AGP Executive Report

Measles Alert: A new look at South Carolina’s 2025-26 measles outbreak shows it was driven by a vaccine-hesitant community near Spartanburg, with 997 documented cases by the time it ended—raising urgency for immunization ahead of travel and school season. Heat Safety: A dangerous, long-lasting heat dome is building across much of the U.S., with forecasts calling for temperatures 15–25°F above normal and especially risky overnight heat—Charleston is among areas expected to stay above 80°F at night. Local Health Education: The S.C. Commission on Higher Education approved new health-focused programs, including a Winthrop bachelor’s in Health Sciences and MUSC’s master’s in Cancer Biology. Overdose Trends: South Carolina reported a second straight year of declining overdose deaths in 2024, down 31% from 2023, with naloxone access cited as a key factor. Food Safety: Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries were recalled in eight states, including South Carolina, after E. coli O145 illness cases linked to the product. Mental Health Care: Shinedown bassist Eric Bass said he’s stepping away from touring while receiving treatment at MUSC for depression, highlighting TMS as part of his care plan. Public Health & Coverage: A national report flags patients facing red tape when trying to keep consistent health coverage, including delays for critical medications. Community Support: More than 450 cyclists are riding across South Carolina to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease.

Overdose Trends: South Carolina reported a second straight year of declining overdose deaths in 2024, with nearly 1,500 fatalities—down 31% from 2023—crediting wider access to naloxone (Narcan) and prevention efforts. Food Safety Recall: Publix GreenWise frozen organic blueberries were recalled in eight states, including South Carolina, after E. coli O145 illnesses; shoppers are urged to check lot code 60401 and discard/return affected bags. Behavioral Health Access: Clarendon Behavioral Health Services is launching a mobile behavioral health unit, funded through an SC Opioid Recovery Fund grant, to reduce barriers like distance and transportation. Alzheimer’s Awareness Ride: More than 450 cyclists are riding across South Carolina for the Ride to End Alz, raising over $900,000 toward a $1.5 million goal. Heat Health Watch: Meteorologists warn of a major, long-lasting heat dome with “significant and dangerous” temperatures, including hotter nights that raise health risks. Local Care Infrastructure: The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $230 million contract for Base Charleston upgrades, including a new engineering complex, housing, and a fitness center.

Heat & Safety: Meteorologists warn a long-lasting heat dome will bring “significant and dangerous” temperatures across much of the U.S., with hotter nights that raise risks for heat illness and wildfire conditions. South Carolina Weather Watch: Local coverage highlights extreme heat index conditions along the coast and what residents should do to stay safe. Foodborne Illness Alert: CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to recalled frozen GreenWise Organic blueberries sold at Publix in SC and other states; reports include illnesses and hospitalizations. Local Public Health: South Carolina’s in-state abortion numbers fell 16% last year after the six-week ban, with most procedures occurring before the detectable cardiac window. Healthcare Workforce/Access: Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital in Alabama named a new president after a nationwide search, underscoring ongoing leadership changes in regional care. Community Health & Prevention: Tick risks are shifting as species and diseases move with warmer temperatures and changing land use, raising Lyme and spotted-fever concerns in new areas. Manufacturing for Medicine: Advanced Plastiform in North Carolina is spotlighting medical injection molding for healthcare device makers. Emergency Response: A tractor-trailer crash shut down northbound I-85 lanes in Anderson County while hazmat crews worked the scene.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating an E. coli outbreak tied to frozen GreenWise Organic blueberries sold at Publix, prompting a recall in eight states including South Carolina; officials say 12 people are sick (4 hospitalized) and shoppers should check lot code “60401” and the Feb. 9, 2028 best-by date. Public Health & Prevention: South Carolina health officials report 11 cyclosporiasis cases this year so far, while North Carolina reports 200+ since May; guidance focuses on handwashing, avoiding untreated water, and washing produce. Healthcare Access & Costs: A new South Carolina law starting in January requires hospitals to provide itemized medical bills in writing and electronically, aiming to improve transparency about what patients owe. Medical Research & Care: A case report highlights diagnostic delays in hidradenitis suppurativa when it appears around the ear, underscoring the need for clinicians to recognize less typical presentations. Community Health: The Red Cross is seeking blood donations and disaster-trained volunteers are assisting a family after a North Charleston home fire. Extreme Heat Preparedness: Red Cross and health partners urge heat-safety steps for South Carolinians at higher risk, including hydration, checking on neighbors, and staying in air-conditioned spaces.

Heat Safety: South Carolina’s heat index is climbing toward dangerous levels (some areas near 115°F), raising the risk of heat illness—especially for outdoor workers, kids, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Local Health Leadership: TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital named Nicole Runyon as its new CEO and COO, with prior leadership experience at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. Public Health Training: USC’s College of Education is training Aiken County school counselors in play therapy to help children process trauma and reduce stress and anxiety. Foodborne Illness Watch: Taco Bell pulled certain fresh ingredients nationwide amid the spread of cyclospora, which can cause severe “explosive” diarrhea and vomiting; health officials are investigating sources. Extreme Case in Aiken: The remains of missing 4-year-old Javeayah Harris were found in a Fairfield County reservoir; authorities allege her parents used corrosive chemicals to destroy evidence and face additional charges. Infection Prevention Focus: A national look at outbreak response highlights how infection prevention teams are handling fast-moving threats from parasites and viruses to hospital contamination and product recalls. Healthcare Costs & Access: MyCarePro expanded to 32 states to help consumers navigate COBRA, Medicare, and marketplace coverage during major life transitions. Legal/Regulatory: A lawsuit accuses Nephron of covering up a fentanyl loss and allegedly misleading the FDA about warehouse practices.

Medical Access & Safety: A Beech Island family says a primary care doctor dropped their father without notice, leaving him scrambling for insulin—highlighting gaps in continuity of care. Public Health: South Carolina DPH confirmed a rabid raccoon near Andrews; two dogs were exposed and must be quarantined, and pet owners are urged to keep rabies shots current. Foodborne Illness Alert: Publix shoppers in eight states are being told to check freezers after a recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries tied to possible E. coli illness. Overdose Trends: S.C. health officials report overdose deaths are down for a second year in a row, with 2024 deaths down more than 31%. Guideline-Driven Care: MUSC researchers presented findings linking full guideline-directed treatment and exercise therapy to fewer major adverse limb events in peripheral artery disease. Health Coverage Policy: A new S.C. law requires hospitals to provide electronic itemized medical bills in plain language starting Jan. 1, 2027. Community Health & Wellness: Greenville residents pushed for better nature programming and park accessibility as the city drafts a 10-year parks master plan.

Public Health & Safety: South Carolina overdose deaths fell in the latest state data, with 1,481 deaths in 2024—nearly a 31% drop from 2023—though fentanyl still showed up in at least 62% of overdose deaths. Food Safety: Publix recalled frozen GreenWise organic blueberries in multiple states, including South Carolina, after E. coli illness reports; shoppers are urged to check lot codes and best-by dates. Infectious Disease Alert: York County confirmed a rabid goat in Clover, exposing four people who were referred to healthcare providers; officials also note rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms start. Local Health Access: Greenville residents pushed for better nature programming and more accessible parks as the city drafts a 10-year master plan—an indirect but real wellness win for outdoor activity. Community Health Support: The Red Cross is urgently seeking blood donations in the Charleston area, especially O-negative and O-positive types, to meet hospital needs. Reproductive Health Policy: South Carolina reported a 16.2% drop in abortions in 2025, with medication abortions making up about 82% of cases.

Food Safety Recall: Publix is recalling GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028) across eight states, including South Carolina, after E. coli illnesses (12 reported cases; 4 hospitalizations) tied to the outbreak. Public Health Alert: South Carolina health officials say cyclosporiasis (cyclospora) cases are rising this summer, with about 10 reported in the state so far; wash produce well and seek care if watery diarrhea persists. Mental Health Oversight: A South Carolina mental health facility was cited for failing to keep and provide records after a Hawaii patient’s suicide, raising questions about incident reporting and record retention. Local Health & Safety: Horry County reported a two-car crash with a vehicle fire; four people were taken to the hospital. Health Policy Watch: New York and other states show steep Affordable Care Act enrollment drops after enhanced subsidies expired, underscoring affordability pressure for coverage. Community Care: Oceanic Counseling Group opened a new outpatient therapy office in Columbia’s Forest Acres area to expand access.

Food Safety: FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to recalled frozen GreenWise Organic IQF blueberries sold at Publix, including in South Carolina; the affected 10-oz bags (lot code 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028) should not be eaten and should be tossed or returned for a refund. Public Health & Access: New federal data shows Affordable Care Act enrollment dropped sharply after enhanced subsidies expired, leaving about 2.6 million fewer people with coverage nationwide—an affordability hit that could ripple into South Carolina. Mental Health in SC: Oceanic Counseling Group opened a new therapy office in Forest Acres (Columbia) to expand outpatient mental health services across the Midlands. Local Health Policy: A South Carolina law starting in January will require clearer, itemized medical bills in writing and electronically, aiming to improve transparency for patients. Community Health Alert: SC DPH confirmed a rabid fox in Saluda County; one person was exposed and should contact a healthcare provider, and a dog was quarantined.

Food Safety: FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to Publix frozen GreenWise Organic IQF blueberries sold in South Carolina and seven other states; 12 illnesses (4 hospitalizations) were reported, and a Chile-based company has recalled the product (10 oz, lot code 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028). Health Policy: A new South Carolina law will require hospitals and other facilities to provide patients access to electronic itemized medical bills starting Jan. 1, 2027, with plain-language service descriptions and amounts owed after insurance. Public Health & Prevention: Health officials are urging heat-safety steps as a deadly heat pattern moves across the country; in the Lowcountry, Project Cool Breeze is delivering free air-cooling units to qualifying seniors. Cancer Care: FDA approval of durvalumab plus BCG for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is being highlighted by South Carolina urologist Neal Shore. Mental Health Services: South Carolina’s behavioral health and disabilities agency laid off 47 administrative workers as part of a broader reorganization.

Affordable Care Act Coverage: New federal data shows steep drops in Affordable Care Act enrollment after enhanced subsidies expired, with Ohio and Oklahoma each losing nearly one-third of enrollees—about 2.6 million fewer Americans with Obamacare plans nationwide. Food Safety Recall: Publix is recalling frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028) across eight states, including South Carolina, after 12 E. coli O145:H28 illness reports. Public Health Tech: Invision Diagnostics is expanding mobile mammography in the Southeast and adding CureMetrix’s cmAngio AI to help detect breast arterial calcifications from routine screening. Water & Heat Risks: Two Charlotte women drowned in Lake Wateree in Kershaw County; investigators say causes are pending. Community Safety: Parents of a missing Aiken County 4-year-old girl were charged with homicide by child abuse as the search continues. Violence & Health Impact: A weekend of July 4 gun violence left dozens dead nationwide, including multiple incidents with injuries requiring hospital care.

Heat Safety: A weeklong heat wave has killed at least 25 people, with heat alerts covering about 40 million across the East Coast and parts of the Southeast and Southwest; the National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat index readings, including in Charleston, plus storm-driven flooding risk. Foodborne Illness Alert: Publix is recalling GreenWise frozen organic IQF blueberries (10-ounce bags, lot code 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028) after 12 confirmed E. coli O145 illnesses tied to the product, urging shoppers to return or discard affected bags. Local Health & Community Support: United Way’s 211 caregiver support program is expanding into South Carolina, aiming to connect family caregivers with free help and resources. Public Safety & Violence: Fourth of July gunfire erupted in multiple states; in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, two people were shot and the suspected gunman died by suicide. SC Incident: A Greenville County deputy is recovering after a crash on I-85 while assisting with a traffic stop. Care Access: South Carolina’s child care scholarship rollback is highlighted as a major strain on families and workforce stability.

Food Safety Recall: Publix is recalling GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries (10 oz, lot code 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028) after reports of 12 illnesses linked to E. coli O145:H28 across eight states, including South Carolina—customers should check freezers and return or discard affected bags bought on or before July 3, 2026. Extreme Heat Watch: A major heat wave continued over the weekend with at least 25 deaths reported along the East Coast; heat index values are expected to stay dangerous, including in Charleston, as alerts remain in place. Local Health & Safety: A Greenville County deputy was recovering after a crash on I-85 near exit 46; the deputy was assisting with a traffic stop and all involved were taken to the hospital. Access to Care & Costs: New federal student loan limits are raising concerns for Black healthcare career paths, including one man aiming to become a physician assistant. Health System Leadership: An editorial argues MUSC’s next president search should be more transparent, citing the hospital’s major statewide impact. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: New data show Medicaid spending increases in South Carolina communities for categories like surgery, orthotic procedures, and dental services.

Food Safety Recall: Publix is recalling frozen GreenWise Organic IQF whole blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028) across eight states including South Carolina after reports of 12 E. coli O145:H28 illnesses; the recall advises customers who bought on 7/3/2026 or earlier to return or discard and watch for symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and possible kidney complications. Public Health & Safety: South Carolina DPH is urging residents to celebrate Fourth of July fireworks safely, warning that fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year and recommending families avoid unfamiliar or stronger fireworks and consider professional displays. Local Health Access: A new editorial calls out MUSC’s leadership search, arguing the state’s major health institution should not run a “secret” process for its next president. Health Policy Watch: Planned Parenthood clinics say many closures tied to funding uncertainty won’t reopen, with two-thirds of shutdowns hitting rural or underserved areas—while some states backfill services. SC Health Data: Medicaid surgery spending in Mauldin rose 72.6% in 2024, reaching $11,293, reflecting shifting local public health spending patterns. Infectious Disease Risk: A CDC study found alpha-gal allergy markers in about 24% of blood samples in several higher-risk states, linked to Lone Star tick bites and reactions to red meat and dairy. Heat Awareness: Multiple reports highlight heat illness risks and the need to recognize heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke—especially as holiday temperatures climb.

MUSC Leadership: The Medical University of South Carolina is preparing for President David Cole’s retirement next year, with trustees now facing the high-stakes job of finding a successor who can keep major momentum going, including a planned $1 billion cancer hospital tower and statewide hospital expansion. Food Safety: Publix is pulling frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028) after possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination, with cases reported across multiple states including South Carolina. Public Health & Heat: South Carolina DPH is urging safer Fourth of July fireworks handling, and separate coverage highlights how to recognize heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and when to call 911. Local Care Access: Beaufort Memorial is expanding primary care with a membership-based Concierge Care option. Health Policy Fight: Planned Parenthood clinics are working to regain Medicaid-related access after federal funding uncertainty, but many closures—especially in rural areas—may not reopen. Health Risks From Ticks: A CDC study reports alpha-gal allergy markers in up to 31% of blood samples in some higher-risk states, tied to Lone Star tick exposure.

Tick-linked allergy: A CDC study found alpha-gal allergy markers in up to 31% of blood samples in some higher-risk states, including Arkansas and Missouri—raising awareness that reactions to red meat and some dairy can follow Lone Star tick bites. Newborn screening upgrade (SC): South Carolina expanded genetic newborn screening to add Hunter syndrome and Fabry disease, aiming for earlier treatment and fewer long-term complications. Food safety: A recall of frozen GreenWise organic IQF blueberries was issued due to possible E. coli O145 contamination, with illnesses reported across multiple states including South Carolina. Heat + safety: With extreme holiday heat building across the region, Savannah opened free cooling sites as heat indexes near 110 degrees—plus SC DPH urged fireworks safety ahead of the Fourth. Fireworks rules (SC): Reports highlighted what’s legal and illegal in South Carolina, including statewide bans on certain fireworks and extra wildfire risk warnings in dry areas. Community health support: Greenville nonprofits expanded Summer Break Café meal programs, pairing free meals with fresh produce boxes for kids during school break.