AGP Executive Report

Measles Surge: The CDC says 2026 is on pace to top the U.S. measles record, with 2,030 cases across 38 states and DC as of June 4—mostly among unvaccinated children and teens—driving more hospitalizations. Child Wellbeing Watch: Oklahoma made slight gains in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report but still ranks near the bottom, with education and family outcomes lagging and eviction pressures limiting economic wellbeing. Screwworm Response: Texas activated an “escalated response” after New World screwworm was detected, a move that matters for Oklahoma’s cattle supply chain and food prices if the outbreak spreads. Health & Safety in Oklahoma Heat: Oklahoma guidance highlights how humidity raises the heat index and increases heat illness risk, urging hydration, cooling breaks, and extra care for kids and older adults. Care in the Community: Oklahoma City residents are being asked for input on parks and trails to support recovery after the 2024 tornado damaged key health and community sites. Corrections Rights: Advocates accuse Oklahoma’s Department of Corrections of retaliation against an inmate after a near-fatal stabbing, seeking court protection for his rights.

Nursing Home Watch (Oklahoma City): Epworth Villa Health Services’ ownership and CMS rating for Q1 2026 show a nonprofit facility with an overall CMS score of 4, above Oklahoma’s 2.7 state average, with no fines or penalties reported. Nursing Home Watch (Broken Arrow): Village Health Care Center in Tulsa County posted a low overall CMS rating of 1 in Q1 2026, plus one fine ($30,470) and one penalty. Nursing Home Watch (Tulsa): Ignite Medical Resort Tulsa earned a 4-star CMS rating in early 2026, but still logged a fine ($16,772) and one penalty. Nursing Home Watch (Enid/Garfield): The Living Center in Garfield County received a 5-star CMS rating in Q1 2026 with no fines or penalties, while ownership changes were also reported for a separate Enid facility. Public Health & Safety: Tulsa police say five people overdosed on drugs they believed were cocaine; officers administered Narcan and transported all to the hospital. Heat Risk: A new analysis says dangerously humid heat days are rising in the Midwest and South, with Tulsa seeing about five more extreme humid days per year than in 1979. State Policy: Oklahoma Gov. Stitt signed a law requiring overdose notification and fentanyl reporting, and lawmakers expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit.

Talc Lawsuit Update: A Los Angeles jury ruled Johnson & Johnson was not negligent in selling talc-based baby powder in an ovarian cancer case, a major win in litigation involving more than 67,000 plaintiffs. Oklahoma Caregiving Relief: Oklahoma expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, boosting eligibility and adding mileage for medical appointments; families can claim up to $3,000. Overdose Reporting Law: A new Oklahoma law requires first responders to notify law enforcement after suspected overdoses, with fentanyl presumed in fatal cases; it takes effect Nov. 1. Nursing Home Quality Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 shows mixed results across Tulsa-area facilities, including Green Country Care Center (3-star) and Senior Suites Healthcare (2-star). Long-Term Care Recognition: The American Health Care Association named multiple Oklahoma skilled nursing and assisted living providers as 2026 Bronze award recipients. Public Health & Safety: Oklahoma also continues rolling out state health changes, while local coverage highlights ongoing community needs and medical access.

Nursing Home Quality Watch: CMS data shows Green Country Care Center in Tulsa County earned a 3-star rating in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported, while Senior Suites Healthcare in Tulsa County landed at 2 stars (also no fines/penalties). Nonprofit Care Spotlight: The Commons in Enid-area Garfield County posted a 3-star CMS rating in early 2026 but did face one fine and one penalty. Caregiver Support: Oklahoma expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit into law, boosting eligibility and raising the maximum credit to $3,000, with mileage for medical appointments now included. Overdose Response Law: A new Oklahoma law requires first responders to notify law enforcement after treating suspected overdoses and sets fentanyl as presumed in fatal cases involving the drug, with legal immunity for good-faith reporters. Long-Term Care Recognition: The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living named 15 Oklahoma skilled nursing facilities and three assisted living communities as 2026 Bronze award recipients, including Meridian Nursing Home in Comanche. Community Health & Safety: Bethany Children’s Health Center helped set a Guinness World Record for simultaneous soccer juggling to raise awareness about protecting community fields from extreme weather impacts.

Long-Term Care Quality Watch: Oklahoma’s nursing home landscape stays in focus as CMS data highlights both wins and concerns—Sulphur’s Artesian Home earned a Bronze-level quality award, while multiple facilities across the state show low CMS ratings (including several 1-star and 2-star homes) and reported fines/penalties in Q1 2026. Public Health & Pets: USDA and veterinary experts warn Oklahoma livestock and pet owners to stay alert as New World screwworm spreads; officials say the first confirmed case may understate the threat and urge year-round prevention for animals. Housing & Homelessness: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time Count points to an affordable housing gap as the main driver of homelessness, with most unhoused residents reporting disabling conditions—pushing local groups toward permanent, community-based solutions. Child Safety: Tragic updates from Oklahoma City and Bixby report infants and toddlers dying after vehicle incidents and suspected child abuse, underscoring ongoing needs for prevention and rapid response. Tobacco Prevention: World No Tobacco Day coverage spotlights Oklahoma’s Tobacco Stops With Me push against youth-targeted products and secondhand smoke.

Affordable Housing & Homelessness: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time Count found 1,443 people homeless on a single night, with advocates pointing to rising rents (avg. $1,054) and noting 71% lost housing locally; 77% report a disabling condition, shaping plans like City Lights Village. Nursing Home Watch (CMS): A cluster of Oklahoma long-term care facilities saw CMS ratings and ownership details released for Q1 2026, including Greenbrier Nursing Home (2-star, for-profit) and Medical Park West Rehab & Skilled Care (1-star, non-profit) alongside higher performers like Forest Hills Care & Rehab (3-star) and Regency Skilled Nursing & Therapy (5-star, for-profit). Child Safety Tragedy: Oklahoma City police say a 1-year-old died after being backed over in a SW OKC driveway while the father ran errands. Mental Health Leadership: Gov. Stitt appointed Josh Anderson interim commissioner of ODMHSAS after the prior commissioner was removed amid financial concerns. Homelessness Funding Shift: Federal HUD is moving away from “Housing First” toward mental health and addiction treatment requirements, raising concerns that Oklahoma agencies will face new barriers. Abortion Pill Law: Oklahoma lawmakers created new felony penalties for abortion pill distribution/trafficking, with critics warning vague language. Workplace Health & Safety: Oklahoma City ranks 14th among large metros for workplace safety staffing density, with 12 safety managers per 10,000 workers. Seizure Waivers: FMCSA is seeking public comment on epilepsy-related exemptions for 11 commercial drivers, including applicants from Oklahoma.

Behavioral Health Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt named Josh Anderson interim leader of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, replacing interim commissioner Gregory Slavonic as the agency cycles through top leadership again. Foster Care Stability: Oklahoma will extend foster care support to eligible young adults until age 21, adding Medicaid, stipends, and continued caseworker help for those meeting participation requirements. Food Security: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is restarting its Summer Feeding Program, with free meals and snacks at 114 sites across 53 counties through early August. Public Health Watch: Oklahoma farmers are monitoring for New World screwworm after Texas confirmed a case; officials say it threatens livestock wounds and could worsen beef prices if it reaches the state. Workplace Safety Staffing: An analysis ranks the OKC metro 14th among large U.S. metros for workplace safety manager density, highlighting how industrial activity can drive oversight needs. Healthcare Policy/Access: FMCSA is seeking public comment on epilepsy-related exemptions for 11 commercial drivers, including applicants from Oklahoma. Health System Business: Ascension closed its AmSurg deal after FTC scrutiny, continuing a push toward outpatient growth. Home Energy Costs: A new Oklahoma law requires large-load data centers and similar facilities (75+ megawatts) to cover infrastructure costs and give 60 days notice before buying land.

Higher Ed Affordability: House appropriators propose shoring up Pell Grants by ending subsidized federal student loans, a move critics say would raise debt for future low-income borrowers and push more students toward private borrowing. Medicaid Work Rules: Oklahoma lawmakers and advocates are watching new federal guidance on Medicaid work requirements for about 20 million adults, with concerns about coverage losses if verification is too strict. Nursing Home Quality Watch: CMS data show mixed results across Tulsa-area for-profit nursing homes—Emerald Care Center Tulsa drops to a 1-star overall rating with fines/penalties, while Mitchell Care & Rehab Center and Southbrook Healthcare score 5 stars with no fines/penalties reported. Public Health & Safety: OU Health is urging gun-safety education ahead of Gun Violence Awareness Day, highlighting common pediatric scenarios like unsecured firearms. Housing Stability: Advocates warn proposed federal housing changes could increase eviction risk for tens of thousands of Oklahomans by shifting away from permanent supportive housing. Invasive Livestock Threat: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, keeping Oklahoma on alert as USDA and animal health officials respond.

Public Health Policy: A new national report warns that post-COVID backlash has weakened outbreak powers in many states and cities, leaving communities less able to respond to emergencies. Infectious Disease Watch: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, with officials stressing it’s not a threat to the food supply and noting Oklahoma has no confirmed cases yet. Animal Health & Preparedness: Oklahoma-linked updates highlight USDA and industry steps to detect and control the parasite, including treatment guidance for livestock and veterinary stockpile coordination. Blood Clot Care: Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa was named Oklahoma’s first Venous Thromboembolism Center of Excellence by the National Blood Clot Alliance, recognizing prevention and long-term VTE management programs. Home-Based Care Expansion: Ascension finalized its purchase of AMSURG, continuing a fast-moving shift toward outpatient surgery and raising competition questions addressed by FTC-required divestitures. Mental Health & Suicide Risk: A wrongful death lawsuit targets the private contractor running Tulsa Municipal Jail after a man with mental illness died by suicide, alleging failures in monitoring and training. Community Nutrition: Green Country school districts are running free summer meal programs to keep kids fed while school is out. Opioid Safety Alert: Health officials warn about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid reported as far stronger than fentanyl and tied to rising overdose deaths in multiple states.

Oklahoma Nursing Homes Watch: CMS data spotlighted several Oklahoma facilities in Q1 2026, including Wilkins Health & Rehabilitation Community (Stephens County) as second-largest with a 4/5 rating and no fines, while Drumright Nursing Home (Creek County) landed second-largest but with a 1/5 rating and multiple fines/penalties. Local Care Quality: Grace Skilled and Nursing Therapy Norman (Cleveland County) earned a top 5/5 overall rating with no fines, and Covenant Living at Inverness (Creek County) was the only non-profit listed there, also posting a 5-star CMS rating. Cost Pressure & Access: Oklahoma’s attorney general sued to block a major aluminum smelter project, arguing it could harm Oklahoma’s cattle—an issue that matters for rural health and food systems. Health Policy & Staffing: A WalletHub study ranked Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, citing a projected 6,000 RN shortage by 2030—another reminder of the staffing strain facing healthcare nationwide. Patient Safety: Sedgwick County’s Major Crash Team investigated a three-vehicle injury crash east of Derby, with multiple people transported in serious/critical condition. Community Health: Oklahoma City’s OHCA launched an AI chatbot to help SoonerCare members navigate benefits.

Community Health Access: Community Clinic expanded its women’s health services in Siloam Springs, adding checkups, birth control/family planning, menopause and hormone support, and pregnancy care. Preventive Care: An OU Health urologic oncologist urged men to start prostate cancer screening discussions around age 45 and keep up routine screenings to catch problems early. Blood Clot Safety: Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa became Oklahoma’s first National Blood Clot Alliance VTE Center of Excellence, highlighting prevention, early treatment, and follow-up for DVT/PE. Public Health Alert: Health experts warn alpha-gal syndrome is spreading as tick bites can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and dairy. Food Security: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program returns to Kay County with free meals for kids through Aug. 7. Local Care Updates: Oklahoma City reported a deadly weekend shooting victim who later died in hospital; investigators are still seeking a suspect.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): Oklahoma’s latest CMS updates show a wide spread in nursing home quality. Checotah Nursing Center (Mcintosh County) fell to a 1-star overall rating, while Rainbow Health Care Community and Rainbow Assisted (Creek County) earned 4 stars. Community Health Center (Grant County) scored 4 stars with no fines or penalties, and ELK Crossing (Stephens County) hit 5 stars with no enforcement actions. On the low end, Clinton Therapy & Living Center (Custer County) received a 1-star rating with major fines and penalties, and Brentwood Extended Care & Rehab (Muskogee County) also landed at 1 star with $97,625 in fines. Public Health Alert (supplements): Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder after additional illnesses, bringing totals to 119 sick across 36 states. Child Welfare: Oklahoma will extend support for foster youth after age 18 under a new program starting July 1, with help potentially including SoonerCare coverage and stipends.

Oklahoma Medicaid Coverage: Open enrollment for Sooner Select (managed care Medicaid) ends June 12, giving about 600,000 members a last chance to switch plans via the mySoonerCare portal or helpline, with “value-added” benefits like wellness incentives and vaccine rewards. Child Health Access: A Georgetown report finds uninsured rates for kids under 6 jumped sharply from 2022 to 2024, with Oklahoma among the highest—raising concerns about delayed care and longer-term impacts. Nursing Workforce Boost: A $2 million endowed gift from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation creates a permanent nursing scholarship at Oklahoma City University, targeting students amid ongoing nursing shortages. Foster Care Stability: Oklahoma’s new law lets eligible foster youth stay in care until age 21, including some who can opt back in if they aged out early. EMS Funding Pressure: Hennessey leaders say ambulance costs are rising and the current funding model isn’t sustainable, prompting a push to rethink long-term EMS support. Car Seat Safety: Safe Kids Oklahoma and Bethany Children’s Health Center host a car seat checkup June 4 in Marietta, offering help installing seats and discounted options for families with proof of assistance.

Rural Hospital Funding: U.S. Senate leaders backed a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, letting rural hospitals test Medicare payment models to stay financially stable and keep care close to home. Cybersecurity Access: University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute will launch a cybersecurity clinic with a $1 million Google grant, offering risk assessments and hands-on training for small manufacturers, nonprofits, and tribal businesses. Workforce & Care Quality: Agape Care Group was named a 2026 Top Workplace for Nursing by Nurse.com, citing nurse feedback on support, respect, and career growth. Prescription Safety for Students: OU’s “Professor Pill” campaign is rolling out on campus to help new students handle medications safely and avoid misuse. Health & Safety Training: Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps is offering free summer seminars on heat illness and bite/sting/itch prevention. Local Health Community: OMRF marked World MS Day with a patient art event celebrating people living with multiple sclerosis. Public Health Coverage Gap: A new report finds uninsured rates for children under 6 are rising again, with Oklahoma among states with the highest levels. Emergency Preparedness: VA and tribal partners are hosting a disability presumptive conditions event in Eufaula to help veterans and surviving spouses access benefits and health care.

Men’s Health Push in Oklahoma: Craft Body Scan is launching a June Men’s Health Month campaign with a $149 Couples Heart & Lung Scan, aiming to get more men into preventive care. Workplace Drug Testing Rules: Oklahoma’s OMMA employment amendments take effect Nov. 1, 2026, shifting how employers can act on positive marijuana tests (with limits for safety-sensitive roles), while Maine adds new procedural requirements for drug testing. Medical Marijuana Policy Shift: The federal government reclassified medical marijuana to Schedule III, which could open some federal tax benefits, but states still face a patchwork of rules. Parkinson’s Wellness on Route 66: TSET highlights Parkinson’s cyclists riding Route 66 to a Phoenix conference, underscoring exercise as a way to slow progression. Local Health & Safety: A pursuit in Pauls Valley ended with police and OHP firing on a suspect with a long gun; the suspect was taken for medical care. Maternal Health Story: A Texas mother delivered premature twins on an Oklahoma highway during a Memorial Day trip, with the babies later transferred to Oklahoma Children’s care.

Public Safety: OKC police say a DUI driver was arrested after a two-car crash in northwest Oklahoma City injured several people, including two children; another NW OKC crash left a driver expected to be taken into custody after release from the hospital. Violence Update: Bartlesville police are investigating a shooting at a shopping center that sent one person to a Tulsa-area hospital; investigators say it appears isolated. Health & Care: Tulsa Nursing Center earned a 5-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported. Community Health Needs: A Perkins family is fundraising for a toddler’s intensive therapies after birth complications led to cerebral palsy and related diagnoses. Policy Watch: Federal medical marijuana rescheduling is moving forward, but states are still navigating a patchwork of rules and what comes next. Wellness Tech: Fitness pros share which recovery devices they actually use and recommend, including massage guns.