AGP Executive Report

Food Access: Illinois has expanded its Restaurant Meals Program to 50 restaurants across 16 counties, helping eligible SNAP households who are older, disabled or experiencing homelessness buy prepared meals. Participating restaurants must offer a 10% discount. Medical Cannabis: Illinois added two conditions to the list qualifying patients for the state’s medical cannabis program. Community Health: HSHS St. Anthony’s is asking Effingham and Jasper County residents to complete an anonymous health survey by Oct. 31, with results set to guide local programs and services. Hospital Safety: Illinois halted surgeries at Trinity Rock Island after Legionella-causing bacteria were found at the hospital. Patient Care: Deaconess Illinois Crossroads earned five-star federal ratings for cleanliness, nurse communication and patient recommendations; Rochelle Community Hospital also welcomed local graduate Michael Busky as its new CEO.

Cancer Care: Cortland resident Russel Harris is marking five years since treatment and credits City of Hope Chicago’s team with supporting him through cancer. Mental Health: Chicago’s archdiocese dedicated a suicide memorial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, honoring the work of a local program that supports grieving families. Medical Training: UChicago and City Colleges are advancing plans for a Washington Park health campus, with training that brings mental and physical care together. Brain Health: Rosalind Franklin University researchers won a $3.4 million NIH grant to study whether hormonal changes during perimenopause affect Alzheimer’s risk. Health Coverage: Illinois is set to lose 21 more Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, narrowing options for some residents. Prevention: Memorial Health is urging central Illinois residents to get flu shots early as the season begins.

Women’s Heart Health: A new initiative is pushing for routine reporting of breast arterial calcification on mammograms. The finding can signal higher heart-disease and stroke risk, though it is not a diagnosis. Drug Prices: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 44 other states and territories seeking court approval of settlements resolving allegations that three generic drugmakers conspired to inflate prices. Plasma Donations: An Elgin resident with a rare immune deficiency says plasma-derived treatment is essential to her health, underscoring the need for donors who help supply these medicines. Care and Research: A new Chicago medical school is training future doctors to connect physical and mental health care, while the University of Illinois’ LIFE Home marks five years of research into healthy aging, rehabilitation and assistive technology. Illinois Health Policy: A judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the state’s assisted-suicide law against religious health providers.

Air Quality: Pilsen residents are pressing Illinois officials for more testing near a scrap-metal facility, saying new pollution controls have not eased concerns. Food Access: Illinois expanded its restaurant-meals program to 50 locations for eligible SNAP customers. Medicaid: A Chicago hospital leader warns federal cuts could leave about 400,000 Illinoisans without coverage; new work rules may also affect enrollees. Healthcare Research: UChicago will lead a $13 million international study of immune responses, while plans move forward for a Washington Park healthcare campus with job training. Disease Watch: DuPage County reported its first West Nile-related death of 2026, with six cases reported and mosquito positivity at 13%. Health Policy: A judge temporarily blocked Illinois’ assisted-suicide law from applying to religious healthcare providers.

Mental Health Access: Braden Counseling Center has served Sterling for about a year, offering counseling and BrainsWay Deep TMS as the Illinois practice expands its local services. Stroke Awareness: Grayslake resident Jamie Porteous shared how his family’s quick call to 911 helped him get urgent stroke care, highlighting symptoms such as sudden confusion, speech trouble, facial drooping or arm weakness. Breast Cancer Research: Endeavor Health joined the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium, linking patients across the region to more clinical trials and research. Food Access: Illinois is expanding its Restaurant Meals Program, which lets eligible SNAP recipients—including people who are older, disabled or homeless—buy prepared meals with their Link cards; 50 restaurants in 16 counties currently participate. Public Health: DuPage County reported its first West Nile-related death of 2026, with six cases and 13% mosquito positivity reported. End-of-Life Care: A federal judge temporarily barred Illinois from enforcing its aid-in-dying law against Catholic health institutions and religious practitioners who brought the lawsuit, pending further court proceedings.

West Nile Alert: DuPage County reported its first West Nile-related death of 2026, with six cases and mosquito positivity at 13%. E-bike Safety: Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital’s trauma coordinator says serious injuries involving e-bikes and similar devices are rising. A new Illinois law setting age limits and banning sidewalk riding takes effect Jan. 1. Cancer Care: A Chicago man given six months to live after a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis credits a second opinion at Northwestern Medicine with changing his treatment; immunotherapy helped, though only a small share of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have the relevant biomarkers. Youth Mental Health: Illinois schools must offer mental health screenings to students in grades 3–12 starting in 2027–28. Advocates say Chicago Public Schools could help make the program work. Exercise and Parkinson’s: A long-term study linked more physical activity with slower cognitive and motor decline in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease, but it does not prove exercise caused the benefit.

West Nile: DuPage County has reported its first West Nile-related death of 2026, a reminder to guard against mosquito bites while the season lasts. Medicare Coverage: Illinois is set to lose 21 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, following the departure of a local insurer; beneficiaries should check how the changes affect their options. Women’s Health: Three new Illinois menopause-related laws are expected to take effect soon, bringing changes experts say women should know about. Maternity Care: Roseland Community Hospital plans to end labor and delivery by Oct. 31, widening the South Side’s maternity-care gap as West Suburban’s future also draws concern. Food Safety: Gatorade products recalled over undeclared yellow dyes are in Illinois; shoppers should check bottles against the recall notice.

Medicare Coverage: Illinois is set to lose 21 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, leaving 136; open enrollment begins Oct. 15. More than 12,000 residents were also affected when Clear Spring Health exited the market in May. West Nile: DuPage County reported its first West Nile-related death of 2026, underscoring the risk from mosquito-borne illness. Wildfire Smoke: Chicagoans, especially people most vulnerable to poor air quality, need to prepare for recurring smoke from Canadian fires. Food Safety: A recall covers 28-ounce Gatorade bottles sold in Illinois because some varieties contain undeclared Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 dyes, which may pose risks to people with sensitivities. Maternity Care: Roseland Community Hospital’s labor and delivery unit is set to close by Oct. 31, while Joliet’s St. Joseph Medical Center is also ending maternity services, further narrowing care options. Children’s Health: A study of Chicago families found canceled and missed pediatric appointments rose 8.7 percentage points among Spanish-speaking families after an immigration crackdown. Clean Water: The Illinois EPA will distribute $21.8 million to address contaminated drinking water.

Cancer Care Access: The American Cancer Society is moving ahead with plans for a new Hope Lodge in Chicago’s Hyde Park, a six-story facility at 5700 S. Stony Island Ave. meant to provide free lodging for cancer patients and caregivers traveling long distances for treatment, with UChicago Medicine and Rush contributing to the project. Senior Health & Community Resources: Illinois lawmakers hosted a senior adult health fair in Quincy, offering a one-stop shop for medical providers, insurance, and local resources like walking trails. Public Health Watch: Measles remains a concern regionally, with Wisconsin reporting high case counts and Illinois listed among neighboring states with confirmed cases. Health Tech & Care Delivery: Mendaera launched an updated Focalist robotic guidance system that uses Butterfly Network ultrasound technology, aiming to improve image-guided needle placement. Medication & Overdose Research: A new study in veterans suggests GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may be linked to lower overdose risk, though experts say it’s not yet practice-changing. Safety & Preparedness: A UIC-led facility safety session highlighted emergency preparedness roles and liability for facilities teams. Local Violence Impact: Chicago reported multiple shootings over the weekend, including fatalities, underscoring ongoing community health and safety risks.

Postpartum Care in Illinois: Northwestern Medicine research highlights how patient navigators can boost postpartum follow-ups, depression screening, and primary care connections—especially for low-income new parents. Stroke Survivorship: UChicago neurology experts urge stroke survivors to keep working on long-term secondary prevention, since another stroke risk can persist long after recovery. Cancer Care Access: Aetna Medicaid is bundling multiple prior authorizations into one request for eligible patients in Illinois and other states, aiming to reduce delays for oncology treatment. Food Safety: PepsiCo is recalling 122,000+ cases of Gatorade in 37 states after undeclared yellow dyes were found on labels, with FDA noting serious risk is remote. Public Health—Measles: A Pennsylvania outbreak is also raising alarms for pregnancy care, including cases of congenital measles tied to unvaccinated mothers. Community Health & Safety: Chicago police are investigating a fatal stabbing of a 7-year-old girl in Chatham; bystanders detained the suspect until officers arrived.

Rural Health Access Funding: The Illinois Farm Bureau is taking applications for its 2027 Rural Development Grant Program, with $125,000 available for projects that improve rural quality of life—potentially including better access to fresh food, healthcare, housing, and emergency services. Deadline is Dec. 1. Public Safety & Health: A Chicago woman, Shavon Gayden, 48, has been charged with first-degree murder after a 7-year-old was fatally stabbed in Chatham; prosecutors say the child was attacked multiple times in the back while walking with her sister, and the suspect was hospitalized with a head injury after bystanders detained her. Healthcare Workforce & Licensing: A surgeon accused of sexually assaulting an Illinois patient is seeking an Iowa medical license, with the Iowa Board of Medicine planning a Nov. 12 hearing. Community Senior Wellness: Illinois legislators are hosting a free senior health fair in Quincy on Oct. 6 (9 a.m.–noon) with screenings, resources, and connections to local providers. Disease Watch: Rock County, Wisconsin reported its first human West Nile Virus case this season, urging residents to protect against mosquito bites.

Violence & Public Safety: Chicago is reeling after a 7-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in Chatham; police say a woman suspect, Shavon Gayden, was charged with first-degree murder, while bystanders detained her at the scene. Housing & Health Equity: The Chicago Housing Authority will begin construction later this month on the LeClaire Courts redevelopment, adding 183 affordable apartments on the Southwest Side, with a mix of voucher, affordable, and market-rate units. Medication & Consumer Safety: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade across 37 states because yellow dye labels were missing, raising concerns for people who need ingredient information. Cancer Care Update: A major ASAC trial found aspirin did not improve survival for metastatic colorectal cancer patients after curative-intent treatment of liver metastases. Mental Health in Illinois: A new survey of Illinois lawyers reports high rates of mental health strain, including substance abuse and suicide ideation, with the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program urging people to seek help. Healthcare Access: Illinois residents may face major coverage disruptions as Medicaid eligibility changes take effect, with experts warning thousands could lose care.

Infant Safety Push: Illinois DCFS, IDPH and Safe Kids Illinois are putting new safe-sleep placards on about 1,000 buses statewide to promote “room to breathe” guidance during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Public Health & Recalls: FDA recalls expand for eye drops over sterility worries, with hundreds of thousands of units affected, and blood pressure medication recall updates cite chlorthalidone pills failing to dissolve. Local Care Access: UChicago Medicine’s Pelvic Health Clinic is relocating from Glenview to Northbrook, and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth adds neurosurgery specialists. Community Health Events: A free breast cancer screening event in Chicago highlights low-cost access and education through partners including the American Cancer Society and Crucial Catch. Safety in the Streets: Vigils continue for 7-year-old Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon, fatally stabbed in Chatham; police say bystanders detained the suspect, who remains in custody. Health-Adjacent Lifestyle: A study finds more NFL fans are cutting back on alcohol at games, citing hangovers and health concerns.

Breast Cancer Awareness in Crawford County: The Crawford County Health Department is hosting a free breast cancer awareness 5K on Oct. 10 at Robinson High School, funded by a state grant, with survivor recognition, kids’ activities, and community education focused on risk factors and screening resources. Public Health Watch: Dengue fever cases are rising in at least 15 states after Florida’s outbreak, with CDC data tracking the spread of the mosquito-borne virus and reminders that severe cases can occur. Eye Health Safety: FDA-linked recalls are expanding for Walgreens-branded eye drops over sterility concerns, including more than 500,000 products tied to multiple brands. Illinois Homelessness Plan Update: Illinois reports overall homelessness down 6% from 2025 to 2026, but chronic homelessness is up 28%, and a new Home Illinois roadmap outlines major spending and stronger links between housing and health systems. Local Care Access: Mercy Medical Center in Aurora is closing its labor and delivery unit, leaving fewer options for South Side and nearby families. Health Equity & Coverage: Illinois is facing major Medicaid coverage losses for thousands of immigrants under new rules, raising concerns about access to care.

Cancer Access: La Salle County is offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings (mammograms and Pap tests) for eligible uninsured or low-income women ages 21–64, aiming to catch disease earlier when treatment works best. Public Health Alert: Illinois health officials are tracking measles exposure tied to travel through Fergus County, with guidance for anyone who may have been at listed locations to monitor symptoms. Community Safety & Trauma Care: A CTA bus shooting in Chicago’s South Side injured two people; an aspiring paramedic stepped in to help before they were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center. Violence in Chicago: Police report a woman in custody after a 7-year-old was fatally stabbed in Chatham; authorities say the suspect was detained by bystanders and is now facing investigation. Health System & Costs: Illinois is also seeing ongoing pressure around medical affordability and coverage, including reports that thousands of Illinoisans could lose healthcare coverage soon. Food Safety: An Illinois catering business was ordered shut after a high school football team dinner sickened at least 45 people, forcing homecoming to be postponed.

Medicaid Shake-Up: New federal eligibility rules took effect Oct. 1, putting thousands of Illinois Medicaid enrollees at risk of losing coverage, with more changes expected—raising concerns for hospitals and clinics statewide. Public Health—Measles Watch: Fergus County confirmed a measles case tied to exposure sites, and Illinois health officials also flagged possible measles exposure on an Amtrak route through Minot—prompting people to check vaccination status and call providers if exposed. Food Safety (No Panic): After contamination scares, Chicago-area guidance emphasizes not avoiding fruits and vegetables; instead, follow specific FDA/CDC advisories and use everyday kitchen safety steps. FDA Recall—Eye Drops: Sterling Pharmaceutical Services (Dupo) initiated a recall of nine eye-drop products (747,844 units) over possible sterility issues; consumers are urged to check product name, lot, and expiration. Rabies Alert: A bat near UI’s Newman Center tested positive for rabies; anyone with contact or possible exposure should seek medical guidance immediately. Health Costs & Access: An Illinois woman reports a long ER wait and later billing despite not being treated, highlighting ongoing friction in emergency care coverage. Heat Safety: Chicago-area reporting notes preventable heat deaths, including 16 fatalities this summer.