown; police haven’t confirmed a motive. In northwest Atlanta, a fight escalated into gunfire, sending three people to Grady Hospital. Another woman was critically injured by celebratory gunfire in DeKalb County. Sports medicine & safety: England’s World Cup Round of 16 at high-altitude Estadio Azteca (about 7,220 feet) raises concerns about how thinner air may affect performance. Health policy & costs: New federal student loan limits could raise borrowing costs for aspiring Black healthcare workers, including a future physician assistant worried about higher-interest private loans.

Extreme Heat & Safety: Authorities suspect record-setting heat contributed to at least 25 deaths across the U.S., with Independence Day events scaled back as heat alerts covered much of the eastern two-thirds; in Washington, emergency teams treated heat-related ailments at National Mall festivities. Georgia Water Risks: Georgia DNR game wardens investigated a Lake Sinclair drowning and responded to multiple Lake Lanier boat crashes during the holiday weekend, including injuries that required transport to local hospitals. Public Health & Foodborne Illness: A parasite linked to “explosive” diarrhea continues to spread nationally, with reports of hundreds of confirmed cases across multiple states and ongoing questions about the source. Health Policy in Georgia: Georgia’s expanded medical marijuana law is taking effect, expected to increase registered patients and broaden available products. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced charges tied to more than $6.5 billion in alleged healthcare fraud, including COVID-19-related billing schemes.