AGP Executive Report

Medicaid & SNAP Protection: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill to help vulnerable residents keep eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP as federal rules tighten participation. Public Charge Fight: New York AG Letitia James led a coalition suing to block a Trump administration “public charge” rule that would let immigration officers punish lawful use of public benefits, including health care coverage. Medicare AI Prior Auth Trouble (NJ): A new report based on federal records says CMS’s Medicare AI prior authorization pilot in NJ saw long delays, system problems, and clinicians forced to postpone care while a vendor warned it wasn’t ready. Rare Pediatric Condition Coverage: Parents are urging NJ to require commercial insurers to cover PANS/PANDAS, citing insurance denials for treatments like plasma infusions. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in NJ and other states due to undeclared egg allergen; people with egg allergies face serious reaction risk. Mosquito Surveillance: Researchers unveiled a “mosquito waste” capture method that could strengthen early warning for viruses like West Nile. Cancer Care Access: A NJ widower with Stage IV lung cancer was connected to The Valley Hospital in Paramus for pro bono treatment after outreach.

Food Safety Recall: Whole Foods is recalling Cabricharme cheese sold in NJ and other states after an undeclared egg allergen (egg lysozyme) was found; people with egg allergies could face serious reactions and are urged to destroy the product. Environmental Health: A diesel fuel spill from an Equinix data center in Secaucus continues cleanup into the week after thousands of gallons leaked into a Hackensack River tributary; officials say wildlife impact wasn’t seen so far. Cancer Research: Taiho Oncology and partners report REZILIENT3 Phase 3 results: zipalertinib plus chemotherapy improved median progression-free survival by 6 months for first-line EGFR exon 20 insertion NSCLC. Health Policy & Access: A New Jersey opinion piece argues families need better access to financial services, highlighting how unbanked and “banking desert” conditions can raise costs and delay basic needs. Care Delivery: RWJBarnabas Health opened a sixth “Food Farmacy” in NJ, expanding food support tied to health needs. Legal/Regulatory: A court ruling in a medical-products dispute says fraud claims must meet stricter pleading rules, affecting how allegations can proceed.

Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in seven states, including New Jersey, after it was found to contain undeclared egg lysozyme—raising serious allergy risk for people with egg allergies. Water Quality & Public Health: A New Jersey student, Nithya Tammana, won recognition for a low-cost moss-based drinking water filter that can remove up to 95% of lead, aiming to make clean water more affordable. Mental Health in Schools: Red Bank Catholic High School opened a new Wellness Room with Conscientia Health, adding a wellness curriculum and expanded student/family support tied to suicide prevention awareness. Health Tech & Drug Research: An AI-designed drug, rentosertib, showed early results in a phase 2a trial for people with IPF by lowering biological aging markers. Cancer Care: A story highlights how immunotherapy (Keytruda/pembrolizumab) helped a patient with advanced colon cancer regain hope and quality of life. Community Health: An NJ-based TEAL 5K raised ovarian cancer awareness, with survivors emphasizing support and encouragement as key to coping.

Student Mental Health: Red Bank Catholic High School opened a new Wellness Room with Conscientia Health, adding a wellness curriculum, workshops, and expanded support pathways timed to World Suicide Prevention Day. Public Health Access: New Jersey completed a statewide rollout of chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards to reduce benefit theft after a pilot showed large numbers of chip and tap transactions. Cancer Awareness: The annual TEAL 5K in the region raised awareness for ovarian cancer research, with survivors emphasizing community support as “medicine.” Animal Health: A kitten abandoned on Route 18 in East Brunswick, now named Xena, is recovering after a broken hind leg with fractures and is in foster care with a medical fund to cover treatment. Health & Safety in the News: Two motorcyclists were seriously injured in a Hamilton Township crash on Weymouth Road; both were airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. Health Watch: Photos from Trump’s Ireland trip renewed concerns about Natalie Harp’s ankle discoloration, following earlier similar questions after she was photographed in New Jersey.

Mental Health & Justice: A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case after jurors deadlocked on whether she was criminally responsible, reigniting debate over postpartum psychosis and the limits of the insanity defense. Ground Zero Health in NJ: A Stateline report says about 6,900 New Jersey 9/11 survivors have received free care through Rutgers’ World Trade Center Health Program for cancers, lung disease, GI issues, asthma and PTSD, with officials estimating more people may still qualify. Affordable Care Act Fight: NJ Attorney General Raoul joined a coalition urging a federal appeals court to uphold a ruling blocking an ACA rule that would make coverage harder to keep, raising costs and leaving more people uninsured. NJ Wellness Snapshot: WalletHub ranked New Jersey No. 2 happiest state, citing low depression and suicide rates and strong emotional/physical well-being measures. AI & Air Pollution Watch: NJ’s planned DataOne Campus in Vineland is accused of running dozens of unpermitted generators that may violate federal air rules, with nearby schools and residents raising noise and health concerns. Public Health/Prevention: A new NJ primary-care focus story argues prostate cancer screening should be a shared decision, balancing PSA benefits with false positives and patient risk factors.

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.