AGP Executive Report

Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer rates rose in 2023 for the first time in more than two decades, with increases across nearly every adult age group through 69. UChicago researcher Caitlin Murphy says screening explains part—but not all—of the rise; adults 45 and older should check whether they’re up to date. Chicago Mental Health: The city budget plan would expand crisis response to seven days a week and fund the reopening of a mental health clinic. Medicaid Access: A federal judge blocked a strict “medical frailty” standard that could have made it harder for seriously ill people to qualify for an exemption from new Medicaid work requirements. Hospital Stability: Gateway Regional Medical Center faces a possible end to its Medicare agreement on Nov. 17 and owes Illinois more than $120 million in fees and penalties. Public Health: Flu activity is higher than usual for October in Chicago, prompting officials to encourage vaccination; Cook County is also reminding families to get children tested for lead.

Mental Health: Chicago’s proposed 2027 budget would expand CARE crisis response to seven days a week and fund reopening a city mental health clinic. Maternal and Emergency Care: Police are investigating after a 15-year-old gave birth at a Far South Side elementary school; the newborn died. Waukegan hospital also lost its trauma-center designation, amid wider concern over Illinois maternity-ward closures. Seasonal Health: Flu is arriving early in Chicago; health officials urge vaccination and attention to symptoms. Food Safety: Illinois is among the states affected by a plant-based butter recall over possible E. coli, mold and yeast. Will County is also investigating E. coli cases possibly linked to a Homer Glen pumpkin farm. Medical Costs and Access: Illinois’ medical-debt relief program surpassed its $1 billion goal in two years, while Northwestern launched a transplant institute focused on innovation and access.

Respiratory Season: Flu has arrived early in Chicagoland, but UChicago Medicine’s Dr. Emily Landon says rhinovirus and enterovirus are surging and often cause flu-like symptoms. Flu activity remains low, though families are urged to learn about vaccination and watch for worsening illness. Care Access: Waukegan hospital has lost its trauma-center designation, while maternity ward closures across Illinois add to concerns about local access to care. Chicago Health Services: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget plan continues funding for the city’s seven mental health clinics and expands its CARE crisis-response program. Food Safety: The FDA classified Miyoko’s plant-based butter recall as Class II over possible E. coli, mold and yeast contamination; Illinois is among the affected states. Medical Debt: Illinois’ relief program has surpassed its $1 billion goal in two years.

Chicago Health Services: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget would fully fund the city health department, continue support for seven mental health clinics and expand the CARE crisis-response program citywide. Food Safety: Will County health officials are investigating possible E. coli cases linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen; the farm has closed during the investigation. Hospital Access: Waukegan’s Vista Medical Center lost its trauma-center designation amid a shortage of anesthesia staff, while a new Northwestern Medicine transplant institute aims to expand innovation and access. Maternal Care: Illinois lost 32 obstetric hospitals from 2016 to 2023, a 27% decline that can mean longer trips and dangerous delays for families needing emergency childbirth care. Coverage and Prevention: State retirees may face disruptions to access to BJC doctors as health-plan disputes threaten coverage starting Jan. 1. Rockford-area providers are also urging residents to get vaccinated as respiratory illnesses circulate.

Hospital Access: Illinois revoked Vista Medical Center East’s Level II trauma designation over a shortage of anesthesia staff, leaving Waukegan without a trauma center. Roseland families are also facing the closure of the area hospital’s maternity ward, raising concerns about access to birth care on the South Side. E. coli Investigation: Will County and state health officials are investigating five confirmed cases potentially linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. They’re reviewing visitor surveys and testing animal and farm samples. Transplant Care: Northwestern Medicine launched a transplant institute to expand access and drive innovation; the system performed a record 691 transplants in 2025. Infant Safety: An awareness display at Daley Plaza highlights sleep-related infant deaths in Cook County, where one infant dies from a sleep-related cause each week. Retiree Coverage: About 5,000 Illinois state retirees could lose access to BJC and Washington University Medicine doctors in their Medicare Advantage networks starting Jan. 1, as lawmakers urge insurers and providers to reach a deal. Prevention: IDPH is urging families to reduce children’s lead exposure and use Illinois’ universal testing requirements to identify risks early.

Hospital Access: Illinois revoked trauma status at a north suburban hospital because of an anesthesia staffing shortage, raising concerns about access to emergency care. E. coli Investigation: Will County is reviewing more than 200 surveys after five confirmed E. coli cases were potentially linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm. Its petting zoo is closed while testing continues, but the farm remains open. Seasonal Health: Chicago flu activity is higher than usual for October, prompting plans to encourage vaccination. IDPH is also marking Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with reminders to protect children from exposure. Coverage and Care: Get Covered Illinois is offering free insurance enrollment help, while the state plans to keep 25 mental-health beds at Choate and expand regional jobs.

Food Safety: Will County inspectors are testing animals and surfaces at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm after five people were reported with possible E. coli infections. More than 200 visitors have submitted surveys; the petting zoo is closed, but the farm remains open, and no further cases have been reported. Seasonal Health: A Chicago-area report says flu season is starting early, a timely reminder to take precautions. Behavioral Health: Illinois says Choate Mental Health Center will retain 25 beds and expand regional jobs after a proposed closure was withdrawn. Coverage Changes: Some Illinois retirees face Medicare Advantage changes as BJC HealthCare drops Aetna and Anthem plans, and UChicago Medicine drops its UnitedHealthcare retiree plan on Jan. 1. Review notices and seek free help from Illinois’ Senior Health Insurance Program. Food Recall: A plant-based butter recalled over concerns about mold, yeast and E. coli was distributed in Illinois; no illnesses have been reported.

Foodborne Illness: Will County is investigating five confirmed E. coli cases possibly linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. The farm has voluntarily closed its petting zoo while officials investigate; young children face greater risk of serious complications. Mental Health: Springfield is weighing a $75,000 proposal for software to flag police officers who may need mental-health support. A police labor leader says automated scores can’t replace counseling. Health Coverage: Illinois retirees face upcoming Medicare Advantage changes: BJC HealthCare will drop Aetna and Anthem plans Jan. 1, while UChicago Medicine will drop its UnitedHealthcare retiree plan. Hospital Access: A potential buyer may seek to reopen shuttered Weiss Memorial and West Suburban hospitals, but its financial troubles and past safety citations raise questions about its ability to do so. Health Costs and Care Teams: West Aurora schools spent $26 million on medical expenses in 2026 and project a $5 million increase; meanwhile, nurses at Endeavor Health hospitals are seeking to unionize.

Mental Wellness: Hobbies such as crochet, knitting and pottery can help steady anxiety and lift mood, experts say. Cancer Support: Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois is offering a free Nov. 6 survivorship retreat in Davenport, with sessions on emotional health, nutrition, activity and post-treatment care. Food Safety: Multiple people tested positive for E. coli after possible exposure at a pumpkin farm and petting zoo; the site is under investigation. Local Access: Crystal Lake’s planning commission recommended allowing Ivy Hall dispensary to add a drive-through. The City Council is expected to decide Nov. 17. School Health: Mold in Chicago-area schools is drawing concern as heavier summer storms worsen the problem. Insurance Costs: BJC HealthCare plans to drop Aetna and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans Jan. 1, affecting some Illinois retirees, while rising care costs are prompting people to skip medicines and doctor visits.

Food Safety: Will County health officials are investigating five positive E. coli tests potentially linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm. Its petting zoo has closed while the farm arranges animal testing. School Health: Mold and water damage have disrupted Chicago-area schools and other public buildings. Heavier rains and damp conditions can encourage mold growth and affect indoor air quality. Hospital Care: Carthage’s Memorial Hospital earned a five-star rating for physician communication, based on patient surveys. Insurance Changes: BJC HealthCare plans to drop Aetna and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans affecting Illinois state retirees, while UChicago Medicine will end its UnitedHealthcare retiree Medicare plan on Jan. 1, 2027. Disease Watch: DuPage County confirmed its first measles case of 2026. Medical Debt: Illinois’ medical debt relief program has surpassed its $1 billion target.

Avian Flu: Nearly 935,000 hens were killed after a bird flu outbreak at an Illinois egg farm became the nation’s largest active outbreak, raising the prospect of tighter egg supplies and higher prices. Medication Safety: Adams County residents dropped off unwanted prescriptions for safe disposal; the health department also highlighted its public Narcan and fentanyl test-strip box. Coverage Changes: BJC HealthCare plans to drop Aetna and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans Jan. 1, affecting Illinois state retirees and other members who may need new coverage. Measles: DuPage County confirmed its first measles case of 2026. Mental Health Access: Choate Mental Health Center will remain open after officials withdrew a closure request.

Coverage Changes: Illinois state retirees may be affected when BJC HealthCare drops Aetna and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans on Jan. 1. Rep. Charlie Meier is urging the parties to reach a deal. Food Safety: Will County health officials are investigating E. coli cases possibly linked to a local pumpkin farm. Nurse Advocacy: Nurses at Endeavor Health hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Skokie and Highland Park have filed to unionize. Mental Health: Choate Mental Health Center will remain open after officials withdrew a closure request; the state says additional psychiatric beds will be available at other facilities as reductions move forward. Medical Debt: Illinois says its relief program has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents.

Food Safety: Will County is investigating five E. coli cases possibly linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. The farm closed its petting zoo while testing continues; no source has been confirmed. Infectious Disease: A DuPage County measles case has prompted an exposure alert for travelers at O’Hare Terminal 5. Mental Health Care: Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center will remain open after the state withdrew its closure request, though plans to reduce beds and shift services remain a concern. Chicago is also launching street psychiatry teams for homeless residents. Coverage and Costs: Rising health care costs are leading people to skip medicines and doctor visits. UChicago Medicine will also drop its UnitedHealthcare retiree Medicare plan on Jan. 1, 2027, leaving affected retirees to seek new coverage. Medication Safety: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24, with collection sites across Southern Illinois for unused or expired medicines.

Measles Alert: A vaccinated DuPage County resident contracted measles after international travel, prompting an exposure warning for travelers through O’Hare Terminal 5 that extends into November. Birth Support: OSF Saint Katharine brought community doulas together with maternity staff to strengthen coordinated pregnancy, birth and postpartum care for Sauk Valley families, supported by a state lactation-outcomes grant. Mental Health Care: Illinois says 156 psychiatric beds are opening at Alton and Chester as Choate’s inpatient capacity drops from 75 to 25; the remaining beds are expected to stay open beyond July 2027. Insurance Oversight: Six suburban Chicago counseling providers were charged in an alleged 15-year scheme involving $19 million in false psychotherapy claims and more than $4.8 million in insurer payments. The defendants are presumed innocent. Health System Shift: Endeavor Health and Rush plan to merge, marking a major development for Chicago-area healthcare.

Hospital Workforce: More than 2,400 nurses at Endeavor Health’s north suburban hospitals are seeking a union election, citing staffing levels, workloads and pay. Public Health: DuPage County confirmed its first measles case of 2026 in a vaccinated resident who traveled through O’Hare. Patient Safety: Advocate Illinois Masonic’s cafeteria was temporarily closed after inspectors found live cockroaches and black residue; Chicago restaurant inspection records are available online. Long-Term Care: Illinois nursing homes received 85 citations for insufficient staffing in fiscal 2026, the second-highest total nationwide. Medical Debt: Illinois’ relief program has surpassed $1 billion in medical bills addressed.

Measles Watch: DuPage County confirmed its first measles case of 2026 in a vaccinated resident who traveled internationally through O’Hare—a rare breakthrough infection. Hospital Safety: Advocate Illinois Masonic’s cafeteria was temporarily closed after inspectors found about 200 live cockroaches and black slime. Care Access: Illinois’ medical-debt relief program has surpassed its $1 billion target; meanwhile, the state withdrew its bid to close Choate’s psychiatric unit, though bed reductions are still planned. Local Health Advances: Silver Cross Hospital is investing $8.5 million in operating rooms, and a UChicago clinical trial is using AI to personalize breast cancer treatment.