AGP Executive Report

Telehealth Access in Rural Vermont: Dartmouth Health says it will end Tele-ICU and Tele-ED services that support ICU and emergency teams at rural hospitals in New Hampshire and Vermont, citing costs that are “unsustainable” without outside funding. Mental Health Staffing Cuts: Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin cut three staff roles and took four patient beds offline, dropping to 21 beds, as lawmakers and workers question whether the state is meeting needs for acute inpatient care. Fertility Care Expansion: Coastal Fertility Specialists announced Dr. Jennifer Dundee will join its practice in September 2026, adding reproductive endocrinology and infertility services at the Nexton location. Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers are being warned about a recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit due to possible listeria contamination; the FDA says there are no confirmed illnesses tied to the product. Community Health & Support: Tops Friendly Markets launched its annual United Way campaign across select Vermont locations, with donations at checkout or by rounding up change supporting local programs. Public Safety in Burlington: A man was stabbed to death in Burlington early Saturday, part of a weekend of multiple violent incidents that also included other stabbings and gunfire. Maternal Nutrition Policy Watch: A proposed “Momnibus Act” would expand WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers, aiming to address the maternal health crisis.

School Sports & Health Concerns: The CVSD board is set to hear public statements Aug. 18 about a proposed $6 million privately financed artificial turf field at CVU, after residents raised worries about turf health impacts and water contamination. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting in Albany (Orleans County) that left a man seriously injured and a woman assaulted; police are asking for tips on an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates (4553). Workplace Safety in Care: A VTDigger report highlights how violence against emergency department staff is becoming a normalized, demoralizing reality, after a nurse assault case led to a multi-year sentence. Community Health & Access: Burlington police are investigating an overnight downtown stabbing near St. Paul and Bank streets; the victim was taken to UVM Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Nutrition & Food Safety: Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are recalled in 29 states over possible listeria contamination. Healthy Living Spotlight: A new study ranks Vermont top for healthy living, citing clean air and outdoor activity options. Local Wellness Education: DCF launched updated online training for mandated reporters on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect in Vermont. Celiac Awareness: A Vermont teen’s fall festival fundraiser raised $5,000 to boost awareness and support for celiac disease.

Workplace Safety in Healthcare: VTDigger reports a rare but serious case of repeat violence against emergency department staff at UVM Medical Center, underscoring how assaults can become a “daily reality” for clinicians. Public Safety—Violence in Burlington: Burlington police are investigating a fatal downtown stabbing near Courthouse Plaza and a separate overnight stabbing near St. Paul and Bank Streets, with the second victim taken to UVMMC. Access to Care—Medicare Advantage Cuts: A new report highlights Medicare Advantage plan shrinkage, with KFF research showing Vermont among states where many seniors face terminated plans. Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers may be affected by a recall of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible Listeria contamination. Local Health Policy: Vermont’s statewide wake-sports rules limit wakesports zones on lakes, aiming to protect water quality and reduce shoreline erosion. Community Health & Prevention: USDA is dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York to curb rabies spread in wildlife. Maternal/Family Support Policy: Nebraska’s LB878 would require paid parental leave for state employees, a reminder of how family benefits can shape health and wellbeing.

Medicare Advantage in Vermont: Humana and UnitedHealthcare are shrinking Medicare Advantage options, and KFF data flags Vermont among states where terminated plans hit 60%+—seniors may need to switch coverage fast. UVM Medical Center staffing: Contract for about 3,300 support staff and technical professionals expired, triggering rolling pickets with claims that understaffing is harming safe patient care. Food safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states over possible Listeria; no confirmed illnesses yet. Public health alerts: USDA dropped 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York as rabies cases rise. Access to care: Vermont Law student childcare access remains a stress point in the Upper Valley, with many parents taking months to find spots. Local violence: Burlington police are investigating a downtown stabbing that sent a victim to UVM Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Health policy: State Sen. John Cavanaugh backed a bill addressing Medicaid waiver rules and crisis assistance limits. Community health: Weatherization Assistance marked 50 years, citing energy and safety upgrades for low-income homes.

UVM Medical Center Labor: Over 500 healthcare workers and community members joined rolling pickets after the contract for 3,600 support staff and technical professionals expired, with unions warning safe staffing and job security are at risk. Medicare Advantage: Vermont is among states where Medicare Advantage plan cuts are hitting hard, with KFF research showing 60%+ of enrollees facing terminated plans in some places. Medicaid Policy: State Sen. John Cavanaugh backed LB958, which would tighten Medicaid waiver rules and reporting while setting limits on crisis assistance payments. Public Health—Rabies: USDA dropped 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits over Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York to curb spread among wildlife. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Vermont and 28 other states were warned about recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible listeria contamination. Childcare Access: A Vermont/Upper Valley survey finds many parents wait months for childcare and often take time off work, fueling stress for families. Hospital Finances: Regulators questioned and supported Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s plan to address mounting deficits tied to past mismanagement. Accessibility: A letter calls out misuse of accessible parking spaces as a safety issue for people with disabilities.

UVM Medical Center labor dispute: Over 500 healthcare workers and community members joined rolling pickets after the support staff contract expired, with unions warning that understaffing and proposed contract changes could weaken safe staffing and job protections. Hospital finances: Vermont regulators questioned and supported Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s plan to curb deficit spending tied to past administrative and accounting problems, as the hospital projects a new shortfall and draws down reserves. Food safety—Listeria recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 packs of Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold in 29 states, including Vermont, after routine testing found a presumptive Listeria result; no illnesses reported yet. Public health—measles spike: Measles cases are rising nationwide, with Wisconsin among affected areas as federal vaccine guidance is overhauled, raising concerns about immunity gaps. Vermont health & wellness tips: A local health column explains how to tell indigestion from gallbladder pain after fatty meals, and UVM Extension shares simple home composting basics. Substance control—kratom crackdown: Massachusetts issued an emergency order restricting kratom products, citing risks from largely unregulated sales. Childcare strain: An Upper Valley survey finds many parents wait months for childcare and often take time off work, highlighting a growing access problem.

Food Safety Alerts: Walmart is recalling refrigerated Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Vermont, due to possible Listeria contamination; the kits have a use-by date of Aug. 22, 2026, and officials warn people not to eat them and to watch for listeriosis symptoms. More Outbreak Fallout: A separate multistate salmonella recall is pulling jalapeño-based salsas, dips, and guacamole from major retailers, with Vermont among the affected distribution states. Public Health Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce have climbed to 13,895 confirmed infections nationwide, with FDA inspections now underway in Mexico; Vermont is among the states that have reported cases. Local Care & Oversight: Vermont regulators voiced concern and support as Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s leaders outlined plans to address mounting deficits and past mismanagement. Healthcare Access: UVM Medical Center support staff are picketing as contracts expire and talks stall, highlighting ongoing staffing and labor pressures. Policy & Privacy: Vermont is part of a 22-state legal fight challenging federal demands for CDL driver personal data, with a judge issuing a stay blocking the requests. Wellness in Vermont: A new Vermont tea-growing effort in central Vermont is using underused plots to build community through herbal blends and shared rituals.

Vermont Mental Health: Vermont Psychiatric Hospital is closing four inpatient beds and cutting three recovery services positions, raising alarms from prosecutors about capacity for secure care. Maternity Access: Green Mountain Birthing Center plans a full-service freestanding birth center in Waterbury by 2028 after maternity services closures left a regional “maternity desert.” Child Care Costs: A new analysis finds Vermont families need about $294,586 a year to afford full-time toddler care at a federal benchmark—one more pressure point on household health. Public Health & Food Safety: Walmart recalled a Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination. Water Safety: Hartford is working to fix the Quechee wastewater plant after E. coli spikes; residents are urged to avoid affected water areas. Privacy & Health Data: Vermont AG Charity Clark joined lawsuits challenging a Trump push to obtain sensitive commercial driver records, arguing privacy law violations. Local Food Relief: Woodstock Community Food Shelf moved to a larger site, cutting wait times and expanding how many people it can serve at once. Health Tech Watch: Dartmouth researchers are testing a generative AI chatbot as a mental health therapy tool, aiming to guide patients through exercises.

Privacy & Data Rights: Vermont AGs are joining a growing multistate fight against the Trump administration’s push to seize sensitive commercial driver records tied to 17 million people, with threats to cut over $10 million in federal funding if states don’t comply. Maternal Health Access: Green Mountain Birthing Center plans a Waterbury facility by 2028 to rebuild local options after maternity services closures left parts of the region facing a “maternity desert.” Child Care Affordability: A new analysis finds Vermont families need about $294,586 a year to afford full-time toddler care under a 7% benchmark—one of the highest figures in the country. Food Safety: A major jalapeño-linked salmonella recall is expanding, with products sold at major retailers including Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, and Trader Joe’s; officials report hundreds sickened across multiple states. Public Health & Harm Reduction: Massachusetts is moving to restrict kratom statewide after an emergency order places it under Schedule I, citing serious health risks and inconsistent product potency. Water Safety: Hartford is responding to an E. coli spike at the Quechee wastewater plant, urging people to avoid affected river areas until testing improves. AI in Care: Dartmouth researchers are testing a generative AI chatbot as a mental health therapy tool, raising fresh questions about responsible use in clinical settings. Vermont Business/Health Workforce: Weatherization Assistance marks 50 years, highlighting health and safety benefits from home energy upgrades for low-income Vermonters.

Vermont Politics & Health Care: Vermont Democrats rallied after Amanda Janoo won the governor primary, setting up a November matchup with Gov. Phil Scott; the campaign spotlighted expanding health care and universal primary care, while statewide Democrats also backed lieutenant governor nominee Molly Gray. Local Health System Pressure: A Vermont healthcare transformation op-ed argues the state must make hard, shared decisions now—before hospitals face service cuts—amid workforce shortages, aging demand, and rising behavioral health needs. Workforce & Access: Vermont State University’s Freedom & Unity program expands free tuition eligibility to households earning up to $85,000, with pathways that include healthcare-related degrees. Mental Health Support: Mirabito Convenience Stores raised $60,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through a Vermont-included “round up” campaign. Food Safety: A major jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall expanded to hundreds sickened and dozens hospitalized, with products sold at major retailers including Vermont-area chains. Care & Community: Easterseals New Hampshire broke ground on a veterans campus phase adding equine-assisted services, service dog training, and wellness programming.

Food Safety: A major jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella has expanded to 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations, with products sold nationwide at retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Hannaford and more. Rural Health & Tech: KFF Health News reports rural leaders are leaning into AI “concierge” and mental health tools, but patients remain skeptical and outcomes tracking is unclear. Vermont Health System: UVM Health Network told regulators it still faces major financial strain, including a reported $14M loss despite planned expense cuts, as the Green Mountain Care Board reviews hospital budgets. Access on the Ground: North Star Health is launching a mobile health unit in southeastern Vermont/New Hampshire to fill primary care gaps in towns without federally qualified health centers. Vermont Politics (Health-Care Lens): Vermont’s Democratic primary results set up new statewide races, with lieutenant governor nominee Molly Gray highlighting health care and housing as top issues. Community & Wellness: The American Lung Association Research Institute opened its 2027–2028 Vermont research grants cycle, aiming to fund lung health breakthroughs. Recall Watch (Local Retail): Tops says it’s recalling Good Humor ice cream bars (Reese’s and Almond Joy) over inaccurate nutrition labeling.

Medicaid/Child Welfare Reform: At least 34 states and D.C. have ended or substantially changed the “orphan tax,” where foster care agencies used children’s Social Security survivor benefits to offset care costs, after federal pressure. Vermont Primary Health Policy: Vermont voters chose Democratic governor nominee Amanda Janoo (49.1%) over Aly Richards (46.5%), with healthcare affordability a top concern in local reporting; Janoo’s platform includes universal primary care. Lt. Gov. Race: Molly Gray won Vermont’s Democratic lieutenant governor primary and will face incumbent John Rodgers in November, with housing and healthcare costs central to the campaign. Mental Health Access & Care Gaps: A national maternal mental health hotline is highlighted alongside courtroom testimony suggesting postpartum psychosis specialists are extremely scarce, raising alarm about how rarely clinicians see the condition. Public Safety/Health Impact: Vermont State Police reported a fatal Mt. Tabor crash that sent a 17-year-old passenger to Rutland Regional Medical Center, underscoring ongoing road-safety stakes. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related salmonella recalls across multiple states, prompting consumers to check affected products.

Vermont Primary Focus: Upper Valley voters said healthcare costs and affordability are driving their choices as Vermont Democrats pick nominees for governor and lieutenant governor. Maternal Health & Access: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a law removing the 24-week abortion limit, shifting late-pregnancy decisions to physician judgment. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods (salsa, guacamole, dips) after a salmonella-linked jalapeño recall tied to Sinaloa, Mexico—products reached retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s, with Vermont listed among impacted states. Mental Health & Community Care: Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project announced its second “Folk and Fairways” benefit in Stowe to expand mental-health resources. Local Health Infrastructure: VA signed a lease for a new outpatient clinic in South Burlington to expand veterans’ access to care. Policy & Coverage: Vermont State Sen. John Cavanaugh voted yes on LB762, requiring insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune care. Public Health Practice: A JAMA Dermatology viewpoint argues some isotretinoin lab monitoring could be symptom- and risk-based rather than routine for lower-risk patients. Safety & Tragedy: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash in Mt. Tabor involving a 17-year-old driver and a fatal passenger injury.

Vermont Mental Health Access: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies—Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Howard Center, Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, and HCRS—have earned Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center (CCBHC) status, bringing Vermont to six CCBHCs and expanding coordinated care close to home. Veterans’ Care Expansion: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs signed a lease for a new outpatient clinic in South Burlington, targeting first services in spring 2029 and adding integrated primary care plus mental health and specialty services for tens of thousands of area Veterans. Caregiver Support Funding: The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is accepting applications for National Family Caregiver Support Program grants for the Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027 cycle, with proposals due Sept. 7. Home Health & Hospice Fundraiser: VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region launched an online auction tied to its Golf Day Fore VNA to support care for more than 4,000 patients and families. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold across many states including Vermont due to a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Mexico; consumers are urged not to eat affected items. AI in Health Services: Assort Health named Dr. Sunny Eappen as Chief Medical Officer to guide AI agents for patient care pathways, while Vermont pharmacy chain Kinney Drugs pulled back an AI tool after customer complaints.

Community Health Access: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies—Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Howard Center, NCSS, and HCRS—have been certified as Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers, bringing Vermont to six CCBHCs to expand coordinated care close to home. Veterans Care Expansion: The VA has signed a lease for a new South Burlington outpatient clinic, targeting first patient services in spring 2029 and adding integrated primary care plus mental health and specialty services for tens of thousands of Burlington-area Veterans. Mental Health Capacity: Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin cut three staff roles and took four patient beds offline, reducing to 21 beds, citing lower census—prompting pushback from staff and lawmakers. Food Safety Alert: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and guacamole tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican-grown peppers; affected products were sold in Vermont and many other states. Caregiving Support Funding: SVCOA is accepting grant applications for the National Family Caregiver Support Program for Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027, supporting respite, counseling, training, and caregiver groups in Rutland and Bennington counties. AI in Health Policy: Gov. Phil Scott updated the Vermont AI Task Force’s work, including how AI may affect healthcare and rural access, while national lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders continue pressing AI companies on safety and oversight.

Vermont Healthcare Access: The VA is leasing space for a new South Burlington outpatient clinic to expand primary care plus mental health and specialty services for about 56,326 Burlington-area veterans, with first care targeted for spring 2029. Community Mental Health Expansion: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies have been certified as Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers, bringing the total to six and aiming to strengthen coordinated services close to home. AI in Care Delivery: Assort Health names Sunny Eappen, MD, as its first Chief Medical Officer to guide how AI agents can help health systems use clinical capacity better and reduce administrative friction. Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has triggered recalls and a public health alert covering at least 18 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold at major retailers, with distribution including Vermont. Public Health Research: Dartmouth Health received an $11.8 million NIH grant to build a center studying aging with serious illness, focused on rural needs. Caregiver Support Funding: The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is accepting applications for NFCSP grants supporting unpaid caregivers in Rutland and Bennington counties. Local Health & Wellness Events: This week’s Franklin County listings include community conversations on water quality and local school and library events with health-related access points.