AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Funding: HHS announced 11 Kansas hospitals—including University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus—will receive federal support to help preserve rural care, staffing, and essential services. Insurance Coverage Watch: The Kansas Health Institute reports Kansas’ uninsured children rose in 2024 (5.3% to 7.0%), with more than 51,000 kids uninsured, and persistent gaps for Hispanic Kansans and families below poverty. Water Safety Update: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend’s system after testing found no bacteriological contamination and the risk conditions were resolved. Local Health Education: Smoky Hills PBS’ “Doctors on Call” returns for its fall season, bringing Kansas clinicians to answer viewer questions on prevention and chronic care. Community Preparedness: The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas urged households to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month, highlighting free tools like its emergency app. Fire Safety Tragedy: A rural Franklin County house fire killed an adult woman; an adult male and infant were burned and taken to KU Medical Center, with ATF and fire officials investigating. Mental Health Event: AFSP Greater Kansas is calling for participation in the Hays Out of the Darkness Community Walk to support suicide prevention education and survivor support.

Rural Health Funding: Eleven Kansas hospitals, including the University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, were awarded federal support through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to help retain clinicians and keep emergency and inpatient services running. Rural Care Collaboration: Salina Regional Health Center is joining four independent hospitals to form Astra Health, aiming to improve access and outcomes for rural Kansans while keeping each hospital independent. Insurance Coverage Watch: The Kansas Health Institute reports Kansas’ uninsured rate for children rose in 2024, reaching 7.0% (over 51,000 kids), with Hispanic Kansans and low-income families hit hardest. Water Safety Update: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for Great Bend after testing found no bacteriological contamination; a separate advisory for Rolling Hills Landowners Assn. in Seward County was also lifted. Community Mental Health: AFSP Greater Kansas is urging participation in the Hays Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sept. 12 to support suicide prevention education and services. Public Health & Environment: KDHE approved Union Pacific cleanup design drawings for groundwater remediation near 29th and Grove, with an open house planned for residents.

Rural Health Funding: HHS awarded nearly $25M to 132 rural hospitals across 13 states, including 11 Kansas facilities such as University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, to help keep emergency care and staff in place. Public Health & Safety: KDHE rescinded a boil-water advisory for Great Bend customers east of Highway 281 after lab testing found no bacteriological contamination following a waterline break and pressure loss. Access to Care: Kansas Health Institute reports the number of uninsured children rose in 2024 (5.3% in 2023 to 7.0% in 2024), with overall uninsured Kansans at about 249,400 (8.5%). Mental Health: AFSP Greater Kansas is urging Kansans to join the Hays Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sept. 12 to support suicide prevention education, advocacy, and survivor support. Community Tragedies: A fatal Labor Day mobile home fire in Topeka killed 9-year-old Alexander Honea; investigators said it was an accidental electrical fire with no working smoke detectors. Local Crime: Topeka police identified and located a person of interest in a NOTO Arts District double homicide; no arrest was reported. Heart Health Research: A review suggests atrial fibrillation risk may rise at both low and high testosterone levels, pointing to the need for individualized monitoring.

Health Coverage in Kansas: The Kansas Health Institute reports Kansas’s uninsured rate for children rose in 2024, climbing from 5.3% to 7.0%—over 51,000 kids—after Medicaid renewals resumed and family premiums increased. Rural Health & Access: A Rural Veterinary Workforce Task Force update says Kansas has mapped 446 large- and mixed-animal vets since 2020 and found nearly 60% of livestock producers perceive a shortage, with K-State’s rural vet training program showing strong retention. Cancer Care Costs: A new population-level analysis finds prostate cancer–related Medicare spending nearly quadrupled from 2012 to 2021, with systemic therapies taking a growing share. Community Mental Health: Hays-area residents are invited to the Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sept. 12 to support suicide prevention education and survivor support. Public Safety & Health Impacts: A fatal Labor Day mobile home fire in Topeka killed a 9-year-old and injured six others; investigators say it was an accidental electrical fire and the home lacked working smoke detectors. Local Food Access: Cleveland is seeking community input on reopening its Eastside Market, asking residents to weigh in on what they want from a new operator.

Health Coverage in Kansas: A new Kansas Health Institute report says the number of uninsured Kansas children jumped in 2024, rising from 5.3% to 7.0%—over 51,000 kids—after Medicaid renewals resumed and family premiums climbed. Rural Health & Access: U.S. Rep. Ron Estes visited Comanche County Hospital, highlighting the Rural Health Transformation Program and local efforts to improve outcomes, including behavioral health integration. Hospital Tech for Heart Failure: CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney launched remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring for heart failure, using a tiny implanted sensor to send daily readings to care teams. Privacy Fight Over ER Data: Democratic lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to pause a new surveillance effort tied to collecting identifiable emergency room health data, arguing it goes beyond the agency’s mission. Public Health Alerts: Great Bend updated its boil-water advisory after a water main issue and lab testing; officials say the advisory stays in place until KDHE confirms results. Community Health & Safety: Topeka investigators identified a 9-year-old killed in a Labor Day mobile home fire; the cause was ruled accidental electrical, and the home lacked working smoke detectors. Care for People Experiencing Homelessness: City Union Mission announced plans to expand shelter capacity in 2027, adding nearly 118,000 bed nights as addiction and mental health needs grow.

Boil Water Advisory: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for part of Sedgwick County’s Rural Water District #4 after a water main break caused a pressure loss, with residents south of Kellogg Ave. from Maize Rd. to 295th St. told to boil water for one minute and avoid ice until testing clears the system. Mental Health Awareness: A new Downtown Topeka mural, “Your Future matters More Than You Know,” was unveiled for National Suicide Prevention Month, encouraging Kansans to reach out via the 9-8-8 Lifeline. Local Care Access: Heartland Community Health Center in Lawrence is working to slow psychiatric staffing turnover as demand grows, especially for children, while planning for more stable provider coverage. Community Wellness: Yoga in the Park returned to Wichita’s Chester I. Lewis Park with weekly noon sessions through mid-October. Health Policy Watch: A New York Times investigation alleges Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall sued hundreds of patients over medical debt, raising fresh questions about how healthcare debt is handled. Workplace Health Story: KSHB profiled “Miss A” Aline Thomas, a long-time KU Hospital burn unit surgical technologist known for decades of patient care.

VTE Care Upgrade in Wichita: Wesley Medical Center earned Kansas’ first National Blood Clot Alliance Venous Thromboembolism Center of Excellence designation, highlighting coordinated, multidisciplinary clot prevention and treatment. FASD Milestone in Emporia: The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Clinic of Kansas marked 25 years of services on National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, celebrating family support, diagnostics, and statewide advocacy. Local Health Access Collaboration: LMH Health joined a regional healthcare collaboration (Astra Health) aimed at expanding access and lowering costs. Mental Health Support for Students: Kansas State University’s Civil Rights and Title IX office continues reviewing discrimination and harassment complaints while offering training and reporting support. Community Safety & Health: Prairie Village’s DA declined manslaughter charges in a July construction-worker fatal crash, resulting in a traffic citation instead. Sports With Wellness Angle: Smoky Hills PBS’ “Doctors on Call” returns with a pain-focused episode featuring Dr. Bell Razafindrabe on Sept. 15. School Sports Spotlight: Kansas Volleyball Association rankings put multiple Shawnee County teams in the mix after early-season results.

Pharmacy Education Watch: The KU School of Pharmacy is on “accreditation with probation” after ACPE found non- or partial compliance in areas like resources, governance, experiential learning, and staffing—though current students keep accreditation through June 30, 2030, with next review in 2027. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA inspected General Mills Operations in Kansas City on Aug. 28; the posted results say no action is needed to correct managing operations. Local Health & Environment: Olathe residents reported a fish kill at Frisco Lake; officials say 3,000–4,000 fish likely died from low oxygen tied to hot weather, with lab testing underway and water expected to be safe for people and pets. Healthcare Access in Kansas: LMH Health is partnering with other organizations to form Astra Health, aiming to expand access and reduce costs. Policy & Patient Safety: Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall faces fresh backlash over “unbelievably aggressive” lawsuits against patients, including a New York Times report alleging he sued hundreds of former patients for unpaid bills. Rural Care Expansion: Chapman Valley Manor opened Shamrock Suites, a new residential healthcare option for seniors who need help with daily tasks but don’t require full nursing home care.

Rural Health Collaboration: Five independent Kansas hospitals—Amberwell Health, LMH Health, Salina Regional Health Center, Newman Regional Health, and KU Health System—formed Astra Health to improve outcomes, expand access, and lower costs while keeping local identities. Early work includes shared quality metrics and tools to support care. Behavioral Health Access: Kansas’ KDADS issued an RFP for a statewide behavioral health crisis transportation system to move people in mental health or substance-use emergencies safely and reduce unnecessary law enforcement and ER reliance. Privacy in ER Care: Democrats are urging the Trump administration to pause a new surveillance effort tied to emergency-room visits that would collect identifiable patient health data for thousands of injury types. Vaping Safety Research: A KU study found common vaping additives (including vitamin E and CBD) can disrupt lung surfactant in a lab model, raising concerns for people who vape—especially adolescents. Local Health Update: A Kansas police report summarized an injury crash in Manhattan, with one driver cited and another transported for treatment.

Tobacco Policy Watch (Lawrence): Lawrence-Douglas County health officials want to discuss changes to tobacco retailer rules, including a possible temporary moratorium on new licenses, as the number of retailers keeps growing. Public Health & Safety (Transit): A $50,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas grant will fund bus stop upgrades along Lawrence’s Massachusetts Street corridor, part of a larger multimodal redesign focused on safer access for people using transit. Mental Health & Infrastructure (Osawatomie): Residents and former psychiatric hospital staff are raising concerns about a proposed data center near Osawatomie State Hospital, warning that construction noise, light, and vibrations could disrupt sleep and worsen symptoms for patients. Community Health Support (Cancer): The “Gifts of Hope” fundraiser will support Kansas-area cancer patients with non-medical expenses, with the Sept. 15 event set for Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Emergency Response (Topeka): A mobile home fire in North Topeka killed a juvenile and sent six others to the hospital; investigators say the cause appears accidental and electrical, and working smoke detectors weren’t found. ALS Access (Kansas City): The Rose Watkins ALS Tour of Dreams brought a VIP stadium experience to Seattle, highlighting a model inspired by Kansas City Chiefs superfans and aimed at giving patients memorable outings.

Asthma Research in Kansas: A KU School of Medicine team reported early results showing zumilokibart (APG777) rapidly and durably suppresses FeNO, a marker of airway inflammation, in mild-to-moderate asthma patients. Public Health Alert: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Walnut Grove, LLC near St. George in Pottawatomie County, with specific steps for drinking, ice, and food prep until bacterial risk is resolved. Community Mental Wellness: Beacon for Hope is combining events into “You Matter Fest” on Sept. 26 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds to reduce suicide stigma, with speakers, lived-experience stories, and family-friendly activities. Local Safety & Health Access: A Coffey County crash sent seven people to hospitals and led to a horse being euthanized after a Jeep hit a horse-drawn buggy; officials say the cause is under investigation. Food Safety Policy: Federal regulators say they can order a food recall but almost never do, after a seed supplier stayed silent during an alfalfa-related outbreak response. Workforce Health: National Beef plant workers in Dodge City ratified a new union contract including wage increases and comprehensive health care.

Kansas Health & Policy: Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed September as “Hunger Action Month,” calling attention to food insecurity affecting about 143,460 Kansas children and 56,044 seniors and urging partnerships with groups like Harvesters and the Kansas Food Bank. Public Health & Safety: Kansas City’s Marion County town agreed to pay $850,000 to a former reporter to end a federal lawsuit tied to a 2023 police raid of a newspaper—an outcome that also raised claims about health impacts after seizures returned. Rural Care Access: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced “REH 2.0” to strengthen the Rural Emergency Hospital model, aiming to help struggling rural hospitals keep services and avoid closure. Wildlife & Wellness: Kansas’ 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan was approved, supporting long-term habitat and species protection. Community Giving: Nemaha County’s sixth annual Match Day raised $502,500 for local charitable funds, with a $55,000 match pool fully used. Animal Health Alert: New Mexico reported another plague case in wildlife after a wild rat tested positive, following multiple dog cases—officials stress it’s a warning, not a widespread outbreak.

Rural Health Access: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (with Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Sharice Davids) introduced “REH 2.0” to strengthen the Rural Emergency Hospital program, aiming to keep struggling rural hospitals open by easing barriers like inpatient losses and 340B drug discount limits. Mental Health & Safety: A Kansas suicide-prevention piece highlights local warning signs and points readers to the 988 crisis lifeline, stressing that risk can build from depression, chronic pain, substance use, major life changes, and prior attempts. Pharmacy Transparency: A Lawrence pharmacist says a new Kansas law requiring more transparency from pharmacy benefit managers could cut revenue but may save the state millions by changing how PBMs operate. Foodborne Risk: A national report warns salmonella strains in poultry are rising and becoming more resistant to antibiotics, raising concern for chicken and turkey shoppers. Heat Preparedness: A Kansas City area “First Warn” urges hydration and shade during intense heat, with storms possible later. Local Health-Related Emergencies: Coffey County officials report a vehicle vs. buggy crash that injured multiple people and required euthanizing an injured horse.

Suicide Prevention: LMH Health reports more than 1,000 local ED and clinic visits in 2025 tied to people considering suicide, with clinicians urging Kansans to watch for warning signs like major life stress, substance use, chronic pain, and hopeless statements—and to act early. Pharmacy Transparency: A Lawrence pharmacist says a new Kansas law targeting pharmacy benefit managers could cut revenue but is meant to bring more transparency to how prescriptions are paid for. Hemp Policy Shake-Up: Wichita’s Kanna Next conference spotlighted fears that upcoming federal action could squeeze Kansas hemp farmers and retailers, especially since cannabinoid products aren’t tightly regulated in the state. Heat Safety: A 100-degree college football opener in Texas turned dangerous for fans, with reports of heat exhaustion medical calls as stadium conditions pushed heat index past 105. Addiction Care in Rural Kansas: KU Wichita’s first addiction medicine fellow is now a full-time specialist in Hutchinson, aiming to expand treatment access across surrounding counties. Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for a Saline County system after testing showed no bacterial contamination and manganese below advisory levels, while issuing a boil-water advisory for Reno County RWD #8 after a waterline break and pressure loss.

Addiction Care in Kansas: KU Wichita’s first addiction medicine fellow, Dr. Luke Rosebraugh, is now Hutchinson’s first full-time addiction medicine specialist, splitting time between Prairie Star Health and Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System to expand rural treatment options. Public Health & Safety: A serious three-vehicle crash near Riverton on U.S. 69A left one driver dead and two others injured, with Kansas Highway Patrol describing a chain-reaction involving a turn, a swerve, and a head-on collision. Health Policy & Criminalization: A new report highlights how Idaho treats fentanyl possession above a threshold as trafficking, even when people seek help—raising concerns for families trying to save loved ones. Community Health Access: Riley County commissioners approved grant line-item adjustments and staffing for community corrections, including funds tied to client tools and office upgrades. Local Wellness & Heat: Kansas City’s Edge of Hell and The Beast haunted houses are moving to a shorter October-only run due to dangerous heat in their historic venues. Healthcare Costs & Work: A national look at employer health benefits finds more employers shifting costs to workers, with Gen Z especially concerned about autonomy and affordability.

Gun Safety Debate: After the Winfield murder-suicide, a Kansas neighbor asked lawmakers to consider limits on felons buying firearms, but Rep. Rick Wilborn dismissed it as “gun shaming,” highlighting how gun-safety talk can get framed as an attack on owners. Heat & Outdoor Safety: With Labor Day heat and sun risk, Kansas City-area health experts urge frequent sunscreen reapplication, shade, hydration, and watching for heat illness signs like cramps, dizziness, nausea, and fast breathing. Missing Person (TBI): Kansas City, Kansas police are asking for help locating Melvin Strode, 52, who is blind and has a traumatic brain injury and was last seen near 75th and State Ave. Community Corrections Funding: Riley County commissioners approved grant line-item adjustments and continued recruiting for juvenile intake officers, including funds for office upgrades and tools for clients. Health Access & Disability Funding: Kansas lawmakers questioned KDADS for internally shifting about $24 million tied to the I/DD waiting list, with critics saying it didn’t go where it was intended. Court Watch (Abortion Case): Kansas AG Kris Kobach’s office argued a high-stakes abortion restrictions case should be retried, but a procedural filing deadline dispute is complicating the next step. Sports & Wellness (Youth): A Kansas school district program called Tiger Kicks is helping students afford sports gear by recycling donated shoes for multiple activities.