AGP Executive Report

Medical Debt Relief: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a second round of medical debt forgiveness, wiping out more than $74 million for nearly 72,000 Michiganders through Undue Medical Debt, with eligibility tied to income and debt burden. State Health Leadership: Whitmer named Amy Epkey as acting director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services starting July 1, as Elizabeth Hertel exits at month’s end. Cancer Care Growth: Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit reported a historic FY25 high of 15,754 new cancer cases and major expansion in research and therapies, with 17 locations across Michigan. Access to Care Expansion: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow broke ground on a $60 million outpatient surgery center in Lansing, aiming to open in 2028 to expand operating rooms and add an MRI unit. Healthcare Affordability Policy: A Michigan lawmaker pushed for a task force to study how state health insurance mandates beyond the ACA essential benefits affect costs and access. Research & Innovation: U-M researchers identified a metabolic pathway that helps colorectal cancer cells accumulate iron, pointing to potential new targets for treatment. Community Health & Safety: Michigan agriculture officials issued a spotted lanternfly warning for southeastern counties and urged residents to report sightings. Local Hospital Closure: Sturgis Hospital closed after more than 100 years, with staff and community members gathering for a final send-off.

Insulin Affordability Push: Michigan House Democrats introduced a bill to cap insured patients’ out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month (with an inflation adjustment), sending it to the House Insurance Committee for review. Youth Justice Funding: The Michigan Center for Youth Justice won a $1M grant to build a statewide coalition aimed at reducing youth incarceration and expanding community-led alternatives, partnering with Wayne State’s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice and The Delta Project. Housing & Homelessness Planning: Grand Traverse County and Traverse City will hold a joint meeting on a new 100-page housing and homelessness strategic plan, citing a shortage of emergency shelter beds and permanent supportive housing and calling for regional, coordinated solutions. Kratom Overdose Concern: Michigan overdose deaths have declined, but health officials say they’re still worried about kratom/7-OH products entering the market, especially since the substance can be more concentrated and opioid-like. Health System Workforce: University of Michigan graduate student workers’ union extended its contract after the prior agreement expired, with no plans to strike while negotiations continue. Community Food Access (U.P.): A new partnership under the Good Food for Michigan Project will help a Upper Peninsula nonprofit connect Michigan farmers with schools and hospitals, boosting access to fresh food for seniors and other meal programs.

Parkinson’s & Pesticides: A new report links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, raising concerns for farmworkers and nearby communities. Public Health Funding: U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced $700M+ in new funding for mental health, addiction, and homelessness, highlighting 24-hour crisis care through Michigan’s Easterseals MORC. Behavioral Health Access: The same Michigan roundtable spotlighted Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and care coordination that connects behavioral and physical health. Michigan Medicaid Dollars: Multiple local Medicaid spending updates show rising claims in areas like medicine services, pathology/lab procedures, dental, and substance-use treatment across Michigan communities. Community Violence Prevention: Benton Harbor/Benton Township is backing a $500,000 community violence intervention grant proposal aimed at coordinating public safety, schools, healthcare, and faith partners. Brain-Tech Milestone (Michigan): Paradromics’ first brain-chip implantation in a Michigan woman is reported as part of an FDA-approved study at U-M Health, with speech restoration as a next goal. Safety Reminder: Michigan DNR urges Great Lakes beachgoers to follow flag warnings, including double red closures for severe hazards. Local Hospital Incident: A Detroit man accused of threatening nurses outside Henry Ford Hospital in Warren faces federal probation violations after an alcohol-positive test.

Federal Behavioral Health Push: HHS announced more than $700 million in new funding to expand addiction and mental health treatment, crisis response, and homelessness support, including a $96M “STREETS” program for communities building coordinated care. Cancer Immunology Breakthrough: U-M and Baylor researchers report an unexpected immune-system mechanism where cancer cells that hide certain markers may become vulnerable to CD4 “helper” T cells—potentially opening new treatment paths. Medicaid Spending Snapshot (Michigan): New local data show how taxpayer-funded care is shifting, including Mio’s Evaluation & Management payments rising to $47,693 (2024) and Flushing’s Pathology/Lab spending at $50,195 (2024). PFAS Community Watch: Muskegon County’s PFAS Task Force will hold a public Zoom meeting June 25 to discuss drinking-water protection and local testing efforts. Public Safety—E-bike Fatality: An 87-year-old died after an e-bike crash in Grand Blanc Township when the rider turned left as a driver attempted to pass. Brain Health Gap: A Michigan survey finds a major disconnect: while most older adults say brain health matters, only 47% realize everyday lifestyle changes can lower future dementia risk, and just 23% have discussed brain health with a provider.

Addiction & Mental Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new Michigan-focused recovery effort, “Streets Rebuilding Lives Sustaining Recovery,” aimed at addiction and mental health services. Cancer Research: U-M and Baylor researchers report a new immune-system insight on how cancer cells can dodge detection by hiding MHC “ID badges,” potentially shifting focus toward CD4+ T cells. Brain Health: A Michigan survey finds an “intention-knowledge gap” on dementia prevention—47% know lifestyle changes can help, but only 23% have discussed brain health with a provider. AI in Healthcare: A bill passed requiring healthcare providers to disclose when ambient AI tools are used to document visits, with patients allowed to opt out. Public Health & Environment: Michigan is among states pushing EPA to monitor microplastics in drinking water, urging more data and follow-through. Community Health Data: Medicaid spending snapshots show local growth in key services, including higher 2024 claims for evaluation/management in Mio and pathology/lab services in Flushing. Local Safety Net: Muskegon County’s PFAS Task Force meets June 25 to update residents on testing and education efforts.

School Mental Health Win: Michigan’s Supreme Court upheld school safety and mental health investments, backing Whitmer’s push for more counselors, school resource officers, and clearer protections for families. Flu Vaccine Update: FDA advisers backed Moderna’s next-gen mRNA flu vaccine for older adults, a potential boost for winter protection as the shot moves toward approval. Cancer Support Legacy: A look at how Gilda Radner changed comedy and helped build long-running cancer support through Gilda’s Club, marking what would be her 80th birthday. Local Care Pipeline: UM Health-Sparrow Community Hospitals awarded $1,000 scholarships to 23 students across Eaton and nearby counties to grow the next generation of health workers. Community Health Access: Monroe County is offering free HIV testing with weekday walk-ins, aiming to make screening easier for residents. Health Equity & Poverty: A Black-owned bank launched a debit card program tied to Juneteenth, pledging donations to nonprofits supporting single mothers in subsidized housing.

Hospital Cost Fight: Michigan House Republicans unveiled a hospital cost review board proposal that would cap nonprofit hospital price increases to inflation, require board approval for hikes, and force cost reductions tied to mergers/acquisitions—aimed at lowering patient bills amid consolidation concerns. Public Health Access: Monroe County Health Department is offering free, confidential HIV testing with weekday walk-ins (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) and also promotes PrEP and condoms/barriers for prevention. Poison Control Warning: Michigan poison center director says nitrous oxide “whippets” are rising in use, with callers and ER visits reporting numbness, racing heart, hallucinations, and clotting concerns—urging caution. Rural Care Pressure: Sturgis Hospital closure fears are resurfacing as rural Michigan struggles to keep services available. PFAS Cleanup Watch: Residents near Wurtsmith in Oscoda are reacting to delayed PFAS cleanup timelines and a proposed federal rule that could further slow remediation. Workplace Safety: MIOSHA reports a fatal arborist death after a falling branch hit a worker—one of multiple workplace deaths this year. Emergency Leadership: Central Michigan University named Joshua Nosanchuk dean of the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine, effective July 1.

Cancer Drug Costs: Cancer survivors urged Michigan lawmakers to back Senate Bill 914, which would require copay assistance payments to count toward patients’ deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums—aimed at lowering upfront barriers so people can start treatment sooner. Legal Accountability in Care: A Michigan Court of Appeals case led to sanctions against an attorney for repeatedly citing AI-generated, nonexistent cases during litigation. Brain Health Awareness: A new Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging finds many adults 50+ say brain health matters, but fewer than half know everyday habits can reduce dementia risk—and many don’t practice key protective behaviors consistently. Tick-Borne Risk: Northern Michigan providers report an uptick in tick bites and are urging residents to prevent bites and watch for symptoms of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. Long-Term Care Leadership: Canal View in Houghton County appointed Dr. Leah Abbott as its new medical director, bringing hospice and palliative experience. Community Health Support: Molina Healthcare of Michigan donated $275,000 to Genesee County Habitat for Humanity to fund home repairs for families in need. Public Health Funding: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced more than $700 million for mental health, addiction, and homelessness programs, including support for crisis services and community behavioral health clinics. Dementia Care Training: MSU launched free dementia care training for young adults in Michigan. Water Safety at the Beach: Western U.P. beaches begin routine E. coli monitoring, with results posted on Michigan’s BeachGuard site.

Vaccine Consent Update: Michigan DHHS is ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocates and FOIA requests challenged whether the state could prove federal approval; vaccination sites statewide must instead provide parents the MCIR opt-out form before giving any vaccine. Behavioral Health Funding: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced $96M for Michigan communities under SAMHSA’s STREETS program to build recovery-focused systems for people facing homelessness, substance use disorders, serious mental illness, or co-occurring conditions, plus $612M for additional behavioral health programs. Cancer Care Spotlight: Munson Healthcare is honoring National Cancer Survivor Month by highlighting oncology nurses who are also survivors, emphasizing patient support and survivorship perspective in northern Michigan. Prison Health Concerns: A Michigan woman nearing parole says black mold at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has caused ongoing illness and fear, raising questions about access to care and housing conditions. Public Health & Safety: Tick-borne Powassan virus remains a summer risk as experts urge bite prevention; and Michigan Aldi shoppers are warned to check for a Park St. mac & cheese recall due to an undeclared soy additive. Policy & Access: A Howell Republican lawmaker is pushing upfront ID, income, and residency proof for Michigan public assistance applications, challenging self-attestation rules.

Vaccine Privacy Win in Michigan: MDHHS is ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after it couldn’t document federal approval for the long-used forms; providers statewide must instead give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccination, a move health-freedom advocates say strengthens informed consent. Mental Health Funding Push: HHS announced $700M+ for mental health, addiction treatment, and homelessness, including a new $96M STREETS program for coordinated local care systems. Sickle Cell Care Expansion: Bronson Healthcare received an $80,000 MDHHS grant to grow its sickle cell program for adults, adding dedicated nursing staff and education. Summer Food Access: SUN Bucks returns to help families buy groceries during school breaks, offering $120 per eligible child via EBT at retailers and farmer’s markets. Local Care Staffing: Baraga County Memorial Hospital hired Dr. Leah Abbott, expanding leadership across hospice, palliative care, geriatrics, home care, and swing-bed oversight. Public Health Reminder: FDA flagged an ALDI recall of Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese due to undeclared soy lecithin, urging shoppers with soy allergies to check codes and avoid the product. Community Wellness: Marquette’s Arts & Music Wellness Lions Club celebrates its first year with a public event focused on wellness through creative expression.

Vaccine Consent Update (Michigan): MDHHS has stopped distributing Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements for the state’s vaccine tracking system, saying it couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms. Patient Rights: Providers must now give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine, across doctor offices, pharmacies, and hospitals. Behavioral Health Funding (Federal): HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced $700M+ in new mental health, addiction, and homelessness funding, including a $96M STREETS grant program for local coordinated care. Women’s Health Research (Michigan ties): An MSU study found combined oral contraceptives with synthetic estrogen/progestin can raise emotional eating and binge-related symptoms during active-pill weeks, especially for women with preexisting risk. Public Health Watch (West Michigan): Kent County detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquito samples; no human cases reported yet. School Health & Safety (Detroit): Detroit’s district board approved a $1.1B budget emphasizing attendance, counseling, and security, including funding aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism.

Vaccine Privacy Win: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocates and FOIA requests showed the state couldn’t document federal approval; providers must now give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccinating. Youth Health & Records: A proposed Michigan bill would require full parental access to children’s medical records, sparking debate over privacy and whether teens will avoid care. Asbestos Toy Alert: MDHHS warns families to immediately stop using recalled “Orb Funkee” squeeze toys sold at Walmart/Ollie’s because sand may contain asbestos, with disposal and refund steps. Food Security Push: AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food assistance in the Farm Bill, warning cuts will worsen hunger in Michigan. Chronic Absence Funding Risk: A northern Michigan attendance program credited with reducing chronic absenteeism could lose nearly half its state funding. Local Health Access: Healthlinc plans community health fairs across northern Indiana with screenings, well-child visits, sports physicals, and resources for back-to-school. Public Health & Safety: Michigan also issued new animal import requirements after New World screwworm was detected in Texas.

Vaccine Access & Privacy: Michigan health officials have stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements for the state’s vaccine tracking system, after advocacy and FOIA requests challenged whether the forms clearly showed parents’ right to opt out; providers statewide must now give families the official MCIR opt-out form before vaccinating. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a recalled Alfredo-style pasta sauce to its highest risk level (Class I) after Salmonella contamination concerns spread across 41 states, including distribution to hospitals and other institutions. Substance Use Care: Macomb County’s Substance Abuse Engagement Center expanded eligibility beyond people who used substances in the last 48 hours to include those used within the past week or at risk of relapse, aiming to reach people sooner. Maternal & Child Nutrition: Updated Michigan WIC income guidelines may let more families qualify, with Huron County posting the new thresholds and automatic-eligibility pathways. Public Health Alerts: MDHHS urged residents to immediately throw away certain Orb Funkee squeeze toys due to possible asbestos contamination. Community Health Impact: South Haven officials credited trained lifeguards and first responders with saving a man after cardiac arrest at South Beach.

Vaccine Policy Fight: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and requiring providers to give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine, after advocates said the old forms didn’t clearly explain opt-out rights. Public Health Coalition: Health care and public health leaders launched “Michigan for Vaccines,” a statewide immunization coalition aimed at improving vaccine access and countering declining rates. Pregnancy Exposure Study: U-M researchers found higher glyphosate levels during pregnancy linked to hormone changes tied to placenta and fetal development, raising calls for more research. Food Safety Recall: FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I risk over potential Salmonella contamination, affecting products distributed across 41 states. Water Safety Fraud: Michigan AG says a Brighton mobile home water provider and its president pleaded guilty/no contest for falsifying water testing and failing to report violations to EGLE. Youth Privacy Debate: A proposed Michigan law would expand parents’ access to minors’ medical records, sparking concern about whether teens can speak privately with clinicians. Community Health Access: Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is co-sponsoring no-cost mobile food pantries across Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula with Feeding America West Michigan.

Vaccine Consent Update: Michigan DHHS has stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements for the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, saying it couldn’t document federal approval for the long-used forms; providers statewide must now give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before vaccinating, a win for health freedom advocates focused on informed consent. Workplace Hearing Safety: A new occupational health focus is growing around hearing protector fit testing, highlighting that the same device can protect workers very differently, and pointing to updated guidance and research on improving hearing conservation outcomes. Cybersecurity & Health Research: Google says a Chinese-linked hacking group (UNC6508) stole data for more than a year from U.S. and Canadian academic, medical, and military research, including work tied to drug discovery, clinical trials, and public health policy. Public Health Access & Care Logistics: A Detroit-area radiopharmaceutical courier company is building a Quality Management System aimed at qualifying for Class 7 transport, underscoring the push for safer, compliant delivery of time-sensitive medical isotopes. Community Health Support: A Michigan nonprofit’s annual Max’s Race 5K continues to raise funds for families dealing with serious medical challenges by supporting free transportation to care appointments.

Vaccine Transparency in Michigan: MDHHS has stopped producing Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocates and FOIA requests challenged whether the state could document federal approval; providers statewide must instead give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccination. Behavioral Health & Community Support: GhostLight Theater in Benton Harbor staged Next to Normal, with Corewell Health joining a post-show talkback and sharing local crisis resources. Public Health Watch: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I after possible Salmonella from a dry milk powder ingredient, affecting 913 cases in 41 states including Michigan. Care Access Gap: Remote Area Medical brought free medical, dental, and vision care to Edgar County, highlighting how uninsured patients face long waits and travel for basics. Parenting & Privacy: A University of Michigan Health Mott Children’s poll found half of parents track young adult kids’ locations, and a quarter say it increases anxiety. Workplace Health: A webinar preview spotlights hearing protector fit testing as a way to improve occupational hearing loss prevention. Wetlands & Health: Reporting from southern Michigan underscores that swamps are disappearing, threatening water storage and filtration that protect community health.