AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Prevention: Wisconsin pediatricians are marking 20 years since the HPV vaccine was approved, but state data shows nearly half of teens still aren’t getting the shots—leaving preventable cancer risk on the table. Infectious Disease Watch: U.S. measles cases are on pace to top last year’s 30-year high, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people and many requiring hospitalization. Clinical Leadership: Versiti has named Jorge Di Paola, MD, as executive vice president and chief scientific officer to lead the Versiti Blood Research Institute, starting Oct. 1. Health Care Workforce & Access: Dr. Ian Martin, currently at the Medical College of Wisconsin, was selected to lead SIU Medicine as provost, dean and CEO. Injury & Safety: A Wisconsin doctor is pushing for firearm education in medical schools as a harm-reduction, population-health issue. Community Health: Milwaukee’s health department is rolling out its first 1,000 Doors Challenge for National Harm Reduction Day, highlighting local overdose resources. Research: New findings suggest sleep’s memory benefits come from specific rhythmic brain activity, not just overall brain “rest.” Environment & Wellness: Oneida County is starting weekly E. coli testing at five beaches, with clear guidance for swimmers. Governance & Quality of Life: Milwaukee’s police chief acknowledged a drop in nuisance-violation enforcement and faced questions from city leaders and residents about response times.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: CMS is stepping up enforcement, including withholding or deferring Medicaid payments while investigations run, as Wisconsin’s own cases show how quickly improper billing can snowball. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS ratings spotlight Kenosha’s Waters Edge Health and Rehabilitation Center, which received a 1 overall rating in Q1 2026 amid fines and penalties. Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Wisconsin’s Dane County board is urging UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth, keeping the policy pressure on. Healthy Homes Returns in Milwaukee: The ECO Healthy Homes Program is restarting to help Sherman Park residents identify environmental hazards and energy problems after a pause tied to grant cuts, with flooding and mold damage still top concerns. Arthritis Research Fundraising: Appleton’s Walk to Cure Arthritis marks 25 years, backing studies for next-generation treatments and support for kids with juvenile arthritis. Food Safety Recall: FDA placed additional JCB Flavors seasoning recalls into Class I over possible Salmonella risk tied to a milk powder supplier. Community Health & Access: Riveredge Nature Center highlights new accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities and memory loss, expanding inclusive nature programming. Local Health News: Milwaukee police report multiple shootings and a rise in critical missing person cases during summer, with mental health and seasonal factors cited.

Public Health & Safety: A person was shot and killed just steps from a Milwaukee public school Saturday, according to the medical examiner, underscoring ongoing community violence concerns. Food Access & Policy: A federal judge paused new USDA SNAP restrictions tied to unrelated ideological requirements, a move that could protect food assistance for millions in low-income households. Health Workforce Pathways: Milwaukee students are graduating with medical assistant credentials through a K-12 pathway partnership involving MedCerts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and Froedtert Hospital—training that can feed local clinic and hospital staffing needs. Nutrition & Summer Habits: Milwaukee experts shared quick, affordable meal ideas for families during summer break, with guidance on serving size, added sugar, sodium, and fiber. Community Health & Aging: A University of Michigan poll finds LGBTQ+ adults over 50 report higher rates of mental health strain, isolation, and lack of support compared with non-LGBTQ+ peers. Local Environment & Wellness: J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue urged people not to release carnival goldfish into Wisconsin waters, citing ecological harm and illegal status for the species. Health Care Institutions: Wisconsin nursing home ratings and other local health-care updates continued to roll in, including CMS rating changes in Kenosha County.

Nursing & long-term care: Wisconsin nursing home quality updates keep coming: Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation Center in Kenosha County held a 3-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, while another Kenosha facility, Clairidge House, landed at 2 stars. Public health & food safety: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has spread across many states, with Wisconsin among those reporting cases—raising the stakes for safe handling at home. Access to care: Milwaukee’s City on a Hill clinic permanently closed due to funding limits, and a resource fair was held to connect displaced patients to new providers. Mental health response: Marinette County is moving forward with an ad hoc mental health and crisis intervention committee focused on pilot housing options and crisis diversion. Health policy & elections: Wisconsin governor candidates debated healthcare access and rural services, while separate reporting highlights how political control could shape election administration. Community health wins: Dane County Alzheimer’s advocates received a national award for pushing federal research priorities. Workforce & costs: Wisconsin childcare bridge payments are set to expire, and many providers expect tuition hikes and possible closures—another pressure point for families’ health and stability.

Milwaukee Health Access: City on a Hill, a long-running Milwaukee community health clinic, permanently closed for lack of funding, and a resource fair was held to reroute patients to new providers—services affected include diabetes screenings and healthy food access. Community Wellness: The Milwaukee Brewers’ “Play Ball” clinic returned for its 10th year at Baran Park, pairing Brewers alumni with local partners to offer baseball/softball skills and free equipment for kids. UW System & Costs: UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as board president, a move that could shape affordability for Wisconsin students. Gender-Affirming Care Pressure: Dane County board members urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume minor gender-affirming care, keeping the debate front and center in Wisconsin health policy. Public Health & Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating a non-fatal shooting that wounded one person near 39th and Burleigh, while separate reports highlight ongoing local health and safety concerns across the region.

Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Dane County supervisors urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth after the January pause, arguing the legal basis has shifted and that delays are causing permanent harm. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin announced a $10M settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam, with money going into a cleanup trust and long-term clean-water obligations for Marinette-area residents. Health Access & Costs: A federal judge blocked new SNAP funding conditions sought by the Trump administration, saying the requirements could disrupt services for low-income families. Air Ambulance Consolidation: Flight for Life and ThedaStar announced a merger of their eastern Wisconsin air medical transport operations, saying it’s meant to expand care while keeping their brands. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s in Madison filed for a union election, citing staffing, security, and pay concerns. Community Health & Outdoors: Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend returns June 6–7 with waived state park admission, fishing licenses, and trail passes—while safety and fishing rules still apply. Kidney Donation Urgency: A Racine County family is seeking a living kidney donor for 10-year-old Theo Scott as his kidney function declines.

Health Care Access & Costs: A FOX6 investigation highlights how Wisconsin veterans are being pushed toward online-only VA reimbursement claims, raising fears that paperwork changes could widen the digital divide for those without reliable internet. Public Health & Safety: Dane County is rolling out tick-check stations at parks as tick-borne illness concerns rise, with QR-code surveys and supplies to help residents remove ticks safely. Higher Education & Health Systems: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents elected Kyle Weatherly as president and Ashok Rai as vice president, while also approving a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27—an affordability issue that can ripple into student health and access. Environmental Health: Wisconsin announced major PFAS settlement progress tied to Tyco/Johnson Controls cleanup efforts in Marinette County, aiming to address contaminated water. Animal Welfare & Research Oversight: A separate FOX6 report alleges painful UW-Madison beagle experiments tied to Ridglan Farms, prompting renewed scrutiny of animal research practices. Community Wellness: Milwaukee’s African American Roundtable launched “Feed the Change MKE,” seeking $1 million to expand healthy food access on the city’s Northwest Side.

PFAS Accountability in Marinette: Gov. Tony Evers announced Wisconsin’s first settlement with Tyco Fire Products over alleged PFAS spills, requiring $10 million into the state PFAS trust fund and 20 years of clean drinking water for affected private wells. Local Health Policy: Dane County supervisors urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth after UW Health paused puberty blockers and hormones for under-18 patients, citing federal pressure and reimbursement risk. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS assigned Racine’s Lincoln Park Nursing and Rehab, LLC an overall 1-star rating in Q1 2026, citing health inspection and staffing/care concerns. Ebola Monitoring: Milwaukee Health Department is monitoring three “very low-risk” travelers after trips to areas near recent Ebola outbreaks; officials say there are no suspected cases and no public health concern. Food Safety Lawsuit: A class action claims a Kenosha County McDonald’s drive-thru soda machine was contaminated with worms and sewage, with customers reporting findings to the health department. Affordable Housing with Health Ties: La Crosse secured $2.4 million in WHEDA tax credits for two projects, including converting Lincoln Middle School into 51 affordable units and adding a 45-unit development that includes Emplify Health rehab services.

PFAS Accountability in Marinette: Wisconsin DOJ reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination, with money going into the state PFAS Trust Fund and Tyco continuing replacement wells, monitoring, and long-term remediation. Criminal Justice & Health: The family of Donald Maier settled a Wisconsin Department of Corrections lawsuit for $3.75 million after Maier died at Waupun Correctional Institution from malnutrition and dehydration while in restrictive housing. Health Care Costs Debate: A UW-Madison-linked report is reigniting debate over whether Wisconsin’s health care price transparency is actually helping consumers, with hospitals and insurers disputing its conclusions. Mental Health Access: Local providers say demand for mental health care is rising in Wisconsin, especially for children and teens, amid ongoing workforce shortages. Affordable Housing for Health: WHEDA awarded nearly $50 million in tax credits to expand affordable multifamily housing statewide, including a La Crosse project targeting 45 accessible units near health care services. Public Health Alerts: An ozone advisory covers 21 Wisconsin counties, urging people—especially those with asthma—to limit long or intense outdoor activity. Travel Wellness: A travel health guide highlights staying up to date on vaccines before flying, including MMR for measles protection.

Medicaid Access Worries: Federal Medicaid work rules are rolling out, and Wisconsin advocates say the new paperwork and compliance burden could make it harder for eligible people to enroll or stay covered. Shared Decision-Making for Lupus: A pictogram-based tool (HCQ-SAFE) helped patients with systemic lupus stick with hydroxychloroquine and reduced decisional conflict, with the visit taking about 5 minutes. Emergency Response Tech: Milwaukee’s emergency communications department is upgrading 9-1-1 with Motorola’s VESTA 911 platform to improve call handling, responder awareness, and translation/text options. Health Care Workforce & Training: Marshfield Clinic earned a UW-Stevens Point partnership award for expanding clinical education, scholarships, and training opportunities. Nursing Home Snapshot: Cedarburg Health Services ranked No. 2 in Ozaukee County nursing homes in Q1 2026, with a CMS overall rating of 3/5. Public Health & Fraud: Michigan’s Medicare Fraud Prevention Week push highlights how scams can delay care and urges people to report suspicious activity. Community Health Events: Wisconsin’s June 6–7 Free Fun Weekend and local calendars spotlight outdoor access and family-friendly activities. Agriculture & Health Policy Crosscurrents: Mandela Barnes released an ag agenda ahead of Trump’s Wisconsin visit, including antitrust enforcement and limits on certain farmland purchases.

Affordable Housing Boost: Gov. Evers and WHEDA announced $47.8 million in competitive Housing Tax Credits, targeting 35 multifamily developments across 15 counties to create or preserve 2,128 affordable units for about 5,000 Wisconsinites. Heat Safety: Dane County officials urged residents to prepare for dangerous summerlike heat as Wednesday marked Heat Awareness Day, citing last year’s 10 heat-related deaths and 1,000+ ER visits. Healthcare Access & Policy: Nevada AG Aaron Ford led a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a student loan rule that would narrow access for many professional degree programs, including health-related fields. Local Water Protection: The Driftless Area Water Study is hosting free public events in June for residents to review private well results and learn how to protect drinking water. Data Center Concerns: Western Wisconsin residents are organizing in response to proposed hyperscale AI data centers, with an Eau Claire event featuring comedian Charlie Berens focused on water, transparency, and local preparedness. Nursing Workforce Watch: A national WalletHub ranking highlighted Louisiana’s nurse shortage pressures, underscoring how staffing gaps can worsen burnout and care access. Community Health & Wellness Events: Wisconsin’s 14th annual Free Fun Weekend (June 6–7) waives state park fees and fishing licenses, with clinics and safety reminders for outdoor recreation.

Salmonella Update: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported “super greens” moringa leaf powder after new illnesses were reported, bringing the total to 119 cases across 36 states and prompting fresh consumer warnings and added brand recalls. Invasive Species Watch: Wisconsin DNR kicked off Invasive Species Action Month with guidance to prevent spread—stay on trails, clean gear and pets, and follow firewood rules. Food & Benefits Access: A new map shows more than 200,000 Wisconsin adults 65+ are eligible for SNAP and other senior supports but aren’t enrolled, leaving money for food and medicine on the table. Nursing Workforce: Aspirus announced virtual hiring events in June for nursing pathway roles plus maintenance, security, and nuclear medicine positions. Care for Older Adults: CMS data reviewed a Kenosha County nursing facility’s Q1 2026 performance, including its overall rating and penalties. Community Health Events: Wisconsin Rapids scheduled two blood drives (June 16 and June 22). UW-Madison Policy: UW-Madison revised general education categories for incoming students, aligning with UW System transfer goals.

Salmonella Alert: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses were reported, bringing the total to 119 sick people across 36 states and prompting new recall warnings. Tick Season Watch: Wisconsin is seeing a surge in tick activity and tick-related ER/urgent care visits, with public health urging repellent use and protective clothing. Food Insecurity: Hunger Task Force reports a sharp rise in food pantry visits, driven largely by rent costs, with summer expected to bring higher demand as school meals end. Health Care Access: Medicaid work-rule changes are moving forward nationally, with many adults facing new requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, though key groups are exempt. Local Care & Services: WellSpan named Dr. Kevin L. Lewis as executive vice president and chief physician executive, expanding systemwide clinical leadership. Community Health: Milwaukee’s “Keys to Homeownership” spotlighted programs like the Milwaukee Community Land Trust to make buying a home more affordable. Public Health & Environment: A PCB investigation revisits how long-banned chemicals still affect wildlife and human health in Wisconsin waterways.

LGBTQ+ Health & Safety: Wisconsin is improving on LGBTQ protections, ranking 22nd in Out Leadership’s 2026 LGBTQ State Business Climate Index, with gains in health access and safety even as legal nondiscrimination gaps remain. Tick-Borne Disease Watch: Dane County is adding free tick check stations at parks after a surge in tick-related urgent care and ER visits; officials urge quick removal and safer outdoor habits. Access to Care: A Superior clinic marked 50 years of affordable checkups, expanding services to reproductive and preventative care, STI testing, and contraceptives with income-based no-cost options. Rural Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Rep. Derrick Van Orden highlighted rural hospital support during a June Dairy Month visit, pointing to funding aimed at keeping rural facilities open. Community Nutrition: Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is distributing summer meal bags for kids and teens, funded through a DPI contract and delivered via partner pantries and food trucks. Health System Growth: WellSpan appointed Dr. Kevin Lewis to lead physician teams and population health. Senior Care Expansion: Ensign Group acquired a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Iowa and real estate for a 46-unit memory care facility in California. Public Health Funding: FEMA announced more than $15 million in disaster relief for Midwest states, including Wisconsin health care facility reimbursements tied to COVID-19 response.

Health Costs & Access: Wisconsin’s 2025 State Health Assessment says rising care expenses are pushing more people to skip needed treatment, with a little over 10% of adults reporting they didn’t see a doctor when they needed to due to cost. Financial Strain: A United Way Wisconsin report finds 35% of households fall below the ALICE threshold—working families who still can’t cover basic living expenses—often forcing impossible tradeoffs between essentials like medication and groceries. Retirement Savings Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition opposing a Trump administration rule that could steer retirement plans toward riskier investments, potentially affecting millions and about $178 billion in annual fund flows. Public Health Policy: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Wisconsin for a dairy-and-nutrition roundtable with Rep. Derrick Van Orden, underscoring the administration’s focus on nutrition messaging. Community Health & Support: Milwaukee’s “Heal The Hood MKE Block Party & Resource Fair” brought food, free groceries, and services to the Arlington Heights neighborhood, while local students earned blood-donation recognition through ImpactLife’s student awards. Safety & Emergencies: OSHA is investigating a Milwaukee boat-business death after a worker was killed when a boat tipped over.

Community Wellness Expansion: Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is moving into a new Madison South Side home at 2801 Coho St., asking residents to help raise $100,000 to outfit and rebuild the space for its Black Women’s Wellness Center. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin DNR is asking the public to comment on updates to the Great Lakes beach list ahead of summer, including changes tied to local monitoring needs. Maternal Health & Access: A new focus on oral health highlights how dental care can affect pregnancy outcomes, urging insurers and care teams to treat dental and maternal health as connected. Mental Health in Transit: A United Airlines flight to Minneapolis diverted to Madison after a passenger allegedly tried to reach the cockpit during a mental health crisis; no charges expected. Injury Prevention: Officials report two people in critical condition after a motorcycle crash near the Illinois-Wisconsin line, with reminders to wear helmets and watch for road work. Youth Fitness: Girls on the Run held its 5K at American Family Field, emphasizing confidence-building and healthy habits for girls.