AGP Executive Report

Medicare/Medicaid Crackdown: DOJ says 455 defendants, including 90 licensed clinicians, face charges tied to $6.5B in alleged Medicare and Medicaid fraud and opioid schemes, with claims of patient harm. Medicaid Funding Pressure: RAND projects Medicaid funding could drop 5%+ for about half the U.S. under a major federal overhaul, with some states hit harder. Medicare Advantage Disruptions: About 1 in 10 Medicare Advantage members could lose plans for 2026, and switching back may come with a catch. Food Safety Alert: USDA/FSIS recalls Power Plate Meals frozen meatloaf trays shipped to SD, ND, and MN because soy wasn’t declared on labels; people with soy allergy risk should not eat recalled items. Nutrition Access: A survey finds rising grocery prices are pushing South Dakota families to buy fewer fruits and vegetables and report less healthy diets. Tick Bite Allergy Warning: Health officials link tick bites to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy that can send people to the ER. Rabies in Livestock: Upper Midwest states warn of rabies cases in cattle tied to infected skunks, urging vigilance around animals. Local Health & Wellness: SDSU VP Daniel Scholl plans to retire in December, and Mitchell will fog/spray for mosquitoes to reduce West Nile virus risk.

Rural Health Tech: Madison Regional Health System in eastern South Dakota is using Epic to share patient data and improve care handoffs, showing how critical access hospitals can coordinate better without losing local access. Food Safety: Power Plate Meals, LLC recalled about 5,795 pounds of frozen meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes shipped to South Dakota, after an undeclared soy allergen was found; no reactions reported. Prenatal Care in Schools: South Dakota approved new state-required prenatal development videos for public schools, including “Baby Olivia” from an anti-abortion group, with the law taking effect July 1. Mosquito Control & West Nile: Mitchell plans city-wide fogging and spraying to curb mosquitoes, while Sioux Falls highlights its mosquito testing program for West Nile Virus. Overdose Trends: CDC data show drug overdose deaths down 13% year-over-year, but experts warn the decline doesn’t mean the crisis is over. Community Mental Health: Lost&Found, a statewide suicide prevention nonprofit, is shutting down and plans to transfer its peer mentorship work to other groups. Public Health & Weather: A tornado in Illinois left two dead and multiple injuries, underscoring severe-weather risks. Local Care Leadership: Brookings Health promoted Ashley Baszler to emergency department nursing director.

Abortion Access & Maternal Health: A new national study says total abortion bans are pushing doctors to delay or withhold standard pregnancy care for conditions like early pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy, driven by legal fear—not clinical judgment—raising risks for pregnant people and worsening inequities. South Dakota Schools & Prenatal Content: The South Dakota Board of Education Standards approved state-required prenatal development videos, including an option from an anti-abortion group, as the law takes effect July 1. Food Safety Recall: USDA recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen Power Plate Meals meatloaf products distributed in SD, ND, and MN due to misbranding and an undeclared soy allergen; no reactions reported, but consumers should stop eating and contact a provider if concerned. Public Health Watch: CDC reports 2,104 measles cases across 41 states in 2026, with the U.S. elimination status facing its biggest threat since 2000. Local Health & Community: Brookings Health promoted Ashley Baszler to emergency department nursing director, and Rapid City’s Walk to Defeat ALS drew support as local care options expand. Nutrition & Cost Pressure: A South Dakota survey finds families are buying fewer fruits and vegetables and reporting less healthy diets as grocery costs climb. Weather & Safety: Severe storm risk returns to the High Plains, and a tornado in Illinois left two dead and several injured.

Housing + Health Workforce: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is funding a $2.3 million share of a nearby subdivision that could add 48 affordable units for employees—aimed at easing a local housing shortage that’s driving up staffing costs and leaving the hospital with 19 open jobs as of May 29. Public Health + Safety: Rapid City’s Working Against Violence warns that homelessness risks spike in summer, especially heat and dehydration, and urges people to reach out early for shelter, case management, and help replacing key documents. Care Access + Community Support: AARP and United Way expand the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states, including South Dakota, to help family caregivers find free, confidential support. Eye Health Tip: A Prairie Doc reminder says repetitive eye rubbing can worsen keratoconus, especially for people with allergies or dryness—so treat the itch, don’t rub. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Nebraska, with South Dakota already reporting its first case of the season last week. Local Health Events: Rapid City’s “Red, Blue, and You” blood drive (June 23–25) rebrands a longtime lifesaving effort and highlights a need for type O blood. Mental Health: A new mental health memo stresses that both too little and too much sleep can harm mood, focus, and motivation.

ALS Awareness & Care: Rapid City’s Walk to Defeat ALS brought families together to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with organizers aiming to close a $50,000 goal gap and stressing free support for families navigating the disease. Public Health Alert: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Nebraska after mosquito pool testing, with South Dakota reporting its first case of the season last week—reminding residents that many infections cause mild or no symptoms. Heat & Homelessness Safety: Working Against Violence Inc. says homelessness doesn’t pause in summer, warning about heat and dehydration risks and urging people to reach out early for shelter, case management, and help replacing key documents. Mental Wellness Tip: A new Mental Health Memo highlights why sleep matters, noting that both too little and too much sleep can affect mood, focus, and overall brain function. Community Health Access: AARP and United Way expand the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states (including regional support in California and Colorado), bringing more caregiver help to people who need it. Local Health Funding Signals: Medicaid billing data shows notable growth in multiple South Dakota communities, including big increases in dental, vision, and ambulance/transport services across 2024.

Community Health & Safety: Rapid City homelessness advocates at WAVI are warning that heat and dehydration can be deadly for people without stable housing, urging early outreach for shelter, IDs, and connections to medical and mental health care. Blood Donation: Rapid City’s long-running “Guns N’ Hoses” blood drive rebrands as “Red, Blue, and You,” running June 23-25 at Uptown Rapid, with a special need for type O blood. Rural Health & Resilience: SDSU Extension is taking drought meetings on the road for lower-third producers, focusing on how to decide which added costs actually pay off when pasture and crop moisture are limited. Medicaid Watch (Local Spending): New federal Medicaid billing data shows sharp 2024 increases in multiple South Dakota communities, including Deadwood (pathology/lab and medicine categories rising), Martin (surgery), Hot Springs (vision), Brandon (evaluation & management), and Wagner (dental). Mental Wellness: A new “Mental Health Memo” highlights why sleep matters, covering how too little or too much sleep can affect mood, focus, and learning. Public Health Alerts: The CDC reports measles remains active in dozens of jurisdictions nationwide, with South Dakota listed among affected areas. Caregiver Support: AARP and United Way expand the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states, adding more access for family caregivers. Food Safety: Power Plate Meals recalls frozen meatloaf products shipped to South Dakota due to undeclared soy allergen.

Drought Planning for Producers: SDSU Extension is taking drought meetings on the road for lower-third South Dakota farmers and ranchers, focusing on how to decide on costly inputs and livestock moves when pasture and crop moisture are limited. Homelessness Support in Summer: Advocates with Working Against Violence say homelessness doesn’t pause in hot weather and urge people to reach out early for shelter, case management, and help replacing IDs and connecting to medical and mental health services. Medicaid Spending Snapshots (2024): Local Medicaid billing data shows big swings in care categories—Redfield pathology/lab payments rose sharply, Brandon evaluation/management climbed, Sisseton surgery increased, and multiple communities saw growth in dental, vision, ambulance/transport, and medicine services. Mental Health & Sleep: A new mental health memo highlights how both too little and too much sleep can affect mood, focus, and brain function, with special attention to REM sleep. Caregiver Help via 211: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states plus regional support in California and Colorado, aiming to connect family caregivers to free, confidential resources. Food Safety Recall: Power Plate Meals recalled frozen meatloaf products sold in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota due to undeclared soy allergen. Community Health Education: SDSU Extension’s Aging Well recordings are available online through Sept. 30, 2026, covering topics like family estrangement and safe medication use for older adults.

Wildfire Health Alerts: The 2026 wildfire season is already burning far more land than usual, and smoke is pushing air quality alerts across more than a dozen states—especially risky for kids, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung conditions. Measles Update: The CDC reports measles has spread to 41 states with three deaths, with most cases tied to outbreaks—another reminder to check vaccination records before summer travel. Food Safety Recall: Power Plate Meals recalled about 5,700 pounds of frozen meatloaf products because soy wasn’t listed on labels; shipped to distributors in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Caregiving & Home Safety: A dementia caregiving guide highlights practical steps to reduce falls and other risks at home, from organizing medical info to improving lighting and removing hazards. Aging Well Online: SDSU Extension and North Dakota State Extension are making Aging Well workshop recordings available online through Sept. 30, 2026, covering family relationships and medication safety. Rural Health Access: Rural America coverage flags dialysis clinic closures that force long drives for life-saving care.

Food Assistance Watch: SNAP enrollment dropped sharply nationwide, with about 5 million fewer people receiving benefits than early 2025, and several states in the South and West seeing double-digit declines. Maternal Care Access: A new look at “maternity deserts” says shrinking birth options aren’t accidents—South Dakota is cited as having many counties without local obstetric services. Pediatric Mental Health: South Dakota’s Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and USD’s BEAM-SD initiative received funding to expand behavioral health support for rural and frontier families. Caregiver Safety: Dementia caregivers are urged to reduce home hazards and organize key medical info as mobility, senses, and judgment decline. Local Health & Wellness: A HealthWatch segment breaks down bunions vs. big-toe arthritis and why getting the right diagnosis matters. Community Health Funding: Monument Health’s Golden Guitars Gala raised a record $781,250 for Children’s Miracle Network in the Black Hills. Health Systems: Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen joined a national conference on the hospital of tomorrow, focusing on connecting care and workforce needs. Public Health Alerts: A frozen meatloaf recall warns of undeclared soy allergen in products shipped to South Dakota. Legal Aid Under Pressure: Dakota Plains Legal Services reports a $176,000 deficit affecting staffing and services for low-income residents. Rural Health Reality Check: Rural dialysis clinic closures in the region are forcing patients to drive hours for life-saving care.

Pediatric Mental Health Boost: South Dakota’s Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and USD’s BEAM-SD initiative received new funding to expand pediatric behavioral health support for rural and frontier families, including more screening tools and no-cost consultation for providers. Healthcare Access & Tech: Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen joined leaders in Washington, D.C., at the Healthcare of Tomorrow conference, focusing on connecting care across settings and using digital tools and AI to keep services accessible and affordable. Drought Watch: The National Weather Service says drought in parts of southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska is likely to persist through summer, with some areas in moderate to extreme drought. Community Health Education: A new HealthWatch segment breaks down painful big-toe conditions, explaining how bunions and arthritis of the big toe joint are treated differently and why getting the right diagnosis matters. Kidney Health Awareness: The American Kidney Fund is renewing attention on APOL1-mediated kidney disease, urging people—especially those with family ancestry risk—to learn their status and protect kidney health early. Food Safety Recall: A West Fargo meal prep company recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf because soy wasn’t listed for a known allergy, with no adverse reactions reported. Local Safety Upgrade: Rapid City plans new traffic signals at the landfill entrance next week to make exits safer during construction. Transit Wins: Sioux Falls’ partnership with Via is credited with lower cost per ride and higher ridership, plus broader citywide access through SAM On-Demand.

EMS Funding Talks: South Dakota lawmakers kicked off the Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force, focusing on how to make EMS an “essential service,” address ambulance payment gaps, and tackle rural ambulance deserts—recommendations are due by Nov. 1. Hospital Workforce Housing: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is funding affordable housing near the hospital to ease a staffing shortage driven by lack of local places to live. Public Health—Overdose Trends: A new CDC report shows overdose deaths are still falling overall, but the crisis is rising again in the West as fentanyl-involved deaths keep moving upward. Food Assistance Impact: ProPublica reports SNAP changes have removed hundreds of thousands of children from benefits nationwide, raising concerns about child health and nutrition. Health Access for Youth: Abbott House opened two new intensive therapeutic foster homes in Rapid City to meet statewide demand for specialized youth care. Community Wellness: USD students helped run free hearing screenings for Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, using visual supports to reduce anxiety.

Community Health & Fitness: New Ulm’s Rec Center hired Dylan Maanum as its new aquatics and fitness coordinator, aiming to upgrade programs and bring high-quality equipment to the community. Outdoor Wellness: Missouri National Recreational River is offering free family fishing clinics every Saturday (June 20–Aug.) with gear and bait provided, plus tips on ethical angling and stopping aquatic invasive species. Youth Health Services: USD students helped run Special Olympics Healthy Athletes hearing screenings for 85 athletes, using visual schedules to reduce anxiety and guide families through multiple hearing tests. Care for Kids in Need: Abbott House opened two new intensive therapeutic foster homes in Rapid City to meet statewide demand, with both facilities already at capacity. Public Health Watch: Wind Cave National Park reported three rabid bats since early May and urges anyone who may have had contact—alive or dead—to seek medical guidance right away. Food & Nutrition Policy: A ProPublica report says hundreds of thousands of children lost SNAP benefits after federal changes, raising concerns about food access. Local Planning: Rapid City residents have until today to comment on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, with priorities including trails, neighborhood parks, and indoor wellness spaces.

West Nile Update: South Dakota health officials confirmed the first West Nile virus mosquito pools of the season in Brown County, urging residents to use repellents, wear long sleeves at dusk-to-dawn, and remove standing water. Rabies Alert: Wind Cave National Park reported three bats testing positive for rabies since early May, warning that even dead bats should be treated as a possible exposure and anyone who had contact should call the state health department. Food Security: A ProPublica investigation says more than 770,000 children have stopped receiving SNAP benefits after federal rule changes, raising concerns about nutrition and health for kids. Local Health Workforce & Housing: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is investing in affordable housing near the hospital to help address staffing shortages driven by lack of local housing. Child Health & Education: South Dakota’s Kids Count report ranks the state 38th for education and notes weaker health outcomes for children, including uninsured rates. Prevention & Care Access: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program into more states, including South Dakota, to help family caregivers find services. Community Planning: Rapid City residents have until today to comment on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, with survey results highlighting parks, trails, greenways, and wellness spaces. Nutrition Assistance for Dairy Month: Prairie Farms Dairy donated milk to Feeding South Dakota and is matching donations throughout June. Vaccination Reminder: South Dakota pediatric and vaccine groups urge families to review immunization records before summer travel amid ongoing measles risk. Forage Safety: SDSU Extension encourages producers to test forage nitrate levels, especially during drought stress, to protect livestock—particularly pregnant animals.

West Nile Alert: South Dakota health officials confirmed the first West Nile virus–positive mosquito pools of 2026 in Brown County, urging residents to use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evening, limit outdoor time at dusk-to-midnight, and remove standing water. Rabies Risk: Wind Cave National Park reported three rabies-positive bats since early May and warns that any contact with a bat—alive or dead—should be treated as a potential exposure; contact the state health department and a medical provider. Measles Prevention: As summer travel ramps up, South Dakota pediatric and immunization groups urge families to check vaccination records and make sure kids and adults are up to date, especially with MMR and other routine shots. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a recalled Alfredo sauce sold to restaurants and institutions in 41 states to its highest risk level over possible Salmonella contamination. Local Health Care Planning: Avera’s proposed Dell Rapids clinic and hospital cleared a rezoning hurdle, but neighbors pushed for more studies on traffic, drainage, environmental impacts, lighting, and noise. Livestock Safety: SDSU Extension recommends forage nitrate testing to protect livestock—especially pregnant animals—from nitrate toxicity.

West Nile Alert: South Dakota health officials confirmed the season’s first West Nile virus in mosquito pools in Brown County, urging people to use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants at dusk-to-dawn, and remove standing water—especially for adults 60+, pregnant people, transplant recipients, and those with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. Food Safety Recall: The FDA upgraded a recalled Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states to its highest-risk Class I status due to potential Salmonella contamination; affected product details include UPC 0039954921963 and specific “Best By” dates in 2028. Workforce & Tech: The state Department of Labor and Regulation says AI could help South Dakota’s workforce shortages by streamlining processes and freeing up workers’ time, not replacing people. Local Wellness Access: Brookings celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its Community Food Forest, aiming to improve local food access with layered plantings. Health Equity & Community: A bipartisan report card ranked North Carolina low on education and civic life, while a SafeHome.org LGBTQ safety report highlights how state laws and hate-crime rates shape health and safety. Fitness Event: SDSU Extension is inviting South Dakotans to a free virtual 5K in early July to keep people active and support chronic disease awareness.

Protein supply squeeze: Global demand for protein is colliding with a shortage of food-grade whey, pushing prices to record highs and leaving grocery shelves packed with “protein” claims but fewer ingredients to back them up. Food safety alert: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level after potential Salmonella contamination, affecting products distributed in 41 states including South Dakota—check UPC 0039954921963 and affected lot/best-by dates. Mosquito season warning: South Dakota health officials confirmed the first West Nile virus mosquito pools of the season in Brown County and urge residents to use effective repellents, wear long sleeves, and remove standing water. EMS funding focus: An Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will meet for the first time in Pierre to explore ways to stabilize ambulance services statewide, including whether EMS should be treated as an essential service. Stay active, South Dakota: SDSU Extension is offering a free virtual 5K (July 5–11) with an optional walking/running plan and chronic disease awareness tie-in. Local health workforce training: SDSU Extension will host a June 23 CAFO environmental training for concentrated animal feeding operation operators in Huron.