AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Tulsa advocates and lawmakers used a final domestic-violence awareness town hall and a Capitol study to call for stronger prevention and court responses, citing Oklahoma’s high rates of domestic violence and related homicides. Care and Research: A Blanchard stroke survivor is sharing her recovery story after treatment at OU Health; meanwhile, an OU researcher won $1.9 million to study how medicines interact and cause harmful side effects. Maternal Health: OSU Medicine has launched a Tulsa program combining addiction treatment with care for pregnant and postpartum patients. Safety and Access: Enid officials are testing more than 780 people linked to a tuberculosis investigation, and Oklahoma’s 2027 health insurance marketplace enrollment opens Nov. 1. A recall also affects Medline hospital beds over fire and entrapment risks.

Maternal and Addiction Care: OSU Medicine has launched an eastern Oklahoma program bringing pregnancy care and addiction treatment together in Tulsa, with OB-GYN and addiction specialists, doulas, lactation support and pediatric care for pregnant and postpartum patients. Treatment Accountability: The Frontier reports that Oklahomans recruited to “free” rehab in Southern California encountered a complicated treatment and insurance system, with some facing substantial medical bills. Patient Safety: Medline hospital beds have been recalled over fire and entrapment risks; affected facilities and patients should check the recall notice. Infectious Disease: Enid’s tuberculosis investigation has reached 783 contacts, with Oklahoma officials conducting two days of testing. Coverage: Oklahoma’s 2027 health insurance marketplace enrollment opens Nov. 1.

Equipment Safety: Medline recalled hospital beds and accessories over fire and patient-entrapment risks. Updated guidance allows affected equipment to remain in use with precautions, including keeping beds unplugged except when adjustments are needed; Oklahoma ABLE Tech urges users to contact Medline. Maternal Health: OU’s College of Nursing received more than $5 million in NIH funding for four years of research on maternal care, including projects focused on Native families, access, nutrition and culturally responsive care. Health Coverage: Oklahoma’s 2027 health insurance marketplace open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Halloween Safety: The Oklahoma Poison Center reports 214 calls about toy accidents involving children 5 and younger through Oct. 8; squishy toys accounted for 40.5%. It also warns that swallowed button batteries can cause life-threatening burns quickly. Addiction Treatment: An investigation by The Frontier and Curbside Chronicle describes Oklahoma residents who say California rehab programs promised comprehensive care but provided little treatment and left them to find their own way home. Insurers allege some providers and recruiters submitted fraudulent claims.

Coverage: Oklahoma’s 2027 ACA Marketplace open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Residents can enroll in or change plans through HealthCare.gov. TB Response: State health officials notified 783 Enid High School students, family members and guardians after active TB was confirmed among students; contact testing was held Oct. 26 and 27. Being notified means possible exposure, not infection, and schools remain open. Medicare Pilot: A study found use of targeted services, including spinal steroid injections, fell after AI-assisted prior authorization began in Oklahoma and five other states. Researchers say they cannot yet tell whether patients missed needed care. Maternal Health: OSU Medicine has launched a program for pregnant and postpartum patients battling addiction. Flu Shots: Free drive-through vaccinations for people 9 and older will be offered Nov. 6 at the Murray County Expo Center in Sulphur; no appointment is needed.

Breast Cancer Care: Oklahoma Project Woman offers vouchers for care ranging from screening mammograms to surgery, helping women who might otherwise go without treatment. Its clinic and imaging partners now reach nearly every county. Public Health: State health officials are addressing tuberculosis diagnoses in Enid and sharing guidance on fall illnesses. Medical Marijuana: OMMA is investigating portal problems that could hinder patients and businesses, and has expanded a recall involving a mixed batch. Medicare Access: A new study found an immediate drop in use of services targeted by a federal prior-authorization pilot, which includes Oklahoma; the program’s approval requirements could add barriers to care. Infertility Research: The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation received a grant to study the origins of infertility and congenital disorders. Safe Haven: Tulsa’s Saint Francis Hospital received Oklahoma’s first baby surrendered through a Safe Haven Baby Box, giving parents a confidential way to place an infant in medical care.

Research: The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation received a $470,000 NIH grant to study how chromosomes pair as eggs and sperm form, a process linked to infertility and congenital disorders. Emergency Preparedness: Federal officials are studying the response to last year’s Weatherford ammonia leak, which sent 74 people to hospitals, including evacuations, air monitoring and agency communications. Community Care: A health fair at Oklahoma City’s Homeless Alliance offered screenings, hepatitis C testing and recovery support to people facing barriers to care. Public Health: The Oklahoma State Department of Health is sharing virus-prevention guidance as flu activity rises statewide, while the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority clarified which products are affected by a recall. Health Access: Oklahoma Voice reports the share of residents without health insurance is growing. Maternal Health: OU’s College of Nursing received more than $5 million for maternal health research, and Tulsa’s annual North Tulsa Community Baby Shower connected expectant parents with healthcare and safety resources.

Coverage Costs: Oklahoma’s uninsured rate among working-age adults climbed to 11.2%, from 8.9% in 2024, as expiring federal subsidies made Affordable Care Act plans harder to afford, a new analysis found. Heart Care: Ascension St. John is expanding its cardiovascular services with nearly 30 physicians and plans to invest more than $100 million over several years, aiming to widen access across Northeast Oklahoma. Screening Access: A mobile mammography unit will offer appointments at Tulsa’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Oct. 29, including for people without insurance. Maternal Health: OU has received more than $5 million for research focused on improving maternal health. Safe Haven: A baby was safely surrendered for the first time in an Oklahoma Safe Haven Baby Box, at St. Francis Children’s Hospital in Tulsa.

Flu Watch: Hospital admissions for flu are rising in the federal region that includes Oklahoma, though activity remains low nationally. Health officials urge families to get vaccinated before holiday gatherings. Maternal Health: OU’s College of Nursing won more than $5 million in NIH funding for four projects studying maternal health data, care access, culturally responsive services, nutrition and technology. Transplant Recovery: Miami resident Melvin Cook is dancing to gold medals more than a year after a double-lung transplant, following years of severe breathing problems. Medicaid: Oklahoma reports one of the nation’s lowest payment error rates: 0.15% for Medicaid and 0.88% for CHIP, compared with national rates of 6.12% and 7.05%.

Patient Update: OU offensive lineman Sean Hutton has been released from the hospital after a medical event at practice. Health Costs: Employer-sponsored insurance costs are rising again in Oklahoma, while ACA open enrollment gives residents a chance to review coverage for 2027. Infectious Disease: Enid schools are cooperating with health officials after active tuberculosis cases were identified; state officials also issued rabies guidance after an Elk City skunk tested positive and urged flu-prevention steps. Health System: Integris Health finalized its agreement to join Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed nonprofit; financial terms remain private. Care & Prevention: Saint Francis confirmed its first Safe Haven Baby Box surrender, and Oklahoma is spotlighting obesity and diabetes prevention. OU nursing also received millions for maternal-health research.

Coverage Costs: Employer-sponsored health premiums rose 5% this year, averaging $9,804 for individual coverage and $28,303 for family plans, according to a KFF survey. Oklahomans are also preparing for ACA open enrollment and 2027 insurer changes. Prevention: Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate reached 36.8% in 2024, and about 417,000 adults have diabetes. A state study is examining prevention and treatment options as the illnesses drive major healthcare costs. Public Health: Enid schools are cooperating with health officials investigating active tuberculosis cases, with contact tracing underway. The state health department also issued rabies guidance after an Elk City skunk tested positive and shared flu-prevention advice. Health System: Integris Health finalized its deal to join Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed nonprofit; financial terms remain private. OU’s College of Nursing also received millions for maternal health research.

Insurance Costs: Employer-sponsored health coverage rose 5% this year, with average family premiums reaching $28,303, according to a KFF survey cited by Oklahoma Voice. Rabies Prevention: After a skunk in Elk City tested positive, state health officials urged Oklahomans to vaccinate pets, avoid wild animals and seek medical care after bites or scratches. Chronic Disease: Oklahoma’s obesity rate was 36.8% in 2024, and about 417,000 adults have diagnosed diabetes; a state study is examining prevention and treatment. Infectious Disease: Enid Public Schools reported active tuberculosis cases among students, prompting health officials to conduct contact tracing. Health System Changes: Integris Health finalized its deal to join Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed nonprofit network; financial terms remain private. Maternal Health: OU’s College of Nursing received millions to advance maternal health research.

Infectious Disease: Enid Public Schools reported active tuberculosis cases among students, prompting health officials to trace contacts. Oklahoma’s health department is also urging flu-prevention steps as flu activity rises early in parts of the country. Maternal and Reproductive Health: OU’s College of Nursing received millions to advance maternal-health research, while Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation researchers won a $470,000 grant to study fertility and chromosome development. Family Support: Saint Francis confirmed its first Safe Haven Baby Box surrender, nearly two years after the box launched. Health Care Access: Oklahoma’s ACA marketplace enrollment period is approaching, with many residents still facing coverage gaps. Hospital Systems: Integris Health agreed to join Risant Health, a major change for Oklahoma’s largest nonprofit health system; financial terms remain private.

Senior Nutrition: The Marietta Nutrition Center is back to serving full meals after funding and leadership changes disrupted services at regional centers. Its new director hopes to bring additional support for older adults to the site. Maternal Health Research: OU’s College of Nursing received more than $5 million in NIH funding for four projects focused on improving pregnancy and maternal outcomes, including culturally responsive care and nutrition. Infectious Disease: Oklahoma health officials recommend flu-prevention steps, while Crutcho Elementary reported a hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak. Enid schools are also cooperating with a TB investigation after active cases were identified. Safe Haven: Saint Francis Hospital confirmed its first infant surrender through its Safe Haven Baby Box, available around the clock for infants up to 30 days old. Healthcare System: Integris Health finalized its agreement to join Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed nonprofit; deal terms remain private. Patient Advocacy: An Oklahoma survivor is calling for deadlines to address the state’s rape-kit backlog, which is larger than previously reported.

Coverage & Costs: ACA enrollment for 2027 starts Nov. 1, with higher premiums expected after enhanced subsidies expired and new identity checks that may slow sign-ups. Addiction Care: A Tulsa foundation funded by Oklahoma’s Purdue Pharma settlement is building new labs and offices for addiction research and treatment. Infectious Disease: Oklahoma health officials are tracing contacts after active tuberculosis cases were identified at Enid Public Schools. Health System: Risant Health has finalized its acquisition of INTEGRIS Health, bringing the Oklahoma system into a nonprofit network backed by Kaiser Permanente. Patient Safety: Oklahoma recalled two medical marijuana batches after they failed yeast and mold tests. SoonerCare: The state reports a 0.15% Medicaid improper-payment rate in 2025, well below the 6.12% national average.

School Health: Oklahoma health officials are tracing contacts and arranging testing after two active tuberculosis cases were identified among Enid Public Schools students. TB is treatable with antibiotics, officials say. Health System: Risant Health finalized its deal to acquire INTEGRIS Health, a major change for one of Oklahoma’s largest health systems. Hearing Care: OU Health audiologist Suzanne Kimball urges Thunder fans to use earplugs at Paycom Center, especially children and people regularly exposed to loud events. Coverage Gap: Census data show 15.9% of Oklahoma adults ages 19–65 were uninsured in 2024, compared with 11.3% nationally; the state’s child uninsured rate reached 8.5%. Pregnancy and the Law: A new national report counted 222 pregnancy-related criminal cases in Oklahoma, the second-highest total among states; researchers say the nationwide tally is likely incomplete. Public Health: Oklahoma recalled two medical marijuana batches after they failed yeast and mold testing.

Research Access: Istios Health is expanding its clinical research network into Texas through a Denison kidney-care practice that serves southeastern Oklahoma, opening more opportunities to study kidney, heart and metabolic conditions. Hospital System: INTEGRIS Health is joining Risant Health, a nonprofit backed by Kaiser Permanente, in a major change for Oklahoma’s largest health system. Pregnancy and Justice: A new report says Oklahoma ranks second nationally for pregnancy-related prosecutions, with hundreds of cases since the fall of Roe v. Wade. Medical Marijuana: Oklahoma recalled two batches after they failed yeast and mold tests; meanwhile, OMMA Director Adria Berry is stepping down, with Jason Yingling named interim director. Food and Wellness: State lawmakers are studying ways to improve SNAP access to healthier foods and home-delivered meals, while OSDH has opened applications for its Certified Healthy Oklahoma program.