AGP Executive Report

Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $91M in post-disaster Public Assistance for Puerto Rico, including major repairs tied to Hurricane Maria—power distribution vegetation clearing (PREPA) and water treatment plant rehabilitation (PRASA)—plus other public-health and safety recovery work. Hospital Financial Strain: Wilma N. Vázquez Hospital in Vega Baja filed a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing lower demand since 2023 (acute care occupancy and ER visits down) and cash-flow pressure, with insured claims forming much of its debt. Elder Care Crisis: A Puerto Rico study in Medicina/Salud Publica reports hospital abandonment of older adults is up 45% since 2017, arguing it’s often driven by poverty, housing limits, isolation, and weak support—not simply “family choice.” Legal/Health Oversight: Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court ordered dismissal and archiving of a complaint involving attorney Verónica Ferraiuoli Hornedo tied to the Sally Priester v. Puerto Rico Department of Health case. Public Health Access: A Louisiana audit highlights low WIC participation and unused federal funds, noting Puerto Rico is also ranked low—raising concerns about nutrition support access for pregnant women and families.

Older-Adult Care Crisis: A new Puerto Rico study in Medicina/Salud Pública reports hospital abandonment of older adults is up 45% since 2017, driven less by “intent” and more by economic hardship, inadequate housing, isolation, and weak support networks. Health System Accountability: The Puerto Rico Supreme Court ordered the dismissal and archiving of a complaint against attorney Verónica Ferraiuoli Hornedo tied to Sally Priester v. Puerto Rico Department of Health, closing the matter. Mental Health & Fireworks: A July 4 guide highlights anxiety triggers from loud booms and crowds, with practical coping tips like noise-canceling headphones, deep breathing, and grounding exercises. Community Health Access: Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute is offering free sports physicals July 11 for students, with optional low-cost ECGs available on site. Public Health & Nutrition: A report on WIC access notes Louisiana left large federal nutrition funds unused, underscoring how program participation affects maternal and child health outcomes. Disaster Response (Venezuela): Coverage continues on earthquake recovery, including ongoing search-and-rescue limits and the strain on healthcare and identification services.

Puerto Rico–Venezuela Aid Push: A coalition of Puerto Rico businesses, artists, and organizations sent the first flights of nearly 7,000 pounds of earthquake relief to Venezuela, including medicine, food, generators, equipment, and infant supplies, with logistics support from Aerostar Puerto Rico and others. Venezuela Earthquake Health Fallout: After the June 24 twin quakes, the confirmed death toll is reported in the thousands with tens of thousands injured and many still unaccounted for; rescue efforts are winding down as the “critical survival window” closes, while families keep searching and the healthcare system remains damaged. Maternal Nutrition Funding Gap: A Louisiana audit found the state left about $111M in federal WIC nutrition funds unused (2021–2024), raising concerns about access to prenatal support—an issue Puerto Rico is also cited alongside in low participation rankings. Sports Health Access: Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute is offering free sports physicals (with optional low-cost ECGs) for students ahead of the school year. Public Health Safety Note: MorningStar Farms recalled certain plant-based products in Puerto Rico and elsewhere due to possible plastic pieces.

Pharma Enforcement: Alibaba agreed to pay $600M to settle U.S. allegations that its platforms helped sell and import illegal pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, admitting it failed to stop about 80,000 unlawful imports from 2016–2024. Public Health & Access: HUD and VA announced $33M to expand housing help for veterans experiencing homelessness, adding 2,532 HUD-VASH vouchers and boosting active vouchers to more than 118,000, with case management and clinical services tied to VA providers. Community Health Infrastructure (Puerto Rico link): A Puerto Rico–based coalition sent the first flights of nearly 7,000 pounds of medicine, food, generators, equipment, and infant supplies to Venezuela after the June 24 twin quakes, aiming to get care and essentials into the hardest-hit areas. Senior Support & Care: AARP Community Challenge grants continue to fund local projects that improve mobility, housing, digital access, and disaster preparedness for older adults, with Puerto Rico included in the nationwide grant footprint. Health Risks Outdoors: A tick-safety guide highlights peak tick season (April–September) and common tick types that can spread illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Wellness & Food Safety: A June recall roundup notes plant-based and other products pulled over safety concerns, including possible plastic contamination, with Puerto Rico listed among affected areas.

Food Safety & Recalls: MorningStar Farms recalled Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica due to possible plastic pieces, adding to a busy 2026 recall year. Public Health & Nutrition: A July 4 cookout basket averaged $73.82 for 10 guests nationwide, up $2.90 (4%)—a reminder that grocery inflation can hit family health budgets. Disaster Response (Venezuela): Puerto Rico-based logistics helped send nearly 7,000 pounds of medicine, food, generators, equipment, and infant supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, while U.S. forces report 900+ personnel operating in-country and about 800 supporting from Puerto Rico and Curaçao. Local Health & Access: AARP Community Challenge grants highlighted telehealth and walkability upgrades in Ohio, including a senior-center telehealth hub—an accessibility model relevant to Puerto Rico’s aging-in-place goals. Puerto Rico Health Context: A report on Vieques links long-running concerns about cancer rates to past military contamination, keeping public health and environmental cleanup in focus.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief (Puerto Rico link): U.S. Southern Command says more than 900 American troops are operating inside Venezuela, while about 800 more are based in Caribbean hubs including Puerto Rico and Curaçao—supporting search-and-rescue, restoring airport operations, and moving emergency aid by air and sea. Public Health & Safety (Puerto Rico): A new AP report spotlights long-running health concerns on Vieques, where residents and experts link higher cancer rates to decades of U.S. Navy bombing and unexploded ordnance contamination. Healthcare Access for Seniors: AARP’s Community Challenge grants include projects aimed at older adults—like a telehealth hub at an Idaho senior center and walkability improvements led by older volunteers in Ohio. Veterans Housing: HUD and VA announced $33 million to expand housing assistance for homeless veterans via 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers, including Puerto Rico. Nutrition Recall (FDA): The FDA warns consumers not to use recalled supplements containing imported moringa leaf powder after Salmonella-related illness concerns. Local Health & Wellness: A “Wellness Wednesday” segment shares a tropical juice recipe featuring watermelon, pineapple, guava, and passion fruit. Puerto Rico Business & Policy: Puerto Rico private-sector leaders wrapped a Washington mission pushing a unified federal agenda that includes healthcare priorities.

Puerto Rico Health Policy & Oversight: San Juan is moving ahead with $356M in bond and note borrowing for 14 public improvement projects, while the Puerto Rico Oversight Board approved the plan—another sign of how local health and infrastructure needs are tied to fiscal approvals. Hospital & Care Access: El Maestro Hospital’s restructuring continues to strain operations, with a May 2026 report showing a steep cash drop and large liabilities as it awaits sale approval. Medicare Administration: Novitas Solutions won a new CMS Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction H contract covering multiple states, a reminder of how claims processing and provider support shape patient access. Public Health & Safety: A Puerto Rico-related 1st Circuit ruling dismissed a class action over a 2019 hospital ransomware breach, emphasizing that plaintiffs must show a clear, plausible link between the breach and specific harm. Sports & Youth Well-Being: A House resolution was filed to investigate allegations of mistreatment in Puerto Rico Canoeing Federation training practices, including claims involving minors and emotional and physical harm. Global Health Link: U.S. forces are supporting Venezuela earthquake relief, with Puerto Rico’s National Guard integrated into logistics and humanitarian operations.

Puerto Rico National Guard in Venezuela Response: The Puerto Rico Air National Guard has been integrated into SOUTHCOM-led humanitarian operations after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with an initial group already mobilized from Muñiz Air National Guard Base and about 20 more on federal orders ready to deploy as needs emerge. Local Health System Watch: El Maestro Hospital’s restructuring continues to strain finances, with May 2026 showing a cash drop and a large net loss, while liabilities remain heavy—raising ongoing concerns for patient care continuity. Medicare Administration Update: Novitas Solutions won a new Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction H contract covering Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, continuing its claims-processing role for millions of beneficiaries. Public Health & Safety: A passenger flight from San Juan to Charlotte was diverted to Miami after strong turbulence; one person was hospitalized. Health Data Rights: A 1st Circuit ruling dismissed a Puerto Rico hospital ransomware class action for lack of standing, saying the plaintiff couldn’t plausibly link the breach to a specific harm. Aging & Wellness: The National Veterans Golden Age Games (40th anniversary) opened with a Health and Wellness Expo highlighting VA and community resources for healthy aging.

Hospital Finance Watch: El Maestro Hospital’s May 2026 bankruptcy report shows a steep cash drop to $150,720 and a $150,143 net loss, with most revenue coming from office rentals rather than patient care—while liabilities climbed to $45.4 million. Local Health Governance: A new look at Puerto Rico’s PROMESA-era debt overhaul highlights how the island cut debt by 58% over 10 years, but the debate continues over federal oversight shaping budgets and spending. Legal Health Privacy: The 1st Circuit upheld dismissal of a Puerto Rico hospital ransomware class action, saying the plaintiff couldn’t show a plausible link between the breach and a specific injury tied to her data. Public Health & Consumer Safety: A coalition of attorneys general welcomed Shopify’s move to ban all vaping products on its platform, citing youth nicotine risk and pushing for stronger online safeguards. Health Research: A JAMA Network Open study links cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanic/Latino adults to higher rates of visual impairment, reinforcing the heart-eye connection. Transplant Innovation: FDA cleared United Therapeutics’ LungFX device to better assess donor lungs outside the body, aiming to reduce the large share of lungs that go unused. Community & Aging Support: AARP announced $8.3M for home modifications and aging-in-place projects, plus Puerto Rico is included among funded jurisdictions. Disaster Health Context: Coverage from Venezuela’s quake aftermath underscores ongoing humanitarian needs—food, water, shelter, and medical support—as deaths rise and families search for survivors.

Cardiovascular-Eye Link: A new JAMA Network Open study finds cardiovascular risk factors (like diabetes) are associated with visual impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults, building on the SOL Eye research and reinforcing the need for integrated heart-and-eye care. Youth Homelessness: An ASSMCA count in Puerto Rico found 204 youths ages 18–24 homeless or in unstable housing—nearly four times the 2024 figure—highlighting gaps in visibility and support. Humanitarian Response: Puerto Rico’s Department of State is coordinating aid for Venezuela earthquake victims, working with emergency agencies and community groups to set up collection centers and delivery channels. Air Travel Safety for Mobility Needs: Paralyzed Veterans of America is urging airlines to fully follow new DOT disability training rules that took effect June 17, aiming to reduce unsafe boarding and mishandling of wheelchairs. Transplant Innovation: The FDA cleared United Therapeutics’ LungFX device to help surgeons assess donor lungs outside the body, targeting the large share of lungs that currently go unused. Community Health Infrastructure: Orlando Health announced plans for a new hospital and medical office building on a Viera health campus, signaling continued investment in local access to care.

Youth Homelessness: A new ASSMCA count finds 204 Puerto Rican youths ages 18–24 are homeless or in unstable housing—nearly four times the 2024 general count—showing many young people remain “invisible” in prior tallies. Humanitarian Response: Puerto Rico’s Department of State is coordinating aid for Venezuela earthquake victims, setting up collection centers and deploying emergency personnel with partners like Cáritas and the Venezuelan Ateneo Foundation. Disaster Health Needs: Venezuela’s quake response is ramping up with reports of thousands of medical consultations and large-scale food distribution, while families search for missing loved ones amid fears that rescue access is being restricted. Care Access & Housing Stability: HUD and VA announced $33M for HUD-VASH, adding 2,532 vouchers to help more than 2,500 homeless veterans move toward stable housing. Public Health Infrastructure: A federal repair backlog is worsening health and safety risks in government buildings, with leaks, mold, and broken elevators cited as ongoing problems. Local Health & Wellness: Puerto Rico’s emergency preparedness gets a boost through a full-scale tabletop exercise at Fort Buchanan.

Disaster Response in Focus: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes are still straining health systems and rescue capacity, with reports citing 1,430 deaths, 3,232 injured treated, thousands of medical consultations, and large-scale food distribution—while officials urge people to avoid La Guaira to keep roads clear for search-and-rescue. Puerto Rico & Region Health Support: Venezuelan officials say responders and medical teams have arrived from multiple Caribbean and Latin partners, including rescuers and canines from Puerto Rico, plus doctors and medical personnel from Curaçao and others. Local Care & Safety: A Coast Guard response near St. Thomas followed a vessel fire, with a survivor transferred to emergency medical services—highlighting the role of rapid rescue coordination. Healthcare Access & Public Health: A global map on safe drinking water shows billions still lack safely managed services, underscoring ongoing water-related health risks. Health System Funding: HUD and VA announced new funding to support more than 2,500 homeless veterans via HUD-VASH vouchers. Community Health Note: A Raleigh crash story includes a fatality and a juvenile injured, reminding families to prioritize seat belts and road safety.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: After back-to-back quakes, Venezuela’s search-and-rescue is getting harder as the “crucial” early window narrows; authorities are even restricting access to the hardest-hit La Guaira area, while families report few state teams and more people dig through rubble themselves. Puerto Rico Medical Support: Venezuelan officials say rescuers and medical personnel are arriving from across the region, including canines and rescuers from Puerto Rico, plus doctors and teams from Curaçao, Argentina, and Qatar—along with large-scale logistics and medicine shipments. Public Health & Safety Angle: The disaster coverage highlights why rapid access to basic care, hygiene, and lifesaving supplies matters most in the first days after mass trauma. Local Health Infrastructure (PR-linked): A Puerto Rico-focused item notes Resident Commissioner funding to strengthen public health and emergency preparedness, underscoring how disaster readiness at home can translate into faster response when crises hit.

Disaster Response & Public Health: In Venezuela, the search for survivors after back-to-back earthquakes is entering a third day as civilians dig through rubble and families report few state rescue teams in the hardest-hit areas; authorities say access to La Guaira is being restricted with permits, while aid groups warn the first 48–72 hours are critical for finding people alive. Regional Medical Support: Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez says international help is expanding, including medical personnel and rescuers from Curaçao, Argentina, Qatar, and Puerto Rico, plus canines and large amounts of equipment and medicines. Local Emergency Preparedness (Puerto Rico): At Fort Buchanan, a full-scale emergency tabletop exercise brought together Bayamón, the Puerto Rico Medical Center, the Puerto Rico National Guard, and federal partners to rehearse coordinated crisis response. Workplace Safety: A Pilgrim’s Pride worker in Cold Spring, identified as Jesse Leal, died after being pinned under equipment; OSHA compliance is investigating. Health & Housing (U.S. broader): HUD and VA announced $33M for 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers to support homeless Veterans.

Disaster Response: Venezuela’s rescue window is shrinking as the country enters the third day after back-to-back quakes, with authorities restricting access to La Guaira and families reporting few state teams in the hardest-hit areas; aid groups still treat the first 48–72 hours as critical for finding survivors. Humanitarian Aid: Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen pledged $1 million and is mobilizing relief kitchens in Caracas and La Guaira as the death toll climbs. Public Health & Housing: HUD and VA announced $33M for 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers to help homeless Veterans, plus $10M in admin fees to expand program delivery. Preparedness in Puerto Rico: Fort Buchanan held a full-scale emergency tabletop exercise with Puerto Rico Medical Center and local/federal partners to strengthen coordinated crisis response. Community Health: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly wellness route with benches and “wellness moments” for adults 50+. Food & Wellness: Fourth of July cookout costs rose with inflation, with a national per-person price topping $7.38 in a Farm Bureau survey.

Disaster Preparedness: Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico ran a full-scale emergency tabletop exercise with Bayamón, the FBI, the Puerto Rico Medical Center, the Puerto Rico National Guard, and Army Reserve partners—aimed at improving coordinated response and protecting lives while keeping mission readiness. Public Health Infrastructure: The U.S. EPA announced $25M+ in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS and lead risks, and address local contamination challenges. Veteran Homelessness: HUD and VA announced $33M for 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers plus $10M in admin support to help homeless Veterans secure stable housing. Health & Safety Awareness: A dermatologist-led explainer warns that “life-changing” sunburns can signal serious skin damage and raises the need for better sunscreen habits and skin checks. Community Safety: U.S. Marshals are seeking two men tied to a Puerto Rico homicide; officials note one may need medical attention for burns. Global Health Emergency: Venezuela’s earthquake death toll climbed rapidly, with thousands injured and millions potentially affected—highlighting urgent needs for rescue, shelter, and medical care.