AGP Executive Report

Medicaid & Access: Louisiana’s new law targeting noncitizen Medicaid enrollees is chilling renewals and raising fears that U.S.-born kids in mixed-status families will lose routine care and vaccines. Nursing Workforce: A WalletHub study ranks Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, citing a projected 6,000 RN shortage by 2030—an issue that can mean heavier workloads and burnout. Public Health Alerts: Wyoming reported its first rabies case of the season in Sheridan County after a rabid bat was found; officials urge immediate medical contact after any bat exposure. Long-Term Care Watch: CMS data highlights nursing home capacity and quality issues across counties, including Wyoming County’s East Side Nursing Home (3/5 rating, fines/penalties) and other facilities with lower CMS scores. Community Health & Safety: Cheyenne police are evaluating whether charges are appropriate after a man threw a burning book into the Laramie County Library and was sent for a mental health evaluation; separate reports also describe emergency responses to medical and rescue incidents. Local Health Leadership: Katrina Clauson filed to run for Teton County coroner, emphasizing suicide/substance-abuse prevention, support for deputy coroners, and public health education. Wellness in the Wild: Wyoming Game and Fish says a Powell couple’s 73-moose sighting reflects a healthy Bighorn herd, with moose gathering for spring green-up.

Cheyenne Community & Mental Health: Artists are being invited to propose a colorful mural for the Walterscheid Boulevard underpass in Cheyenne, with themes of mental health, positivity, and community connection; fundraising runs through October and installation is expected in spring 2027. Public Safety & EMS: A national memorial procession honoring fallen emergency medical workers will stop in Riverton on Friday at Central Wyoming College, with a free public event recognizing 37 EMS and air medical professionals. Marijuana Policy: Wyoming’s Attorney General filed a formal objection to automatically rescheduling marijuana under state law after the federal move, arguing the decision should be handled by the Wyoming Legislature. West Nile Virus Watch: Health officials in West Michigan reported West Nile virus in mosquito testing, with no human cases yet, and renewed reminders to prevent bites with repellent, long sleeves, and removing standing water. Childcare Access: Wyoming’s childcare working group is reopening provider grants June 1 to expand care statewide, with applications due July 15 and awards up to $10,000. Water Quality & Drought Context: DEQ released 2021 survey findings for the Bear and Snake River basins, highlighting stream health and key stressors, as Wyoming continues to monitor drought impacts on habitat and fisheries.

Wyoming Senate filing: Five Republicans and two Democrats have filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 primaries for the junior U.S. Senate seat, including U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead on the GOP side, with campaigns also highlighting mental health access and rural priorities. School health & screen time: A new wave of state laws aims to curb cellphone use in schools, but fresh research finds limited support for the promised benefits, even as a Surgeon General advisory warns about excessive screen time’s impact on kids. Indigenous medical workforce: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City, South Dakota, would blend Indigenous traditions with accredited training to help grow Native physician numbers. Public health surveillance: Federal budget plans would sharply cut CDC wastewater surveillance funding, raising alarms as a newer COVID-19 variant spreads and monitoring could be weakened. West Nile prevention: Wyoming health officials are urging mosquito-season precautions—repellent, protective clothing, and removing standing water—after West Nile virus detections in the region. Care access & staffing: Sheridan County commissioners considered prepaying $200,000 for a new ambulance for Wyoming Regional EMS, while national reporting continues to spotlight medical neglect allegations in immigration detention.

AI in Care: Intermountain Health researchers say new AI support for COPD and asthma care cut hospitalizations by 50%, emergency visits by 20%, and overall costs by 57%. Drought Gardening Help: UW Extension is launching a free three-part drought webinar series (June 11, 18, 25) on drip irrigation, trees, and turf for Wyoming residents. Mosquito Season Watch: West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes in Michigan (Grand Rapids and Wyoming-area zip codes), with health officials urging DEET repellent, long sleeves, and removing standing water. Wyoming Public Health & Safety: A Highway 22 collision released about 250 gallons of raw sewage; crews built a berm and washed/suctioned the spill, citing no serious injuries for the driver. Medicaid Access Pressure: A new report finds uninsured rates for children under 6 rose sharply, with Wyoming among the states with the highest levels. Rural Hospital Funding: Legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration cleared the Senate, aiming to help rural hospitals test payment models and stay financially stable. Animal Health: Utah’s Cache County dairy farms face mandatory weekly HPAI surveillance after a positive test, with quarantine rules if another positive appears. Care in Detention: A KFF Health News/AP investigation alleges widespread medical neglect in ICE custody, including untreated serious conditions.

Rural Hospital Funding: The Senate unanimously passed the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, extending the rural hospital payment test for five years—good news for Wyoming-style access challenges where margins are thin. Childcare Access: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1 with applications due July 15; up to $10,000 per provider, aiming to stabilize a workforce bottleneck as licensed childcare numbers have fallen over the past decade. Mental Health in the Spotlight: Wyoming’s “WY We Care Survivors Campaign” is sharing local stories to boost suicide prevention awareness and normalize getting help. Cancer Care Update: A Phase 3 trial found a prostate cancer drug combo (talazoparib plus enzalutamide) cut the risk of progression or death by 52% in select patients, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Workplace Safety Focus: A national push highlights the growing importance of workplace safety leadership as OSHA rules expand, with more training and compliance demands for employers. Community Health & Safety: Wyoming-related public safety items included a Cheyenne-area childcare grant update and broader attention to safety culture.

Rural Hospital Funding: The Senate unanimously advanced the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, extending a Medicare payment test for five years—aimed at helping rural hospitals stay financially stable and keep care close to home. Wyoming Childcare Access: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1, with applications due July 15 and awards up to $10,000, targeting communities with limited childcare and addressing the state’s long-term provider losses. School Health & Safety Policy: A bipartisan Pennsylvania bill to restrict cell phone use during the school day moved forward after House approval, with medical and instructional exceptions. Wyoming Public Health Coverage Gap: A new Georgetown report finds uninsured rates for children under 6 rose sharply from 2022 to 2024, with Wyoming among states showing the highest uninsured levels. Workplace Safety Staffing: New national reporting highlights how safety manager roles are expanding as OSHA rules grow, adding training and documentation demands for employers. Community Health & Workforce: Western Wyoming Community College is hiring an Instructional Technology Assistant, with benefits including major health coverage support. Local Safety Incident: Wyoming-linked shooting spree reporting from Colorado describes an alleged suspect who bought a handgun in Gillette and later died by self-inflicted gunshot after police responded. Mental Health Awareness: Wyoming’s “Wy We Care” Survivors Campaign continues to spotlight suicide prevention and awareness.

Rural Health Funding: Wyoming is looking to make five years of new federal rural health grants last “forever,” proposing a plan to invest awards from the Rural Health Transformation Program into a perpetuity-style fund for scholarships and support to small hospitals and rural ambulance services—though it’s unclear if federal CMS will approve. EMS Funding Decision: Sheridan County commissioners will consider pre-paying $200,000 for a new ambulance for Wyoming Regional EMS, a near-term move aimed at keeping emergency services ready. Health Workforce Pipeline: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City would aim to boost Native physician numbers, blending accredited training with Indigenous culture and wellbeing, backed by a $1 million feasibility grant. Insurance Access Watch: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving ACA marketplace members with fewer choices—an important reminder for Wyoming readers watching regional insurer stability. Community Health & Safety: A Sheridan Pedestrian Awareness Walk honored a local woman killed by a car, highlighting ongoing road-safety concerns that directly affect community health.

Rural Health Funding: Wyoming is looking to stretch five years of new federal rural health grants “forever,” proposing a plan that could funnel about $28.5 million annually into scholarships and support for small hospitals and rural ambulance services—though it hinges on federal approval. Mental Health: Wyoming’s “Wy We Care” initiative is launching a new “Survivor Campaign” focused on suicide prevention and awareness, aiming to reach people when it matters most. Healthcare Access & Coverage: A major insurer exit is reshaping coverage options in Montana, with PacificSource shutting down all Montana operations by Dec. 31, 2026—leaving marketplace enrollees with far fewer choices in 2027, a cautionary tale for neighboring states. Public Health & Safety: Wyoming officials are also weighing how to enforce a full cellphone ban in Gillette high schools, with educators pushing for clear rules and medical exemptions—an issue that can affect student health management. Community Health Education: Trout in the Classroom continues on the Wind River Reservation, with students raising rainbow trout and releasing them at Ray Lake as part of hands-on science and watershed learning.

Rural Hospital Funding: U.S. Senators say rural hospitals across America welcome passage of a bipartisan bill to extend the Rural Hospital Program, a key lifeline for places with limited access to care. Wyoming Health & Water Safety: Teton County Health Department posted E. coli warning signs near Hunt Bridge on Fish Creek and near Rafter J Ranch on Flat Creek after samples exceeded EPA recreational limits, urging people to avoid swimming or floating until levels drop. State Hospital Reimbursement: FEMA released $600M in public assistance funding to Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems for COVID-19 costs, including major reimbursements for Geisinger Health System. Mental Health Initiative: Wyoming’s “Wy We Care” Survivors Campaign launched to elevate suicide prevention and awareness, spotlighting mental health support. Public Health & Consumer Safety: A Wyoming girl was hospitalized after swallowing magnets from toy blocks, with doctors warning these cases are becoming more common. Community Health Policy: Gillette school board heard public input on a proposed full cellphone ban, with educators pushing for clear enforcement and medical exemptions. Wildlife & Health Risks: A lawsuit seeks overdue Endangered Species Act protections for pygmy rabbits, while Wyoming also faces ongoing wildlife-health concerns tied to habitat and movement barriers.

Water Safety Alert (Wyoming): Teton County Health Department posted E. coli warning signs near Hunt Bridge on Fish Creek and near Rafter J Ranch on Flat Creek after May 27 samples exceeded EPA limits for recreational use, urging people to avoid swimming or floating until signs come down. Rural Health Access: A national report highlights a persistent access gap for large-animal veterinary care, driven by low pay, long hours, and isolation in rural areas. Mental Health (Wyoming): Wyoming’s Wy We Care initiative launched a new “Survivor Campaign” focused on suicide prevention and awareness. Wildlife & Public Health: A legal fight over endangered pygmy rabbit protections could delay protections until 2028, raising concerns for habitat and long-term ecosystem health. Community Health & Training: An injured Jackson Hole firefighter, Charlie Crotteau, was released after surgery for fractures from a fall during a Teton Pines fire. Health Costs (National, with Wyoming context): WalletHub data ranks Wyoming #16 for healthcare spending as a share of income, at 7.84%.

Mental Health Policy: Wyoming’s Wy We Care initiative launched a new “Survivor Campaign” aimed at suicide prevention and awareness, adding momentum to statewide mental health efforts. Public Health Funding: New data show Medicaid spending spikes in Wyoming communities—Thermopolis saw a 297.5% jump in pathology and lab procedure claims in 2024, while Powell reported a 66.7% rise in alcohol and drug abuse treatment claims. Injury & Emergency Response: Jackson Hole firefighter Charlie Crotteau, hurt during the Memorial Day fire in Teton Pines, has been released from the hospital after surgery for a fractured left leg. Community Health & Safety: Cheyenne-area residents can also look to local wellness programming, including Living Room Conversations in Pine Bluffs focused on how bodies and mental health affect each other. Animal Welfare: Eight of 1,500 rescued beagles from a Wisconsin facility are now settling into a Wyoming County rescue setting in New York, highlighting ongoing animal cruelty concerns and rehabilitation needs. Fitness & Aging: A University of Wyoming strength and conditioning student earned a national scholarship, underscoring the state’s focus on training and athlete health.

Childcare Access in Wyoming: A new national look at “childcare deserts” flags Wyoming as one of the hardest-hit states, with at least 20% of kids under 6 living where there are no licensed childcare providers—forcing rural families to cobble together care far from home. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Gov. Mark Gordon’s WY We Care initiative is rolling out a new “Survivors Campaign,” featuring Wyoming suicide survivors to help reduce stigma and encourage people to “keep breathing.” Medicaid Spending Watch: New state-by-state billing snapshots show sharp local changes—Thermopolis Medicaid claims for pathology/lab procedures jumped 297.5% in 2024, and Powell saw a 66.7% rise in alcohol and drug abuse treatment claims. Public Health Safety Recall: Sheridan-based Better Weather Actives LLC is voluntarily recalling Better Weather Fix Elixir due to undeclared kratom compounds, warning of serious and potentially fatal effects. Wildlife & Health of Communities: UW-led research finds housing development can shrink the open space animals need to move, adding indirect habitat and migration corridor loss beyond the building footprint. Local Care in Action: Jackson firefighter Charlie Crotteau, injured during a Memorial Day fire, has been released from the hospital after surgery for a fractured left leg.

Wyoming Mental Health Push: Gov. Mark Gordon launched the WY We Care Survivors Campaign to break stigma around mental health and suicide prevention, spotlighting survivor stories. Youth Wellness & Activity: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is expanding summer sports, adding Summer Basketball (including 3v3 for 2nd–8th graders), plus adult family leagues and more lacrosse options. Public Health Alert (Kratom): Better Weather Actives LLC recalled Better Weather Fix Elixir due to undeclared mitragynine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, warning of serious and potentially fatal effects. Local Care Costs: Gillette Medicaid bills for pathology and lab procedures rose to $125,116 in 2024, up 52.9% from 2023. Cheyenne Housing Fire: A major blaze destroyed an under-construction apartment building in Cheyenne, triggering a large multi-agency response. Radon Awareness: Wyoming students won a radon poster contest, highlighting radon as a key lung cancer risk. Data Center Decision: Cheyenne city council voted against a one-year moratorium on new data centers, rejecting a pause despite concerns about water and other impacts. SNAP Timing: June 2026 SNAP/EBT payment schedules are rolling out by state, with dates set by last name and case-number rules. Long-Term Care Costs: A national map shows nursing home costs climbing sharply, with Alaska near $334K annually and labor shortages driving the rise.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Gov. Mark Gordon launched the WY We Care Survivors campaign, featuring four Wyoming suicide-survivor stories meant to reduce stigma and push people toward help, with 988 highlighted as the immediate support line. Public Health Funding (PFAS): The EPA announced $9.4 million for Wyoming to test, plan, and install solutions to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities. Cancer Prevention & Awareness: Wyoming students won a statewide radon poster contest, spotlighting radon as a major lung-cancer risk and encouraging families to get radon testing. Rural Hospital Finances: Weston County Health Services leaders laid out a financial recovery plan after a cash crunch left the hospital with only about five days of cash on hand. Local Safety & Health Risks: Cheyenne firefighters responded to a major apartment construction fire with no reported injuries, while Wyoming Highway Patrol detailed a fatal crash near Lander. Community Wellness & Access: Wyoming State Parks will waive day-use fees for Free Fishing Day on June 6, supporting outdoor activity for families. Workforce Housing (Jackson): Jackson-area officials say a new luxury apartment complex reduced rent after failing to meet workforce housing requirements. Wildlife & Recreation: A new Greater Yellowstone study finds recreation and wildlife can coexist, but increased use still affects animals—so management matters.

PFAS & clean water funding: The EPA announced $9.4 million in new grant money for Wyoming communities to test for and tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants, with support for drinking water systems and private wells. Wildlife + recreation balance: A new multi-year Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem study says recreation and wildlife can coexist, but only with ongoing stewardship as human use grows. Mental health & veterans: A Nebraska man’s Wyoming-to-Iowa ruck walk aims to raise awareness about rising veteran suicide rates and encourage kinder, harder conversations. Public health alerts: CDC reports multi-state salmonella outbreaks tied to backyard poultry, with Wyoming not yet reporting cases. Cheyenne policy: Cheyenne City Council rejected a one-year moratorium on new data center development after hours of public comment, including concerns about water and impacts on neighborhoods. Rural healthcare shakeup: Billionaire Charles Hoskinson is shutting down his “Mayo Clinic of the West” rural clinic in Gillette, leaving patients and staff scrambling to transition care. Care access & workforce: Wyoming unemployment dipped to 3.5% in April, while UI benefit recipients rose in 2025—signals of uneven labor pressure. Community wellness supports: Wyoming State Parks will waive day-use fees for Free Fishing Day on June 6, pairing outdoor access with family-friendly health time. Safety & health education: A Billings Heights search is underway for a missing 77-year-old man with late-onset Alzheimer’s. Nutrition support: SUN Bucks summer EBT is set to run in Wyoming and many other states starting in June.

Air Quality Alerts: Parts of California, Illinois, and Indiana are under unhealthy air alerts through Wednesday, with officials urging people—especially kids, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions—to cut outdoor activity as ozone and dust build. Medicaid Work Rules: Montana is moving to adopt Trump’s Medicaid work mandate, raising fears of more people losing coverage just as state budgets and staffing strain care delivery. Wyoming Maternal Care Crunch: Wyoming’s OB/GYN shortage is worsening access: while 297 OB/GYNs are licensed, only 85 list a Wyoming address, and maternity deserts are growing as facilities close. Local Health Services: A Gillette clinic is closing this summer, citing financial unsustainability. Public Safety for Summer: WYDOT and local officials are pushing bike-safety reminders statewide—bikes follow vehicle rules, helmets matter, and crashes often involve riders without protection. Online Kids Safety Fight: Wyoming’s neighbors are in a broader legal push as AGs urge Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online.