AGP Executive Report

Measles: U.S. cases have topped 4,000 this year, the highest level in decades. South Carolina has reported 670 cases, among the states with the largest totals. Food Safety: A listeria recall covers Starfish Seafood Trio smoked salmon, halibut and trout sold in South Carolina. Check for lot D139149161-153; no illnesses have been reported. Mothers and Babies: Advocates want Congress to renew funding for home visits that reached about 2,800 South Carolina families with new babies. The program connects parents with prenatal care, nutrition and other support; the state ranks poorly for maternal and infant mortality. Sickle Cell Care: State advocates warn that funding cuts could put sickle cell programs at risk.

Health Care Workforce: South Carolina’s hospital leaders are looking to innovation to address persistent staffing shortages, a challenge discussed by the state Hospital Association’s CEO. Measles Watch: The U.S. has topped 4,000 cases this year, including 670 in South Carolina, underscoring the importance of vaccination as outbreaks spread. Sickle Cell Care: Advocates warn potential state funding cuts could threaten programs for patients in a state with one of the nation’s highest rates of the disease. Community Health: Prisma Health’s free drive-through flu clinic in Columbia gave nearly 300 shots; another clinic is scheduled for Oct. 15. Cancer Support: A Hollings Cancer Center social worker says support groups can ease isolation and give patients and survivors a place to share experiences. Blood Donation: Aiken County is holding a Wednesday blood drive to support the recovery of a deputy recently released from the hospital after surgery.

Flu Prevention: A free drive-through clinic in Columbia administered nearly 300 flu shots, with another Prisma Health pop-up scheduled for Oct. 15. The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. Measles: U.S. cases have topped 4,000 this year, the highest in decades; South Carolina has reported 670. The CDC is offering states $100 million in support as outbreaks grow. Sickle Cell Care: Advocates warn potential state funding cuts could force programs to close. South Carolina has the nation’s second-highest rate of the disease, and patients rely on those services for care and support. Behavioral Health: Prisma Health has announced a partnership and funding for a new Upstate behavioral health hospital.

Child Welfare: Newly released body-camera footage shows South Carolina deputies checking on two toddlers weeks before they were found dead in their Ladson home. Authorities say the children died from starvation and dehydration; their mother faces homicide charges. Food Safety: A recall for Starfish cold-smoked salmon, halibut and trout over possible Listeria contamination includes South Carolina. Check the lot number: D139149161-153. Measles: U.S. cases have reached a 35-year high, prompting the CDC to offer states $100 million for vaccination and surveillance efforts. South Carolina experienced a major outbreak earlier this year.

Measles: South Carolina has reported 670 cases this year, the nation’s second-highest total. The CDC is sending states $100 million for vaccination and disease tracking as infections climb nationwide. Local Health: A coroner says Lexington County trainer Elena Moore died from complications of a heart rhythm disorder; the autopsy found no traumatic injuries. Youth Health: Doctors are warning that energy drinks can trigger dangerous heart problems in children, after a South Carolina 16-year-old died following a drink. The coalition is urging sports organizations to reconsider energy drink marketing to young fans.

Children’s Health: Doctors are urging limits on energy-drink marketing to young people after a South Carolina teen’s death was linked to an abnormal heart rhythm. They warn high caffeine levels can cause serious heart problems and other harm. Measles: U.S. cases have topped 4,080, the highest in decades; South Carolina has reported 670 cases this year, the second-highest state total. Elena Moore Case: A Lexington County coroner ruled the missing personal trainer died of natural causes from heart-rhythm complications. The coroner said she had not taken her prescribed heart medication while held at a mental health facility. Health Care Training: MUSC has opened a six-story College of Health Professions building in downtown Charleston, with classrooms, labs and rehabilitation research space. Cancer Screening: More than 4,600 South Carolina women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and state officials say regular mammograms can help catch it early. The Best Chance Network offers free screenings to eligible women. Drug Costs: South Carolina is among 45 states seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing; consumers who bought generic prescriptions from 2009 to 2019 may qualify for compensation.

Mental Health and Heart Care: Lexington County officials say personal trainer Elena Moore died from complications of an irregular heartbeat. The coroner said Moore had recently been hospitalized during a mental health crisis and was not receiving her usual heart medication after discharge. Measles: South Carolina has reported 670 cases this year, among the nation’s highest, as U.S. cases top 4,000. Health officials continue to urge vaccination. Drug Prices: South Carolina is among 45 states seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing. People who bought generic prescriptions from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation. MUSC Expansion: The Medical University of South Carolina has opened a six-story College of Health Professions building in Charleston for training, research and rehabilitation programs. Breast Cancer Screening: State health officials say more than 4,600 South Carolina women are diagnosed each year; the Best Chance Network offers free mammograms to eligible women.

Child Well-Being: Domestic violence exposure and emotional trauma account for nearly 10% of accepted child-welfare cases in South Carolina, with children under 7 the most vulnerable group. Cancer Care: Demolition is underway for MUSC’s planned $1 billion, 14-story cancer hospital in Charleston, targeted to open in 2030 as part of a push to expand cancer services statewide. Breast Health and Diabetes Prevention: Trident Hospital’s breast imaging services are now part of Solis Mammography, bringing 3D screening and diagnostic care to Charleston; a new Summerville program aims to prevent diabetes. Measles: South Carolina has reported 670 cases this year, the nation’s second-highest tally, as outbreaks continue to raise public-health concerns. Senior Care Costs: South Carolina nursing-home residents on Medicaid can keep just $60 a month from their income for personal needs, illustrating how state rules shape residents’ day-to-day finances.

Care Close to Home: Trident Hospital and Solis Mammography are expanding breast imaging in Charleston, including 3D mammograms, ultrasound and biopsy services; a new Summerville program aims to help prevent diabetes. Measles Watch: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, the nation’s second-highest total, underscoring the need to stay current on vaccination and follow public health guidance. Behavioral Health: Prisma Health has announced a partnership and funding for a new Upstate behavioral health hospital, adding capacity for mental health care. Emergency Response: A fog-related 69-vehicle pileup on I-95 near Lake Marion sent dozens for medical treatment, though no deaths were reported.

Child Welfare: Newly released reports show repeated welfare checks and warning signs in the month before two toddlers were found dead in a Ladson home. Their mother faces two homicide-by-child-abuse charges. Measles: South Carolina has reported 670 cases this year, the nation’s second-highest total, as a major outbreak in Pennsylvania pushes U.S. infections higher. Local Care: A new $9.5 million family medicine center in fast-growing Woodruff has 29 exam rooms and space to add providers. Neurology Access: Self Regional is building a broader network of neurological care in the Lakelands, where patients face long waits amid a statewide specialist shortage. Rabies Alert: Bats in Florence and Dillon counties tested positive for rabies; one person and one pet were exposed. Safe Haven: South Carolina has recorded 11 safely surrendered infants this year under Daniel’s Law, a new annual record.

Measles Watch: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, among the highest state totals in the country, as outbreaks spread nationally. Behavioral Health: Prisma Health’s planned 112-bed Upstate hospital received a $5 million commitment from Tecsys. Expected to open in March 2027, it will nearly double inpatient capacity and quadruple beds for children and teens. Cancer Screening: The state Department of Public Health is urging people to prioritize early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Heart Care: HCA Healthcare Trident added cardiac and vascular surgeons, expanding access to specialized services in the Lowcountry.

Heart Health for Women: A Greenville report highlights how women can face delays in heart disease care, including longer ER waits for chest pain and fewer diagnostic tests like echocardiograms. Food Safety Recall: The FDA says more than 122,000 cases of certain 28-ounce Gatorade bottles sold in 37 states, including South Carolina, are being recalled over undeclared yellow dyes. Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has topped 1,000 cases, with adults making up a unusually large share; South Carolina is also reporting high numbers this year, with officials stressing vaccination as prevention. Cybersecurity in Schools: SLED says it was notified of a cybersecurity incident involving Frontline Education used by Upstate districts, with possible exposure of student health records and staff information. Local Child Neglect Case: Authorities say two Ladson-area children died from starvation and dehydration after days without being found, and their mother faces homicide by child abuse charges. Healthcare Access & Costs: A South Carolina pediatrician running for U.S. Senate launched a “Patients and Prices” tour focused on lowering drug costs and reversing Medicaid cuts. Data Center Legal Fight: A judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block a $2.8B Valara data center in Spartanburg County, saying neighbors didn’t show specific harm and the challenge was filed too early.

Measles Watch (SC): South Carolina is reporting 670 measles cases this year, the second-highest in the U.S., with health officials stressing vaccination as the key prevention step. Measles Surge (Regional): New York declared a statewide disaster emergency as rural counties face rising cases, while Pennsylvania surpassed 1,000 cases and is seeing hospitalizations and deaths. Local Health Care Access: South Carolina Internal Medicine is merging into Prisma Health on Nov. 1, expanding primary and specialty care in the Midlands, including medical weight loss and sleep services. Public Health & Safety (Environment): Thousands of dead fish were found in Smythe Lake on Daniel Island; the state says low dissolved oxygen likely caused the kill. Community Health & Caregiving: Aiken County and Florence County both saw officer-involved shootings, and Charleston County reported two young children found dead after days without care, with the mother charged. Health Workforce/Operations: Mount Pleasant Waterworks earned workplace culture awards, highlighting employee engagement and workplace health in a community service sector.

Measles Surge: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency as measles cases climbed to 108, with most in under-immunized rural counties; the order expands who can administer MMR vaccines and who can order testing, aiming to stop further spread. Big Outbreak Update: Pennsylvania has now topped 1,000 measles cases (about 1,004), with hundreds hospitalized and five deaths, tied to low vaccination rates—part of the worst U.S. measles year since 1991. South Carolina Care Focus: In a campaign stop, Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews highlighted plans to lower health care costs and protect rural hospitals after hearing concerns from residents in Jasper County and Allendale. Mental Health Innovation (MUSC): MUSC researchers discussed development of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and SAINT TMS for severe, treatment-resistant depression. School Health Concern: Horry County schools reported frequent vape confiscations and hundreds of student vape-related violations, prompting a district task force. Local Health System Leadership: MUSC trustees re-elected Charles W. Schulze as chairman and named Richard M. Christian Jr. as vice chairman.

Measles Alert: Pennsylvania has topped 1,000 measles cases this year, the largest U.S. outbreak in more than three decades, with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths reported—health officials point to low vaccination rates and urge MMR protection. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including South Carolina, after undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 were found; the FDA lists it as a Class II recall. Local Health Access: South Carolina colleges and trade schools can apply to offer new Workforce Pell Grants for in-demand jobs, but so far none have sought approval. Care & Safety in the Community: A former Anderson County EMS paramedic faces a felony charge after investigators allege inappropriate touching during a 2025 call and a falsified report. Public Health & Wellness in the News: A Cayce city employee died after a “medical emergency” at work; SLED is investigating. Injury & Emergency Response: A fatal Foam Lake-area crash involving a truck passing a semi led to charges against a South Carolina man, highlighting ongoing road-safety concerns.

Officer Safety & Accountability: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Florence County after deputies reported the suspect was taken to the hospital and no deputies were injured. Heart Health Tech: MUSC experts say smartwatches can help detect atrial fibrillation, with options ranging from wearable heart-rate monitoring to handheld EKG devices. Public Health & Food Safety: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in multiple states because labels didn’t list certain yellow dyes; officials say it’s mainly a labeling issue, not contamination. Opioid Harm Reduction: Berkeley County EMS will stock free Narcan kits on every ambulance, funded by a state grant, so community members can request kits during emergencies. Autism Care Access: Providers and families are alarmed by Medicaid reimbursement cuts to one-to-one ABA in Georgia, warning staffing and access could shrink. Long COVID & Smell Loss: MUSC researchers are studying smell disorders after COVID, including hyposmia and parosmia, and discuss smell training as a possible approach. Child Safety: Two women in Richland County face homicide by child abuse charges after a 4-year-old died at MUSC with severe injuries.