AGP Executive Report

Proton therapy expansion: A 14-year-old former Huntsman Cancer Institute patient, Noah Reeb, helped break ground on a $43M expansion of the Senator Orrin G. Hatch Proton Therapy Center that will double capacity—critical for Wyoming and nearby states that rely on the region’s limited proton options. Wildfire impacts on health & access: New research suggests wildfire burn severity can keep visitation down for years, with big, high-intensity fires linked to much steeper, longer declines—raising concerns for outdoor health routines and access to care tied to travel. Workplace safety spotlight: A new national analysis ranks Wyoming deadliest for workers in 2024, with a workplace fatality rate far above the U.S. average, underscoring ongoing risk in energy, mining, trucking, and agriculture. Tribal fight over drilling: Nine tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills ceremonial meadow, alleging federal agencies failed to consult and violated protections. Wyoming wolf management: Wyoming plans to cut wolf harvest permits by half after a canine distemper outbreak pushed wolf numbers to the lowest in two decades.

Rural Health Funding Cleared: The federal government has approved Wyoming’s plan to spend about $205M to transform rural healthcare under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including support for frontier hospitals, EMS, and workforce development—after a sticking point delayed talks over a proposed “perpetuity” approach. Workplace Safety Spotlight: New national data flags Wyoming as the deadliest state for workers in 2024, with a workplace fatality rate of 13.9 deaths per 100,000—driven largely by resource-heavy jobs. Budget Pressure, Not Panic: Fremont County commissioners are starting the 2026-27 budget with a “hold the line” message: revenues look flat, costs are rising, and uncertainty around property taxes remains. Community Health & Prevention: Cheyenne’s Laramie County Library and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center are marking Safe Kids Day for the 29th year, pushing home safety and local resources. Wildlife Management: Wyoming Game and Fish plans to cut wolf hunting mortality limits by 50% after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest in two decades.

Rural Healthcare Funding Cleared: Wyoming’s plan to spend about $205M to transform rural healthcare has been federally approved as the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program, with state leaders describing a key sticking point around how money would be structured for hospitals, EMS, and workforce development. Workplace Safety Warning: A new national look at 2024 workplace deaths puts Wyoming at the top for fatality rate—about 13.9 deaths per 100,000 workers—highlighting how risk concentrates in energy, mining, trucking, and agriculture. Wildlife Policy Shift: Wyoming wildlife managers plan to cut the wolf hunting cap by half after a canine distemper outbreak pushed wolf numbers to the lowest level in two decades. Public Land Rule Reversal: The BLM ended a rule that had treated conservation as a legitimate public-land use on par with development, undoing a system that would have allowed restoration or protection leases. Local Care Spotlight: St. John’s Health in Jackson announced a new full-time OB/GYN, aiming to ease ongoing women’s healthcare access strain in the region.

Rural Health Funding Clears a Key Hurdle: Wyoming’s plan to spend about $205M on rural healthcare initiatives got federal approval, kicking off the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program—with state health officials saying negotiations hinged on whether funding would flow into a “perpetuity” structure versus spending more upfront. Homeschooling Goes Commercial: A Wyoming court is weighing public support for homeschooling, while new tutoring-style businesses like Radical Minds Academy and Teton Tutors expand to fill the gap when parents can’t teach full-time. Domestic Violence Case Closed: Thornton, Colorado police closed a March homicide case after forensic testing found homicide from blunt-force trauma, but the suspect died by suicide in late March—leaving the case officially closed. Local Care Staffing Spotlight: St. John’s Health in Jackson announced a new full-time OB/GYN, aiming to ease ongoing women’s healthcare strain across the region. Wildlife Management Update: Wyoming Game and Fish named Sam Stephens as the new wildlife biologist for the South Jackson District after Gary Fralick’s retirement.

Elected Pay Debate Hits Park City: Park City, Utah approved a 4-1 vote to sharply raise pay for its mayor and city council, with the mayor’s package jumping to about $149,397 and councilors to about $88,064 starting July—sparking public pushback over optics and what “public service” should look like. Public Safety Tech Divides North Branch: North Branch City Council split 3-2 to approve Flock automated license plate readers, citing state public-safety funds and staffing pressure, while opponents raised privacy and readiness concerns. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Embassy of Wyoming Valley (for-profit) earned a 2-star overall rating in Q1 2026, alongside two fines and two penalties. Rural Health Funding Moves: Federal agencies greenlit Wyoming’s plan to spend $205M on rural healthcare initiatives. Water & Health Pressure Builds: EPA announced $27.5M for South Dakota to reduce lead exposure in drinking water; meanwhile drought guidance continues to circulate as communities manage restrictions.

Rural Healthcare Funding: Federal agencies have greenlit Wyoming’s plan to spend $205M on rural healthcare initiatives, a major boost for access and capacity across the state. Workforce & Benefits: A new national spotlight is growing on how independent workers can’t easily get healthcare and retirement benefits under outdated rules tied to employer-based coverage. Nuclear Energy Watch: Canaccord’s Nuclear Nexus conference framed the next decade’s nuclear challenge as a grid-and-fuel bottleneck—pitting proven fission against still-scaling fusion, with attention on domestic HALEU supply. Public Health & Safety: Wyoming’s gray wolf recovery is being tested by a canine distemper outbreak, while wildfire risk and wildfire smoke impacts remain a major driver of health costs. Community Health Programs: LCCC is opening registration for its long-running Summer Educational Experience (SEEK) childcare program, and Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon is pushing SUN Bucks to help close the summer meal gap for kids. Wildlife & Agriculture: USDA continues to manage screwworm risk near the U.S./Mexico border, keeping livestock import routes closed.

Federal Rural Health Push: Feds just greenlit Wyoming’s plan to spend $205M on rural healthcare initiatives, a major boost for access and services statewide. Workforce & Pay Pressure: Teton County schools approved a 2026-27 compensation package that lifts starting teacher pay to $87,369 (up nearly $20K) while also raising health insurance costs—another reminder that budgets are getting squeezed from both sides. Nursing Supply Watch: New national data shows Wyoming among the states with the fewest licensed nurses overall, underscoring ongoing staffing strain. Care in the Real World: CMS rankings put Edenbrook on Second Ave as Luzerne County’s third-largest nursing home for Q1, with a 2/5 overall rating—useful context for how quality and capacity are playing out locally. Public Safety Tech: In Lander, a new color-coded sticker system aims to help first responders quickly spot homes or vehicles that may include people with disabilities or medical needs. Wildlife Health Alert: Screwworm has been detected within 60 miles of the US/Mexico border, keeping livestock import restrictions in focus. Policy Fight: Wyoming Education Association says it’s disappointed by the Supreme Court’s voucher-case decision, warning public funds will flow to private schools instead of public classrooms.

Rural Healthcare Funding: CMS has given final approval to Wyoming’s $205 million Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at shoring up rural hospitals and clinics, building workforce pipelines, and improving emergency services and “Critical Access” hospital support. Nursing Home Snapshot: CMS data highlighted multiple Pennsylvania facilities’ Q1 2026 standings, including Wesley Village ranking third in Luzerne County (with a 3-star overall rating) and Golden Acres placing third in Dallas County (2-star overall). School Pay Boost: Teton County School District approved a 2026-27 compensation package that lifts starting teacher pay by nearly $20,000 to $87,369, while also raising health insurance costs. Legal Fight at Wyoming Boys’ School: A lawsuit over alleged abuse at the Wyoming Boys’ School faces a new court filing arguing restraint and force claims don’t violate law and disputing key allegations from former residents. Public Safety: WYDOT reported a snowplow was sideswiped by a semi on I-80 during winter operations; no injuries were reported.

Rural Healthcare Funding: CMS has approved Wyoming’s $205M Rural Health Transformation plan for Year 1, setting up new money for hospital and clinic support, workforce training, and emergency care regionalization—plus incentives aimed at keeping Critical Access Hospitals focused on core services. Public Health & Access: A Marshfield Clinic citizen-science tick study found more than half of deer ticks tested in Wisconsin carried Lyme bacteria, underscoring the push for early recognition and prevention. State Health Costs: New data shows ACA Marketplace benchmark premiums jumped 21.7% in 2026, with Wyoming listed among the higher-cost states. Workforce & Safety: Federal workplace heat rules are shifting, while Nevada and Colorado are moving toward their own heat-protection standards. Wildlife Watch: Wyoming’s wolves hit their lowest population since 2005 as canine distemper is blamed for the drop. Community Notes: Carbon County officials reported shelter and medical help during a spring snowstorm that knocked out power for thousands.

Wyoming Rural Health Funding: Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program is approved for year one, unlocking $205M (after a federal rejection of an earlier “perpetuity fund” plan), with the state now required to spend the first-year money by Oct. 31. Local Care Access: Cherry Health and Catherine’s Health Center are teaming up for a Mobile Vision Clinic rotating across six sites June 1–Aug. 27, adding eye exams and eyeglasses where transportation and cost are barriers. Marketplace Affordability Pressure: ACA benchmark premiums jump 21.7% for 2026, with Wyoming cited around $1,090/month—a reminder that affordability is getting harder even before subsidies. Skilled Nursing Watch: CMS ratings highlight wide swings across facilities nationwide, including a 3-star Maple Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and a 5-star Wyoming County Community Hospital S N F (public, county-owned). Quick Hits—Wyoming Health & Community: Grow Casper Urban Farm is expanding with more volunteer work and planned upgrades; and Wyoming County Community Hospital S N F remains county-owned and highly rated by CMS.

Mobile Eye Care Access: Cherry Health is teaming up with Catherine’s Health Center to run a Mobile Vision Clinic across six Cherry Health sites this summer (June 1–Aug. 27), with monthly stops at Catherine’s locations—offering dilated eye exams and eyeglasses on-site. SNAP Timing Watch: June 2026 SNAP payment dates vary by state, with many states loading benefits in early June and some using case-number schedules—expect confusion at checkout as new SNAP rules ripple through shopping behavior. Overdose Trend: National drug overdose deaths fell for a third straight year in 2025 (down 13.9%), returning to pre-pandemic levels, with advocates pointing to expanded buprenorphine access and naloxone availability. Wyoming Health & Safety: Wyoming is urging stroke-risk checks during American Stroke Month, while Southeast Wyoming faces a freeze warning after recent storm-related power outages. Care Quality Signals: CMS data show Wyoming nursing facilities with low ratings in early 2026 (including a 1-star and a 2-star), alongside a 3-star rating for Sublette County Health in Pinedale.

Prep Sports Support: The Steadman Clinic and Vail Health have spent decades backing athletic trainers at Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain—now highlighted through a long-running trainer pipeline that keeps care close to student athletes. Severe Weather & Access to Care: Southeast Wyoming is dealing with blizzard conditions and a freeze warning, with officials standing up incident command and search-and-rescue readiness when outages and travel disruptions threaten medical access. Stroke Prevention Push: Wyoming health experts are urging residents to use May’s Stroke Awareness Month to check risk factors (including irregular heartbeats) and remember “BE FAST” for faster 911 response. Rural Health Pressure: Lawmakers heard how Wyoming is losing maternity services—labor-and-delivery closures tied to financial strain and staffing shortages are widening “maternity care deserts.” Long-Term Care Watch: CMS data shows Wyoming’s Wyoming Retirement Center under state ownership received a 1-star overall rating in Q1 2026, while Sublette County Health earned a 3-star rating. Public Health & Safety: FDA inspection reporting shows limited Wyoming activity in 2025—one Sheridan County city firm received a “No Action Indicated” result, while Natrona and Washakie County firms saw “Voluntary Action Indicated” and “Official Action Indicated,” respectively.

Wyoming Healthcare at the Capitol: Lawmakers heard how Wyoming is losing care “close to home,” with testimony on maternity care deserts after multiple hospitals shut labor-and-delivery wards since 2022, leaving just 16 birthing hospitals statewide and pushing Medicaid reimbursement far below delivery costs—plus the ongoing recruitment and retention squeeze. Food Freedom Clash: At the Capitol, farm owners rallied against enforcement they say is tightening restrictions on the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, arguing agencies are moving beyond what the law was meant to do. Wolf Hunt Cut: Wyoming Game and Fish is slashing the gray wolf hunting cap by 50% to 22 wolves after a canine distemper outbreak drove numbers to the lowest level in two decades. Public Health & Safety: A reminder that health access and safety are both under pressure—whether it’s rural maternity coverage, local blood drives, or wildlife disease changing the rules on the ground.

Climate + Health Resilience: Montana tribes are pairing traditional knowledge with Western science to protect forests as warming, beetles, and fungus wipe out whitebark pines—efforts that also help snowpack, drought, and wildfire risk. Data Center Pressure: Utah’s proposed “hyperscale” data center is drawing fierce backlash over power demand, heat impacts near the Great Salt Lake, and public-health stakes as the lake hits record-low levels. Rural Housing + Wildlife: New Wyoming-based research finds big game need up to a mile or more of space between homes to migrate—useful for zoning decisions that affect health of ecosystems and people. Wyoming Community Health: UW’s SparkTank awarded $186,000 to local nonprofits, including SAFE Project, Tele-Hope, and Search and Rescue—showing student-led funding for mental health and crisis support. Care + Compliance Watch: A USDA inspection report flagged serious veterinary and recordkeeping problems at a Fort Collins animal research lab, keeping scrutiny on animal care standards. Infrastructure: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology launched the $700M Heartland Fiber Project, stretching Denver-to-Chicago capacity across seven states.

Mental Health Push: Hundreds gathered at Kirby Park for a Mental Health Awareness Month walk, with NAMI leaders and peer support staff spotlighting recovery and the importance of getting help. Data Center Tension: In Utah, the Stratos data center fight is still simmering after Box Elder County commissioners fast-tracked a massive project while protesters say public comment was shut down—an echo of Wyoming’s own push to court big tech. Public Safety: A woman died after a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 16 west of Rapid City, with investigators noting seat belt issues and ongoing review. Wyoming Health Courts: A lawsuit over the Wyoming Boys’ School is back in focus as defendants argue restraint and confinement actions didn’t violate law and dispute claims about specific weapons. Wyoming Education & Health: UW kinesiology and health students earned national recognition from the American Kinesiology Association, adding to a busy week for campus wins.

Rural Health Funding Hit: Wyoming’s bid for long-term rural health money ran into a federal wall—CMS wouldn’t approve key parts of the state’s plan, including a proposed “perpetuity” funding approach, forcing Wyoming back to revise what it can still pursue. Wildlife & Public Health: Wyoming is also moving to cut the wolf hunt by 50% after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest in two decades, with officials pointing to disease impacts on pups. Maternal Care Spotlight: A new national conversation is heating up around birth trauma and racial disparities in maternal health, with experts pushing for better data and more respectful care. Local Health Workforce & Research: University of Wyoming students in kinesiology and health earned major national awards, underscoring continued strength in Wyoming’s health education pipeline. Community Events: Casper is set for the inaugural WYOHOOPS Summer Showcase, aiming to bring more basketball opportunity to Wyoming players.