AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety: Iowa DNR says swimming is not recommended at Clear Lake State Park Beach after E. coli levels exceeded acceptable standards, while McIntosh Woods State Park beach is okay. Blood Supply: LifeServe Blood Center is urging donations as inventories are critically low for several blood types, with multiple Iowa blood drives scheduled mid-June. Healthcare Leadership: Orange City Area Health System named Chris Sietstra as its next CEO, effective July 6, as current leader Marty Guthmiller prepares to retire. Food Safety: FDA announced a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers sold in more than 20 states, including Iowa, due to possible metal pieces. Rural Health Funding: USDA is investing $27.5 million to expand Floyd County Medical Center. Regulation Watch: Iowa regulators fined an Iowa dentist $5,000, highlighting ongoing oversight in dental care. Community Health Access: A new allergy clinic in Iowa is set to use a direct-care model for specialty services. Local Health Workforce: Project SEARCH interns are graduating from UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital, continuing efforts to connect people with disabilities to jobs.

USDA Funding: USDA is investing $27.5 million to expand Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City, including a new one-story addition and renovations to modernize departments. Direct Specialty Care: Allergenix in West Des Moines opened under Iowa’s direct-care law, offering allergy/immunology specialty visits without insurance billing and posting prices online for faster access. Medicare Pay: A House committee advanced a bill that would address physician Medicare conversion-factor cuts, but the bigger question is whether doctors can keep the modest 2026 raise. Dental Discipline: The Iowa Dental Board fined a Bettendorf dentist $5,000 over allegations of unsafe practice tied to a bite-retainer case, with ethics training required. Public Transit: Des Moines’ new DART bus network launches Sunday with more frequent routes and on-demand microtransit service. Animal Health & Safety: Iowa and the region are responding to severe weather and animal welfare needs, including guidance on when to call 911 vs. non-emergency for pets. Food Recall: FDA reports a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Iowa, over possible metal contamination.

Rural Hospital Funding: Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City is getting a $27.5 million USDA Rural Development loan to expand and renovate its facility, including a one-story addition and upgrades to surgical, dietary and materials management areas. Nursing Home Oversight: Northgate Care Center in Waukon has been added to the federal list of nursing homes considered for special-focus status after repeated serious issues, including medication errors and staffing concerns. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA elevated a recall of frozen Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states to Class II over possible metal contamination. Animal Health Watch: The USDA confirmed three more new world screwworm cases, bringing U.S. detections to five and raising concern about wider spread across state lines. Care Access Policy: New research presented on CPAP adherence suggests many patients who don’t meet early insurance use thresholds still go on to use and benefit, challenging strict early coverage rules. Community Health: Lifeserve Blood Center is launching a scholarship program for Iowa high school students who organize successful blood drives before Labor Day. Local Health & Safety: A Fairfax crash sent one driver to the hospital with minor injuries after a failure to yield.

Emergency Preparedness: MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center will run an emergency drill June 17 at the Mason City Airport and inside the hospital, with local responders and ambulance transport; community members may see extra emergency vehicles, but no disruption to patient care is expected. Rural Emergency Hospital Planning: Keokuk residents packed city hall for a community forum with Insight Health Services about the planned rural emergency hospital at the old hospital site, with organizers emphasizing stabilization-focused care and coordinated transfers when higher-level treatment is needed. Community Health Access: A Community Medical Lending Library pop-up in Iowa City is offering free short-term medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, aiming to keep usable gear in circulation instead of going unused. Public Health & Safety After Storms: Severe Midwest storms and tornadoes hit communities outside Chicago, with Iowa reporting a death after a man was struck by a falling tree at a homeless encampment; the broader outbreak also knocked out power and disrupted travel. Food Safety Recall: FDA action expanded a frozen pizza snack recall in 21 states tied to possible metal contamination, with the FDA’s formal risk classification arriving weeks after the initial recall notice. Workforce & Training: UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital celebrated 12 graduates from Project SEARCH, a transition-to-work program for young adults with disabilities, highlighting hands-on rotations across hospital departments.

Workforce & Training: Iowa became the first state to open applications for the new Workforce Pell Grant, covering short non-degree trade programs (8–15 weeks) and aiming to boost entry-level health care, manufacturing, and IT training. Health Equity & Mental Health: A study of Iowa’s Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot found $500/month for two years helped participants feel more validated, reduced stress, and improved planning and savings—without fully fixing finances. Oral Health: P&G and the American Academy of Family Physicians highlighted a gap in public understanding: 76% say they care about oral health, but only 3% connect it to whole-body health. Regulatory & Safety: The Iowa Dental Board suspended a North Liberty dentist’s license for six months in a patient-death case tied to alleged competency and supervision failures. Public Health & Preparedness: Severe storms hit Iowa with damaging winds and tornado warnings; officials urged residents to stay alert as cleanup and power restoration continued. Air Quality: Iowa DNR posted draft Title V air permits for public review, including a Hancock County feed facility, inviting comments before the July deadline. Community Health: Knoxville Hospital & Clinics hired a new chief operating officer, Alana Monson, bringing prior interim leadership experience from other Iowa facilities.

Medicaid & PBM Scrutiny: Iowa’s State Auditor Rob Sand says pharmacy benefit managers may have overcharged Iowa Medicaid by more than $100 million from 2019–2021, pointing to year-end “clawback” practices that can mask spread pricing and squeeze rural pharmacies. Local Health Infrastructure: A judge ordered Marshalltown to take ownership of the long-abandoned UnityPoint hospital, citing unsafe disrepair and calling it a haven for criminal activity—setting up city plans to address the property. Pregnancy Movement Research: A University of Iowa-led study links less sitting and more light activity plus adequate sleep with a lower risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Cancer Access in Rural Iowa: Poweshiek County Public Health is joining a statewide Rural Health Transformation Program initiative to expand cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and radon testing/mitigation, including telehealth and financial help. Community Cancer Support: Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club Davenport is hosting Legacy Stone Painting for people impacted by cancer, offering a supportive space for remembrance. Emergency Preparedness Drill: MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center will run an emergency drill June 16 at the Mason City Airport and inside the hospital. Tick Season Reminder (Regional): Wisconsin health officials are urging tick precautions as nymphal deer ticks drive peak activity.

Livestock & Pet Health Alert: Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is urging livestock producers, pet owners and veterinarians to watch for New World screwworm after detections in Texas and a confirmed dog infestation in New Mexico, stressing wound checks and fast reporting if maggots are found; officials say early treatment can prevent serious outcomes and that the public health risk is low. COVID Testing Refunds: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution available to affected Iowans for administrative fees, overcharges and late results. Tick Season Watch: With young deer ticks driving higher activity, Iowa residents are reminded to use repellent, wear protective clothing and do daily tick checks—nymphal ticks are tiny and can stay attached longer. Rural Health Workforce: Scholarships are available for Iowans to get radon detection certification and commit to working in rural Iowa for at least five years, aiming to reduce lung cancer risk from radon exposure. Hospice Care in NE Iowa: WinnMed Hospice’s Memorial Ride is set for Sunday, with proceeds supporting updates to hospice patient rooms for acute symptom management and respite care. Community Cancer Focus: The Iowa Cancer Consortium will host a free presentation Friday in Fort Madison on cancer findings from the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project and local policy ideas.

Hospital Funding Fight: The Iowa State Appeals Board held a public hearing on a Hamilton County Hospital levy budget protest for fiscal year 2027, a fact-finding step that could shape local care capacity. Blood Supply Watch: LifeServe Blood Center is urging eligible donors to book appointments now as spring donations dropped, raising concerns for summer “trauma season” coverage across 170+ hospitals. Food Access: The Food Bank of Iowa returns to Webster City on June 16 for a free, healthy pantry distribution, while Davenport launched a free summer meal program for kids up to 18 through July 31. Public Health Alerts: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states with FDA recalls widening; Iowa is also responding to New World screwworm detection with guidance for animal owners. Kids’ Well-Being: A new national report finds children’s well-being fell in 29 states, with Iowa among the biggest Midwestern declines. Community Safety & Services: Fort Dodge hosts “Night to Unite” to connect residents with police and firefighters, and Webster City holds no-fee clean up days to reduce hazards and nuisance issues.

Medicaid Fraud: New York AG Letitia James and DOJ secured a $36.5 million settlement from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling from 2010–2020, with payments to state Medicaid programs including $2.25 million to New York. Animal Health Alert: Iowa’s Department of Agriculture issued guidance on protecting livestock and pets from New World Screwworm after cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico—inspect wounds, report maggots to IDALS, and follow import/isolation steps for animals coming from infested areas. Behavioral Health Capacity: Community and Family Resources is building the $18.5 million Grays Woods Recovery Center in Des Moines, adding 74 beds for addiction treatment and detox, aiming to reduce stigma and speed access to care. Public Health & Safety: Central Iowa Water Works issued a mandatory conservation order for nitrate concerns, urging customers to cut non-essential use to protect drinking water for 600,000+ people. Child Safety: Parents in Davenport face serious charges after authorities allege years of abuse and severe malnutrition of a 10-year-old. Community Health Access: Iowa Safe Haven marked its 81st infant surrender, with the baby placed into foster care while permanent placement is arranged.

UnityPoint nurses union fight: UnityPoint Health nurses marched to the Iowa Capitol to press for recognition of their Teamsters union vote; UnityPoint challenged 251 ballots and both sides are awaiting a National Labor Relations Board decision. Rural mental health access: A Bloomfield psychiatric nurse practitioner says newer options like ketamine infusions can help, but medication can’t replace whole-person care and addressing social and environmental drivers. Medicare fraud help: A Senior Medicare Patrol reminder highlights practical steps to combat Medicare fraud and protect beneficiaries. Safe Haven update: Iowa HHS took custody of a baby boy surrendered under the Safe Haven Law (81st since 2002), with placement planned through foster care until permanent adoption. Outdoor recreation + public health: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, citing nearly $6B in annual economic impact and benefits to well-being. Workforce gap in rural Iowa: A new national study finds nonmetropolitan areas have far fewer health care workers—especially highly trained roles like physicians and surgeons—underscoring access challenges. Livestock health watch: USDA confirmed five new New World screwworm cases; officials say it’s not a food-safety risk but is a serious threat to animals, with quarantines and sterile-fly efforts underway.

Rural Hospital Expansion: Cass Health in Atlantic will begin a major facility expansion and interior renovation June 11, adding three additions for Surgery (including a third operating room), Emergency, and Rehab to support growing services. Drug Access for Rural Care: A $3.2 million grant is launching a Civica Rural Hospital Program to help rural hospitals pool purchasing power for cheaper generics and reduce the impact of drug shortages. Workforce Pipeline: The Iowa Medical Society rolled out a statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to help hospitals, clinics, and private practices recruit physicians, advanced practice providers, and support staff. Cancer Support: A Clay County update highlights National Cancer Survivors Day and the creation of a new nonprofit to support cancer patients locally. Health Research in Iowa: The University of Iowa announced INSIGHT, a new initiative linking environmental toxin exposure to health outcomes, including cancer. Child Well-Being Watch: Iowa’s Kids Count report ranks the state 10th nationally but shows concerning declines in areas like preschool participation and reading/math proficiency. Safe Haven Surrender: An infant surrendered under Iowa’s Safe Haven Law is now in state custody, with placement planned with a foster family for adoption. Community Health & Prevention: Geneva proclaimed June as Gun Violence Awareness Month, pairing recognition with local gun-safety efforts.

Rural Health Funding: A public hearing is set for Tuesday on the fiscal year 2027 hospital budget in Hamilton County, after a petition challenged the plan—an issue that can directly affect local access to care. Community Health & Safety: Des Moines police report a south-side shooting Sunday night that sent one adult man to UnityPoint Health–Methodist Medical Center; a suspect was arrested about 15 minutes later and investigators say there’s no ongoing threat. Maternal Health Costs: A rural Pennsylvania couple described how high-deductible insurance left them facing a steep bill after a routine birth—highlighting how healthcare costs can shape family planning decisions. Wellness & Equity: In Des Moines, Capital City Pride is building Pride programming around wellness—cycling, a 5K, and powerlifting—to address LGBTQ+ health disparities and barriers to safe participation in sports. Public Health Access: Iowa’s summer meal programs continue to expand, with hundreds of free meal sites statewide aimed at keeping kids fed during school breaks. Health Workforce: A report notes pharmacists’ growing role in rural care, underscoring how medication experts can help fill gaps where doctors and hospitals are harder to access.

Water & Public Health: A new look at Iowa’s water pollution shows how fertilizer and manure runoff is harming swimming, drinking-water safety, and outdoor summer fun, with many monitored rivers and lakes failing state standards. Mental Health Support: A cycling event in southwest Iowa, Bike with Mike, raised $1.2 million for Omaha-area mental health resources, helping expand staffing and services for people living with mental illness. Cancer Care Access: Nebraska Medicine unveiled a new proton beam treatment device at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, aiming to improve precision care—especially for kids—and serve patients from Iowa and other nearby states. Preventive Care: Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa hosted free screenings and blood tests at the Des Moines Farmers’ Market, highlighting early detection as key to survival. Food Safety: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has spread across many states, including Iowa, raising reminders about safe handling and hygiene. Local Safety: In Mason City, police charged a 75-year-old man with first-degree murder after a welfare check found a woman dead; the investigation is ongoing. Health Policy Watch: Congress is considering changes that could limit states’ ability to regulate livestock welfare under a farm bill proposal targeting California’s animal standards.

Cancer Screening: Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa is offering free blood screenings at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market, highlighting early detection after one local survivor says testing found his cancer in time. Public Health & Policy: A new Iowa legislative session review argues lawmakers fell short on tackling cancer, water quality, and healthcare affordability. Medicare Access: Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Primghar is sponsoring SHIIP/SMP counseling, offering free, confidential Medicare help by appointment. Local Health Systems: Washington County Hospital plans to open an oncology department in 2027, signaling expanded cancer care access. Community Wellness: Iowa’s summer meal programs are expanding, with hundreds of sites offering free lunches for kids and teens. Health & Safety: Police in Mason City charged a man with first-degree murder after a welfare check found a woman dead; investigators say there’s no ongoing threat. Maternal/Child Health: A Sioux City-area story spotlights a 5-month-old girl surviving Turner syndrome and fetal hydrops after major prenatal complications.

New World screwworm: Iowa officials are monitoring the first U.S. case in Texas after USDA confirmed a calf infection, with Iowa State experts noting the parasite isn’t a food-safety risk but is a serious livestock threat; guidance emphasizes wound checks and year-round pet prevention for dogs and cats. Cancer policy: An Iowa legislative session fell short on combating cancer, leaving families facing fast-rising incidence rates without promised public health fixes. Access to care: A free prostate cancer screening is set for Saturday at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, part of ongoing community prevention efforts. Water and health: Iowa’s water pollution is framed as both a public health risk and a threat to summer recreation, while separate local reporting highlights expanded well-water testing outreach in Kandiyohi County. Oncology expansion: Washington County Hospital plans to open an oncology department in 2027. Immigration health oversight: ICE will stop reporting certain detainee deaths after release, raising concerns about transparency into medical neglect. Nutrition support: More than 500 Iowa summer meal sites are offering free lunches for kids and teens.

Organ Donation Spotlight: Fort Dodge family shares how 29-year-old Travis Grazier’s organ donation after a seizure helped save multiple lives, underscoring the real-world impact of signing up. Cancer Care Access: Washington County Hospital and Clinics plans to open an oncology department in January 2027, aiming to bring treatment closer to rural patients with donor support and a major grant. Summer Nutrition: Iowa’s SUN Meals program is back with 530+ free meal sites statewide for kids 18 and under, plus SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) for eligible families. Public Health Screening: Team Blue Iowa is offering free prostate cancer PSA blood tests at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market Saturday, with a quick walk-in process. Livestock Health Alert: Iowa officials are monitoring New World screwworm detections in Texas after USDA confirmed a second case in Zavala County; Naig says there’s no food-safety risk from properly cooked meat. School Safety: A new Iowa law gives teachers more input in handling violent and repeated disruptive behavior, with educators citing safety and serious injury concerns. Transit & Health Equity: Indianola residents react to HIRTA cutting public transit days, raising worries for riders who rely on services to reach care and daily needs.