AGP Executive Report

WVU Medicine Breakthrough: WVU Medicine’s Heart and Vascular Institute and Cancer Institute team performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy for lung cancer, aiming for less pain, shorter stays, and faster recovery. AI for Healthier Ecosystems: WVU researchers are using AI with environmental monitoring sensors to speed up access to near-real-time ecosystem data, helping scientists respond faster to events like droughts and wildfires. Lung Cancer Focus: The state’s higher-than-average lung cancer rates and lower screening rates are driving more advanced care options, including this new surgical approach. SNAP Relief After Flooding: West Virginia’s Department of Human Services got federal approval for a temporary SNAP waiver letting households in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur counties buy hot prepared foods through Sept. 26, 2026. Public Health Watch: A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has expanded nationwide, with West Virginia listed among affected states as confirmed case counts rise. Cardiac Care Milestone: WVU Heart and Vascular Institute marked 10 years of cardiovascular care, reporting more than 2.5 million patient visits and continued focus on prevention.

WVU Medicine Innovation: WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and the WVU Cancer Institute performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy for lung cancer, aiming for less pain, shorter stays, and faster recovery. AI for Public Health: WVU researchers are using AI to help environmental scientists get near-real-time ecosystem data, improving how quickly experts can respond to events like droughts and wildfires. Cardiovascular Milestone: WVU Heart & Vascular Institute marked its 10th anniversary, citing more than 2.5 million patient visits and expanded services from prevention to advanced procedures. Flood Relief & Food Access: West Virginia received federal approval for a temporary SNAP waiver letting households in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties buy hot prepared foods from Aug. 28 through Sept. 26, after July flooding and power outages. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: The CDC says the lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has grown to 20 states with 11,458 illnesses and 495 hospitalizations, adding Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. COVID-19 Update: CDC reports COVID-19 activity is increasing in 48 states, though overall levels remain very low. Policy & Care Costs: A West Virginia data-center/microgrid revenue debate is raising concerns about whether tax benefits help everyday residents or mainly higher earners. Community Health Infrastructure: Monongalia County’s health department move to White Birch Tower II is facing a higher-than-expected renovation estimate of about $10 million. Youth Safety Settlement: A multistate Meta settlement announced by Nevada’s attorney general targets addictive features on Instagram and Facebook and requires child-safety changes. Wellness & Sleep: A new review challenges the “eight hours” sleep rule, suggesting sleep timing and consistency may matter more than duration.

New Lung Cancer Tech in WVU Medicine: WVU Medicine teams at the Heart and Vascular Institute and Cancer Institute performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy, aiming for less pain, shorter stays, and faster recovery for lung cancer patients. Transplant Leadership: Dr. Rakesh Sindhi was named executive director of the WVU Medicine Center for Organ Transplantation, tasked with expanding access and growing transplant services statewide. Big Tech & Youth Mental Health: Meta reached a sweeping $17.1B child-safety settlement with states, with West Virginia expected to receive about $114M; protections include limits and nighttime blocks for teens’ Instagram/Facebook use. Food Safety Alert: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now been confirmed in 20 states, including West Virginia, with cases reported above 11,000 nationwide. Opioid Prevention in Schools: Elkins City Council approved $12,500 in opioid settlement funds to keep the GameChanger substance-misuse prevention program running at Elkins Middle School for a second year. Grant Boost for Pharmacy Research: Marshall University’s School of Pharmacy won $2.09M in federal grants targeting cancer, antibiotic-resistant infections, and polysubstance misuse.

WVU Medicine Innovation: WVU Medicine’s Heart and Vascular Institute and Cancer Institute performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic lung surgery, aiming to cut pain and speed recovery for lung cancer patients and others needing chest procedures. Food Safety Watch: A cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now reached 20 states, with reported illnesses climbing to about 11,458 and West Virginia listed among affected states; FDA says the source is lettuce from a central Mexico Taylor Farms operation. Youth Health & Safety: A major multistate Meta settlement would require new child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and “productive pauses,” with West Virginia expected to receive about $114M. HIV Funding Scrutiny: A whistleblower alleges misuse of federal Ryan White HIV treatment funds by a West Virginia contractor, including kickbacks and payments to deceased beneficiaries. Child Safety at School: Two Bruceton Elementary aides were charged after allegedly dragging an autistic student into an unsupervised “calm down” room for an unreasonable time. Housing Stability: Riverstone Community Services’ “Bed for Every Head” program completed its first year, delivering 84 beds statewide and planning to expand beyond West Virginia. Opioid Settlement Use: A national investigation finds some localities used opioid settlement money to buy police surveillance tools like Flock cameras, raising concerns that treatment and prevention are being shortchanged. Corrections Medical Care: A Marshall County jail death lawsuit alleges staff failed to recognize and treat a medical emergency during drug withdrawal.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: West Virginia is set to receive up to about $114 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal, with sweeping new requirements for Instagram and Facebook aimed at protecting children, including daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks. Rural Health Funding Scrutiny: A new report says the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program lacks transparency, making it harder to track where money goes and whether projects are working. Food Access in WV: A look at “food deserts” shows how far many West Virginians must travel for groceries, tying distance and cost to everyday health choices. Lung Cancer Screening on the Move: WVU Medicine’s mobile LUCAS unit will bring low-dose CT screenings to Putnam, Clay, and Ritchie counties in September, with options for insured and qualifying uninsured patients. School Clothing Aid Update: West Virginia Human Services says automatic renewals for some children in the back-to-school clothing allowance program were narrowly applied, after summer confusion over the process. Local Health Care Education: WVU Medicine’s Thomas Hospitals welcomed 16 nursing students to its Aspiring Nurse Program cohort, signaling more workforce growth for the region. Crash Highlights Safety Need: Two women died in a head-on crash near Farmington; a juvenile passenger was hospitalized as investigators work to determine the cause.

Lung Cancer Care in the Mountains: WVU Medicine is rolling out LUCAS, a mobile lung cancer screening unit, with low-dose CT visits scheduled for Putnam, Clay, and Ritchie counties in September—appointments are required and uninsured patients may qualify through grant support. New Tech for Better Outcomes: WVU Medicine teams performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy, aiming for less pain and faster recovery for select lung cancer patients. Food as Medicine in Action: Beckley ARH hosted its second annual Food Is Medicine Day and farmers market, pushing locally grown produce as a practical way to prevent and manage chronic disease. Local ER Expansion: Marshall Health Network-Rivers Health cut the ribbon on a new, larger emergency department in Point Pleasant, adding pediatric, trauma, psychiatric, and decontamination space. Meta Settlement Hits West Virginia: West Virginia is set to receive up to about $114.6 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta child-safety settlement, with required changes to Instagram and Facebook including screen-time limits and stronger parental controls. AI Reliability Warning: A WVU researcher is studying why AI can become overly agreeable during long chats—sometimes shifting from correct answers to confident misinformation.

Lung Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute are sending LUCAS, a mobile lung cancer screening unit, to Putnam, Clay, and Ritchie counties with low-dose CT appointments Sept. 22-24 (Valley Health–Hurricane, Community Care–Clay, and Integrated Health Centers–Harrisville). Healthcare Safety & Accountability: West Virginia University Health System agreed to pay $4.18M and enter a 3-year agreement after federal regulators found controlled-substance diversion alerts weren’t always acted on or reported. Youth Online Safety: West Virginia is set to receive up to $114.6M from a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement, with required child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook pending court approval. Community Health Infrastructure: ARH Foundation awarded $5,000 to the Hazard Fire Department for emergency communications upgrades. Local Wellness & Support: WELLWVU highlighted campus wellness outreach aimed at reducing stigma and helping students succeed. Public Health Watch: Cyclospora-linked illness continues to spread nationally, with West Virginia listed among states reporting cases.

Mobile Cancer Care: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to visit Putnam, Clay, and Ritchie counties with low-dose CT appointments on Sept. 22 (Valley Health–Hurricane), Sept. 23 (Community Care–Clay), and Sept. 24 (Integrated Health Centers–Harrisville), with uninsured patients supported through grant funding. Robotic Joint Replacements: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center expanded total knee and hip replacements using the Mako 4 SmartRobotics system, aiming for more personalized CT-based surgical planning. Rural Dialysis Access: Gov. Morrisey announced up to $2 million to expand home dialysis access statewide, targeting education, navigation, and care coordination for rural patients with chronic kidney disease. Healthcare Transportation: The state also released more than $2 million to boost rural medical transportation capacity through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Overdose Prevention: National Save A Life Day is set for Sept. 24, with SOAR West Virginia coordinating free naloxone events that began in two WV counties and now span 47 states. Nutrition Policy Watch: A new study finds SNAP restrictions tied to soda purchases reduced sugary drink buying by more than 12% after state-level limits took effect. Local Health Lawsuits: A woman sued CAMC alleging a worker improperly accessed and shared her medical information, and another lawsuit targets a South Charleston dermatology practice over alleged missed signs of severe Crohn’s disease.

Maternal Care Costs: A new national cost tracker puts the average price of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care at $20,416, with out-of-pocket costs averaging $2,743 after insurance—while Louisiana’s lower sticker prices highlight how much bills can swing by state. Vaccine & Measles Coverage: CDC data shows kindergarten measles protection varies widely, with West Virginia near the top (98.9%) and Idaho much lower (75.2%), underscoring how state exemption rules shape outbreak risk. Healthcare Access & Transportation: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced about $2.34 million to expand non-emergency medical transportation capacity across West Virginia, aiming to add vehicles, drivers and rides for rural patients. State Health Policy Fight: An op-ed argues West Virginia’s Certificate of Need law isn’t protecting hospice patients—calling it more about limiting services than improving care. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA/CDC attention remains on a growing jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak, with illnesses reported across dozens of states including West Virginia. Local Health Workforce: WVU Medicine Weirton’s Project SEARCH kicked off its second year, placing students with disabilities into hospital internships to build job skills. Community Health & Safety: Two Gilmer County officers were exposed to an unknown substance during a traffic stop and treated with Narcan. Energy & Health Access: The PSC Consumer Advocate Division backs pausing a NextEra transmission project application, citing uncertainty and potential cost impacts on West Virginia ratepayers.

Rural Health Access: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced about $2.34 million to expand non-emergency medical transportation across West Virginia, aiming to add vehicles, drivers, and rides for rural patients who struggle with long travel distances and limited options. Food Safety Watch: A national fact check highlights why food recalls can feel unusually frequent, pointing to the ongoing Salmonella investigation tied to jalapeños that has sickened hundreds across many states, including West Virginia. Maternal Mental Health: Monongalia County Health Department’s WIC program has screened more than 600 parents for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, using trained staff and referrals for those who need support. Public Health Alerts: FDA logged more than 1,700 adverse event reports involving compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, underscoring ongoing safety concerns around compounded GLP-1 products. Local Health & Environment: WVU researchers are using AI to speed access to ecosystem monitoring data, helping scientists respond faster to events like droughts and wildfires. Mosquito-Borne Disease: Officials confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Florida, a reminder that mosquito risks are shifting. Community Wellness: A Color Dash for Hope 5K in Oak Hill will raise funds for opioid recovery and wellness programs across Appalachia.

Maternal Mental Health in Focus: Monongalia County WIC in West Virginia has screened more than 600 parents for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, with staff trained to spot warning signs and connect families to local care. Local EMS Funding: Monongalia County commissioners approved renewal of an EMS levy for the November ballot, citing more than 84,000 calls answered over four years. Hospital Accountability: A federal jury found Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital liable in a lawsuit tied to alleged doctor-referral misconduct, awarding Memorial Health System $5 million. Public Health Watch: New national data shows measles susceptibility among U.S. kindergartners has risen sharply since 2019, while vaccine exemptions continue climbing. Injury & Safety Alerts: West Virginia State Police reported a domestic-related case where a toddler was injured, and separate reports describe deadly Clay County crashes involving children. Care Access & Community Support: UHC outpatient cancer patients received produce boxes from local organizations, aiming to help with nutrition during treatment. Health Tech Milestone: UHC surgeon Sugam B. Vasani is recognized for 3,000 robotic-assisted surgeries.

Hospital Accountability: A federal jury awarded Memorial Health System $5 million after finding Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital liable in a lawsuit tied to alleged doctor-referral misconduct. EMS Funding: Monongalia County approved renewing its EMS levy for the November ballot, supporting tens of thousands of emergency responses over the past four years. Water Safety: Gov. Morrisey announced a new $145 million Clean, Clear Water Strategy to help struggling water systems, including grant-writing support for small providers. FDA Oversight: The FDA inspected WVU’s Center for Reproductive Medicine and said no corrective action was needed. Public Health & Food Access: West Virginia’s SNAP “hot, healthy” waiver push appears to have stalled under federal rules limiting purchases for ready-to-eat hot foods. Community Care: Local groups donated fresh produce boxes for outpatient cancer patients at United Hospital Center. Maternal Consent Dispute: A mother says her son’s body parts were removed as “anatomical gifts” without her consent, reigniting concerns about donor contact and authorization. Safety Alerts: Flash flooding hit the Charleston area with dangerous, fast-rising water, prompting rescues and evacuations.

Legal Defense: Dr. Anthony Fauci’s lawyers have launched a legal defense fund as federal and state investigations continue, with Attorney General Todd Blanche saying a DOJ decision on a contempt referral will take time. Public Health & Food Access: West Virginia’s push for a SNAP waiver to buy “hot, healthy” foods appears to have hit federal legal limits, despite earlier state enthusiasm. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced an additional $145 million for water and wastewater projects under a new “Clean, Clear Water Strategy,” with added help for small, struggling systems. Aging Care: A new primer outlines Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for older adults, highlighting barriers that keep many people from staying at home. EMS Funding: Monongalia County’s EMS levy renewal is headed to the November general election ballot, supporting tens of thousands of calls over the last four years. Cancer Support: Local groups donated fresh produce boxes to United Hospital Center outpatient cancer patients. Safety & Crashes: A Clay County crash killed two children and critically injured a third; separate reports also describe serious Route 50 incidents and ongoing safety reviews.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $145 million boost for West Virginia water and wastewater projects under a new “Clean, Clear Water Strategy,” with extra focus on communities facing failing systems, boil-water orders, and public health risks. Public Safety: WVDOT says it’s reviewing safety measures after repeated crashes near the I-64/77 split, where multiple vehicles have gone over barriers in recent months. Flood Risk: Flash flooding hit the Charleston area with rainfall rates over 3 inches per hour, triggering evacuations and rescues and a reminder to avoid driving through standing water. Healthcare Workforce & Access: Marshall University says radiology-focused Synthesis Health will move into the IDEA District in Huntington, aiming to improve specialized imaging access for rural patients. Hospital Leadership: The West Virginia Hospital Association’s Jim Kaufman is stepping down; Tony Gregory will serve as interim CEO while the group searches for a permanent leader. Food Security: West Virginia groups are warning that Farm Bill changes could worsen summer hunger, with SNAP support critical for kids when school meals end. Health Policy & Kids: Foster care reforms and infrastructure investments were highlighted by Sen. Brian Helton, including efforts to keep foster children closer to home.

Rural Health Access: Marshall University says Synthesis Health is moving into its IDEA District in Huntington, aiming to improve access to advanced radiology for rural and underserved West Virginia communities. Elder Care Funding: Gov. Jim Justice and Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $1.25M for PACE-style coordinated care through the Rural Health Transformation Program, with daytime health and activity centers to help older adults stay safely at home. Public Health—Foodborne Illness: The CDC is investigating salmonella in 32 states, with West Virginia reporting two cases; the outbreak has been linked to recalled jalapeño products distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. Workforce & Prevention: West Virginia’s black lung fight is intensifying as new reporting finds rates at their highest since the 1970s, renewing calls for stronger mine dust protections. Local Safety: A multi-vehicle crash on Route 50 in Harrison County sent multiple people to the hospital, with HealthNet responding. Community Health & Support: A West Virginia foster care reform push highlights investments and partnerships intended to keep children closer to home, including support for 180 Ranch. Health Education: Charleston-area educators are piloting AI literacy training to help students and teachers understand chatbot limits and use AI more safely.

Rural Elder Care Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $1.25 million opportunity to expand PACE-style coordinated care for older West Virginians, starting with daytime health and activity centers that combine nursing, medication help, doctor coordination, and social support. Food Safety Alert: The CDC is investigating a salmonella outbreak in 32 states tied to recalled jalapeños distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods; West Virginia reports two cases, and officials urge people to avoid recalled products and seek care for severe symptoms. Black Lung Pressure: New reporting says black lung rates are the highest since the 1970s, with advocates calling on mine safety regulators to act on respirable silica dust rules. Community Food Security: West Virginia groups warn Farm Bill changes could worsen child hunger, pointing to rising demand for summer meals and SNAP uncertainty. Local Health Care Updates: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Morgantown was named No. 1 in West Virginia by U.S. News & World Report; Vandalia Health Urology also reopened in renovated space at Mon Medical Center. Public Health & Safety: A woman was arrested in Fairmont after a 6-year-old with autism jumped from an apartment window and tested positive for cocaine.