AGP Executive Report

Rural Health & Policy: Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall used KCMO Radio to push back on temporary Mexican beef imports, arguing it won’t fix grocery prices and that rebuilding the cattle herd takes years due to issues like screwworm restrictions. Public Health: Kansas health officials are asking people who attended the Axtell Days Festival (Aug. 6–9) to complete a salmonella survey as investigations continue. Mental Health in Corrections: Shawnee County opened a new jail mental health wing (60 beds) aimed at treating serious, persistent mental illness and substance use to reduce reoffending. Food Safety: A multi-state alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to E. coli and salmonella continues to expand, with recalls and illness counts reported across states. Community Resilience: Senior KCK residents are still dealing with power loss after the Aug. 18 storm, with some lacking transportation to reach help. Healthcare Access & Caregiving: A new mental wellness and costume drive in Topeka pairs Halloween support with child wellness resources. Sports & Wellness: Chiefs’ Trey Smith returned to practice as the team manages a long injury list heading toward preseason finale.

Food Safety Alerts: Multiple recalls are in motion after outbreaks tied to sprouts and frozen fruit, including Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts recalled after 55 illnesses across 15 states (E. coli and Salmonella), plus frozen organic blueberries linked to E. coli prompting a Publix recall. Kansas Health & Care Access: Kansas legislators are pushing back on a disability-services funding diversion tied to a long waitlist for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with claims of bureaucratic delays. Public Health Nutrition: A Kansas dietitian shares practical school-lunch ideas focused on protein and fiber, including using Greek yogurt-based dips. State Consumer Protection: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt released the 2025 Complaint Index, showing over 3,000 closed complaints and nearly $29M recovered for consumers. Workforce & Health Jobs: Kansas Workforce Centers highlight Care Starts Here roles, including hospice aide and behavioral health-integrated care advocate postings. Community Health & Safety: KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, after a suspect was fatally shot following reports of shots fired. Food Prices & Agriculture: Kansas lawmakers react to Trump’s plan to lift beef import tariffs, arguing it could hurt ranchers even as officials aim to lower grocery prices. Local Wellness Events: Salina hosts a back-to-school bash for college students, and Kansas City-area coverage highlights community wellness programming.

Food Safety Alert: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak have triggered recalls after reports of 55 illnesses across 15 states, including Kansas—health officials urge people to toss affected products and sanitize surfaces. Local Health Access: CareArc is reminding Kansas residents that doors stay open for patients of all backgrounds as Medicaid eligibility changes tied to H.R. 1 are set to begin Oct. 1, and it’s urging people to update KanCare info and plan prescriptions ahead of time. Brain Health in the Community: AdventHealth used a Kansas City golf tournament to launch a “Champion Your Health” brain wellness fair, promoting daily habits and social connection through its ThinkWell series. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas police are investigating stray-bullet injuries and multiple shootings, including a woman hit in a parking lot and a separate incident that left two men dead and one injured. Healthcare Oversight: The FDA inspected Mid-Kansas Cooperative Association in Marquette on Aug. 3 and reported no corrective action was needed for its management operations.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA and CDC say alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC (Calco and Everything brands) are linked to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak, with 55 illnesses and 4 hospitalizations reported across 15 states, including Kansas—officials urge people not to eat recalled sprouts and to clean any surfaces they touched. Local Health & Safety: A Kansas teen, 15-year-old Abby Buell, was left paralyzed after a “routine” swim practice diving accident; after 58 days in the hospital, she’s back home and working toward mobility. Public Health in Custody: Kansas Department of Corrections reports a 35-year-old Lansing Correctional Facility inmate, Michael Moore, was found unresponsive and died; an independent autopsy is pending. Community & Wellness Beyond Clinics: Kansas City, Kansas police and the KBI are investigating an officer-involved shooting after a suspect was fatally shot following a noise complaint and shots-fired report. Health-Adjacent News: Amazon plans to expand drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities, with some customers receiving packages in as fast as 30 minutes.

Food Safety Alert: Everything Sprouts LLC is recalling alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak, with 55 illnesses reported across 15 states including Kansas; health officials say consumers should toss affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Community Health & Access: Wyandotte County seniors at R. Bernard Villas have been without power for four days after severe storms, leaving refrigerators off and raising urgent needs for medication and cooling while restoration drags on. Local Tragedy: A Pawnee Heights USD 496 teen collapsed and died during football practice on the first day of school; an autopsy is scheduled and officials say there’s no foul play. Public Health & Policy: Kansas immigration attorneys report increased scrutiny of past minor violations in visa and green card reviews, urging applicants to document everything. Statewide Wellness Note: Kansas Department of Corrections says an inmate at Lansing Correctional Facility died in custody; cause is pending an autopsy as KDOC and the KBI investigate.

Food Safety Alert: The CDC and FDA say a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has reached 55 illnesses across 15 states, including Kansas, with four hospitalizations; officials urge people to throw away or return affected sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC (Calco and Everything Sprouts brands). Public Health Policy: A new poll finds 88% of Americans want hospitals and providers to publicly disclose healthcare prices before care. Kansas Community Health: Sedgwick County is hosting a no-cost vaccine clinic for students needing required immunizations, with appointments required. Local Environment & Wellness: A Douglas County food policy group is pushing composting to divert organics from landfills, aiming to cut methane and improve soil health. Kansas Health Legacy: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, whose name is tied to landmark health insurance work, has died at 94. Sports & Recovery Watch: Tyreek Hill’s agent says the wide receiver isn’t expected to sign before the season, emphasizing he’s still not “ready yet.”

Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials say an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Kansas, with four hospitalizations; the CDC and FDA link cases to sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands from Everything Sprouts, urging people to throw away/return affected products and watch for symptoms like bloody diarrhea, fever, and severe stomach cramps. Public Health & Safety: A boil water advisory was issued for part of Kingman County, with residents told to boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking and to avoid using ice from automatic makers. Community Response: Wyandotte County is still seeking volunteers for storm cleanup, with drop-off and volunteer hours listed at local sites and a donation list that includes bottled water, gloves, tarps, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits. Local Health Access: Kansas Humane Society is hosting a “Clear the Shelter” weekend with free adoptions for dogs and cats one year and older. Rural Health Watch: A new report flags a veterinarian shortage affecting 60% of Kansas livestock producers, raising concerns for animal care and farm operations.

Health Access & Policy: CareArc says new federal Medicaid eligibility rules could cut full KanCare benefits for some immigrants starting Oct. 1, urging patients to update contact info, watch for mail notices, and schedule care and prescriptions early. Rural Health Funding: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall highlighted federal investments during a Hutchinson stop, pointing to added support for dental and behavioral health and Medicaid reimbursement changes expected to bring more money to Kansas hospitals, including critical access facilities. Insurance Accountability: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt reported the state recovered $29.2M for consumers in 2025—up 147%—using complaint data to push insurers to make things right. Community Care Tech: Hope Family Care Center cut after-hours call burden by 90% after switching from a traditional call center to an AI contact solution that lets patients get help by voice, text, or chat. Local Wellness & Safety: Wyandotte County continues storm recovery with 24/7 reporting lines and an overnight shelter with cooling, charging, and food support. Workforce Snapshot: Ellis County unemployment ticked up 0.1% in July to 3.8%, while Kansas statewide stayed at 3.8%.

Cancer Care Tech: A University of Kansas researcher presented real-world validation work on an imaging-based AI model for localized prostate cancer risk scoring at ASCO 2026. Public Health & Safety: Wyandotte County is still dealing with thousands of power outages after Wednesday storms, with officials urging neighbors to check on each other. School Wellness: Shawnee Mission School District says its vaping quit program is showing progress, using tobacco treatment specialists and education funded by a Juul settlement. Healthcare Access: Kansas City-area coverage highlights how health systems and partners are exploring fixes for strained local healthcare funding, including health savings accounts and an LMH partnership. Community Health Events: Topeka’s Speedy PD fundraiser for Parkinson’s support programs is set for Aug. 29 at Tuttle Creek State Park. Water Safety: A boil water advisory was issued for Durham after disinfection equipment concerns. Local Policy Fight: Edgerton is suing residents trying to put a data center ban on the ballot, citing environmental and health worries. Rural Health: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall spotlighted his rural health tour and FDA leadership support in recent posts.

Healthcare Tech: WellSky says its new CareBrief and Patient Visibility Pro tools use AI to turn scattered patient info into clear summaries and keep care teams informed after discharge, aiming to reduce gaps in transitions. Food Safety: Kansas cyclosporiasis is easing—807 cases this year, with fewer new reports—yet a national survey says millions are still avoiding salads and fresh greens. Community Health Access: A free child development screening (birth–5) is set for Sept. 4 in Coldwater, with appointments plus immunization, physical, and nutrition info available. Local Care & Wellness: Munson Army Health Center held an open house at Fort Leavenworth to help service members and families connect with readiness and wellness services. Public Health Funding: Clara Barton Medical Center says a benefit auction generated $107,800 to expand rapid infectious-disease testing and lab systems. Safety Watch: A Sedgwick County crash killed one driver and sent the box-truck driver to an area hospital. Urgent Care Expansion: Integrity Urgent Care opened in Speegleville, adding walk-in urgent and virtual primary care, x-rays, labs, EKGs, and same-day results. Sports-Related Health: A Kansas high school football player died after collapsing during practice in Rozel. Drone Delivery: Amazon Prime Air plans to expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by end of 2026, including Kansas City, with eligible items delivered in about 60 minutes.

Animal Welfare: Kansas City, Kansas officials say more than 80 dogs rescued from a filthy Lafayette Avenue home are now safe after authorities found emaciated animals living in “unimaginable filth.” Mental Health Access: A Kansas City-area psychiatrist, V. Ray Cordry Jr., DO, was named a 2026 Preferred Psychiatrist for work in behavioral health and psychiatric care. Rare Disease Milestone: A girl in Kansas City, Kansas reached new milestones after being diagnosed with 22q duplication syndrome, following months of testing and donor-funded genetic testing. Public Health & Safety: Sedgwick County is investigating the death of a 42-year-old inmate after a suicide attempt; officials say she was placed on life support and died Wednesday. Community Health & Care: ReNu Medical & Spa expanded dermatology and medical aesthetics access with a new Parsons location. Tech & Wellness Concerns: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities by end of 2026, with deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes. Sports Health Watch: Pawnee Heights student-athlete died after collapsing during football practice; officials say no foul play is suspected.

Public Health: Kansas reports 807 cyclosporiasis cases this year, up from 748 a week ago, with 35 hospitalizations so far—KDHE urges people to watch for symptoms after possible contaminated food or water exposure. Community Safety: Kansas City, Kansas braces for a multi-day power restoration after overnight storms knocked out power for more than 14,700 customers; BPU warns residents to treat downed lines as energized and plan for medication and medical equipment needs. Road & Injury Alerts: A hit-and-run in rural Cowley County sent a Winfield man to Wesley Medical Center after a blue Ford F-150 was struck by a white Jeep that fled; authorities ask for tips. Health & Wellness in the Real World: A Kansas City-area crash report highlights how quickly injuries can happen—one pedestrian was hit outside a marked crosswalk and taken to the hospital in critical condition. Health Tech & Access: Amazon says Prime Air will expand drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by end of 2026, with some items including medications eligible for delivery in as fast as 30 minutes.

Press Freedom & Health: Marion County will pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid, which she says triggered a return of serious seizures. Public Safety: Wichita mother Brandy Glover, 26, faces aggravated child endangerment after a 2-year-old was found unresponsive in a home tied to drug sales; the child remains in critical condition. Injury Alerts: A Cowley County hit-and-run sent a Winfield man to the hospital after a white Jeep struck his truck and fled. Community Health & Fitness: Salina’s Fe for a Cure Race/Walk is set for Sept. 19 at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, aiming to support cancer patients with services and personal care items. Animal Welfare: Kansas City, Kansas officials say 81 dogs were rescued from a home after reports of aggressive fighting; two people were taken into custody.

Smoking Cessation: A Kansas-linked expert panel released the first clinical guidelines for using e-cigarettes to help adults quit, saying vaping can be less harmful than smoking and should be offered alongside proven quit methods like nicotine replacement and prescription meds. Public Health Policy: Kansas will not follow a Trump executive order to change its vaccine schedule, saying it will keep using guidance from major medical organizations. Child Safety & Tech: Kansas AG Nick Brown backed a bipartisan trial against Meta over claims the company designed addictive features that harm children and allegedly violated children’s privacy rules. Medicare Fraud: A federal civil complaint alleges a Texas company and a North Carolina man defrauded Medicare with improper billing for devices described as temporary electro-acupuncture. Rural Care: HaysMed welcomed Congressman Tracey Mann to discuss rural healthcare access and plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded through a rural health program. Community Health & Wellness: A new Smoothie King opened in Topeka, highlighting local partnerships and youth wellness initiatives. Animal Welfare: Officials say more than 80 dogs were rescued from filthy conditions in Kansas City, Kansas, and are now in safer care. Health-Related Local Incidents: A Wichita mother was charged after a 2-year-old was found unresponsive in a home tied to drug sales; investigators are also probing multiple Kansas crashes and deaths under medical review.

Public Health Guidance: Kansas officials are warning parents to rethink packed lunches as Cyclospora cases surge, noting symptoms can take 1–2 weeks to show and advising extra care with produce that has deep crevices (like bagged lettuce, herbs, and raspberries) while recommending safer options such as bananas, avocados, well-scrubbed firm produce, and cooked vegetables. Rabies Prevention: KDHE shared what to do after a bat encounter, stressing that most encounters don’t pose a rabies risk unless there’s direct contact (bare-hand handling, exposed skin contact, or bites/scratches), and when testing or post-exposure steps may be needed. Rural Healthcare Access: HaysMed highlighted plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program support, aiming to bring advanced oncology and cardiac diagnostics closer to western Kansas. Community Health & Safety: Wichita-area schools are using wet-bulb temperature rules to limit or stop outdoor fall sports practice during extreme heat, with strict water-break protocols and monitoring for heat exhaustion signs. Emergency & Health Risks: A Kansas man was killed by lightning while hiking Sicily’s Mount Etna; locally, a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash on I-70 in Kansas City, Kansas. Animal Welfare Concern: Kansas City Pet Project’s new euthanasia policy is drawing volunteer backlash over how decisions are justified.

Press Freedom Settlement: A small Kansas town agreed to pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the paper’s offices, which she said also triggered serious health problems. Rural Healthcare Access: HaysMed highlighted plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4M in Rural Health Transformation Program money, plus its hybrid operating room, during a visit from Congressman Tracey Mann. Infant Safety Event: Topeka’s LiveWell Shawnee County Healthy Babies Impact Team is hosting a Community Baby Shower focused on safe sleep practices, aiming to reduce infant mortality. Community Health & Wellness Education: K-State Research and Extension will host Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays with hands-on training on beef nutrition, vaccines, neonatal calf care, reproductive management, and fly/tick control. Public Transit Lifeline: Kansas City leaders approved temporary funding to keep more than a dozen KCATA bus routes running after a projected $8M shortfall threatened service cuts that would hit riders’ access to groceries and medical care. Safety & Health Alerts: Authorities are investigating multiple Kansas incidents, including a Wichita crash involving an emergency vehicle and a missing Hutchinson man whose medical condition may affect his safe return.