AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS has released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage—job training, volunteering, or education—while states scramble to update systems and avoid coverage losses. Food Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states due to possible salmonella contamination, and separately flagged a frozen snack recall (Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers) in 21 states for possible metal pieces. Public Health & Prevention: A tick-season warning highlights Rocky Mountain spotted fever as fast-acting and deadly if doxycycline isn’t started within days of symptoms—Arkansas is among the higher-risk states. Local Health Support: A Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation grant will fund Arkansas’s Star Legacy Foundation chapter, supporting families affected by stillbirth and infant loss. Community Health Policy: Fayetteville City Council is set to consider stricter data center regulations to protect residents and utility customers as more projects are proposed. Arkansas Crime/EMS: North Little Rock deputies report two people injured in a Friday night shooting; Arkansas State Police also investigated a separate North Little Rock shooting that sent an 18-year-old to UAMS.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS finalized Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what enrollees must do to keep coverage, with states scrambling to update systems and avoid losing people for paperwork hurdles. Abortion Pill Water Fight: Republican AGs, including Arkansas’, urged the EPA to treat mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite health and environmental experts saying there’s no proof of harm. Food Safety—Alfredo Recall: FDA issued its highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states due to possible salmonella from a recalled dry milk ingredient. Food Safety—Frozen Snack Recall: FDA also flagged Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states for possible metal pieces, a Class II recall affecting Arkansas and others. Local Health Funding: Hempstead County voters approved a hospital tax to boost Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, aiming to support infrastructure and keep care local. Public Health—Chagas in the U.S.: CDC recognized Chagas disease as endemic, estimating about 300,000 Americans may have it without knowing. Community Health & Wellness: Bella Vista opened OZ Trails Bike Park with a chairlift-served mountain biking focus on outdoor recreation and health. Safety & Care Access: Fayetteville City Council weighed stricter data center rules, aiming to protect residents and utility customers as more projects are proposed.

Food Safety: The FDA announced a recall of more than 160,000 pounds of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Arkansas, after concerns the frozen snack may contain metal pieces; consumers are urged to check lot number 003029976 and the July 30, 2027 best-by date. Rural Health Funding: Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Hope won a major boost after voters approved an additional hospital tax, with officials estimating about $3 million a year to support the county-owned facility. Reproductive Health & Environment: Republican attorneys general, including Arkansas’, are urging the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, while health and environmental experts say there’s no proof of harm from wastewater. Public Health Surveillance: The CDC says Chagas disease is now recognized as endemic in the U.S., with an estimated 300,000 Americans living with it unknowingly. Local Wellness & Access: Walmart is expanding “depots” in Arkansas to speed up delivery, repurposing space and using app-based fulfillment. Community Health & Care: Arkansas’ food inspection portal shared recent restaurant findings, including handwashing and temperature-control violations. Sports & Wellness Governance: UAPB athletics leader Chris Robinson was appointed to the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

Abortion Pill Water Fight: Arkansas and 13 other GOP-led states, plus 19 Republican lawmakers, are urging the EPA to treat mifepristone as a water contaminant—despite health and environmental experts saying there’s no clear harm from medication abortion in wastewater. Food Safety Recall: FDA says Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers were recalled in 21 states, including Arkansas, over possible metal fragments; the affected lots list specific UPC/lot and best-by dates. Community Health Funding: Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Blue & You Foundation is awarding grants to nonprofits for housing, food access, education and medical respite care tied to health outcomes. Care Access & Screening: A Minnesota pilot targets better lung cancer screening in rural areas by training clinic staff to identify eligible patients and schedule tests. Local Health & Wellness: UAMS received a $7M Windgate Foundation gift to expand full-tuition scholarships and endowment support. Outdoor Health: Bella Vista opened OZ Trails Bike Park with a governor-led ribbon cutting, highlighting recreation and quality-of-life benefits. Public Health Policy: Attorneys general are also pushing EPA to add mifepristone to its contaminant candidate list for public water systems. Health-Related Disruption: DNI Tulsi Gabbard rescinded two Biden-era Havana Syndrome assessments, saying they relied on flawed analysis and excluded key information.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS issued interim final rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out how states will verify participation and exemptions as rollout nears for millions of enrollees. Food Safety: FDA expanded a frozen pizza recall to 21 states after possible metal contamination, with families left waiting while the risk was classified. Tick-Borne Allergy Risk: Massachusetts now requires reporting of alpha-gal syndrome cases, a tick-bite allergy to red meat that’s been common in Arkansas and is spreading as lone star ticks expand. Local Hospital Funding: Hempstead County voters approved a new sales tax to keep Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center operating and protect emergency access. New Care Options in Rogers: Beyond Wellness opened its first Northwest Arkansas clinic in Rogers, offering wellness, weight management, regenerative therapies, and aesthetic services. Community Health Support: First Community Bank’s charity golf tournament raised $35,000 for Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, pushing lifetime contributions past $517,000. Health Coverage Legal Fight: Employer groups urged an appeals court to revisit class certification in a lawsuit over tobacco-use surcharges in employer health plans.

Local Hospital Funding Vote: Hempstead County voters approved an 0.75% sales tax to sustain Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, with 82% backing the measure aimed at protecting emergency services. New Care Options in Arkansas: Beyond Wellness opened its first Northwest Arkansas clinic in Rogers, adding functional wellness, weight management, regenerative therapies, and aesthetic services. Cancer Support, Community Health: Oak Grove Extension Homemakers Club in Jonesboro made 25 handmade pillows for the NEA Breast Cancer Support Group to help with post-surgery comfort. Public Health Alerts: The FDA recalled about 160,200 pounds of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Arkansas, due to possible metal contamination. Access to Hearing Care: Jefferson Regional welcomed an audiologist (Jordan Scribner, AuD) offering hearing tests, tinnitus management, and hearing aid services. Workforce & Policy Watch: Employer groups urged the 8th Circuit to revisit class certification in an ERISA case tied to tobacco-use premium surcharges.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a driverless heavy-truck rollout on a fixed corridor linking distribution hubs across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas—moving from testing to revenue routes with Class 8 trucks running without safety drivers. Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS issued an interim final rule requiring many 19–64 Medicaid adults to meet an 80-hour-per-month work or community engagement requirement, with health-based exemptions and deadlines starting Jan. 1. Local Healthcare Access Vote: Hempstead County voters backed a 3/4-cent sales tax to support Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, aiming to preserve emergency services locally. Cancer Care Expansion: Highlands Oncology broke ground on a new cancer center in Rogers to bring more specialized treatment, testing and support closer to Northwest Arkansas patients. Maternal Health Program: Arkansas is expanding prenatal and pregnancy care through Arkansas Health Units, offering low- or no-cost services to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Water Safety Concern: Eudora residents reported ongoing discolored water; officials said lightning damaged treatment controls and the system is operating on a bypass while repairs are underway. UAMS Funding Boost: UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant for full-tuition scholarships and a new Chancellor’s Scholars endowment. Public Health & Cost Pressure: Inflation hit 4.2% in May, driven largely by higher gas prices—adding strain to household budgets that already affect health and access.

UAMS Funding Boost: UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant to expand full-tuition scholarships and create a $5 million endowment for its Chancellor’s Scholars Program, aiming to strengthen Arkansas’ healthcare workforce. Medicaid Work Rules: CMS issued an interim final rule requiring certain Medicaid adults to meet an 80-hour-per-month work or engagement obligation, with exemptions and projections that enrollment could drop by millions. Hospital Access Vote: Hempstead County voters approved a 3/4-cent sales tax to support Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, backing local emergency care. Heat Safety for Workers: Northeast Arkansas officials and doctors shared practical steps for outdoor workers to prevent heat illness, including hydration, breaks, and planning around peak heat. Trout Care for Anglers: Arkansas Game and Fish warned that reduced trout stocking means anglers should be extra careful with catch-and-release during summer stress. Food Safety Recall: FDA updated a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers shipped to Arkansas, citing undeclared wheat allergen concerns. Poverty Snapshot: A new ALICE in Arkansas report says 16% of households live below the federal poverty level, but 43% are “asset limited” and struggling despite work. Leadership in Health Education: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education named Jo Alice Blondin interim president starting July 13. Public Health in the News: Arkansas State Police reported multiple deadly crashes, underscoring ongoing road-safety risks.

Hospital Price Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide, including nine in Arkansas, to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year—an effort aimed at helping patients and insurers avoid surprise costs. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas is opening a second round of Rural Health Transformation Funding, with about $93.6M available in the PACT category to expand access, coordination, trauma readiness, and telehealth in rural areas. UAMS Scholarships: UAMS received a $7 million Windgate Foundation grant to fund full-tuition scholarships and a new Chancellor’s Scholars endowment, aiming to grow Arkansas’s healthcare workforce. Autism Care Access: Outcomes ABA is set to open a new clinic in Hoxie, bringing Lawrence County’s first ABA therapy services closer to families in Northeast Arkansas. Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting expanded FDA recalls. Community Health Awareness: Bridging the Gaps of Arkansas held an Alzheimer’s awareness meeting in Texarkana, focusing on early signs, caregiver support, and local resources. Workforce Training: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark partnered with Butterball to deliver hands-on TIG welding training for employees. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas State Police reported a fatal head-on crash in Rogers during Monday thunderstorms, while separate local coverage highlighted ongoing legal and health-related community concerns.

Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 confirmed illnesses across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates as hospitalizations rise. Rural Health Funding: Arkansas is opening the second round of Rural Health Transformation Funding, with $93.6M available to expand access to primary, specialty, preventive, and behavioral care and strengthen rural health networks. Autism Care Access: Outcomes ABA is set to open a new clinic in Hoxie, bringing specialized ABA therapy closer to families in Lawrence County and Northeast Arkansas. Medicaid & Coverage Risks: New reporting highlights how higher ACA premiums are driving fewer Arkansans to buy subsidized marketplace plans, raising coverage concerns. Public Health Policy: Arkansas AG attorneys are pushing back on efforts to depose Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the lawsuit challenging the state’s near-total abortion ban. Workforce/Training: Southern Arkansas University launches a new Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management for Fall 2026, aimed at preparing leaders for response and recovery across public safety and healthcare. Community Safety: Arkansas State Police say a Camden-area chase led to a 4-month-old being ejected from an SUV; the driver is charged. Health & Wellness in the Community: Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center staff donated to a food pantry, supporting local nutrition needs.

Medicaid & coverage risk: Congressman Bruce Westerman reintroduced the Fair Care Act, aiming to merge use-it-or-lose-it flexible spending accounts into a single health savings account and protect people with pre-existing conditions. Child health & food security: Arkansas ranked 43rd in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, with gains in economic well-being and family/community measures but declines in education and health; meanwhile, Pulaski County summer meal programs like Be Mighty Little Rock are helping families bridge the gap when school lunches end. Maternal care spotlight: A national analysis ranked Arkansas among the worst states for childbirth, underscoring gaps in maternity care access and support. Local health education: Arkansas Children’s Hospital opened registration for its Babysitting 101 class in Jonesboro, teaching choking rescue and first aid for ages 12–14. Public health alerts: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in Texas; Arkansas officials urge livestock and pet owners to stay vigilant for wounds that don’t heal. Care access for mental health: The Counseling Compact is expanding, letting more states recognize licensed counselors across state lines for in-person and telehealth practice. Safety & emergency response: Arkansas State Police released footage of a high-speed chase in Camden where a 4-year-old was ejected and rescued by troopers.

New World Screwworm Watch: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in two calves in south Texas, and Arkansas agriculture officials say there are no detections in the state yet—ranchers and pet owners are urged to monitor wounds and high-risk situations like branding, castration, dehorning, and open navels. Summer Food Access: Pulaski County programs are keeping kids fed during summer break, including Central Arkansas Library System’s Be Mighty Little Rock, which helps ease weekly grocery strain for families. Child Health & Nutrition Policy: Arkansas’ child well-being ranking improved slightly to 43rd in the KIDS COUNT Data Book, but advocates warn federal benefit cuts could stall progress, especially for health and education. Local Health Services: UAMS is offering a free “Summer of Smiles” children’s dental clinic June 15 in Little Rock, with preventive care for ages 3–17. Public Safety With Health Impact: Arkansas State Police released details of a Camden chase where a 4-month-old was ejected after a rollover; police say the driver didn’t know children were inside. Care Access for Families: Arkansas Children’s Hospital is opening registration for its Babysitting 101 class in Jonesboro, teaching choking rescue and first aid for ages 12–14. Food Assistance Restrictions: USDA says Arkansas is among states moving to limit SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items like soda and candy.

Child Health Watch: Arkansas improved to No. 43 in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT child well-being rankings, but child health slipped to 48th and education fell to 40th, with advocates warning looming federal cuts could worsen access to care and nutrition. Medicaid Pressure: Coverage fears are rising as lawmakers and advocates debate Medicaid work requirements, with researchers saying past implementations—including Arkansas’s—often cut people who were working, exempt, or caught in paperwork failures. Maternal Health: A push to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage is back in focus, with Arkansas still opposing extending coverage beyond two months—despite national calls to reduce maternal deaths. UAMS Workforce: UAMS welcomed its Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028 at a white coat ceremony, highlighting the state’s pipeline for more clinicians. Rural Health & Aging Support: Baxter Health’s community fundraising is gearing up, including the Bass Classic benefiting cancer support and women’s health, plus a local State of Healthcare breakfast on Twin Lakes challenges. Nursing Home Quality: CMS data spotlighted mixed results across several Arkansas facilities, including The Blossoms at Cumberland (1-star) and The Pines (3-star), underscoring ongoing staffing and care-quality concerns. Public Safety & Health: Arkansas State Police reported a high-speed chase in Camden where a baby was ejected and other children were found in the wreckage, renewing calls for safer driving around pursuits. Food Safety Lawsuit: A Florida mother and daughter filed suit against Campbell’s and Walmart alleging SpaghettiOs contamination, while Walmart says it will respond in court.

Pediatric Care Advocacy: A Fayetteville family whose 5-year-old received gene therapy through Arkansas Children’s Hospital spent two days on Capitol Hill for Children’s Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day, showing lawmakers how pediatric care changes real lives. Medical Education Pipeline: Henderson State University launched a Physician Pathway Program with NYITCOM, letting three students enter medical school without taking the MCAT if they meet GPA and curriculum requirements—aimed at boosting physician supply, including for rural areas. EMS Operations in South Arkansas: ProMed Ambulance completed its takeover of Ouachita County Medical Center’s EMS division, transitioning operations immediately with no service interruption for Camden and surrounding communities. Medicaid Coverage Pressure: New federal Medicaid work requirement rules are raising alarm for cancer patients and other medically frail adults, with critics saying the “severe enough to work” standard could trigger coverage losses over paperwork and narrow exemptions. Public Health & Safety: Arkansas State Police released footage from a May 24 chase in Camden where a 4-month-old was ejected after a rollover; troopers say they didn’t know children were in the vehicle and the driver was arrested. Addiction Recovery Access: A new Connection Center hub in downtown Malvern is set to open June 11, using opioid settlement grant funding to offer treatment, education, career support, and recovery services in one place.

Medicaid Coverage Risk: New Trump-era Medicaid work rules require many adults to complete 80 hours a month of work, training, or community service, and CMS is tightening “medical frailty” exemptions—raising fears that seriously ill people, including cancer patients, could lose coverage. Addiction Recovery Access: A new Malvern Recovery Community Organization hub, The Connection Center, is set to open June 11 with a one-stop model for treatment, education, career support, and justice-system navigation, funded through Arkansas opioid settlement dollars. Public Safety—Chases With Kids: Arkansas State Police is urging parents to stop for troopers after a May 24 pursuit in Ouachita County ended with a 4-month-old ejected from a vehicle; ASP says the driver’s choices put children in harm’s way. Local Hospital Funding Vote: Hope’s proposed 3/4-cent sales tax for Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center would support upgrades like MRI/CT and facility improvements, with officials saying the hospital is already operating as a critical access site. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ownership and ratings updates spotlight several Arkansas facilities’ Q1 2026 performance, including The Blossoms at Conway (for-profit) and Pleasant Valley Rehabilitation and Nursing (for-profit), underscoring ongoing quality and compliance tracking. Community Health Education: Arkansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is expanding services with a large-animal ambulatory program, supporting rural health and workforce needs.

Children’s Health Fundraising: Arkansas Children’s Hospital kicked off a Walmart Neighborhood Market campaign in Texarkana, spotlighting local ambassador Harper Woodell after her open-heart surgery at age 4. Medicaid Dollars, Local Detail: Russellville Medicaid dental claims totaled $626,583 in 2024, up 3.5%, while De Queen billed $140,507 in 2024 for pathology and lab services, up 5.8%. Nursing Home Quality Watch: CMS ratings highlight mixed long-term care performance, including 5-star scores for The Maples at Har-Ber Meadows and Heartland Rehabilitation and Care Center, alongside lower ratings such as a 1-star Jamestown Nursing and Rehab. Coverage Risk From Medicaid Work Rules: A new survey finds 55% of Medicaid enrollees don’t know 80 hours/month work requirements start in January 2027, raising fears of coverage losses. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police urged parents to stop for troopers after pursuits involving children, including a Camden chase that ended with four young children injured. Aging Services Funding: Arkansas DHS backed off proposed cuts to Area Agencies on Aging, keeping CareLink’s funding at originally projected levels. Hospital Finance Locally: Hope hospital sales tax plans drew a public Q&A, with supporters citing critical-access status and needs like MRI/CT upgrades.