AGP Executive Report

Primary Care Payment Push: A bipartisan “Pay PCPs Act of 2026” would add a monthly per-patient rate on top of fee-for-service to strengthen primary care, including care management and portal messaging. RI Healthcare Costs: Brown University Health says its charity care bill jumped more than 50% to $49.6 million in the spring, highlighting how the state’s healthcare strain is shifting onto hospitals. Tech Stress & Recovery: A new study links constant connectivity to higher stress and finds scheduled no-technology breaks can lower stress levels. Workplace Wellness Wins: Rhode Island employers earned PBN Healthiest Employers Awards for holistic benefits—ranging from mental health support and wellness reimbursements to free virtual medical and therapy visits. PFAS in Tiverton: State testing shows 63 homes with PFAS above drinking-water standards, with more wells still being checked. Injury & Safety: A crash after a terminated Portsmouth traffic stop killed a child under 3 and sent two others to Rhode Island Hospital; authorities charged the driver with DUI resulting in death. Community Health Access: URI is recruiting youth with blindness or visual impairment for a surf therapy study on adaptive surfing.

Food Safety Recall: De Todito mixed chip snacks are being recalled after pork cracklings were traced to Colombia, a country barred from exporting meat to the U.S.; no illnesses reported, but the recall marks a repeat problem for the same snack line. Crash & Public Health: A toddler under 3 died in a Middletown crash after a Portsmouth officer terminated an attempted traffic stop of the same vehicle minutes earlier; two survivors were taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries. Mental Health & Medical Liability: In the Lindsay Clancy case, civil malpractice lawsuits tied to her children’s deaths are moving forward after a mistrial, with parallel suits alleging negligent mental health treatment and medication harms. Overdose Trends: A new analysis points to falling U.S. overdose deaths, citing factors like wider naloxone access and expanded harm-reduction supplies. School Supports: Rhode Island’s RIDE is launching the BARR model in six schools with a $480,000 grant to improve attendance, engagement, and school culture. Local Health Policy: A bipartisan Senate bill would add $10 billion for primary care and change how Medicare values physician work, including hybrid payment ideas. Research Update: URI researchers report that waist circumference and BMI together better predict mortality risk among older adults. Health Coverage Costs: New data shows how employer-based health insurance premiums are split between employees and employers, highlighting ongoing affordability pressures.

Rhode Island Health & Care: Sen. Jack Reed says Trump-era healthcare changes are driving up costs and leaving more people uninsured, pointing to Rhode Island coverage losses and rising marketplace deductibles as hospitals feel the strain. RI Politics & Access: Helena Foulkes’ Democratic win over Gov. Dan McKee reshapes state leadership after voters’ anger over the Washington Bridge closure—an issue that also affects daily access to care and appointments. Public Health Watch: The CDC reports nearly 20,000 confirmed Cyclospora cases this season, with thousands more pending, tied in part to iceberg lettuce; officials warn outbreaks can take weeks to fully count. Respiratory Season Prep: The American Lung Association urges New Englanders—including Rhode Islanders—to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines in September or October, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions. Local Health Services: Rhode Island’s primary also set up a new AG race, with Kim Ahern winning the Democratic nomination—key for future health policy and enforcement. Community Support: The Maddie Potts Jamboree continues to raise funds for brain aneurysm research and local athletic health resources.

Primary Politics in Rhode Island: Gov. Dan McKee faces a serious Democratic primary challenge from Helena Foulkes, with the race tied to public frustration over the Washington Bridge replacement and broader concerns about affordability and healthcare. Health Policy & Access: A new CDC report finds HPV vaccination among teens has stalled for four straight years, while Tdap and meningococcal coverage dipped slightly—especially among younger teens—raising flags for missed prevention. Maternal Health Watch: ProPublica reports ectopic pregnancy deaths have nearly doubled from 2020–2025, with abortion bans complicating timely diagnosis and care. Suicide Prevention & Firearms: A new analysis links higher gun ownership rates to higher suicide deaths, with Rhode Island among the lower-rate states. Local Wellness Research: URI is launching a pilot surf-therapy study for children ages 5–17 with blindness or visual impairment, supported by a Fogarty Foundation grant. Substance Use Data Funding: FORE awarded nearly $1.82M in grants to improve how overdose and substance-use data are collected and shared by state and local health teams.

URI Surf Therapy Study: A new pilot program is recruiting youth ages 5–17 with blindness or visual impairment to study how adapted surf therapy affects physical skills and self-perception, backed by a Fogarty Foundation grant. Primary Health & Mental Health Access: In the Lindsay Clancy case, jurors say a holdout’s refusal to reach a verdict helped trigger last week’s mistrial; her defense also alleges the health care system ignored her pleas for help, including questions about Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. Maternal Health Warning: A ProPublica analysis reports ectopic pregnancy deaths nearly doubled from 2020–2025, with delays in diagnosis and care worsening outcomes—especially in states with abortion bans. Vaccines Update: CDC data show HPV vaccination has stalled for four straight years among teens 13–17, while Tdap and meningococcal coverage dipped slightly, with declines concentrated among younger teens. Suicide Support Spotlight: Rhode Island marks 9-8-8 Day by highlighting 988’s 24/7, free, confidential support—answering calls locally through Horizon Healthcare Partners. Local Health Safety: A Rhode Island runner was seriously injured in a potentially rabid raccoon attack in South Kingstown and received rabies post-exposure treatment and surgery. Health Policy & Food Access: A proposed federal bill would end SNAP’s Restaurant Meals Program, which currently lets eligible people use EBT at select restaurants in a limited set of states including Rhode Island. Managed Care Research: Brown University School of Public Health research describes how Medicare Advantage plans, postacute care managers, and home health agencies shape post-hospital home care referrals. Election Health Context: Rhode Island’s Democratic primary is centered on Gov. Dan McKee vs. Helena Foulkes, with healthcare concerns repeatedly cited by voters as the stakes heading into Wednesday’s polls.

School Meals Access: A new 2026 State of School Lunch Report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal reach, with New Mexico, New York, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. close behind—highlighting how breakfast and lunch programs help kids stay fueled and ready to learn. Reproductive Health Funding Fight: Washington state joined a 22-state lawsuit challenging new federal Title X conditions that would force providers to discourage contraception, push marriage/childbearing messaging, and exclude transgender people to keep funding. Postacute Home Care in Medicare Advantage: Brown University School of Public Health research describes how Medicare Advantage plans, postacute care managers, hospitals and home health agencies shape post-discharge home care—often with differing roles and friction around referrals. Suicide Prevention in RI: Bristol HEZ is marking “9-8-8 Day,” urging Rhode Islanders to use the 988 Lifeline for support even when they’re not in a crisis. Local Health Care Leadership: Newport Art Museum named Emily Manocchio director of advancement, coming from Newport Hospital/Brown Health where she helped bring Rhode Island’s first da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system. Health Care Cost Pressure: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is set to discuss reversing Trump-era health care cuts, citing a URI study that says one in three Rhode Islanders delay care due to cost.

Primary Season (RI & NH): Voters in Rhode Island and New Hampshire head to the polls for key state primaries, including a tough Democratic fight for Gov. Dan McKee’s renomination. Health Care Costs & Oversight: A new look at hospital spending penalties finds many states tried similar caps before California—without clear results—raising questions about whether new rules will curb prices. Public Health (Vaccines): CDC data show HPV vaccination among teens has stalled for the fourth straight year, with a widening rural gap—another reminder to check school-year records. Local Health & Community Support: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $26,000 to Rhode Island youth programs, including tutoring, healthy meals, and literacy/arts support. Water & Public Health Infrastructure: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed a $45M loan for Westerly wastewater upgrades aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Emerging Health Threats: Researchers described a new tick-borne virus in China; the tick is already in many U.S. states, but no U.S. human cases have been reported. Care Access & Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general is challenging federal moves that would restrict Medicaid coverage for transgender youth gender-affirming care.

Rhode Island Politics: Gov. Dan McKee faces a Democratic rematch with Helena Foulkes, with campaign focus on trust in state government and lingering anger over the Washington Bridge repair timeline. Health Care Costs: California adopted a hospital spending-growth penalty plan that could fine providers, but a new look at past state efforts suggests similar approaches haven’t clearly lowered prices or premiums. Public Health: CDC data show HPV vaccination among teens has stalled for a fourth straight year, with the rural-urban gap widening—an urgent reminder for back-to-school record checks. Local Health Systems: Southcoast Hospitals Group earned an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence designation, highlighting efforts to use antibiotics appropriately and curb resistance. Community & Wellness: Pawtucket announced major parks and recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with splash features. Tech & Transport: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight above Narragansett Bay, testing an electric craft that can shift between floating, hydrofoiling, and low-altitude flight. Infectious Disease Watch: Researchers described a new tick-borne virus in China, while noting the tick species is already established across much of the eastern U.S.—a distinction that matters for risk.

Gender-Affirming Care Legal Fight: A coalition led by state attorneys general, including New York’s Letitia James, is suing to block a federal move that would bar Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth—arguing it conflicts with Congress’s authority and could force states to absorb new costs. Rhode Island Elections & Access: Two Rhode Island graduate students launched a nonpartisan site aimed at helping voters understand General Assembly races where primaries often decide outcomes early. Local Primary Pressure: South County voters face key Democratic primaries, including North Kingstown’s House District 31 race after Rep. Julie Casimiro’s resignation amid eligibility questions. Hospital Infection Control: Southcoast Hospitals Group earned an antimicrobial stewardship “Center of Excellence” designation—highlighting ongoing efforts to curb antibiotic resistance, with Brown University Health facilities also recognized. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island leaders urged safer driving during Labor Day weekend with extra DUI patrols and reminders to plan ahead. Community Health Support: A Jack Rua Invitational Golf Tournament will raise funds for Camp Jack for children with Type 1 diabetes.

Violence & Safety: A 23-year-old man was slashed in the face and abdomen in Times Square Saturday night, the third knife attack there in under a week; he’s expected to survive after treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Local Health & Community: Rhode Island golfers are rallying for the Jack Rua Invitational on Sept. 29 in Rehoboth, with proceeds supporting People Incorporated/The Diabetes Association and Camp Jack for children with Type 1 diabetes. Public Health & Prevention: Ahead of Labor Day, Rhode Island traffic safety leaders urged safer driving, with extra DUI patrols statewide and a BAT mobile deployed over the weekend. Care & Access: A Providence-area narrative medicine piece highlights how homeless shelters can shape discharge decisions, pushing clinicians to rethink what gets recorded when housing isn’t actually available. Health Policy Watch: A coalition of states, including Maryland, is challenging federal moves to block Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Sports Safety: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for public high schools to improve football head protection.

Shark Migration & Climate: Experts say more warm-water shark species are showing up consistently in New England, including off Rhode Island, as ocean temperatures shift. School Food & Kids’ Health: A Rhode Island-focused critique argues the U.S. school lunch program is failing students and calls for better, well-funded nutrition education. Traffic Safety: Rhode Island leaders are urging drivers to “End Your Summer Safely” with extra DUI patrols and a reminder to plan a safe ride home. Community Health Through Parks: Pawtucket is moving ahead with major park and recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with a splash pad. Anti-Racism in Sports: WNBA player Dearica Hamby’s racist abuse case led to a Rhode Island medical equipment company firing the alleged sender and the league permanently banning them. Primary Care Access: A new report highlights Rhode Island’s progress on primary care Medicaid reimbursement rates and points to ongoing affordability gaps. Gender-Affirming Care Lawsuits: Rhode Island is among states suing to block federal limits on Medicaid coverage for transgender youth care. Public Health & Safety in the News: Providence police report a domestic stabbing with one injured and one taken into custody. Rabies Watch: Rhode Island rabies cases reached 34 after two raccoons tested positive in Warwick.

SNAP & Food Access: New federal debate is heating up after data showed more than $524M in SNAP benefits were spent at fast-food restaurants from June 2023 to May 2025, with California accounting for about $475M—fueling calls to end the Restaurant Meals Program. Public Health & Housing: A Brown University medical student’s new narrative medicine piece, “Gladiator Shelters,” highlights how hospital discharge planning can leave people with nowhere to go, pushing clinicians to rethink what gets documented when shelters are the only option. Care for Trans Youth: A 22-state coalition, including Maryland, sued the Trump administration over a rule that would block Medicaid reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income minors, arguing states should control coverage decisions. Rhode Island Health & Safety: Rhode Island Shriners are buying about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for high school football players, aiming to reduce head impact risk. Local Health Alerts: Rhode Island health officials reported two more raccoons testing positive for rabies in Warwick, bringing the year’s total to 34. Health System Stress (National): A national hospital crisis watch warns GOP health care cuts are worsening strain, with more than 1,200 hospitals, clinics, and providers facing fallout.

Medicaid Fight for Youth Gender Care: A 22-state coalition led by Maryland AG Anthony Brown sued the Trump administration over a rule that would block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, arguing states should control coverage decisions. Rhode Island Corrections Funding: RIDOC received $1.7 million in federal earmarks to modernize its transportation fleet and expand Correctional Industries job training. Postpartum Mental Health in Focus: The Lindsay Clancy murder trial ended in a mistrial after a deadlocked jury, with her defense citing postpartum psychosis and her civil team saying the medical system failed her. Rabies Alert: Rhode Island reported two new rabies-positive raccoons in Warwick, bringing the year’s total to 34; officials urged pet vaccinations and caution around wildlife. Rural Health Workforce: Rhode Island committed $5.48 million to train the rural healthcare workforce, supporting schools and local education partners. School Support Grant: Rhode Island won a $3.68 million, five-year federal grant to strengthen special education services and expand pathways for special educators.

Medicaid Gender-Care Lawsuit: Twenty-one states (including Rhode Island) and D.C. sued the Trump administration over a rule that would block federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing it unlawfully strips states of their role in medical coverage decisions. Hospital Strain: National coverage highlights how GOP health care cuts are pushing hospitals and clinics toward closures and longer waits, with staffing and uncompensated care worsening. Corrections Workforce Funding: RIDOC received $1.7 million in federal earmarks to modernize its transportation fleet and expand correctional job training through Rhode Island Correctional Industries. Rabies Alert: Rhode Island’s rabies cases rose to 34 after two Warwick raccoons tested positive; officials urged pet vaccinations and caution around wildlife. Postpartum Mental Health Spotlight: A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, renewing attention on postpartum psychosis and mental health support. Rural Health Training Grant: Rhode Island committed $5.48 million to rural healthcare workforce training through a federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Special Education Funding: Rhode Island won a five-year, $3.68 million federal grant to strengthen special education services and expand pathways for special educators. Type 1 Diabetes Camp Support: URI students and staff helped run a sleepaway camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes, with medical and nutrition teams monitoring blood sugar 24/7. Health Costs Poll: A URI survey found 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about high healthcare costs, and nearly 1 in 3 skipped doctor-recommended care due to affordability.

Healthcare affordability in Rhode Island: A new URI survey finds 72% of residents worry about high healthcare costs, and 29% delayed doctor-recommended care because they couldn’t afford it—an access problem driven by money, not coverage. Hospital strain from charity care: Rhode Island hospitals are seeing a surge in charity care that’s adding pressure as insurance-market disruptions ripple through budgets. Trans youth healthcare fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 22-state coalition challenging the Trump administration’s push to block Medicaid funding for transgender care for low-income youth, arguing medical decisions belong to families and clinicians. Medical AI regulation: Federal regulators are tightening rules around medical AI, with the FDA focusing on how generative AI-enabled devices are evaluated and monitored for safety and effectiveness. Workplace violence in healthcare: Reports highlight rising violence against healthcare workers fueling strikes, including in Rhode Island. Aging and community support: Age-Friendly Rhode Island received a $330,000 grant to expand age-friendly planning and partnerships statewide. Local healthcare leadership: Brown University and Brown Health announced a $37 million Starr Foundation-backed alliance aimed at advancing treatment for age-associated conditions.

Health Care Costs & Access: A new URI survey finds 29% of Rhode Islanders (or household members) delayed medical care in the past year because of cost, with 47% saying they couldn’t afford it and 23% saying it wasn’t worth the price. Primary Care Medicaid Push: Gov. Daniel McKee is backing a plan that could raise Medicaid primary care reimbursements by 48% to 66% to better match the true cost of care, after a state review found rates still lag. Aging & Research Investment: Brown University and Brown University Health are launching the Starr Healthspan Innovation Alliance with $37 million to speed aging-focused discoveries from labs to clinical care. Trans Youth Health Legal Fight: Rhode Island’s AG coalition news continues as multiple states challenge Trump administration efforts to block Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Community Health for Older Adults: Age-Friendly Rhode Island received a $330,000 three-year grant from Point32Health Foundation to expand local planning and partnerships. Public Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM lifted a HAB-related “avoid contact” advisory for Upper and Lower Melville Ponds in Portsmouth, but kept high-risk guidance for other Roger Williams Park ponds. Youth Safety in Sports: Rhode Island Shriners donated 1,100 Guardian Caps to 36 schools to reduce head-impact severity for football players.