AGP Executive Report

Hospital Care Quality: Wisconsin tops the nation for patient experience, averaging a 4.06/5 star rating across CMS-rated hospitals (with smaller communities scoring as high as 5/5). Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials report measles is spreading in the south and urge parents to check kids’ MMR status as cases rise above 100. Food Safety & Recalls: Federal regulators say they can’t reliably force a recall when a seed supplier stays silent, leaving gaps for shoppers; meanwhile, Walmart frozen berry recalls tied to E. coli continue to expand. Public Health & Climate: Wisconsin confirms its first equine Eastern Equine Encephalitis case of 2026, a reminder that mosquito-borne disease risk is active. Rural Health & Safety: New farm fatalities reporting highlights ongoing risks for aging farmers, roadway collisions, and ATV/UTV incidents. Community Care: LeRoyer Hospice earns a national “Superior Performer” award based on caregiver satisfaction survey results. Local Wellness Access: A central Wisconsin farm delivers milk pouches to dozens of schools, aiming to boost local nutrition and reduce waste. Health Equity & Coverage: Commentary and reporting tie Labor Day to ongoing fights over worker protections and Medicaid access.

Violence Prevention in Milwaukee: The city’s Department of Community Wellness and Safety is using new “cluster” research, mapping 26 high-shooting zones where 90% of 2026 shootings are concentrated, as homicide and non-fatal shootings trend down. Community Safety Update: Milwaukee police investigated four overnight shootings on Sept. 6 that left four people wounded; suspects were not identified in the reports. Injury After Crash (Town of Freedom): A three-vehicle crash sent six people—including two young children—to local hospitals, with one adult flown for critical injuries. Measles & Back-to-School Health: Wisconsin health officials are urging families to check school vaccine records as the state’s measles outbreak keeps rising, with children most affected. Food Safety Recall: Walmart frozen berry products were added to an E. coli recall affecting 16 states, including Wisconsin, as a precaution tied to a broader outbreak. Maternal Mental Health: Experts renewed calls for postpartum support, highlighting postpartum psychosis awareness and the need for community care. Alzheimer’s Support in Eau Claire: Team Eau Claire is raising nearly $20,000 for Alzheimer’s research through a Bike to End Alzheimer’s ride on Sept. 19. Veterans Wellness: Burn Pit BBQ’s Labor Day competition raised funds for a local veterans nonprofit, continuing its annual support effort.

Prison Capacity Debate: With Wisconsin’s adult incarceration count hitting record highs, GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany says he’s open to expanding prison capacity to eventually close Green Bay Correctional without releasing violent offenders back into communities. Public Health—Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination has expanded to Great Value products sold at Walmart in 16 states, with no illnesses reported for this specific item so far. Milwaukee Violence: Milwaukee police are investigating multiple shootings over Labor Day weekend, including several overnight incidents that left multiple people injured, with no arrests reported yet. Healthcare Access in Flux: Beloit Health System and FHN (Freeport, Illinois) announced a deal aimed at reviving a Roscoe neighborhood hospital and 24-hour emergency room plan. Measles & Vaccines: Wisconsin health officials continue urging families to check school vaccination records as the state’s measles outbreak grows. Community Nutrition Support: Blessings in a Backpack is expanding into more of southern Wisconsin, with a Madison-area kickoff event planned to help students facing food insecurity.

Hospital Labor: Allina doctors at Unity and Mercy hospitals filed a strike notice after three years without a contract, setting up a potential walkout Sept. 14–17 over pay, sick-day rules, and working conditions. Public Safety & Health: Milwaukee reported two separate Saturday shootings that left two people wounded; police say injuries were non-life-threatening and investigations are ongoing. Community Health Access: Milwaukee officials are weighing reversing the downtown 10 p.m. food truck curfew after legal challenges, with operators saying the earlier cutoff hurt late-night business. Infectious Disease Watch: Iowa confirmed three new measles cases as Wisconsin’s outbreak continues to climb, with DHS reporting rising numbers in the region and urging families to check school vaccination status. Caregiving & Brain Health: Rice Lake will host the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 3, highlighting new treatments and support for Wisconsin caregivers. Workplace Wellness: A Dane County search is underway for a missing man with heart issues who requires medication.

Maternal Health: Milwaukee is borrowing from Baltimore’s “B’more for Healthy Babies” model, aiming to cut infant deaths and close the Black-white gap by reshaping its maternal and child health plan around stronger prenatal care and mental health support. Infectious Disease: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak keeps straining local public health teams, with reports of staffing pressure and growing case counts as officials urge families to check school vaccines and seek vaccination. Public Health Capacity: Iowa County’s health committee backed using a mix of grant and county funds to keep staffing steady while the outbreak worsens, as state and CDC support shifts to nearby areas. Community & Wellness Access: Phelps unveiled a new community center and library after receiving a $4.25 million grant, expanding local amenities that can support healthier community life. Health Workforce & Training: Gateway Technical College’s emergency-services and health programs highlighted in a new leadership transition as the school moves forward with presidential finalists. Safety & Health Risks: A rollover crash near Madison killed a 40-year-old man, with the investigation ongoing.

Measles Surge: Wisconsin DHS reports the southwestern outbreak has jumped to 142 cases (136 confirmed, 6 probable), up from 98 last week, with health officials urging families to check school vaccine records as transmission continues among close contacts. Food Safety: Walmart frozen berry recalls tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded again, including Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states (including Wisconsin); officials stress checking lot codes and “best-if-used-by” dates. Wildlife Health: Wisconsin DNR says more than 700 deer have been reported dead in Washington County with additional reports in Waukesha and Ozaukee, linked to epizootic hemorrhagic disease spread by biting midges—no public health risk to people. Maternal Mental Health: A Wisconsin nonprofit says the Lindsay Clancy case is exposing gaps in understanding postpartum psychosis, calling it a medical emergency and urging better recognition and faster care. Public Safety & Care Access: Shawano is updating its 33-year ambulance service agreement, including a new 90-day nonrenewal notice and a per-capita compensation approach. Campus Safety: UW-Madison Police are investigating three recent sexual assault reports and issued a crime warning with resources for students.

Food Safety: Walmart expanded an E. coli recall tied to frozen Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) sold in 16 states, including Wisconsin; the FDA cites 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations linked to the outbreak strain. Public Health: Wisconsin health officials are urging families to check vaccination records and get measles shots as cases rise heading into the school year. Health Care & Policy: Sanford Health agreed to buy North Memorial Health after financial pressure, with Minnesota Attorney General-backed local investment commitments. Mental Health & Community Care: Racine County approved $8.47 million in opioid settlement funds for a Behavioral Health Services building, including residential treatment for opioid use disorder. Infectious Disease (Animals): Portage County confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse; officials warn mosquito-borne risk to people. Local Safety: A missing endangered person alert was issued for a Dunn County woman last seen Wednesday. Health Tech/Wellness: Bowery Clinic expanded a physician-led peptide program featuring Selank for stress, anxiety, and cognitive support.

Measles Back-to-School Push: Wisconsin DHS says measles cases are climbing (110 confirmed) and urges parents to check vaccine records and get MMR shots before classes fully ramp up, noting most cases are among unvaccinated children and that communities need ~95% coverage to slow spread. Postpartum Blood Pressure Care: A UW-Madison-led study in JAMA Network Open finds a health-coaching plus home blood-pressure monitoring approach significantly improves postpartum follow-up and blood pressure control at 12 months. Rural Vet Shortage: Wisconsin faces a growing gap in veterinary care, especially for rural farm and pet owners, as fewer graduates return to smaller communities. Wildfire Smoke Health for Animals: Experts warn wildfire smoke can harm pets and wildlife too, affecting lungs, the heart, and even the brain through fine particles. Community Health Kits for Homelessness: SSM Health physicians assembled hundreds of care kits for people experiencing homelessness across Wisconsin. EMS Staffing in Chippewa County: An ad hoc EMS study recommends creating a countywide EMS coordinator role to help agencies cover needs, with resistance from the county administrator. Prostate Cancer Gap: Wisconsin’s prostate cancer survival rate trails the national average, with doctors pointing to delayed screening and uneven access to newer diagnostics and treatments.

Public Health & Water Safety: Wisconsin DHS is urging families to check vaccination records as measles cases climb, warning schoolchildren to stay protected amid the outbreak. Mental Health Access: Wisconsin marks 988 Day on Sept. 8 with a push to use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, backed by $7 million over two years for 24/7 support. PFAS & Drinking Water: Lawmakers approved releasing $10 million from Wisconsin’s PFAS trust fund to help Marinette and Peshtigo address contaminated wells and move residents toward safe water. Community Health Data: Northeast Wisconsin Data Exchange (NEWDEX) expanded to 11 counties, offering a free online hub of local indicators that include health and community well-being. Health & Policy Watch: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul says a multistate $219 million Meta settlement will require new safety features for children on Facebook and Instagram. Food Safety: A Labor Day recall roundup warns shoppers about multiple products tied to Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and undeclared allergens.

School Tech Policy: A Wisconsin lawmaker is pushing screen-free classrooms for pre-K through 2nd grade, arguing early screen time harms kids academically and socially. Public Health: La Crosse County is monitoring a measles outbreak as Wisconsin’s total climbs to 110 cases, with local health departments focused on education and vaccination clinics. Maternal Mental Health: Wisconsin doctors are urging people to recognize postpartum depression as a medical issue, as the Lindsay Clancy trial continues. Immune Research: UW–Madison researchers report new optical imaging that can show metabolic activity in individual immune cells from routine blood samples. Pregnancy Discrimination: The EEOC sued Dentsu for refusing to hire a pregnant applicant, alleging violations of federal pregnancy protections. Emergency Response: A Milwaukee-area attorney says mishandled 911 calls during a July home invasion left a 99-year-old woman waiting for hours, raising questions about emergency call handling. Food & Health Equity: Milwaukee groups are convening a community forum on food access and health care equity amid grocery closures and new federal program requirements. Health Safety & Crashes: Multiple Milwaukee-area crashes left people injured, including a north-side crash with two people reported in life-threatening condition.

COVID-19 Update: The CDC says the late-summer COVID surge is growing in nearly every state, but Wisconsin readers should note the overall risk is lower than earlier years, with fewer deaths and hospitalizations and an updated vaccine now available for people at high risk. Measles Outbreak: Wisconsin’s measles total has climbed past 100, with 110 cases reported and most among people who are not vaccinated; public health is pushing MMR and adding local vaccination clinics as the outbreak spreads in southwestern Wisconsin. Utility Costs & Health: We Energies’ proposed 14% residential electric rate hike is drawing strong pushback at a Public Service Commission hearing, with residents warning they can’t absorb another round of increases. PFAS & Drinking Water: Wisconsin lawmakers released $10 million tied to PFAS cleanup and settlement funding, aiming to speed safe drinking water access for affected communities. Local Health Equity: A Milwaukee County community forum set for Sept. 26 will focus on how Medicaid and SNAP changes are affecting food access and healthcare affordability. Water Safety: A health advisory was issued for Big Arbor Vitae Lake beach due to blue-green algae blooms, urging people to avoid contact with the water. Public Safety Policy: A Waukesha County judge struck down a budget provision that funded Milwaukee County prosecutor positions by diverting money from school library aid.

Measles Surge: Wisconsin DHS reports the southwestern outbreak has climbed again, now up to 110 confirmed cases (plus probable cases), with nearly all cases tied to people who aren’t vaccinated; officials urge residents to verify MMR records and call ahead if symptoms appear. Wildlife Health: DNR says it’s received 700+ reports of dead deer in Washington and Waukesha counties tied to epizootic hemorrhagic disease, which spreads via midges and isn’t something people can stop. Neonatal Care Tech: UW researchers are building an AI “digital mentor” to help train clinicians on high-risk newborn intubation in the NICU. Public Health Access: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is highlighted for Wisconsin, with calls/texts/chats routed through the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline. Substance Use & Safety: Former NFL broadcaster Tony Romo pleaded no contest to OWI in Milwaukee County, with a driving ban, alcohol assessment, and an ignition interlock requirement. Food Safety: FDA-linked recall expands for ink-related tofu packaging contamination, pulling more than 10,000 cases across multiple states. Community Health & Wellness: UW’s “We Give Blood” competition kicks off as the Red Cross declares a national blood crisis, encouraging Big Ten donors to help fill shortages.

OWI & Recovery: Former NFL quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest to an OWI in Milwaukee County, saying his “constant, debilitating” back pain led to dependence on pain medication and then an over-reliance on alcohol; the court revoked his license for six months, ordered an alcohol assessment, a $784 fine, and an ignition interlock for at least a year. Mental Health in Wisconsin: Advocates are pushing Wisconsin to expand the “Clubhouse Model” for mental health recovery, citing research that links clubhouses to better outcomes and fewer hospitalizations and justice involvement. Measles Watch: UW-Platteville is asking students to voluntarily share vaccination status as Wisconsin’s southwest outbreak climbs past 90 cases, with public health urging campuses to verify MMR records and offer vaccination for those without documentation. Food Safety: FDA updated a recall of Lundberg Organic Jasmine White Rice (2-pound bags) sold in multiple states including Wisconsin due to possible foreign material. Workforce & Care Access: Wisconsin technical colleges report long waitlists for high-demand programs like welding, while counties face widening budget gaps that could affect public services.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin’s outbreak keeps climbing, with 92 confirmed and 6 probable cases in the southwest; Pecatonica School District is preparing for classes with symptom training and coordination with local health departments. Vaccination Gap: New CDC data shows 13% of Minnesota and Wisconsin kindergartners missed standard shots like MMR—nearly double 2016 levels—raising concern as cases spread across borders. Opioid Response: Overdose deaths in Wisconsin fell 42.5% from 2023 to 2024 as Narcan access expands; Eau Claire marked Overdose Awareness Day with 139 purple flags and free Narcan and fentanyl test strips available via a harm-reduction vending machine. Mental Health Access: Keys Medical Group added a psychiatric nurse practitioner to its psychiatry team, expanding services that include therapy, medication management, and crisis referrals. Cancer Research: A new study highlights how tumor environments can help cancer cells hide from the immune system by building a sugar-rich protective layer, pointing to potential ways to disrupt it. Food Safety: Lundberg Family Farms updated a recall of more than 27,000 bags of jasmine white rice sold in Wisconsin and 12 other states due to possible foreign material contamination.

Local Dental Access: Spooner welcomes Dr. Bryce and Dr. Joshua Carroll back to River Street Dental after earning DDS degrees at the University of Iowa, aiming to strengthen comprehensive care in Northwest Wisconsin. Public Health—Measles: Wisconsin DHS reports measles cases tied to the Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Counties outbreak have surged to 92, with 94% of U.S. cases in people not vaccinated; officials urge residents to update vaccination status. Food Safety Recalls: FDA expanded a sprouts recall after salmonella/E. coli contamination was linked to illnesses in multiple states including Wisconsin; FDA also expanded a white rice recall to 13 states and updated a tofu recall for possible ink contamination affecting Wisconsin. Food Insecurity: Feeding America data shows Wisconsin’s food insecurity rate rose to 13.5% in 2024, with a $551 million food budget shortfall and Menominee County highest at 18.6%. Emergency Preparedness for Youth Sports: Children’s Wisconsin highlights Project ADAM’s push for CPR and AED use within three minutes, with local schools working to keep lifesaving devices accessible during outdoor athletics. State Food Safety Leadership: DATCP named Timothy Anderson administrator of the Division of Food and Recreational Safety, succeeding Adam Brock. Health-Related Crash Updates: Marathon County reported a fatal two-vehicle crash in the Town of Franzen, and Wisconsin State Patrol investigated a deadly I-39/90 rollover near Madison.

School Health Policy: Wisconsin districts are tightening rules on student cellphones under a new statewide law, with Racine Unified requiring K-8 students to power down and store devices all day and allowing 9-12 students phones only during passing periods and lunch. Community Safety & Wellness: Milwaukee’s Department of Community Wellness and Safety hosted a “love notes” event at Carmen Park with backpack giveaways, hygiene kits, free food, and local resources aimed at building trust and preventing crime. Public Health—Overdose Prevention: Milwaukee marked International Overdose Awareness Day with RISE Drug Free MKE, citing a major drop in unintentional overdose deaths from 2022 to 2025 and pointing to harm-reduction efforts like Narcan vending machines. Health Care Access & Costs (Medicaid): New data show rising Medicaid spending in multiple Wisconsin communities, including Elkhorn’s dental services (+28.5% in 2024), Cashton’s evaluation and management (+57%), and sharp spikes in select categories such as Park Falls’ non-oral drug administration and Milwaukee’s enteral/parenteral therapy. Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials report a significant escalation in measles cases, with the outbreak continuing to grow in the southwest part of the state. Emergency Response: Milwaukee Fire pulled a man from the Milwaukee River after CPR and also responded to a boat capsizing at McKinley Marina where the person did not need medical attention.