AGP Executive Report

Kratom warning after Ole Miss deaths: University of Mississippi confirmed two student deaths in Oxford, with packaged kratom recovered at both separate investigations. Authorities say there’s no confirmed link between the cases and autopsies/toxicology are pending, but police urged students and families to avoid kratom and any unprescribed substances from unregulated sources. Measles exposure alert: Health officials issued a warning after a traveler with measles passed through Philadelphia International Airport terminals and connecting areas, urging people who may have been exposed to check immunity and watch for symptoms. Rural health funding in Mississippi: Gov. Tate Reeves announced the first round of grants from a federal rural health program, including technology upgrades and telehealth, totaling more than $104 million statewide. Nolan Wells case fallout: After a Jackson County grand jury declined to indict anyone in Nolan Wells’ death, his family and Ben Crump renewed calls for a deeper investigation, citing unresolved questions as the official cause remains undetermined. Opioid overdose prevention: Covington Hospital announced free naloxone distribution during “Save A Life Day,” continuing local harm-reduction efforts.

Ole Miss Student Deaths & Kratom Warning: Mississippi authorities are investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students in separate incidents in Oxford, with packaged kratom found at both scenes; officials say they have no confirmed evidence the deaths are connected or that kratom contributed, urging people to avoid unprescribed substances while investigations continue. Nolan Wells Case Update: A Mississippi grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, ruling his death was “consistent with drowning,” but Wells’ family and attorney Ben Crump are pushing back, citing questions about injuries and releasing an independent autopsy that found blunt force trauma not fully explained. Kohen Wiley Shooting Case: Mississippi’s investigation into the June shooting death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley is complete, and the case is now with the state attorney general to decide whether the officer faces charges. Rural Health & Research: Mississippi State University was renewed as a UN FAO Reference Centre on antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity through 2031, supporting work on safer antimicrobial use and aquaculture biosecurity. Medicaid Drug Pricing Claims: Mississippi Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined multi-state efforts urging consumers to file claims tied to inflated generic drug prices from alleged antitrust collusion.

Public Health & Safety: A Mississippi grand jury unanimously declined to indict anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells after a July 4 trip to Horn Island, saying there’s no credible evidence of criminal conduct and that his body’s position and condition are “consistent with drowning,” though the cause and manner remain undetermined. Maternal Health: A Mississippi advocate argues diapers and period products are health care, warning that diaper insecurity and period poverty can drive rashes, infections, missed school, and preventable harm. Foodborne Illness Watch: Health officials in the region are urging calm as vibriosis cases tied to warm Gulf waters and seafood exposures are reported, emphasizing that infections are uncommon but can become serious quickly. Care Access & Workforce: New research finds wide geographic gaps in type 1 diabetes prevalence and in where pediatric endocrinologists are located, raising concerns as screening and treatments expand. Water Infrastructure: A report highlights pressure on aging drinking water systems, pointing to contaminants like lead and PFAS and renewed calls for faster upgrades and more testing transparency. Local Health Incident: Tupelo police arrested two people on felony child abuse charges after an infant died at a motel.

Early Childhood & Health Policy: Mississippi State and Mississippi First released “Investing in Our Future,” mapping how state funding and policy affect programs for more than 200,000 kids under 5 across education, healthcare, nutrition, childcare, and child welfare. Medical Consent & Liability: The Mississippi Supreme Court raised the bar for patients to sue after an obstetric violence case was dismissed for lack of expert testimony, a ruling experts say could make future consent-related claims harder and costlier. Cybersecurity in Care: Mississippi State Auditor Shad White is pressing the IHL commissioner for details on cyberattacks that disrupted UMMC operations and the student financial aid office. Alzheimer’s Awareness: Right at Home highlighted World Alzheimer’s Day, noting nearly 63,000 Mississippians over 65 live with Alzheimer’s and sharing caregiving tips. Rural Opioid Support: A Poplarville recovery center is seeking opioid settlement funds to expand services like housing and employment support for people in recovery. Hospice Expansion: Ennoble Care added Mississippi among new states, expanding home-based hospice, palliative, and primary care. Workforce & Wellness: MSU’s Employee Benefits and Wellness Week runs Sept. 22–25 ahead of open enrollment. Community Safety: Oxford officials say the Ole Miss-LSU weekend drew 300,000+ visitors with generally “well behaved” crowds, while separate reports include a Gautier stabbing and a fatal I-59 crash in Pearl River County.

School Health & Attendance: Mississippi’s new SB 2103 changes how public schools handle student absences, allowing five excused absences per semester before parents need medical documentation, with concerns from families and healthcare providers about what counts as “illness” and how early schools must intervene after three absences. Public Health Alerts: With measles at its worst in decades, officials are urging people to check vaccination status as outbreaks spread in parts of the Midwest, including Wisconsin and Illinois. Rural Care Funding: Two local hospitals received federal funds aimed at helping rural healthcare providers. Health Policy & Access: HHS vaccine labeling review closed after nearly 34,000 comments, leaving families waiting on the next November schedule. Mississippi Safety: A fatal I-59 crash in Pearl River County killed Danny Breaux Jr., and a separate Wilkinson County crash killed a Louisiana man. Community & Wellness: Ole Miss jumped to No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after beating LSU, keeping SEC teams in the national spotlight.

School Absences Law: Mississippi’s new SB 2103 limits students to five excused absences per semester, but after a third illness-related absence parents must provide medical documentation—raising concerns from families and educators about kids with asthma/allergies and the risk of unnecessary doctor visits; nearly 28% of students were chronically absent last year. Rural Hospital Funding: Two South Mississippi hospitals—George County Hospital and Highland Community Hospital—received about $187,000 each through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to help keep services and staff in place. Public Health Alerts: With measles at its worst in decades, McHenry County urged residents to check vaccine status; the report notes outbreaks and free vaccine offers in nearby areas. Food Safety Recall: Walmart Great Value frozen berry blend was recalled in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination, with guidance to discard or return affected lots. Community Health & Care: Manning Family Children’s Hospital hosted an LSU tailgate fundraiser supporting pediatric research, highlighting a local sickle cell gene therapy success story.

Rural Health Funding: Mississippi is awarding $104M+ through its Rural Health Transformation Program for rural hospital upgrades, telehealth, cybersecurity, and maternal health equipment across dozens of projects, including Memorial Health System and George County. Public Health Alerts: Health officials warned a measles case may have traveled via an Amtrak route from Chicago to Los Angeles, prompting vaccination reminders for residents. FDA Recall: The FDA issued a Class II warning for hand soaps recalled in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination, urging people—especially those with medical vulnerabilities—to check products. Medicaid Drug Costs: Federal action to expand most-favored-nation Medicaid drug pricing to all 50 states could lower prescription costs and free up state budgets for other healthcare needs. Heat Safety: Mississippi gamegoers were urged to stay hydrated after at least one person was checked for heat exhaustion at the LSU-Ole Miss matchup. Care Access & Policy: A legal discussion highlighted how small income gaps can block Medicaid nursing home eligibility in some states unless applicants use a trust workaround.

Medicaid Nursing Home Eligibility: A Florida widower was denied nursing home Medicaid over a $68 monthly income gap, highlighting how “income cap” states can block coverage unless families use a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) to route income and qualify. Rural Health Funding: Mississippi is awarding more than $104M through the Rural Health Transformation Program for rural hospital upgrades, including monitoring, maternal health gear, cybersecurity, telehealth, and an AI-enabled care project spanning multiple counties. Medicaid Drug Pricing Push: Trump announced all 50 states (including Mississippi) will join a “most-favored-nation” Medicaid drug pricing plan, aiming for major savings and lower costs for Medicaid programs. FDA Recall Alert: FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination, urging vulnerable people to check products and follow guidance. Public Health Watch: California health officials warned of a measles case tied to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by train, urging vaccination. Local Health & Safety: Fans at Mississippi football games were urged to stay hydrated due to heat risks and at least one heat-exhaustion check. Community Health Tech: MGCCC will host an inaugural Gulf Coast AI Summit focused on how AI is affecting healthcare and small businesses.

Medicaid Drug Pricing Push: President Trump says all 50 states (including Mississippi) will join a “most favored nation” Medicaid drug pricing program, aiming for major savings on brand-name meds and rebates under the GENEROUS model. Rural Health Funding: Mississippi is set to receive more than $104 million in federal rural health grants tied to technology, telehealth, and care gaps across dozens of projects. Hospital Safety Upgrades: South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis received about $297,200 to modernize nurse call systems, communications, door access, and other patient-safety equipment. Workforce & Care Access: Delta Health System welcomed a new ENT to its medical staff, while other local updates highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen clinical capacity. Health Study: New research links sleeping in near-total darkness with better heart outcomes, while nighttime light exposure may contribute to early heart changes. Community Health & Prevention: Nissan’s Canton “Recycling Roundup” includes a prescription drug take-back to help keep unused meds out of the wrong places. Housing Strain (Health Adjacent): In Starkville, renters face rising costs and voucher program changes that could push low-income residents out of their homes.

Medicaid Drug Pricing: President Trump says the GENEROUS model will extend most-favored-nation drug pricing to Medicaid in all 50 states, with Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves attending the announcement; the White House projects about $65B in Medicaid drug savings over 10 years. Rural Hospital Upgrades: Purvis’ South Mississippi State Hospital received a $297,200 Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program grant to modernize nurse call systems, communications, vital-signs tech, and door access for better worker efficiency and patient safety. Workforce & Access: Delta Health System added ENT specialist Dr. Gregory Pippin, restoring ear-nose-throat services across the Mississippi Delta. Training & Safety: Lauderdale County deputies completed quarterly firearms and annual taser training at the Meridian facility, emphasizing de-escalation and safety. Health Costs Watch: A new study finds health spending is driving insurance premium increases, with Mississippi seeing especially steep premium growth. Community Health Alerts: Jackson County is seeking a wanted man last seen near Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, noting he has a chemotherapy pump. Local Health Education: MSU-Meridian plans a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, funded by the Riley Foundation, with the first cohort targeted for fall 2029.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Tate Reeves’ Rural Health Transformation Program is moving money fast—$104M in the first round, with 167 approved projects statewide, including telehealth and care-gap work tied to Pearl River County. Emergency Care Upgrade: Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb installed the first Philips Rembra CT in the U.S. for acute, high-demand imaging—aimed at faster scans and better ER throughput. EMS Leadership Change: Meridian named Greg Morgan EMS Director as Pafford Ambulance Service begins Sept. 18, with a focus on coordinated, accountable 911 response. Suicide Prevention: A Stand the Watch ceremony in Gulfport marked National Suicide Prevention Month, pairing veteran support with mental health awareness and a message that help is available. Drug Pricing Policy: Federal plans would expand Medicaid “most-favored-nation” drug pricing to all 50 states for some medications, with Mississippi among the governors invited to discuss lower prices. Public Health Alerts: FDA-linked hand soap recalls continue over possible bacterial contamination, and Gulf Coast officials track rare Vibrio vulnificus infections tied to raw seafood and wound exposure. Healthcare Tech & Security: UMMC officials say no ransom was paid after the Feb. 19 cyberattack that disrupted phones, websites, and records.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Tate Reeves announced Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program awards, approving 167 projects from 724 applications and distributing $104 million in the first round (with $205.9 million for year one), including telehealth and care-gap work in Pearl River County. Maternal Health: Miriam Estes Hankins, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, joined WK Regional Perinatal Group, expanding high-risk pregnancy care and prenatal imaging in the region. Cancer Care Coverage: Two Mississippi lawmakers—Rep. Sam Creekmore and Sen. Walter Michel—won an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network advocacy award for Jill’s Law, which requires insurer coverage for biomarker testing for cancer patients. Infant Health Watch: Mississippi’s infant mortality rate hit its highest level in a decade in 2024 (9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births), with the state pointing to prematurity, low birth weight, maternal conditions, and unsafe sleep as key factors. Food Safety: FDA actions continue after hand soap recalls tied to possible bacterial contamination, and regulators also flagged recalled jalapeño products over salmonella risk—both relevant for Mississippi households. Public Health & Safety: Oxford braces for heat and crowd-related illness risk ahead of the Ole Miss–LSU weekend, with local hospitals adding staffing for heat-related visits. Health Policy & Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million ACA enrollees in 30 states, including Mississippi, will receive $500 “Obamacare” refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.”

FDA Recall: The FDA classified a recall of six hand soap products distributed in 15 states, including Mississippi, after possible bacterial contamination (including Pseudomonas and Serratia) that can cause temporary or medically reversible illness. Mississippi Health Funding: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch unveiled a plan to spend about $189 million from the national Meta settlement over 10 years, with more than $18 million a year split among three state agencies. Rural Care Dollars: Mississippi is set to receive over $104 million for rural health projects, including staffing and transformation efforts at local hospitals and facilities. Nursing Workforce: Mississippi University for Women and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle expanded clinical training by certifying nurses as clinical coaches to mentor student nurses. Med Safety Rules: A Mississippi fact check explains why some medicine deliveries require ID checks—federal rules for products with certain ingredients like pseudoephedrine. HIV Prevention Access: A national report highlights why Black Americans still face barriers to using PrEP, including newer long-acting options. Sleep & Heart Health: New research suggests “catch-up” sleep on weekends may lower the risk of high blood pressure, though experts still urge enough sleep during the week.

FDA Recall Alert: The FDA issued a Class II recall for six hand soap products sold in 15 states, including Mississippi, after tests flagged possible bacterial contamination (Pseudomonas and Serratia), which can cause infections—especially for people with weakened immune systems. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Reeves announced more than $104 million in Rural Health Transformation Program awards for Mississippi providers, including facility and staffing improvements. Meta Settlement Spending Plan: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch unveiled a consent decree plan to spend $189 million from the national Meta lawsuit over 10 years, directing about $18 million a year to three state agencies with a focus on children’s health impacts. School Attendance Law: Mississippi schools are now enforcing a new compulsory attendance rule limiting students to five excused absences per semester, with additional medical-related excuses requiring administrator approval. Voter Access: Mississippi Votes visited schools and community sites to help residents register and update information ahead of the Oct. 5 deadline. Public Health & Safety: TSA expanded expedited “military lanes” to more than 30 airports nationwide for eligible veterans and service members.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Tate Reeves announced $104.1M in Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program awards for 167 projects, including $3M for Ochsner Rush Health to upgrade nurse call, monitoring, and infant security systems. Access to Care: A Mississippi pharmacy shortage story highlights “pharmacy deserts” and recent closures, while lawmakers consider PBM divestiture proposals that could spark major legal fights. Public Health & Vaccines: Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney says childhood vaccination rates are slipping in 14 counties, with several below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Food Safety: CDC declared the cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce over; Mississippi wasn’t among states with confirmed illnesses, and recalled products should be gone. FDA Recall: The FDA issued a Class II recall for six Intercon foaming hand soaps shipped to 15 states, including Mississippi, due to possible bacterial contamination. Maternal/Health Funding Cuts: A new tracker says the Trump administration cut or froze up to $177B in federal grants, with health and nutrition among the biggest hit areas. Community Health Infrastructure: Ochsner is set to receive $3M in Rural Health Transformation Program funds, and multiple hospitals are slated to receive parts of a $24.75M federal grant. Local Health-Related Incidents: A Lowndes County school bus crash injured 16 students; a Ridgeland teen was charged as an adult after a stabbing sent a victim to UMMC.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Tate Reeves announced $104.1M in Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program awards for 167 projects, including $3M for Ochsner Rush Health to upgrade nurse call, monitoring, and infant security systems. Staffing Support: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said 20 Mississippi rural hospitals and providers will receive $3.75M via HRSA’s Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to help sustain workforces. Vaccines & School Health: Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney warned that childhood vaccination rates are slipping in 14 counties, with several below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks like measles. Care Access & Tech: Early grant projects also target cybersecurity, network, and technology upgrades to protect patient data and keep rural systems running. Public Health Safety: The FDA upgraded a hand soap recall to Class II for possible bacterial contamination; products were sold in 15 states including Mississippi. Community Health Context: A Jackson-area op-ed and related reporting highlighted ongoing concerns about access to safe drinking water and what residents can do in the meantime. Local Medical Impact: A Jackson shooting sent a man to UMMC for treatment after police said gunfire hit an occupied home. Health-Adjacent Policy: Mississippi’s new attendance law requires districts to set local rules and may require medical documentation after additional illness absences.