AGP Executive Report

Long-Term Care Costs: A new report warns that rising long-term care expenses are draining middle-class wealth fast in New Jersey, where care costs are among the highest, and urges families to plan early for options like home health, assisted living, and memory care. ACA Coverage Fight: New Jersey Attorney General Matt Raoul joined a coalition urging a federal appeals court to uphold a ruling blocking a Trump-era Affordable Care Act rule that could raise costs and leave more people uninsured. Food Safety: The CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce—linked to 12,883 illnesses, 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths—is officially over, though the FDA investigation continues. Public Health Misinformation: A viral TikTok claim about cinnamon causing liver damage is prompting questions about how much is “too much” and what risks may exist with excessive intake. Health & Courts: Kenvue is asking a federal appeals court to reconsider revived lawsuits alleging acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy is linked to autism and ADHD. Local Health Impact: A Bridgewater teen was critically hurt after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing Route 22, with a community fundraiser topping $29,000.

Ground Zero Health Reckoning: A new reflection on former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman spotlights how her early “safe to breathe” message is now viewed as a major misstep, as 9/11-related illnesses have outpaced attack-day deaths—fueling ongoing concern about toxic dust exposures and long-term health impacts. Lung Cancer Community Event: The American Lung Association is set to host its fourth annual LUNG FORCE Walk at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, aiming to raise funds and build support for people living with lung cancer and lung disease. Federal Court Pipeline Setback: A federal appeals court vacated New Jersey’s water-quality approval for Williams’ $1B Northeast Supply Enhancement gas pipeline, sending it back for further state review over dredging monitoring and how standards will be met. Home Medical Equipment Funding Pressure: A survey tied to Medicare’s RID competitive bidding program warns of major layoffs and reduced access to durable medical equipment, with many suppliers expecting viability risks. Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit: A proposed class action alleges Amazon denied pregnant workers basic accommodations like chairs and breaks and penalized them for pregnancy-related needs. NJ 9/11 Anniversary Context: Multiple pieces mark the 25th anniversary with renewed focus on how the tragedy continues to shape health, memory, and community care.

Vaccines & Public Health: Gov. Mikie Sherrill highlighted RWJ Barnabas Mobile Pediatric Clinic efforts to boost childhood immunizations amid a measles resurgence, noting NJ has recorded one case and that MMR rates are slipping; the mobile unit is scheduled to stop at schools in Newark and Elizabeth next. Mental Health & Justice: The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is accepting applications for a new Mental Health Diversion Program that routes eligible people into community treatment instead of jail. Food Safety: USDA announced a recall of De Todito pork crackling chips after the pork came from Colombia, which is not eligible to export meat to the U.S.; no illnesses reported. Health Care Access for Seniors: Trenton’s historic Reading Senior Center reopened after nearly a decade, restoring a hub for seniors’ social services and activities. Community Health & Food Security: Newark opened a new community grocery store in the Central Ward aimed at improving access to fresh food for residents who often lack transportation. Animal Welfare: A Salem County K-9 officer charged after two dogs died in a hot car appeared in court and rejected a plea deal.

Health Equity & Costs: A new report says Black and Hispanic homeowners are paying more for home insurance—on average 30% higher premiums in predominantly Hispanic zip codes and 16% higher in predominantly Black areas—raising health and stability concerns as disasters intensify. NJ Food as Medicine: RWJBarnabas Health opened a “Food Farmacy” at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, offering free groceries plus dietitian counseling for chronic disease prevention, in partnership with Fulfill. Pregnancy Rights in the Workplace: Four former Amazon warehouse employees filed a nationwide class action alleging pregnancy discrimination, including being denied basic accommodations like breaks to pump milk. Tobacco Youth Access: Vuse Pro fruit-flavored pods are appearing in stores in some states without FDA authorization, renewing concerns about youth nicotine uptake. Care Access & Billing: CMS barred 11 medical equipment companies from future Medicare Advantage and Part D payments after linking them to $3.4B in suspected fraudulent billing, including claims billed for beneficiaries already deceased. Immigration Enforcement: NJ AG Nessel joined a coalition urging a court to limit ICE warrantless arrests, arguing they undermine public trust and safety.

Pet Health Milestone: A New Jersey veterinarian submitted a urinary stone from a 4-year-old Shih Tzu, marking the 2 millionth sample analyzed by the Minnesota Urolith Center—highlighting how common and preventable pet urinary stones can be. Physical Therapy Expansion: JAG Physical Therapy opened three new NJ clinics (North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Whiting) and Spear Physical & Occupational Therapy opened in Wyckoff, expanding access to care without a doctor referral for initial visits. Nursing Home Oversight: A state audit says NJ nursing home inspections are falling behind required timelines, with staffing shortages and delayed complaint investigations leaving many facilities overdue. Opioid Settlement Scrutiny: Washington Township spent nearly $60,000 in opioid settlement funds on Flock Safety cameras instead of addiction treatment or prevention, raising questions about how money is being used. Food Safety: Another NJ-linked pork recall—about 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat guanciale pork jowl products—was issued over possible listeria contamination, with no illnesses reported so far. Workforce & Health Industry: Merck filed WARN notices for 54 Rahway job cuts, while Shionogi is set to share infectious-disease research at IDWeek.

Medicare Fraud Crackdown: CMS added 11 medical supply companies to its Preclusion List, citing improper billing tied to deceased beneficiaries and equipment never requested or received—aimed at stopping suspicious Medicare Advantage Part C and Part D payments. Suicide & Firearms Link: A new national analysis from South Dakota highlights how higher firearm ownership and fewer gun rules track with higher suicide rates; NJ is cited as having the lowest suicide rate in 2024. Rutgers Fire Displacement: A three-alarm fire in New Brunswick displaced 33 Rutgers students and injured three firefighters; Rutgers says counseling and support are available. Nursing Home Oversight Lapses: A state audit warns NJ nursing home inspections are often delayed, with many facilities not checked within required time frames, raising resident risk. Food Safety Recall (NJ): Ferrarini USA in Hoboken and Prime Line Distributors recalled about 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale over possible Listeria contamination. Mental Health & Care Access: Bracco expanded BubbleGen cell selection kits for CAR-T workflows, and RWJBarnabas/Monmouth opened a “food farmacy” to improve nutrition education for patients.

SNAP policy fight: A new House bill would end the Restaurant Meals Program, which lets some SNAP recipients use EBT at select restaurants in nine states—an issue that could hit access to prepared meals for older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. School health & safety: More New Jersey districts are cutting “courtesy busing” to close budget gaps, leaving some students walking longer distances and raising lawmakers’ concerns about safety and health. Public health alert: USDA recalled about 1,500 pounds of ready-to-eat pork products distributed to New Jersey due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported yet. Health care leadership: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center named Dr. William Holubek chief medical officer as the hospital expands services and its emergency department. Kidney care: South Central Regional Medical Center welcomed nephrologist Dr. Muhammad Zatmar Khan, accepting new patients by referral. Reproductive health funding: Washington state joined a coalition suing to block new federal Title X conditions that would restrict contraception and target transgender patients.

Workplace Rights: A new class action says Amazon failed to provide pregnancy accommodations and retaliated against pregnant workers, with New Jersey and other states tied to prior investigations. Food Safety: USDA recalled about 1,500 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale/“pork jowl” products over possible Listeria, including shipments distributed to New Jersey. Public Health Rankings: WalletHub named New Jersey the nation’s 2nd happiest state, citing low adult depression and strong social support. Health Care Access & Growth: PMV Pharmaceuticals announced a commercial leadership appointment tied to an ovarian cancer CAR T therapy NDA filing plan; IVI RMA partnered with Illume Fertility to expand fertility services in the Northeast. Senior Care & Oral Health: The Bristal honored a strategy executive in a regional “40 Under Forty” list, while Advanced Smile Dentistry highlighted what supports long-term dental implant stability. Community Safety: Ocean County’s surf-zone deaths analysis flags September as especially dangerous, urging caution around rip currents.

Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,513 pounds of imported Italian pork guanciale (dry-cured pork jowl) after possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination was found; products were distributed to eight states, including New Jersey, and consumers should discard or return affected items. Public Health Research: A new genetic study led by Rutgers reports 36 shared risk genes linked to OCD and Tourette syndrome, pointing to overlapping brain pathways tied to impulse control and movement. Clinical Pipeline Watch: Altimmune advanced three liver-related trials at once—a global Phase 3 in MASH, plus progress in alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease. Health Policy & Costs: A report on California’s hospital spending penalties argues that similar approaches in other states—including New Jersey—haven’t clearly reduced prices or premiums, raising questions about whether new limits will work. Emerging Infectious Risk: Researchers described a new tick-borne virus in China carried by a tick species already found across 21 U.S. states, underscoring the need to track what’s spreading.

Hospital Lead Scare: Lead contamination was found at the Englewood Cliffs Police HQ (10 Kahn Terrace), including in offices, hallways, and an indoor shooting range, with newer testing suggesting spread into parts of the ventilation system; officials say PEOSH recommended relocating staff during remediation, while borough leaders stress there’s no immediate evacuation order. Food Safety: The USDA issued a multistate Class I recall for imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale (Listeria monocytogenes risk), including distribution in New Jersey; no illnesses were confirmed. Workforce Recovery: HealingUS Communities launched an NJDOL-funded Pathways to Recovery employment program for adults impacted by the opioid crisis, offering case management, job training, and support services. Maternal Stem Cell Banking: Anja Health is rolling out cord blood, cord tissue, and placenta banking as an employee benefit and inviting other employers to join. Labor Day & Care: A union-backed op-ed argues that stronger protections for NJ healthcare workers improve patient safety, while warning regulators can’t do enough to stop service cuts. Patient Experience Watch: A new CMS-based analysis ranks Wisconsin highest for hospital patient experience and places New Jersey among the lowest-rated states.

Asthma Care Update: A new pragmatic trial (PERFORM) tested once-daily single-inhaler triple therapy for adults with uncontrolled, infrequently exacerbating asthma, finding better lung function and symptom response than usual care—an important option for patients often left out of earlier studies. Pediatric Cardiac Innovation: University of Virginia became the first in Virginia to use a temporary Impella heart pump in a patient under 18, highlighting how adult-designed devices are being adapted for kids needing advanced support. Local Health Spotlight: Rep. Josh Gottheimer highlighted Hackensack University Medical Center’s #1 ranking in New Jersey, praising staff across the region. Community Health Access: Help Jamaica Medical Mission ran a back-to-school health fair in Jamaica with screenings and free medication for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and mental health needs. Public Health Safety Note: A rabies-risk incident in Egg Harbor City involved a foaming fox bite, with the victim starting post-exposure shots. Health & Wellness Trend: As men lose weight with GLP-1s, some are turning to cosmetic clinics for sagging skin and other “finish the transformation” treatments.

NJ Health & Safety: A head-on crash on Route 206 near the Newton/Andover line sent three people to hospitals, with one death reported as authorities investigate. Corrections & Public Safety: New Jersey corrections staff assaults hit 964 in fiscal year 2025, and the officers’ union is pushing lawmakers to loosen solitary confinement limits. Health Care Access: A New Jersey clinic owner admitted Medicaid fraud and practicing OB/GYN services without a medical license, according to the state attorney general. Health Policy Fight: Attorney General Matt? (Nessel) joined a multi-state effort challenging federal Medicaid rules on transgender youth care, as states argue the policy would cut coverage. Cancer & Genetics: Sisters Alix and Ashtin Earle shared BRCA2 mutation test results after their mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting the role of genetic risk awareness. Food Safety: FDA announced multistate recalls tied to Halloween candy sold in major retailers over undisclosed milk allergens. Public Health & Environment: Experts say warming waters are driving more shark species northward into New England, raising seasonal risk for coastal communities.

PFAS Accountability: A ProPublica deep dive revisits how 3M scientists found PFOS “forever chemical” traces in blood samples nationwide—then faced pressure to downplay what it could mean for public health. Genetic Cancer Risk: Alix and Ashtin Earle share results of BRCA2 mutation testing after their mom’s breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting how genetic screening can shape next steps. Food Safety: FDA-linked recall expands beyond peppers: Panorama Produce is pulling “Martina” mangoes sold in NJ and nearby states over possible Salmonella contamination. Maternal & Child Health: A 2-year-old fell from a Jersey Shore amusement park sky ride; she was evaluated and NJ officials are investigating. Public Health & Safety: Fourteen people were hospitalized after a school bus crash in Williamstown involving a dump truck and multiple vehicles. Corrections & Human Rights: NJ corrections officers’ union pushes to expand solitary confinement after assaults rose, seeking longer isolation and looser eligibility limits. Health Policy Legal Fight: A coalition of states, including NJ’s AG, challenges federal moves that would restrict Medicaid/CHIP coverage for transgender youth gender-affirming care. Workplace Health Research: Princeton-led modeling suggests agrivoltaic farms under solar panels can cut perceived heat for crop workers by about 7 degrees.

School Safety: Fourteen people were hospitalized after a school bus crash involving a dump truck and multiple vehicles on North Tuckahoe Road in Williamstown, with nine students and the bus driver taken for evaluation. Public Health & Care Access: A new study from Rutgers University Medical School reports that aerobic exercise can improve executive brain function in postmenopausal women, outperforming stretching and toning. Health Insurance Costs: New Jersey’s school employee health benefits fight is heating up again after the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission deadlocked on a proposed 34% premium hike, raising fears of a “death spiral” for the plan. Regulatory/Medical Oversight: Cohance Lifesciences says it received an FDA Form 483 with four observations after an inspection of its formulation plant in Telangana, and says it has started corrective actions. Animal Welfare: Associated Humane Societies Newark is seeking urgent support after rescuing 16 neglected, severely matted small dogs from a hoarding case in New Jersey. Food Safety: Crystal Temptations’ “Chocolatey Eyeballs” were recalled in 13 states because wrappers didn’t disclose milk, an allergen.

Hospital Safety & Recalls: Two separate recalls of IV saline products in recent days cite contamination concerns, including fiberglass particles and iron oxide, with affected lots distributed to multiple states including New Jersey—an urgent reminder for patients and providers to check FDA notices. Health Costs in NJ: New Jersey state and local government workers are facing a 17% health premium increase for 2027, even as an agreement waives some contribution increases; the change comes as the State Health Benefits Program wrestles with rising costs. Workforce & Care Access: A new Rutgers report finds New Jersey’s union membership is holding steady and even growing in some sectors heading into Labor Day, a backdrop for ongoing debates about health benefits and workplace protections. Legal Fight Over Care for Trans Youth: Twenty-one states including New Jersey are suing the Trump administration over a rule that would block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for youth, arguing it exceeds federal authority. Fraud in NJ Clinics: An Essex County clinic owner pleaded guilty to illegally performing OB/GYN services without a medical license and submitting insurance claims using doctors’ names without consent. Public Health Watch: COVID-19 infections are rising in most states, with CDC tracking showing widespread “growing” activity heading into fall. Community Health & Wellness: A Hackensack Meridian Freehold wellness center opened, expanding local access to preventive and outpatient services. Food Allergy Alert: Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs sold at TJ Maxx and Marshalls were recalled in 13 states due to undeclared milk allergen.

Food Safety & Recalls: FDA is tracking multiple ongoing foodborne-illness outbreaks (including salmonella, E. coli, cyclospora and listeria), with recalls tied to ingredients that can show up across many products—raising questions about how contamination spreads through the supply chain. Nutrition & Blood Sugar: A New Jersey endocrinologist says a simple meal order change—veggies and protein first, carbs last—can help blunt blood-sugar spikes. Adolescent Health & Chemicals: A pilot study of NJ teens links heavy social media influencer engagement to higher use of personal care products, with few routinely reading labels or using health-focused apps. Policy & Youth Healthcare: New Jersey AG Matt Nessel joined a coalition challenging federal moves that would restrict Medicaid coverage for transgender youth care. Prisons & Solitary Confinement: A NJ corrections officers union is pushing lawmakers to loosen solitary confinement limits, arguing it’s needed to curb assaults on guards. Biotech in NJ: Cohance Lifesciences is investing $13M in NJ Bio and $5M in Princeton-based Aruka Bio to deepen its antibody-drug conjugate push. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus activity is being reported in New York, with officials urging mosquito-avoidance steps.