AGP Executive Report

Teen Wellness Access: Planet Fitness is offering free summer gym access to Rhode Island high schoolers (ages 14–19) through its High School Summer Pass, running June 1–Aug. 31 with online sign-up and optional training. Opioid Treatment Rules: Rhode Island Senate approved a bill to remove administrative mid-treatment utilization reviews for certain opioid and alcohol-use-disorder meds (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone), aiming to cut delays that can raise relapse risk. End-of-Life Care Outreach: HopeHealth received a $200,000 grant to expand community engagement, connecting underserved Rhode Islanders with grief support, palliative care, and hospice services. Primary Care Access Debate: CVS Health CEO David Joyner defended a plan to bring primary care into CVS MinuteClinics in Massachusetts via a Mass General Brigham partnership, arguing it could improve access without driving up costs. Local Health System Financial Strain: Care New England reported a $35.4M operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2026 and announced leadership and nonclinical job cuts amid Medicaid reimbursement and rising labor/supply costs. Care Delivery & Coverage: A Rhode Island physician shortage piece highlights how limited primary care availability is worsening, with insurance reimbursement pressures cited as a root cause. Public Health Watch: Rhode Island is among states tightening rules on “forever chemicals” (PFAS), with new disclosure and restriction laws taking effect nationwide. Safety & Injury News: A 38-year-old motorcyclist died in Johnston after a crash involving a truck making a left turn; another deadly motorcycle crash was reported in the region.

Physician shortage: Rhode Island’s primary care access is worsening as practice closures remove nearly 30,000 patients from care and the state has just one primary care provider per 1,600 people, with experts pointing to low reimbursement pressures as a core driver. SNAP legal fight: A federal judge blocked new USDA SNAP funding conditions that would have required states to certify compliance with politically driven rules tied to gender ideology, immigration, and women’s sports—keeping food assistance protections in place while the case proceeds. Gender-affirming care records: A Rhode Island federal judge referred U.S. Department of Justice attorneys for possible discipline after finding they misled the court in a subpoena fight seeking Rhode Island Hospital records related to transgender youth care. Public health & safety: Rhode Island also saw a deadly Johnston motorcycle crash and a Providence bottle-attack investigation, underscoring ongoing local injury risks. PFAS watch: A state-by-state crackdown on “forever chemicals” is expanding, with Rhode Island among states moving ahead on disclosure and restrictions. Community care: HopeHealth’s 50th anniversary gala raised $410K+ and launched a “Gift of Hope” campaign aimed at expanding hospice access and support for seriously ill patients and caregivers. Homelessness research: URI public health research highlights “hidden homelessness” (“doubling up”), arguing federal counts miss people who can’t access programs because they aren’t classified as homeless. Food & wellness: URI Cooperative Extension’s “Fourth of July Tomato” is back as the plant of the year, with guidance for getting fresh tomatoes to your cookout.

Public Health Alert: Rhode Island issued a statewide air quality alert for Saturday, June 6, warning of unhealthy ground-level ozone for sensitive groups, with throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and asthma worsening; officials advise cutting back on heavy outdoor activity, taking breaks, and following asthma action plans. Cancer Breakthrough: Brown University Health highlighted an experimental pill, daraxonrasib, targeting RAS-driven pancreatic cancer, reporting longer survival (13.2 months vs. 6.7 with chemotherapy) and tumor shrinkage. Substance Regulation: Rhode Island Department of Health approved its first kratom manufacturer license and says more applications are pending; unlicensed sales can be fined, and products must be labeled and kept behind counters with age limits. Health Policy & Access: A federal judge in Rhode Island referred DOJ lawyers for potential discipline after finding they misled the court in a subpoena fight over Rhode Island Hospital records tied to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Food Assistance Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions tied to gender and immigration positions. Local Health Costs: Central Falls Medicaid spending for ambulance and transport services rose to $141,975 in 2024, up 41.4% from 2023. Safety: Providence police are investigating a bottle attack on Cranston Street that left a man injured and treated at Rhode Island Hospital.

Air Quality Alert: Rhode Island is warning of unhealthy ground-level ozone for sensitive groups statewide on Saturday, with peak levels early afternoon into evening and guidance to cut back on heavy outdoor activity, especially for kids, older adults, and people with asthma. Budget & Health Funding: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2B FY27 budget, including a phased-in millionaire’s tax and added money for healthcare and families, after a heated debate. Kratom Regulation: RIDOH issued its first kratom manufacturer license and says more applications are pending; unlicensed sales can bring fines, and products must be labeled and restricted (including a ban on kratom in food/drinks and on appealing to minors). Public Health & Safety: RIDOH reported a rabies-positive woodchuck in East Providence; four people and two dogs were exposed and started post-exposure steps, with residents urged to avoid wild animals and call RIDOH if contact occurred. Legal/Trans Care: A federal judge referred DOJ attorneys to a disciplinary committee after finding they misled the court in a Rhode Island Hospital subpoena fight over records tied to transgender youth care. Cancer Breakthrough: Brown University Health highlighted an experimental drug for advanced pancreatic cancer that improved survival versus chemotherapy in a UCLA-led study.

Air Quality Alert: Rhode Island is issuing a statewide warning for Saturday, June 6, with ground-level ozone expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (kids, older adults, and people with asthma/lung conditions). Cancer Breakthrough: Brown University Health highlighted an experimental pill, daraxonrasib, in a UCLA-led study showing improved survival for advanced pancreatic cancer patients compared with chemotherapy. Infectious Disease Watch: RIDOH reported a woodchuck in East Providence testing positive for rabies; four people and two dogs were exposed and started post-exposure steps—residents are urged to avoid wild animals. Kratom Regulation: RIDOH approved the first kratom manufacturer license and says unlicensed sales can bring fines; products must be labeled, kept behind counters, and buyers must be 21. Health Care Policy: Connecticut enacted statewide insurance coverage for scalp cooling therapy starting Jan. 1, 2027, joining several other states. Legal/Health Rights: A federal judge in Rhode Island referred DOJ attorneys for possible discipline after finding they misled the court in a probe tied to transgender youth care subpoenas. Public Health Data: CDC says U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second year in a row, with most cases among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccine status.

Heat & Cooling: Rhode Island is heading into an early-June heat wave, with officials warning it may feel muggy by Saturday and sharing guidance on practical air-conditioner settings. World Cup Public Health & Safety: Massachusetts leaders and public safety teams laid out crowd, security, and emergency planning for matches at Boston Stadium, with daily coordination ramping up next week. Aging Policy in RI: The RI House approved a bill to create a permanent joint commission on aging and a statewide multisector aging plan, building on a long-running House study. Cancer Side-Effect Coverage: Connecticut signed a law requiring insurance coverage for provider-delivered scalp cooling therapy starting Jan. 1, 2027, joining several other states pushing coverage expansion. Measles Watch: CDC data shows U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with Rhode Island listed among states reporting cases. Dementia Services: The RI Senate passed bills to create a dementia services coordinator and to allow pension revocation for certain felony sex crimes tied to public employment. Postpartum Support Gap: A Rhode Island report highlights that breastfeeding drops sharply by two months postpartum, pointing to systemic gaps in postpartum support. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS data profiles multiple RI nursing homes’ ownership and quality ratings, including fines and overall performance for Q1 2026.

Breastfeeding support gap: At two months postpartum, only about half of Rhode Island mothers are still breastfeeding, despite high initiation rates—an indicator of systemic failures in postpartum care and lactation support. Public health workforce pipeline: The R.I. Life Science Hub is partnering with the Pawtucket Foundation to expand career awareness and training for underrepresented communities, starting in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket. Rodenticide limits move forward: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a bill to narrow consumer access to certain rat poisons, aiming to reduce harm to predators that can be killed by anti-clotting rodenticides. Community health funding: Westerly-area nonprofits tied to health and arts received more than $400,000 in early 2026 Champlin Foundation grants, including support for health-focused capital projects. Tick and Lyme season prep: Health coverage highlights practical steps to reduce tick risk in yards and warns Rhode Islanders to stay alert as tick activity rises. Care access and costs: Reporting also looks at how medical debt can escalate and what options people have to settle unpaid bills.

Maternal Health & Access: Rhode Island’s first Registered Apprenticeship Program for surgical technologists is set to launch, aiming to grow the local healthcare workforce. Tick & Lyme Risk: Health officials are warning Rhode Islanders about fast-spreading ticks and rising tick-bite ER visits tied to Lyme disease, with guidance on yard prevention and protection. Cancer Care Access: NMDP and HRSA marked a major milestone in the C.W. Bill Young transplant program, celebrating 150,000 blood stem cell transplants and expanded patient access. Nursing Home Watch: New CMS rankings and ratings spotlight Rhode Island-area nursing homes, including facilities with lower overall scores and reported fines/penalties, underscoring ongoing quality and oversight concerns. Workplace Health: A Rhode Island-focused “conscience protection” update highlights growing state efforts that let healthcare workers opt out of certain services for ethical or religious reasons. Community Care: A Portsmouth caregiver advocate story puts a spotlight on dementia support needs and the strain on families.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show Riverview Healthcare Community is Kent County’s No. 2 nursing home by size in Q1 2026 (190 beds; 182.6 residents on average) but scored 2/5 overall, with two fines and two penalties totaling $71,542. Local Nursing Home Watch: In Providence County, Berkshire Place ranked No. 2 by size in Q1 2026 (220 beds; 196.4 residents daily) with a 1/5 overall rating and $155,917 in fines plus 12 penalties. Maternal Health: New guidance from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reaffirms Tylenol (acetaminophen) as first-line for pain and fever during pregnancy, urging the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Postpartum Mental Health: A national report highlights postpartum depression as more than “baby blues,” noting rising rates and the importance of screening and treatment. Workforce & Access: A new analysis warns hundreds of hospitals—especially rural ones—are at risk of closure, threatening emergency and maternity access. Rhode Island Policy: The Rhode Island Senate advanced a bill to revive time-barred childhood sex abuse claims, with a revival window opening July 1 and running through June 30, 2028 if approved by the House. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island officials closed an investigation into the death of a capitol police recruit, saying no criminal charges will be filed. Education & Health Equity: The Trump Education Department is backing away from civil rights focus for Black students, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights groups.

Tick Alert: Rhode Island health officials are warning of a fast-spreading tick tied to alpha-gal syndrome, urging people to check for lone star ticks after time outdoors. Salmonella Update: A salmonella outbreak linked to “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with new product brands added to the list—consumers are urged to check home supplies. Nursing Home Watch: New CMS data highlights Rhode Island nursing homes by county size and quality, including facilities with lower ratings and those with higher scores in Q1 2026. School Policy & Health Equity: The U.S. Education Department is backing away from civil rights enforcement for Black students, a shift critics say could affect school resources and student outcomes. Homelessness & Care: A revised federal homelessness plan would move money from long-term housing to time-limited treatment programs, raising concerns about displacement. Community Health & Wellness: URI Cooperative Extension named the “Fourth of July Tomato” as Plant of the Year, spotlighting easy home gardening for fresh nutrition.

Retirement & consumer protection: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 24-state coalition urging the U.S. Department of Labor to reject a Trump proposal that would steer retirement savings into riskier assets like crypto and private credit, arguing it would expose millions of workers to avoidable losses. Nursing home quality: Kingston Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care in Washington County earned a 5-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, topping the statewide Rhode Island nursing home average, with no recorded fines or penalties in the quarter. Food safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa-based superfood supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, bringing the total to 119 sickened across 36 states, with new brands added to the recall list. Ocean health & climate monitoring: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse criticized plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, saying the move would shut down critical ocean and climate data collection. Local health workforce: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to connect health graduates (including PT, nursing, and PA) to hospital jobs and potential student loan repayment. Septic system help: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed $950,000 in no-interest septic loan funding for Tiverton and Jamestown to protect public health and the environment. Tick season warning: A new forecast flags elevated tick risk across multiple states in the region, including Connecticut and Maine, with Lyme prevention steps urged. Senior support: Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island added two health leaders to its board to expand partnerships addressing chronic disease and nutrition insecurity.

EV Insurance Costs: Used EV sales jumped 54% in March, but EVs still cost about 42% more to insure than gas cars, with newer EVs narrowing the gap as repair costs and tech spread change. Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to match graduates with hospital systems and may offer student loan repayment for accepted roles. RIPTA Funding Fix: Rhode Island’s proposed FY2027 budget closes a roughly $14 million RIPTA gap, helping the transit agency keep hiring bus operators and avoid deeper service cuts. Tick & Lyme Alert: CDC-linked reporting shows tick activity is rising, with ER tick-bite visits at their highest for this time of year since 2017; experts urge repellent, tick checks, and fast removal. Ebola Vaccine Update: Moderna is advancing a potential vaccine for a rare Ebola strain with CEPI support as Rhode Island monitors select travelers. Primary Care Access: WalletHub ranked states on health-care spending as a share of income, highlighting affordability pressure for residents. Menstrual Leave Push: A new federal paid leave proposal frames period pain and other reproductive health needs as “economic violence,” adding momentum to workplace protections debates.

Primary Care Access: Rhode Island’s Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner released a baseline report showing fewer residents have a personal doctor for non-urgent needs than a decade ago, as the state looks for ways to improve primary care payment and access. Workplace Health Protections: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order pushing state agencies to standardize workplace accommodations for employees dealing with perimenopause and menopause, aiming to reduce lost talent and improve support. Menstrual Leave Push: Democrats advanced a federal paid leave proposal for reproductive health needs, framing lack of coverage as “economic violence” and calling for up to 12 days of paid leave annually. Food Security Funding: Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $562,000 in grants, including support for emergency meal delivery for homebound seniors after the 2026 winter storm. Tick Season Warning: CDC data show ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving more activity in the Northeast and Midwest. RI Budget Watch: Rhode Island’s FY27 budget proposal would increase spending by about $523 million, with 45% going to healthcare and human services. Grocery Checkout Policy: Rhode Island Senate-approved legislation would require one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkout lanes, setting up a House debate. Courts & Child Safety: The Rhode Island Senate is set to consider a bill creating a “revival window” for expired civil claims tied to institutional child sexual abuse.

Primary Care Access: A new Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner report finds primary care is strained, with about a 300-clinician shortfall, worsening appointment access, and uneven preventive care—especially for lower-income residents and communities of color. Maternal Health Funding: Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center received a $1.6 million state investment after Brown University Health said it would need $4.9 million annually to stay open longer term. Public Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM warned residents to avoid contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to a harmful blue-green algae bloom and outlined steps if people or pets are exposed. Cancer Treatment Research: An ASCO presentation reports that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may be linked to better long-term survival and fewer immune side effects in real-world cancer care. Legal/Health Records: A federal judge sharply criticized DOJ lawyers for misleading claims in a case involving Rhode Island hospital gender-transition treatment records. Family Law: The R.I. Supreme Court declined to review whether the state’s grandparents visitation law is constitutional in a case tied to a child’s medical and visitation concerns.

Maternal Health Funding: Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center won $1.6 million in new state support, helping secure access to maternal care on Aquidneck Island. Public Health & Activity: RIDOH awarded about $32,000 in grants to boost physical activity for youths and families through community design and active transportation efforts. Healthcare Workforce: The R.I. Life Science Hub partnered with the Pawtucket Foundation on a career pathways program aimed at underrepresented communities in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket. Cancer Care Research: New real-world findings presented at ASCO suggest GLP-1 receptor drugs used alongside immune checkpoint therapy may improve long-term survival and lower immune side effects for some cancer patients. Lyme & Ticks Prep: HHS launched a federal tick initiative as Rhode Island heads into peak Lyme season, with RIDOH urging residents to watch for Lone Star ticks and other risks. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM warned people to avoid Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to a harmful algae bloom. Storm Recovery: After recent rough storms, Rhode Islanders reported power outages and hazardous debris, with neighbors stepping in to clear roads and restore access to care. Mental Health After Birth: A new explainer breaks down postpartum depression versus “baby blues,” and why early help matters.

Ebola Monitoring in Rhode Island: RIDOH says it will implement a new system to monitor Ebola symptoms in travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, with rerouted flights and 21-day self-monitoring plus weekly check-ins. Tick-Season Push: HHS launched a federal Lyme and tick initiative in New Hampshire as Rhode Island heads into peak season, with officials warning of rising tick-bite ER visits nationwide and urging residents to protect themselves. Primary Care Funding Debate: Physicians argue in JAMA for a “primary care common fund,” calling primary care a public utility and urging states to pool existing payer money to strengthen access. State Health Policy & Housing: Rhode Island is moving forward with supportive housing for medically vulnerable residents at 371 Pine St., while RIDOH also recommends closing Easton’s Beach swimming area due to high bacteria counts. Local Health & Safety: A propane flash fire at a Cape Cod construction site sent one person with burn injuries to a regional burn center, with Rhode Island Hospital receiving the patient.