AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Health Care & Wellness: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and UT San Antonio are teaming with Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals on an NIH/NIDA Phase I STTR grant (~$400,000) to test AST-004 for substance use disorders, using oral drug studies in rodent addiction models. Local Health Access: Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma is adding the Watchman procedure for some atrial fibrillation patients who face bleeding risks from long-term blood thinners. Public Health & Safety: Oklahoma City police say a pursuit in northwest OKC ended in a crash Tuesday morning, sending two people to a local hospital after firefighters extricated them. Community Health & Environment: The Kiowa Tribe received $1 million to help identify and assess potentially dozens of orphaned oil and gas wells on tribal land, aiming to plug and remediate sites that can threaten human health. Health-Adjacent Headlines: A Tulsa Zoo chinchilla kit is born, and visitors can help name her via a fundraiser tied to Mission ImPopsicle. Caregiving & Costs: A new study says Tennessee is among the most expensive Southern states for daycare, underscoring how child care costs strain family budgets.

Food Safety Watch: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has sickened 431 people across 32 states, including Oklahoma, with 57 hospitalizations reported—prompting multiple restaurant and product recalls. Local Health Access: The Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System is expanding clinics and services to enroll about 10,000 more veterans, including new sites in Norman and Yukon and mental health growth at the Broadway VA Clinic. State Oversight: Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd’s federal single audit flags nearly $25 million in questioned costs, with major concerns at the Department of Human Services, including childcare payment verification and possible misuse in assistance programs. Pharmacy Recall Alert: A second recall in two weeks hits compounded glutathione injections after elevated bacterial endotoxin levels were found; the latest recall reached 14 states and lists symptoms reported by patients. Consumer/Insurance: Newly public State Farm documents in an Oklahoma hail-damage case allege the insurer targeted lower wind-and-hail claim payments, while the company says claims are handled individually. Community Health Support: A Norman program, A Better Way Norman, is set to close at month’s end due to funding gaps, despite reported help connecting participants to jobs, housing, and mental health or substance abuse care. Veterans & Care Infrastructure: VA upgrades also include dentistry growth, described as the fastest-growing service across Oklahoma facilities.

Oklahoma Health & Safety: Oklahoma courts still block routine courtroom photos and video, leaving the public shut out of sentencing and other proceedings despite modern tech. Public Health & Access: A federal judge issued a mixed ruling in the fight over the Digital Equity Act—stopping Trump’s move to end the $2.75B grant program, but striking down the use of race/ethnicity in awarding funds. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest-risk level over salmonella concerns, and the jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak continues to spread across states. Wellness in Oklahoma: Oklahoma State University Extension is bringing back a senior wellness class in Duncan this fall, with registration now open. Healthcare Workforce & Care Delivery: Oklahoma’s child welfare system is seeing more removals, and the state is also ending federal funding for third meals for students—both raising concerns about stability and support for vulnerable families. Medical Research: OMRF will study how microplastics may affect ovarian health and fertility.

Oklahoma Health Research: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) researchers are launching a one-year study on how microplastics may affect ovarian health and fertility, funded by a $123,000 Presbyterian Health Foundation grant. Public Health & Safety: Oklahoma City-area families are urging impaired-driving caution after an SW OKC DUI crash left an Oklahoma City man hospitalized with serious injuries, including internal bleeding and rib fractures. Cancer Care: Early trial results from University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center researchers point to promising safety and effectiveness signals for a renal cell carcinoma drug combination, with durable responses reported in a phase 1a study. Food Safety Watch: The FDA’s egg recall investigation remains active even as the practical “check the carton” dates have passed, leaving consumers focused on symptom awareness rather than label codes. Community Wellness Program: A senior strength training class is set to return to Duncan in September, with registration now open for the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program. Local Fraud Alerts: Stillwater is among Oklahoma cities with scam reports flagged by BBB Scam Tracker, with healthcare/Medicaid/Medicare scams appearing in the mix.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA’s egg recall linked to Salmonella Enteritidis is still under investigation, but the “best by” dates on affected cartons have now passed—so shoppers can’t check codes anymore, and the focus shifts to symptom awareness while investigators continue to sort out the outbreak. Health Research in Oklahoma: OMRF researchers are launching a one-year study funded by the Presbyterian Health Foundation to examine whether microplastics harm ovarian cells and could contribute to female infertility. Public Health Policy: A federal judge blocked sweeping HHS changes to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program while a lawsuit proceeds, leaving many canceled grants in place for now, including in Oklahoma. Local Care Access: Integrity Urgent Care opened a new clinic in Murphy, expanding urgent care, x-rays, labs, sports medicine, and STI screening for nearby Collin County communities. Oklahoma Health System Moves: Freeman Health System says it plans to improve access and care quality across a four-state region after completing its acquisition of Northwest Arkansas hospitals.

Federal Court Blocks HHS Teen Pregnancy Prevention Changes: A judge halted proposed U.S. Health and Human Services grant changes tied to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, leaving many canceled Oklahoma-area grants in limbo while the lawsuit proceeds. Food Safety Alerts: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole, pico and related items in 12 states after Salmonella concerns tied to a Mexico jalapeño supplier; FDA also upgraded major egg recall risk levels. Medication Recall: Optimal Balance Pharmacy issued a voluntary nationwide recall of compounded glutathione injections after elevated endotoxin levels, warning of possible serious reactions. Local Care Access: Integrity Urgent Care opened a new Murphy, Texas clinic offering urgent care, x-rays, labs, EKGs, sports medicine, virtual counseling and STI screening. Oklahoma Health & Safety in Schools: OSSAA now requires WBGT heat monitoring for outdoor practices, pushing schools to adjust schedules to reduce heat-stress risk during triple-digit conditions. Cancer Care Business Move: Tempus AI announced it will acquire Personalis to expand AI-driven precision cancer monitoring.

FDA Recall Watch: A Houston compounding pharmacy, Optimal Balance Pharmacy, is recalling a lot of compounded glutathione injections after testing found elevated bacterial endotoxin levels; the FDA says the product was distributed to 14 states and reports include fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and allergic-type reactions. Food Safety: The FDA also upgraded a nationwide egg recall to Class I, its highest-risk level, tied to salmonella; the eggs were shipped to retailers and foodservice in multiple states including Oklahoma, with dozens sickened and dozens hospitalized. State Health Costs: Oklahoma’s state employee health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with Health Choice High increasing 15.8% and other plans up to 19.5% after board review of medical and pharmacy claims. Child Welfare: Oklahoma County saw a 27% jump in child removals in 2025, driven by domestic violence, substance abuse, abandonment, and limited access to outpatient mental health care. Community Care: Oklahoma-headquartered Omega Home Network highlights a “social hospice” model that adds 24/7 home support to ease family caregiver burden and reduce end-of-life care costs for some patients. Public Health Alerts: Oklahoma City and Tulsa face an ozone alert Friday, with DEQ warning sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity.

State Employee Health Costs: Oklahoma’s state employee health insurance premiums are set to rise for 2027, with Health Choice High up 15.8% and other plans up to 19.5%, as officials cite projected medical and pharmacy claim trends. Child Welfare Watch: Oklahoma County reported a 27% jump in child removals in 2025, driven by domestic violence, substance abuse, abandonment, and limited access to outpatient mental health care. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a nationwide egg recall to its highest risk level (Class I) over salmonella concerns, affecting about 1.5 million dozen cage-free eggs shipped to retailers and foodservice in states including Oklahoma. Public Health Alerts: An ozone alert is in effect for the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas for Friday, with DEQ warning children, older adults, and people with asthma or lung disease to limit outdoor activity. Healthcare Access Model: Oklahoma-based Omega Home Network is expanding a “social hospice” approach that aims to improve end-of-life support at home while easing caregiver burden and costs. Local Workforce Training: Cherokee Nation and Rogers State signed workforce MOUs, including a clinical training agreement tied to regional nursing needs. Missing Person: Logan County authorities issued an endangered missing alert for Saundra McDaniel, citing health issues that require medication.

Opioid Crisis Response: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a new $12 million opioid settlement, with about 75% headed to cities and counties that joined local lawsuits and the rest available for substance abuse and health initiatives. Heart Care Access: Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa is bringing about 50 nationwide clinical trials to the region, including minimally invasive catheter-based valve treatments that can mean faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Food Safety Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases in Ohio are still high but trending down, with health officials urging thorough produce washing and safe food handling as the nationwide outbreak eases. Public Health & Schools: Oklahoma’s Education Department ended a federal program that funded third meals for some extended-hours schools, saying USDA guidance required the change while offering a path to switch districts to another meal program. Rural Health Funding Scrutiny: A KFF Health News report says the $50B Rural Health Transformation Program lacks transparency, making it harder to track results and spot problems early. Local Health & Community: Tulsa police say the search for a missing 7-year-old autistic child ended tragically when his body was found near a creek; authorities are turning the case over to the medical examiner. Safety on Oklahoma Roads: A fiery I-44 crash in southwest Oklahoma City killed three people and injured a Chickasaw Lighthorse officer, as officials continue to investigate.

Inola Smelter Legal Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a federal judge to send his lawsuit over the proposed Inola aluminum smelter back to state court, arguing the dispute is rooted in Oklahoma law and seeking reimbursement for costs and attorney fees. School Meals Funding: Oklahoma ended a federal program that paid for third meals in some public schools with expanded hours, with the state saying USDA encouraged the change and offering a path to switch districts to another after-school meal option. Cherokee Clinical Training: The Cherokee Nation and Rogers State University signed an MOU expanding clinical placements for nursing, behavioral health, and allied health students at W.W. Hastings Hospital and Cherokee Nation health centers. Public Health Alerts: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has spread to 32 states with 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations; Oklahoma is among the affected states, and recalls are in place. Homelessness Response: Oklahoma City shut down its largest Virginia Avenue homeless encampment, moving 55 people into housing and helping 20 more through a housing partnership. Digital Wellness: Sunbeam Family Services shared practical tips for healthier screen habits, including screen-free periods and reducing notifications before bed. Crash With Hazmat: A fiery multi-vehicle crash on I-44 involving a hazmat-carrying semi killed three people and injured a Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse police officer.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC reports more than 15,700 lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases nationwide since May 1, with the biggest outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce; health officials say additional probable cases are still under investigation. FDA Recalls: The FDA upgraded a frozen blueberry recall to its highest risk level over possible E. coli contamination, urging shoppers to throw away or return affected products. Cancer Coverage in Oklahoma: A new look at Oklahoma’s supplemental breast imaging and inherited cancer genetic testing laws finds patients may not always get clear answers on what insurers will cover until after appointments. Local Health & Community: OU Health’s sports medicine team warns young athletes about heat illness and overuse injuries, urging honest reporting of pain and better warm-up and stretching habits. Healthcare Access & Workforce: A free Medicare and Oklahoma healthcare education event is set for Aug. 26 in Madill, aimed at helping residents navigate enrollment and cost-saving programs. Public Safety Incident: Police are investigating a shooting after a domestic altercation at an OKC apartment complex, with a woman reportedly shot in the neck and taken to a hospital.

Food Safety Watch: CDC data suggests U.S. cyclospora cases linked to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce may be trending down, though more than 15,700 confirmed cases have been reported since May 1 and hundreds have been hospitalized. Tribal Health Access: Cherokee Nation broke ground on a new $400 million Claremore outpatient and emergency health center, aiming to expand care and nearly double staffing by 2029. Sports Medicine & Youth Health: OU Health shared tips for young athletes to reduce heat illness and overuse injuries, including active stretching and speaking up early when something hurts. School Wellness: Oklahoma educators highlighted how recess supports learning through cognitive rest, movement, and social skills, while Maryetta Public Schools completed playground upgrades funded by a TSET Healthy Incentive Grant. AI in Healthcare: Oklahoma State University research finds rural hospitals lag behind urban peers in adopting predictive AI, raising concerns about safe, effective use. Public Health Policy: A federal judge blocked HHS from implementing sweeping Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grant changes while a lawsuit proceeds, including impacts on Oklahoma grantees. Community Health Infrastructure: Edmond escalated water conservation rules amid extreme heat and drought, adding outdoor watering limits to protect reserves and firefighting pressure.

Pediatric Breakthrough in Oklahoma: Oklahoma Children’s Hospital performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on a 1-year-old, replacing failing heart valves with living donor valves and aiming to reduce the need for multiple future surgeries. Emergency Care Upgrade: Doctors in Oklahoma are using ECPR (ECMO-assisted resuscitation) for some cardiac arrest patients when standard CPR isn’t enough, with careful patient selection tied to survival and neurologic outcomes. Public Health Watch: Oklahoma reported 544 cyclosporiasis cases this year, with officials saying new illnesses may be declining as diagnosis and reporting delays are worked through. Heat Safety: OU Health’s emergency medicine chief urged Oklahomans to prevent heat illness by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, taking breaks, and recognizing heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke as a medical emergency. Tribal Health Expansion: The Cherokee Nation broke ground on a new Claremore Outpatient and Emergency Health Center, with construction underway and an opening targeted for late 2028. Food Assistance Timing: September SNAP payments are starting soon, with dates varying by state and maximum allotments set for 2026. Food Recall Risk: FDA actions continued to flag high-risk egg and soup kit recalls tied to salmonella and listeria concerns, affecting shoppers across multiple states. Community Health Access: Epic Charter Schools’ new superintendent says the virtual charter is prioritizing transparency and student success as it rebuilds after years of controversy. Animal Health & Wellness: An Oklahoma family got their missing dog back after he was found safe in North Carolina—raising questions about how he traveled more than 1,000 miles.

Pediatric Breakthrough: Oklahoma Children’s Hospital surgeons performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on a 1-year-old girl, using living donor valves to reduce the need for multiple future surgeries as she grows. Tribal Health Expansion: The Cherokee Nation broke ground on a new Claremore Outpatient and Emergency Health Center, with construction already underway and a late-2028 opening planned for expanded specialty care. Public Health Watch: Oklahoma reported 544 cyclosporiasis cases this year, with many added from prior weeks due to diagnosis delays; officials say new illnesses may be declining. Food Safety Alert: The FDA issued a recall notice tied to possible Listeria contamination for a Walmart soup kit sold in Oklahoma and 28 other states, warning of serious risk for vulnerable people. Care Access & Policy: Social Security is expanding electronic health record sharing to speed disability claims adjudication, aiming to cut processing time and reduce paperwork burdens. Community Health: Oklahoma Project Woman is hosting a fundraiser focused on improving breast health access for uninsured residents. Heat Safety for Livestock: An Oklahoma State veterinarian urged producers to take cattle heat stress seriously, pointing to early warning signs like open-mouth breathing and reduced feed intake.

Major Breakthrough in Pediatric Cardiac Care: Oklahoma Children’s OU Health performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on 1-year-old Angelica Moreno-Roman, using living donor valves to replace failing ones and potentially reduce the need for repeated open-heart surgeries as she grows. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA expanded a multistate Salmonella recall tied to fresh jalapeños, pulling products like salsa, guacamole, dips, prepared foods, and more sold through major retailers including Walmart and Whole Foods. More FDA Recalls: A Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kit recall is underway over possible Listeria contamination, and an FDA Class I egg recall affects about 1.6 million cartons distributed in states including Oklahoma. Substance-Use Prevention in Schools: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond is offering districts the Botvin LifeSkills Training program through his READY initiative, aiming to curb higher-than-average youth substance use rates. Local Health & Safety: A daycare in Holdenville closed after an investigation into injuries reported in an 11-month-old after the first day.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA is warning shoppers about two major recalls tied to serious germs: Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits (3,240 packs, UPC 194346474004, use-by Aug. 22, 2026) pulled over possible Listeria, and a massive egg recall now upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level, affecting about 1.6 million cartons of eggs distributed in Oklahoma and other states due to possible Salmonella. Local Health Care Innovation: SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City is building a full-scale cardboard replica of its redesigned cardiology floor and running heart-attack simulations to fine-tune emergency response and patient flow before construction. Fitness & Youth Wellness: Northeastern State University’s Health and Kinesiology department won an Oklahoma education contract to modify the Oklahoma Presidential Fitness Test, aiming to make it more inclusive and practical for schools while keeping meaningful standards. Community Fall Prevention: A new tai chi class in Caney will focus on balance and reducing fall risk for older adults through the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative’s Falls Prevention Program.