AGP Executive Report

Nursing Home Watch (Anderson/Pickens/Spartanburg/York): CMS data highlights how South Carolina long-term care varies by facility—Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home ranked No. 2 in Anderson County with a 4/5 overall rating, while Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness Center of Spa in Spartanburg posted a 1/5 rating and reported fines/penalties. In Pickens, Presbyterian Home of School – Foothills earned a five-star overall rating with no fines. In York, Rock Hill Post Acute Care Center received a five-star rating with no fines. Public Health (Measles): Florida reported a week without new measles cases, but health officials warn more cases may come with summer travel; measles remains highly contagious and preventable with MMR. Overdose Prevention (Charleston): “One Dose, Many Lives” Naloxone Awareness Day is set for June 6, with community partners sharing overdose-prevention resources and stories. Safety & Care (Boating): SCDNR charged a Charleston County man with involuntary manslaughter after a Shem Creek crash killed a Citadel cadet; investigators cited capacity, lookout, and other factors. Animal Health (Rabies): Officials reported a baby raccoon rescue in SC followed by quarantine and rabies precautions after a possible claw scratch concern. Health Policy (ICE): A report says ICE is ending public reporting of certain detainee deaths after release, drawing sharp criticism from watchdogs.

Measles Alert in Hampton County: South Carolina DPH confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult after international travel, triggering quarantine guidance for eight potentially exposed people through June 21. Urgent Care Expansion: HCA Healthcare bought 17 urgent care clinics across the Carolinas, with South Carolina sites rebranding as HCA CareNow to broaden access for non-emergency needs. New Opioid Warning: Officials in multiple states are sounding alarms about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid reported to be about 10 times stronger than fentanyl and tied to rising suspected overdose deaths. Boating Safety Case: SCDNR filed involuntary manslaughter charges against a Charleston-area man after a fatal April boating collision where investigators say the vessel was overloaded and visibility was restricted. Public Health + Community: Harvest Hope Food Bank is launching free summer meal distributions for kids under 18 across multiple SC cities to help families during school breaks. Tobacco Tax Change: A new SC law taxes vapes starting Oct. 1 and directs revenue to Medicaid, while cutting taxes for certain heated tobacco products.

Nursing Home Watch (Anderson/Horry): CMS data for Q1 2026 spotlights NHC HealthCare – Anderson as the largest Anderson County nursing home (290 beds) and one of the few with a top 5 overall CMS rating, while Oak View Health and Rehabilitation (Horry County) earned a 2-star rating and reported fines, and Loris Rehab and Nursing Center hit a 5-star overall rating with no fines. Measles Alert (Lowcountry): South Carolina DPH confirmed a measles case in Hampton County involving an unvaccinated adult after recent international travel; eight close contacts were advised to quarantine through June 21, with officials urging vaccination as the best protection. Food Safety (FDA probes): The FDA is investigating two new foodborne illness outbreaks—Listeria and Cyclospora—while also continuing work on multiple Salmonella outbreaks tied to moringa supplement capsules. Local Care & Workforce: MUSC researchers say a new approach for severe depression can help some patients recover in days, and Sea Pines Circle Immediate Care in Hilton Head welcomed PA-C Emre Caglayan with orthopedic/sports medicine training. Public Health & Safety: SLED is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Fort Mill, and the Greenville County Coroner reported a child killed after being struck by a car in Mauldin. Community Health Careers: Tidelands Health awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to future and current health care workers, including local high school recipients pursuing nursing and health sciences.

Heart Health Research: The American Heart Association launched a first-ever national heart transplant research network, adding 14 research centers to tackle gaps in innovation, equity, and outcomes for patients waiting for transplants. Mental Health Breakthrough: MUSC researchers say a new brain-stimulation approach for severe depression can help some patients recover in days instead of months, offering fresh hope for people who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. Local Care Access: Prisma Health opened a new urgent care in Florence, aiming to bring faster, walk-in treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries to nearby communities. New Medical Campus: Novant Health is buying a Hilton Head site to build a $25.3M medical campus focused on primary care and urology, with plans to create about 50 jobs. Public Health Watch: Federal officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to “super greens” supplements after new illnesses were reported, prompting consumers to check for affected products. Community Support: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia announced a $1M Jubilee Grant Fund over 10 years to support nonprofits addressing homelessness, health, and education. Health & Safety in the News: A section of Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail/Cleveland Park playground is closing for major renovations.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 shows two South Carolina for-profit nursing homes—Pruitthealth Estill (Hampton County) and Golden Age Operations/Golden Age Operations (Spartanburg County)—both earning an overall CMS rating of 2, below the state average of 3.0. Standout Care: The Lodge at Wellmore Tega Cay (York County) earned a top five-star overall CMS rating in Q1 2026, though it still faced multiple fines/penalties. Public Health Research: A new study reports the popular GLP-1 drug semaglutide may slow biological aging markers in adults with HIV, adding to growing interest in how weight-loss medicines affect aging biology. Overdose Update: South Carolina saw its biggest single-year drop in overdose deaths in years, but officials warn counterfeit pills and fentanyl mixes keep teens at risk. Wildlife Health: Researchers say wild snakes across the Southeast are carrying multiple infections, raising extinction concerns for vulnerable species.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS says millions of Medicaid adults could face new work, education, or community engagement requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major groups like pregnant people, people with disabilities, and many caregivers exempt. Medicaid Fraud Watch: South Carolina DSS Office of Inspector General arrested a Sumter County woman accused of fraudulently receiving $21,716 in SNAP benefits by omitting her husband’s income on multiple applications. Firefighter Safety Gear: Milliken & Company became the first textile manufacturer to sign the IAFF PPE Manufacturer Code of Conduct, pledging safer, compliant protective clothing and noting it hasn’t used PFAS in fire-service fabrics since 2021. Public Health Alert: Measles has returned to Disneyland in California, with officials warning exposures could last weeks after confirmed cases tied to international travelers. Mosquito Risk: West Nile virus was detected in two Grand Rapids-area locations in Michigan, prompting reminders to prevent mosquito bites. Local Crash Update: A pedestrian died after being struck on Lake Edisto Road in Orangeburg County, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol. Upstate Health Business: Soleo Health acquired Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy and BluHaven Management to expand specialty pharmacy and infusion services across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic.

Workplace Safety: Anderson County coroner says 57-year-old Anthony Mark Lamattina III died after a pallet tipped from a forklift and trapped him, with traumatic asphyxiation ruled accidental; OSHA and local investigators are looking into the incident. Public Health & Prevention: South Carolina DPH urges summer safety—smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, safe storage of medicines, poison help (800-222-1222), and road checks plus heatstroke prevention by checking the backseat. Infectious Disease: Measles and whooping cough are spiking nationally as vaccination rates lag; South Carolina’s measles total is reported at 669, with officials pointing to vaccine exemptions. Youth Online Safety: A new SC law targets addictive social media features for kids under 16, limiting autoplay and hiding engagement metrics like likes and comments. Care Access: Galen College of Nursing opens enrollment for a new Daniel Island campus in Charleston offering an ADN pathway starting July 6. Community Health: Clemson Paw Partners plans a $5M low-cost veterinary clinic in Central, aiming to expand affordable services like spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping.

Cancer Care Expansion: MUSC and MUSC Health presidents outlined plans to grow cancer treatment so fewer South Carolinians need to travel out of state. Water Safety: South Carolina DPH urged families to prevent drownings as summer recreation ramps up, highlighting supervision, barriers for home pools, and “Water Watcher” habits. Nursing Shortage Push: Galen College of Nursing opened enrollment for a new Daniel Island campus, adding an ADN pathway to help address the state’s nurse shortage. Public Health & Access: A South Carolina Senate candidate spotlighted healthcare access and Medicaid expansion in campaign remarks. Workplace/Community Health: A local wellness fundraiser backed a family after a fatal Anderson County crash, showing how communities rally around medical needs. Injury & Safety Watch: Authorities identified a Sumter man killed after being struck by a train in Clarendon County; an autopsy is scheduled at MUSC. Drug Safety/Telehealth Concern: National reporting flags rising GLP-1-related overdose and safety questions tied to telehealth prescribing.

Stroke Update: Peabo Bryson, a Greenville-born R&B legend known for Disney hits like “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” is under medical care after suffering a stroke; his rep asked for privacy. Crash & Care: In Virginia, a deadly I-95 chain-reaction crash left 5 dead and dozens injured; 16 people were discharged while 3 remain in a trauma center, and investigators say speed played a role. Charges in Fatal Crash: Virginia State Police charged bus driver Jing S. Dong with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after the bus failed to slow for traffic in a work zone; more charges are pending. Public Health Reminder: South Carolina DPH urged water safety ahead of summer, highlighting drowning risk and recommending a “Water Watcher,” barriers for pools, and swimming lessons. Local Dental News: Culp Dental in Rock Hill added Dr. Kimberely Helton, expanding pediatric-focused care for families. Health & Wellness Buzz: A Charleston ENT physician warned of a rare, disturbing ear-related side effect reported in some people using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, as rapid weight loss may affect the Eustachian tube.

Organ Donation & Kidney Shortage: A new two-part look at organ donation highlights South Carolina’s urgent need for kidneys, noting about 1,800 residents on waiting lists in early 2026 and that nearly 90% of those are waiting for kidney transplants, with Black South Carolinians disproportionately represented. Rural Health Access: MUSC and Manatt Health released a telehealth playbook aimed at helping rural hospitals stabilize amid workforce and funding pressures, pointing to a national push for rural health transformation and the role of virtual care. Public Health & Wildlife: A University of Georgia study warns that rattlesnakes and other wild snakes in the Southeast face rising infection risks, with fungal disease and common bacteria showing up across hundreds of snakes tested. Mental Health in Corrections: A Charleston County jail lieutenant is credited with improving care for inmates with mental illness, using compassion and quick coordination to reduce the cycle of detention. Transportation Safety: A deadly I-95 bus crash in Virginia killed five people, including a Massachusetts family of four headed to a South Carolina wedding; investigators are examining speed, fatigue, and language barriers as charges move forward. Community & Care: Several Carolinas LGBTQ+ nonprofits are set to benefit from the Elton John Impact Awards, bringing new visibility and support to local services.

Organ Transplant Need: South Carolina is leading the nation in kidney waiting lists, with about 1,800 residents on the organ transplant list in early 2026—nearly 90% waiting for kidneys, and Black residents making up 56% of the waitlist. Public Health & Safety: A Virginia bus crash on I-95 killed five people and injured dozens; charges are pending for the non-English speaking driver, and investigators say the bus failed to slow for a work zone. Community Care Through Creativity: Prisma Health’s Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital in Greenville is partnering with Premier Arts Collective for therapeutic art workshops to support recovery for patients and caregivers. Water Safety: SCDES issued a recreational watch for Lake Hartwell after reports of a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom; toxin levels in recent samples were low but monitoring continues. Food Security: New data show SNAP cuts are threatening food access in vulnerable communities, with millions losing benefits or facing upcoming work requirement changes. Health Tech/Industry: CordenPharma agreed to acquire AmbioPharm, expanding peptide manufacturing capacity with added U.S. and Shanghai capabilities.

Organ Donation in Focus: A new two-part look highlights South Carolina’s kidney shortage, with about 1,800 residents on transplant lists and nearly 90% waiting for kidneys—while Black residents make up 56% of the waitlist. Public Health & Vaccines: Measles and whooping cough are surging as vaccine rates lag; South Carolina is among the hardest hit, with cases already more than double last year. Water Safety: Lake Hartwell is under a harmful algal bloom recreational watch after cyanobacteria was confirmed; officials say toxin levels are currently low but monitoring continues. Care Access & Costs: Prisma Health says it improved admissions and emergency visits by combining embedded care teams with AI-powered population health tools—after realizing data visibility gaps limited earlier efforts. Food Security: New data show SNAP cuts are threatening food access for vulnerable communities, with deeper impacts expected as work requirements expand. SC Health Workforce: State leaders are addressing a certification backlog affecting about 4,000 nurse aide workers. Local Health Policy: South Carolina also continues to respond to child safety and online guardrail proposals as lawmakers debate protections for kids.

Medicare Coverage Update: AngioDynamics says Palmetto GBA issued a final Medicare coverage decision for its NanoKnife irreversible electroporation (IRE) for favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, effective July 5, 2026—an important reimbursement step for patients and providers. Workforce Bottleneck: South Carolina leaders are tackling a nurse aide certification testing backlog that’s leaving about 4,000 trained workers unable to start jobs, stressing how delays can worsen staffing shortages. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A Winthrop Poll finds most South Carolinians are struggling—67% say grocery costs are hard to afford, and about 59% cite health care costs and prescriptions as difficult. Public Health & Safety: DPH issued summer water safety reminders for pools, lakes, and rivers. Local Health-Related Legal/Crime: SLED charged an Aiken County man with attempted murder after deputies say he pressed a gun to a deputy’s chest during a burglary call. Animal Health Trend: A Greenville chiropractor is expanding care to pets, offering chiropractic adjustments for dogs, cats, and other animals.

Medicaid Dental Dollars: Seneca providers billed $730,195 for Medicaid Dental Services in 2024, up 1% from 2023, showing steady growth in local oral-care spending. Local Medicaid Trends: West Columbia Dental Services rose 4% to $248,412 in 2024, while Greer Dental Services jumped 11.6% to $581,873—signals families may be getting more covered care, but also rising costs. Surgery Spending Up: Little River Surgery claims climbed 14.8% to $21,327 in 2024, and Pickens Surgery rose 4.4% to $297,555, reflecting continued shifts in where Medicaid dollars flow. GLP-1 Safety Warning: A report highlights rising GLP-1 overdoses tied to easier online access, with one case describing a telehealth dose that was nearly nine times typical—raising urgent questions about dosing, monitoring, and patient safety. Water Safety Push: South Carolina DPH issued a summer drowning-prevention alert, urging constant supervision, swim lessons, and pool safety steps like barriers and alarms. Community Health & Care: A South Carolina Special Olympian says she lost 102 pounds through walking and healthier eating, offering a local wellness success story. Public Safety Incidents: Authorities reported a fatal moped crash in Lexington County and a deadly rollover crash in Lancaster County, underscoring ongoing injury risks during travel and summer activities.

Water Safety: The South Carolina Department of Public Health is urging extra caution around pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads as summer ramps up, noting 85 unintentional drowning deaths in 2024 and the highest risk for kids ages 1–4; DPH recommends a “Water Watcher,” never letting children swim alone, and using barriers and alarms for home pools. Food Access: Horry County Schools is rolling out its federally backed Summer Nutrition Program with free breakfast and lunch for kids 18 and younger starting June 10 across 14 campuses. Health Care & Costs: A new Winthrop Poll finds many South Carolinians are struggling with affordability, with about 59% saying health care costs (including prescriptions) are difficult to pay. Local Health Funding: York County Medicaid spending for alcohol and drug treatment rose 29.8% in 2024, reaching $433,479. Medical Education: USC’s School of Medicine has been renamed the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D. School of Medicine, honoring a $30 million gift for scholarships and faculty support. Community Wellness: Horry County Council approved $10 million for a YMCA aquatic center in Carolina Forest aimed at swim safety training and water rescue skills. Public Health Data: Federal funds as a share of state revenue kept declining in fiscal 2024, continuing a post-pandemic drop. Injury & Emergency Response: A Lancaster County crash left two dead and others injured, and a Colleton County structure fire killed one adult and left another severely burned.

Public Health Alert: Aiken County customers of Valley Public Service Authority Water System were told to boil water before drinking or cooking after an interruption tied to repairs, with no confirmed contamination but a precautionary boil advisory until further notice. Health & Community: Kingstree Lions Club wrapped up a Vidalia onion fundraiser raising $280+ bags to support vision help, health screening clinics, youth programs, and local service projects. Medical Research: Wistar and Temple scientists report a metabolic target that may help overcome chemotherapy resistance in DNA repair–proficient ovarian cancer, pointing to an existing drug strategy. Sports Betting Oversight: A bipartisan group of 41 state attorneys general led by Ohio AG Dave Yost urged the CFTC to keep sports-related prediction markets under state jurisdiction, arguing they function like gambling. Healthcare Policy: A South Carolina solicitor running for attorney general says he’ll push stronger authority to pursue Medicaid fraud, citing national scrutiny and prior state cases. Local Care Access: Lancaster City Council advanced annexation and rezoning for a medical office and a pediatric occupational therapy practice, aiming to expand local services.