AGP Executive Report

Oregon Health Authority Leadership: Dr. Sejal Hathi will step down as OHA director Aug. 1, with Fariborz Pakseresht named interim director starting July 6 as the agency transitions leadership. Public Health Alerts: OHA issued a cyanotoxin advisory for Thief Valley Reservoir, warning people to avoid swimming and other high-risk water activities where blue-green algae blooms are present, while noting boating may be okay without excessive spray. Holiday Safety: OHA’s “Rethink the Drink” campaign urges Oregonians to plan ahead for July 4, emphasizing safe rides, drink limits, and the heightened risks of binge drinking. Caregiving Support: Partners In Care in Bend announced a free July 16 class on understanding dementia-related behaviors for caregivers. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to red onions has sickened hundreds across dozens of states, with Oregon among the hardest hit. Community Health Workforce: Sierra Lifeflight nurse Devon “DJ” Jeffrey was named Pacific Region Flight Nurse of the Year by Global Medical Response. Environmental Health: East Asian jumping worms are spreading in Oregon, threatening soil health and moisture retention for gardeners. Policy Watch: Marion County leaders urged OHA to rescind recent residential care rule changes they say could endanger patients and staff and raise costs.

Medicaid Coverage Fight: A coalition of 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule forces extra paperwork and unlawfully restricts access to care for medically frail people. Rural Opioid Treatment: Klamath Falls opened its first methadone clinic, expanding medication-assisted treatment for opioid-use disorder and reducing the need for long daily trips to Medford or Bend. Veterans’ Mental Health: Oregon’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs awarded its first Veteran Suicide Prevention Grants, totaling $200,000 to community groups providing behavioral health support and suicide prevention plus workforce development. Public Health Alerts: Oregon Health Authority issued a recreation-use advisory for toxic algae at Agency Lake in Klamath County, warning people to avoid swallowing or inhaling water droplets and to skip drinking lake water. Nursing Oversight: The Oregon State Board of Nursing took final disciplinary action against two Redmond nurses, including a reprimand tied to wound-dressing documentation and probation for self-administering Vyvanse. Care Access & Training: Oregon’s Workforce Pell program is rolling out, and Oregon colleges are scrambling to build capacity for fast-track training, including healthcare pathways. Local Safety: Portland urged residents to report illegal fireworks online (not 911) and warned that fireworks are unsafe; Medford also issued fireworks and injury warnings ahead of the Fourth.

Medical Debt Relief: A new policy-trends report says at least six states—including Oregon and Washington—passed measures this year to ease medical debt burdens, such as limits on interest and rules that delay collections in certain cases. Medicare Coverage: Starting July 1, a temporary Medicare “GLP-1 Bridge” will cap copays at $50 for weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for eligible seniors in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Oregon Health Care Market: A Medford surgery center closed after 29 years, following a failed attempt by Asante to acquire the financially struggling facility through Oregon’s health care market oversight process. Student Loan Protections: Oregon AG Rayfield says a federal judge permanently blocked a Trump-era rule that would have restricted Public Service Loan Forgiveness for public servants based on employer ideology. Public Health & Safety: Benton County confirmed a rabies-positive bat case, prompting local health warnings. Workforce Costs: Oregon’s minimum wage rises July 1, with county-based rates increasing across the state. Housing Efficiency: Portland opened $10 million in grants for energy upgrades in regulated affordable multifamily housing, aiming to cut emissions and improve tenant health. Wildfire Readiness: Oregon Community Foundation and partners announced at least $1 million to help rural fire services prepare for the severe season ahead. Cannabis Consumer Tips: A report argues the industry’s “THC percentage” shopping habit is misleading and pushes consumers toward the wrong criteria.

Medicaid Access Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states (plus DC) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and would push ill and disabled people off coverage. Public Health & Safety: Oregon officials warned about deadly cold-water risk after a Wichita State student drowned at Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool, where frigid temperatures can cause sudden shock. Maternal Health After Attack: A pregnant Tacoma woman survived a pit bull attack that forced early delivery; she remains hospitalized with serious infections. Women’s Health Lawsuit: Nearly 120 women sued Tri-Cities OB-GYN Dr. Mark Mulholland’s employers, alleging decades of sexual abuse and institutional failures at Kadlec and Providence. Workforce & Care Costs: Jackson County Jail will close its basement housing unit July 1, cutting capacity by 20% as medical costs rise—an issue that can ripple into local health and justice systems. Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials issued warnings about mislabeled chicken products sold in multiple states. Oregon Research/Policy: A growing scope of Oregon’s psilocybin program is raising safety concerns, according to a new study.

Medicaid Coverage Fight: Oregon joined a growing coalition of Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is being narrowed in ways that could cut off coverage for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Rural Health & Labor: Asante and RRMC nurses are heading into contract negotiations as the health system cites major financial strain and layoffs, while the Oregon Nurses Association disputes Asante’s claims and points to reported profitability. Public Health Alert (Rabies): Benton County confirmed a bat tested positive for rabies, urging residents to avoid bats, vaccinate pets, and contact county environmental health within 24 hours after any bat bite. Access to Mental Health: Synchronous Mental Health says it’s expanding fast psychiatric care via telehealth across Oregon and beyond, aiming to reduce long waits for evaluations and medication management. Food Access: High Desert Food & Farm Alliance launched “Locally Nourished,” bringing farmers market-style fresh food pop-ups to Central Oregon food pantries. Safety in the Wild: A Kansas man drowned at Oregon’s Blue Pool (Tamolitch Falls), highlighting how cold water, limited reception, and delayed rescue can turn visits deadly. Air Quality Policy: Oregon AG Kwame Raoul led a coalition opposing EPA changes that would weaken pre-construction air pollution permitting, warning it could harm public health.

Medicaid Fight in Oregon: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a coalition urging the Trump administration to reverse new Medicaid work rules that narrow “medically frail” exemptions, arguing the change could force medically vulnerable Oregonians into coverage loss and bureaucratic hoops. Public Health Alerts: The USDA issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat (lot 15326A, “best if used by” June 28, 2026) sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Oregon, due to an undeclared egg allergen and misbranding—consumers are told to discard or return affected packs. Recreational Water Update: Oregon Health Authority downgraded the recreational-use advisory for Lake Billy Chinook, saying cyanotoxin levels are now below human recreational guidelines, while pets should still be kept away from bloom areas. Care Access & Community Support: Cascade Health Alliance awarded Klamath Community College more than $363,000 to build a childcare center with up to 144 infant-to-5 slots, aiming to remove a major barrier for low-income families pursuing work or education. Mental Health for Kids: ClearPath Healthcare’s 28th annual Camp Sunrise in Powell Butte served 32 grieving children ages 7–14, offering a free, peer-supported grief therapy summer camp model. Heat Safety Context: A heat dome is driving extreme heat across much of the eastern U.S., with officials warning about dangerous heat indices and limited overnight cooling.

Rural Maternity Care Funding: Oregon will send $37.5M to 21 rural hospitals to help preserve labor-and-delivery services as Medicaid changes loom. Wildfire Risk Planning: The Oregon PUC approved 2026–2028 wildfire mitigation plans for Idaho Power, Pacific Power, and PGE, including vegetation work, system hardening, and PSPS as a last resort. Food Safety Alert: USDA flagged mislabeled raw chicken-breast products sold at Fred Meyer and Kroger stores in multiple states, including Oregon, warning people with egg allergies not to eat affected packages. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: Oregon AG Peter F. Neronha joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements for medically frail recipients. SNAP Employment Support: Oregon highlighted results from its SNAP Employment and Training program, showing many participants move into jobs after getting skills and employer connections. Public Health & Environment: OSU and partners are pushing a plan to reduce the Willamette River algal bloom by improving water circulation, but legislative funding has stalled. Community Health Access: A new analysis finds uninsured gunshot victims often get shorter hospital stays than insured patients, raising concerns about recovery and discharge barriers. Safety Reminder: Authorities renewed warnings after a Kansas man died from drowning at Oregon’s Blue Pool.

Medicare Weight-Loss Pilot: Starting July 1, Medicare will test whether obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound improve health and lower costs, with eligible seniors paying a $50 monthly copay through 2027. Public Health Alerts (Food): USDA issued multiple actions in one day, including a Listeria alert for chicken Caesar wraps and an allergen-related alert for Private Selection raw chicken sold in Oregon and other states—urging shoppers to check labels and dates. Oregon Rent Protections: New Oregon HB 4123 lets tenants seek up to twice monthly rent if confidential info (including medical records) is knowingly leaked, effective June 5. Local Care Access: A letter urges Congress and PeaceHealth to address staffing, ER wait times, and hospital funding to restore reputation. Safety & Emergencies: Hillsboro officials report two people died after a house fire; in Lincoln County, a 13-year-old was seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash involving teens and a patrol car. Child Return Law (Global): A Czech data review finds Hague Convention “grave risk” exceptions are used very rarely, even in domestic violence cases.

Medicare Weight-Loss Pilot: Starting July 1, a new Medicare pilot will test whether obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound improve health and cut costs, with eligible seniors paying a $50 monthly copay through 2027. Food Safety Alerts: USDA issued multiple same-day actions, including a listeria alert for Fresh Seasons chicken Caesar wraps and an allergen mislabeling alert for Private Selection raw chicken breasts sold in Oregon and nearby states. Oregon Rent Protections: A new Oregon law (HB 4123) lets tenants seek up to twice monthly rent if confidential information—such as medical records or immigration status—is knowingly leaked. Community Health & Budgets: Lane County plans to cut 23 positions at Community Health Centers amid projected deficits, raising concerns for access to primary care. Public Health & Environment: An environmental group sued the federal government to finalize protections for the imperiled Pacific coast sunflower sea star after massive population losses tied to sea star wasting disease. Local Tragedy: Two people rescued from a Hillsboro house fire died from critical injuries; the cause is under investigation.

Maternal & Infant Health: A new study ranks states on childbirth costs, postpartum support, and family leave, with Washington scoring well on postpartum and family support—highlighting how paid leave can shape outcomes. Community Health Needs: Idaho’s first Community Health Needs Assessment flags housing costs and homelessness, a behavioral health services gap, and limited access to care—results now posted in an online database. Public Health & Safety: Oregon’s Ross Island Lagoon algae bloom could worsen this year; OSU and partners are pushing a $20M plan to improve water circulation, but lawmakers have stalled funding. Care Access & Support: Bend doctor Stephen Kornfield, known for treating hantavirus patients on a cruise ship, has been released from quarantine after 42 days. Local Health & Wellness: Rogue Valley farm-direct stores are helping residents feel connected while expanding access to healthier food. Health System & Justice: A judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding transportation funds over immigration enforcement conditions, a move that could affect public services tied to health and safety. Oregon Corrections: A Bend man accused in a Salem homeless shelter mass stabbing has been moved from Oregon State Hospital to Marion County Jail for treatment.

Death Penalty Debate: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says the death penalty no longer deters crime and should be abolished, citing long delays and declining execution rates. Corrections Worker Trauma: A former Florida prison warden urges corrections staff to refuse participation in executions, arguing the job causes lifelong harm. Eastern Oregon Infant Death Investigation: La Grande police are investigating the death of a 3-month-old after a 911 call for an unresponsive infant; the child was taken to Grande Ronde Hospital and later flown to St. Luke’s in Boise, with cause and manner pending. Public Health & Safety: A new report flags bedbugs as a growing summer travel risk, with Michigan and Ohio among the highest-risk states and Warren, MI topping city lists. Workplace Heat Protections: Many states are still not requiring water and shade breaks for outdoor workers in extreme heat; only a few states, including Oregon, require heat breaks. Immunization Policy Fight: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks criticize RFK Jr.’s hepatitis B vaccine policy changes, warning it could make children sicker. Oregon Health System Watch: Lane County health centers are scrambling to close a $6.5M budget gap, with Community Health Centers of Lane County outlining cost-cutting measures.

Medicaid & food safety net: Oregon lawmakers moved to blunt a looming budget crisis tied to federal cuts, with Senate Bill 1507 trimming wasteful tax breaks and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit—aimed at protecting Oregon Health Plan coverage and food assistance. Health care access in-network: Premera Blue Cross and MultiCare extended their contract through July 31, keeping MultiCare providers in network while negotiations continue. Public health alerts: USDA issued a public health alert for misbranded raw boneless chicken breast sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in nine states, including Oregon, due to an undeclared allergen (eggs). COVID guidance: CDC updated recommendations so most Americans in low/medium hospital-risk areas can stop wearing masks, while still advising masks for high-risk areas and in certain transit settings. Alcohol harm in older adults: A new report found multiple Oregon metro areas among the nation’s highest for alcohol-induced death rates among adults 65+. Correctional health & reentry: Correctional leaders urged Congress to preserve federal reentry funding and strengthen officer wellness, while tackling drone and illicit phone contraband.

Oregon Health & Access: Mission Healthcare cut the ribbon on new de novo home health and hospice locations in Salem and Portland, adding to its western footprint as Oregon’s senior population grows. Wildfire Preparedness: The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved 2026–2028 wildfire mitigation plans for Idaho Power, Pacific Power and PGE, including vegetation work, system hardening, community outreach and Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. Public Health & Safety: Bloodworks Northwest issued a “Code Red” blood supply alert, warning type O and platelets are at emergency levels and urging donors to help avert difficult hospital decisions. Care Delivery & Costs: Indiana’s new law targets insurer “downcoding” driven by AI, requiring record review and notice when claims are reduced—part of a broader push that includes Oregon proposals. Food Safety: USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert for Kroger/Fred Meyer raw chicken breast products that may contain undeclared eggs, including distribution to Oregon. Workforce Pipeline: WSU replaced a Native health sciences camp with a Hoopfest-linked basketball camp to spark interest in doctor, nurse and pharmacy careers. Community Health: Oregon’s SNAP funding risk from a federal shutdown could disrupt benefits for tens of millions nationwide, with knock-on effects for states like Oregon.

Rural Maternity Funding: CMS approved Oregon’s directed payment plan, unlocking up to $37.5M to help 21 rural hospitals stabilize maternity care as Medicaid cuts loom. Clinic Budget Crunch: Lane County’s Community Health Centers says it will cut 23 positions amid a projected $6.5M shortfall, citing falling revenue and rising costs. Tribal Health Access: The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians opened a larger Eugene office to expand services, with plans to assess needs for potential behavioral health and substance-use resources. Public Health Safety Rules: Multnomah County approved an ordinance restricting mobile syringe distribution within 1,000 feet of K-12 schools, aiming to protect kids while preserving harm-reduction services. Health Fraud Crackdown: DOJ charged more than 450 people nationwide in a $6.5B health care fraud takedown, including two Oregon defendants tied to sleep-study and genetic-testing schemes. Food & Allergy Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for a Kroger/Fred Meyer chicken product due to mislabeling and undeclared egg allergens. Diabetes Focus: Central Oregon Health Council released a community snapshot on diabetes and prediabetes, highlighting where support can be strengthened.

Disability & Reproductive Rights: An Oregon mother of a child with Down syndrome pushed back on viral anti-abortion framing, arguing families need better support for people with disabilities even when some choose termination. SNAP Oversight: USDA says improper SNAP payments hit about $10.1B in FY2025, with the national error rate at 10.62%—and Oregon’s reported rate at 14.14%—setting up new state accountability penalties. Kids’ Coverage Gap: A Georgetown analysis finds uninsured rates rose fastest for children under 6 (up to 5.3% from 4.3% between 2022 and 2024), raising concerns about missed early intervention. Migrant Children & Due Process: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden warns HHS/ORR may be preparing expedited removal of 500+ unaccompanied migrant children, urging a halt. Medicare Affordability Push: Wyden and co-sponsors plan to cap out-of-pocket costs in traditional Medicare, reigniting the debate over why the program lacks a spending limit. Oregon Corrections COVID Settlement: Oregon is set to pay a $49M class settlement for COVID-19 harms in custody, including $33.1M to families of 38 people who died. Local Public Health Budget Pressure: Lane County Public Health says federal healthcare cuts will force major reductions, including fewer Medicaid-eligible patients and impacts on clinic access.

Oregon Health Care Fraud Crackdown: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Oregon filed charges tied to the 2026 national health care fraud takedown, including an Oregon Clinical Laboratory case alleging more than $15 million in fraudulent genetic testing claims and a Coos Bay sleep-study scheme alleging at least $2.1 million in losses. COVID-19 in Corrections: Oregon agreed to a $49 million settlement in Maney v. State of Oregon over COVID-19 exposure and alleged medical-care failures for adults in custody, with court approval still needed. State Hospital Oversight: Oregon State Hospital returned to compliance after a federal judge’s order, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of state mental health facilities. Public Health & Access: HealthCare.gov opened a special enrollment period for people enrolled in Innovative Partners or American Collective plans after FTC action over misleading “discount membership” products sold as comprehensive coverage. Tobacco Policy: Oregon’s attorney general coalition welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales through its platform, part of broader efforts to curb youth nicotine access. Workforce & Cost Pressure: A new SNAP payment-error cost-sharing rule could force some states to pay millions to keep benefits flowing, raising pressure on budgets that already fund health and human services. Local EMS Support: A new Sugar River EMS district in Wisconsin received a state grant—an example of how rural regions are trying to shore up emergency care capacity.