AGP Executive Report

Vaccine Privacy Win: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocates and FOIA requests challenged whether the state could prove federal approval; providers statewide must instead give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccinating. Policy & Coverage: Senate Democrats advanced bills to create a Michigan health and dental insurance exchange, aiming to expand coverage and direct outreach to underinsured communities. Corrections Health Watch: After claims of toxic mold at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, MDOC says testing found no evidence of systemic black or toxic mold and says minor issues were resolved through cleaning, with ongoing monitoring planned. Surgery Tech in Michigan’s Orbit: A “NanoNeedle” mini arthroscope is credited by top surgeons and athletes with faster recovery for certain joint procedures, including cases involving major league and pro sports. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA-linked frozen pizza snack recalls in multiple states highlight continued scrutiny of possible metal contamination. Gun Violence Focus: Gov. Whitmer reestablished a statewide Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to implement recommendations, including safe storage education and improved suicide data.

Vaccine Privacy Win: Michigan health officials ended the state-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocates and FOIA requests challenged whether the forms clearly showed parents’ right to opt out of vaccine tracking; providers must now use the official MCIR opt-out form statewide before administering vaccines. Food Access & Policy: Michigan’s AGs joined a push urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect eligibility in the Farm Bill, warning recent cuts are driving hunger and shifting costs to states. Care Access in Rural Areas: A Minnesota pilot targets low lung cancer screening rates by training clinic staff to identify eligible patients and schedule screenings—an approach researchers hope to scale. Local Health & Safety: Aspirus Iron River Hospital added a new CT scanner to boost diagnostic imaging. Community Wellness: A Brighton man is biking the lower peninsula to raise Alzheimer’s funds, starting and ending at Belle Isle. Public Health Alerts: Michigan’s updated child care mapping tool gives communities clearer data on supply, demand, and gaps.

Vaccine Consent Fight in Michigan: MDHHS has stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements for the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, saying it couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms; vaccination sites statewide must now provide parents the official MCIR opt-out form before shots. Nurses vs. Hospital Cuts: Nurses with Michigan Nurses Association and National Nurses United plan a “RED ALERT” rally in Bronson Park (Kalamazoo) Saturday to oppose funding cuts tied to Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital. Prison Medical Care Scrutiny: Attorney Tim Holland will represent the family of Khaira Howard, who died at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, alleging inadequate schizophrenia treatment and medication. Workforce & Health System Strain: A U-M study finds nurses left primary jobs at nearly double the rate from 2018 to 2022, driven by burnout and inadequate staffing. Diabetes Research: U-M researchers report new protein-folding mechanisms linked to diabetes progression, pointing to potential ways to protect insulin-producing cells. Food Safety: FDA updated a frozen pizza recall in 21 states over possible metal contamination, after a delayed risk classification.

Vaccine Consent Win in Michigan: MDHHS is ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements for the Michigan Care Improvement Registry after advocates and FOIA requests found the state couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms. Health Access & Coverage: A separate push in the Michigan Senate would remove copays on key medications like insulin, EpiPens, and inhalers. Food Safety & Kids’ Health: New reporting finds synthetic dyes show up in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with children’s products higher, as a voluntary FDA phase-out faces hurdles. Heat & Community Safety: Consumers Energy is urging residents to use cooling and energy-saving steps during extreme heat and severe-weather risk. Mental Health for Farmers: Michigan State University’s farm stress program warns funding gaps can disrupt mental health services for farmers. Corrections Health Watch: Protesters in Washtenaw County demanded action over women’s prison conditions at Huron Valley Correctional Facility after multiple inmate deaths.

Heat & access to care: Michigan’s extreme-heat season is already driving public-health moves, including cooling-center listings in the Michiana area and Detroit opening cooling centers as heat advisories hit. Opioids & prevention: MDHHS says Michigan’s overdose death rate is down 47% since 2021, with preliminary 2025 data at 16.4 deaths per 100,000. Food safety for families: MDHHS released updated 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides covering 696 waterbodies, with dozens of recommendations adjusted based on lab testing. Cancer care in the U.P.: UP Health System–Marquette added an oncology-focused PA-C to its Cancer Center team. Community health support: A Negaunee library is offering free summer meals for kids and eligible adults, and Marquette’s Habitat is launching a Pride Build to expand affordable housing. Health system leadership: Thunder Bay Community Health Service named Douglas Kreis as its next CEO. Policy watch: A new national analysis places Michigan 22nd for health outcomes, highlighting a gap between access/cost and outcomes.

Food Safety & Nutrition: Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods still contain synthetic dyes, with rates higher in kids’ products, as a voluntary federal phase-out of six dyes by end of 2026 faces slow commitments from major brands. Alzheimer’s & Heart Health: A new analysis links cardiovascular disease and risk factors to higher Alzheimer’s risk, with low blood pressure showing the strongest connection—another reason to prioritize heart health. Workplace Health: A new push in occupational hearing protection highlights why fit testing matters, since the same hearing device can protect workers very differently. Women’s Health (Monroe): Monroe OBGYN and Oakland Hills Dermatology host a free Women’s Wellness Day June 16 (5–7 p.m.) covering hormones, menopause, pregnancy safety, and skin health. Community & Caregiving: St. Croix Hospice was named one of Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” for 2026, spotlighting employee well-being and work-life balance. Public Health Costs: Fidelity reports 8 in 10 Americans expect high healthcare costs in retirement, with many turning to HSAs and other planning moves.

Hepatitis B breakthrough: A new experimental hepatitis B drug, bepirovirsen (“bepi”), showed “functional cure” results in international studies, letting about 1 in 5 patients stop treatment without dangerous virus rebound; University of Michigan expert Anna Lok says more follow-up is needed. Public health alerts: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 illnesses across 36 states, including Michigan, prompting additional FDA recalls. Michigan overdose progress: MDHHS reports Michigan’s overdose death rate is down 47% since 2021, crediting opioid settlement-funded prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Maternal-child care: Detroit’s Rx Kids enrollment is rising, and Flint data tied to the program shows fewer preterm births, lower low birth weight and fewer NICU admissions. Corrections health crisis: Lawmakers are pressing Gov. Whitmer to act after a third inmate died at Michigan’s only women’s prison, raising alarms about medical care and conditions. Food safety: FDA also issued a pet food recall over nutritional deficiency (thiamine). Water & environment: EGLE and EPA announced $10 million for continued Detroit River cleanup and restoration work. Access for aging adults: A new Michigan “living showroom” in Flushing is designed to help bridge home accessibility and healthcare needs for aging-in-place.

Primary Care Expansion: Marathon Health is expanding its advanced primary care network into the Detroit region, adding four health centers to boost access to primary care, mental health, and prevention. Behavioral Health Access: Sen. Mark Huizenga is hosting a behavioral health transportation roundtable in Grand Rapids, aiming to close Michigan’s gap where people in acute mental health crisis often rely on ambulance or law enforcement. Corrections Health Scrutiny: Michigan lawmakers and advocates are renewing calls for leadership change after a third inmate death in less than a month at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, with families waiting on answers about medical care and conditions. Insurance Affordability: A growing number of Michigan residents are turning to cheaper alternative health insurance after ACA marketplace tax credits ended, but critics warn these plans may lack protections and essential benefits. Food Safety & Public Health: MDHHS released updated 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides with consumption guidance for 696 Michigan waterbodies. Community Safety: Two people were wounded in a shooting on I-94 near Dickerson Street in Detroit; investigators are asking for tips.

MDHHS Fish Safety: Michigan released updated 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides, with new and revised consumption limits across 696 waterbodies based on PFOS, PCBs, and mercury—guidelines changed for dozens of sites. Heat Health: Mid-Michigan doctors warn extreme heat can trigger heat exhaustion or heat stroke fast, stressing hydration (water, light-sugar drinks) and early recognition of dizziness, nausea, and dehydration. Tick & Lyme Risk: Michigan State University experts urge quick tick removal and extra prevention as tickborne illness risk rises, including attention to Alpha-gal symptoms. Prison Health Scrutiny: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell pressed Gov. Whitmer and MDOC for transparency after three recent deaths at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, including concerns about toxic mold and health conditions. Elder Abuse Prevention Funding: MDHHS is seeking grant proposals to prevent elder and vulnerable adult abuse, including mediation, safe housing, and hoarding-focused services. Water Safety Bill: A Michigan House bill (HB4477) would add water safety education for K-8 students, aiming to reduce drowning risk beyond beaches. Boating Safety: Coast Guard data highlights drowning as the top cause of boating deaths and notes many victims lacked safety instruction—wear life jackets and get trained.

AI & Sepsis Care: Researchers say a flaw in how some AI models are trained for sepsis can misalign “past” and “future,” risking wrong treatment recommendations in nearly half of patient situations. Public Health & Water Safety: Michigan updated its online reporting form so residents can flag suspected harmful algal blooms (HABs) with photos, helping EGLE and partners respond faster. Local Health Infrastructure: A Flushing, Michigan “aging-in-place” living showroom is meant to bridge gaps between home access and healthcare, showing practical accessibility solutions in a real home setting. Community Health & Preparedness: Michigan State Police urged pet owners to build emergency kits and plan for pet-friendly shelters, since many disasters leave families scrambling. Healthcare Workforce/Access: Bay College will host an EMT/paramedic info session in Iron Mountain, with EMT and a new paramedic certificate option aimed at faster pathways into EMS careers. Corrections Oversight: Michigan suspended a corrections employee and paused third-shift special assignments at a facility while investigating an inmate cleaning project. Health Policy Watch: Congress is moving toward restrictions that could reshape hemp-derived cannabinoid products, with potential impacts on sleep, pain, and wellness items sold across Michigan and beyond.

Aging-in-Place Access: A new “living showroom” in Flushing, Michigan is letting people experience home accessibility upgrades in a real, lived-in setting—aimed at closing gaps between home access and healthcare. Correctional Health Crisis: Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility reported a third inmate death in less than a month; Ashley Hoath, 36, was transferred to Trinity Health Hospital after feeling ill and died hours later, with lawmakers again pressing for accountability. Community Service Access Gap: A Michigan-based nonprofit published live, 50-state data on court-ordered community service, highlighting uneven access tied to geography, disability, and supervision needs. Public Health & Food: New research links ultra-processed foods to a higher dementia risk, while minimally processed foods appear protective. LGBTQ+ Aging: A University of Michigan poll finds LGBTQ+ adults over 50 report higher rates of mental health strain, isolation, and discrimination in healthcare. Great Lakes Monitoring: U.S. Fish and Wildlife will survey Great Lakes tributaries for invasive sea lampreys to guide control efforts.

Aging & Equity: A University of Michigan poll finds LGBTQ+ adults over 50 report higher rates of mental health strain, isolation, and activity-limiting disabilities than non-LGBTQ+ peers, with more discrimination in health care settings. Nutrition & Brain Health: A Harvard study links diets high in ultra-processed foods (including cured meats) to a 58% higher dementia risk, while minimally processed foods show protective effects. Maternal/Infant Care Debate: Michigan lawmakers are clashing over Rx Kids, with House Republicans questioning safeguards and whether the program’s nearly $300M in funding is reaching people who truly need it. Prison Health Concerns: Advocates say conditions at Huron Valley Correctional Facility are harming inmates’ health; a woman died June 6 after being transferred to Trinity Health Hospital, the third death there in under a month. Public Health & Safety: Michigan braces for a week of dangerous heat and Gulf-level humidity, with dew points near 75°F and heat index values in the low 100s. Food Assistance Legal Update: A federal judge halted enforcement of new SNAP-related conditions tied to ideological requirements, pausing restrictions that states argued could disrupt benefits for millions.

Prison Health Crisis: Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility is under renewed scrutiny after a 36-year-old inmate, Ashley Hoath, died early Saturday after being transferred to Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital; MDOC says the death was unexpected and is under investigation, marking the third sudden inmate death in just over three weeks, while a staff member was also suspended amid allegations of improper overnight work assignments. Violence & Community Safety: Hundreds gathered for Detroit’s “Silence the Violence” rally, with community violence intervention groups urging prevention by addressing root causes like poverty and trauma. Gun Violence in the Region: In Toledo, Ohio, at least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival; police say suspects were likely shooting at each other and are asking attendees to share photos or video. Weather & Health Risks: Storm winds blew over a large tent outside a WVU baseball game, sending five people to hospitals. Nutrition Tech Caution: Michigan readers are weighing chatbot nutrition advice, as experts urge caution about relying on AI for meal and health guidance. Power Resilience: After a damaging ice storm, a northern Michigan utility is moving to bury new power lines to reduce outages during extreme weather. Cancer Access: Walking Forward, a program focused on cancer navigation and screenings for Native communities, is returning to Monument Health with expanded screening plans, including cervical and lung cancer.

Public Safety Oversight: East Lansing City Council restored funding for the Independent Police Oversight Commission, approving $6,000 for use-of-force analysis after earlier proposed cuts—aimed at hiring a consultant to review police reports and 2025 data. Food Safety Recall: Target is recalling multiple Up & Up baby wipe varieties due to reported bacteria contamination, with complaints tied to skin and eye irritation and possible infections. Medicaid Spending Watch: New figures show Medicaid claims in Owosso for “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” jumped to $109,209 in 2024, up sharply from 2023. Crash With Fatality: A 17-year-old died after a single-vehicle crash in Fruitland Township; two other juvenile passengers were taken to Trinity Health Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Health & Mobility: AAA launched its “E-Ride Ready” campaign in Dearborn, pushing parent-focused guidance on e-bike and e-scooter safety and helmet choice as injuries rise nationwide. Community Health Access: Ann Arbor is expanding its Catherine Street cycletrack with added two-way bike lanes to improve safety for people walking and biking toward the U-M hospital area. Substance Use Treatment Policy: Michigan lawmakers debated using opioid settlement dollars for psychedelic research, including proposals tied to addiction and veteran care.

Food Access in Schools: Michigan lawmakers moved to make no-cost, healthy school meals permanent, aiming to reduce food insecurity that can derail kids’ health and learning. Senior Health & Housing: The Detroit News is hosting a June 10 panel in Rochester on how the region’s aging population will affect health care and affordable senior housing, featuring Henry Ford Health geriatrics leadership and local senior-service organizations. Medicaid Barriers: New reporting requirements could create hurdles for Michigan residents, with concerns that paperwork and compliance changes may limit access to care. Gun Violence Prevention: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer re-established Michigan’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force via executive order, renewing policy recommendations after a divided Legislature stalled broader action. Community Health & Safety: Michigan DNR reminded residents to wear life jackets after a Lake Huron rescue of an Ohio couple after kayaks capsized in cold water. Local Caregiving Support: Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan launched “Our Calling: We Build More Than Houses” to tackle rural housing instability that affects health and stability.

340B Lawsuits: Three major health systems, including affiliates of U-M, Mount Sinai, and the University of Kansas, sued CVS Health over alleged diversion of about $250M in 340B savings through reimbursement practices that plaintiffs say skim funds meant for safety-net hospitals. Gun Violence Response: A Detroit teen who survived a shooting shared how “Stop the Bleed” training at Detroit Medical Center teaches people to control severe bleeding with tourniquets and wound packing before first responders arrive. Medicaid Coverage Pressure: Michigan’s Medicaid rolls reportedly dropped 5%, raising fears of a surge in uninsured residents as stricter Medicaid rules approach. Substance Use Care: Aspirus Health highlighted substance screening and intervention support that connects patients to community resources. Immigration Detention Abuse Allegations: A former detainee claims repeated sexual assault and medical neglect at Michigan’s North Lake Processing Center, renewing scrutiny of ICE health care conditions. Local Health & Safety: DNR issued safety reminders after two kayakers were rescued from Lake Huron in cold water without life jackets. Workforce & Care Costs: A report found Medicaid spending on autism ABA services surged 403% from 2019 to 2024, with Michigan’s Centria Healthcare among top recipients.