AGP Executive Report

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico households are still facing rationing as drought worsens and the aging system loses about 60% of drinking water before it reaches homes; experts say rainwater harvesting could help, but the island doesn’t currently require catchment. Electric Grid Resilience: The U.S. Department of Energy backed nearly $490M for battery storage in Arecibo and Santa Isabel, aiming to support more than 100,000 customers during outages. Cancer Care Update: Rigel’s Veppanu (vepdegestrant) is now available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico by prescription for certain advanced/metastatic ER+/HER2-, ESR1-mutated breast cancers, with a $29,400 30-day supply. Oncology Access: An unapproved pancreatic cancer drug (daraxonrasib) is being distributed via expanded access to 2,000+ patients across nearly all 50 states and Puerto Rico, while the FDA reviews its application. Public Health & Vaccines: Major pediatric and health groups criticized a White House executive order that advises reducing and spacing childhood vaccines without evidence, warning it could leave children less protected. HIV & Safety: A study of adults with HIV (including sites in Puerto Rico) found cannabis use was linked to higher fall risk, though the association weakened after accounting for other factors. STEM Education: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, funding $326,000 to expand student research and science competition access.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought is worsening, with some municipalities (including San Juan) facing running-water shutoffs every two days as the island’s main reservoir takes a hit—residents and advocates point to aging infrastructure as a key driver. Grid Resilience: The U.S. Department of Energy approved a nearly $490M loan for 220 MW of battery storage in Arecibo and Santa Isabel, aiming to keep power available for more than 100,000 customers during outages. Infectious Disease Watch: The CDC reports Cyclospora has driven 740 hospitalizations and two deaths nationwide, with Puerto Rico among the places reporting cases as the lettuce-linked outbreak continues to evolve. Aging & HIV Safety: A study of adults with HIV in Puerto Rico and the U.S. found cannabis use was linked to higher fall risk at first, but the association faded after accounting for other substances, medications, and health factors—while cigarette smoking still mattered for fall risk. Public Health Access: Milken Institute School of Public Health will waive its $155 application fee for the first 1,000 applicants to its MPH program, helping reduce cost barriers for future health leaders. Community Response: American Baptist Churches USA is sending humanitarian aid to help Puerto Ricans coping with life-threatening water shortages amid emergency drought conditions.

Boxing Safety & Neurology: Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at 33, nearly 11 years after a 2015 bout left him with catastrophic brain injury after illegal “rabbit punches,” according to statements from his father Richard Colón; the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization previously cited irreversible neurological damage and said the case pushed stricter safety protocols. Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC reports Cyclospora has sickened 740 people nationwide with two deaths, with the lettuce-linked outbreak now driving most confirmed cases; Puerto Rico is among the places reporting infections, and officials say the contaminated product is gone—so the key question is whether lingering illness was tested. Water Security & Community Health: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing continues, with some areas seeing running water shut off every two days and many households without consistent service for months; coverage highlights both infrastructure strain and the missed opportunity to harvest rainwater as a practical health-protection step during shortages. Infection Risk & Zoonotic Threats: A CDC-linked report warns rhesus macaques—present in Florida and Puerto Rico—may carry herpes B virus and pose an occupational health risk, raising concerns about human exposure as tourism and wildlife contact continue. Workforce Health & Access: Milken Institute School of Public Health will waive its $155 master’s application fee for the first 1,000 applicants for the 2026–27 cycle, aiming to reduce cost barriers for future public health leaders.

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: Drought is worsening Puerto Rico’s water rationing, with some areas in the northeast reportedly losing running water every other day and many households going without consistent service for months, while residents and experts point to aging infrastructure and weak planning rather than just rainfall shortfalls. Local Solutions: One proposed fix is rainwater harvesting—roof catchment systems could help families store water during dry spells, but the practice isn’t widely required or adopted. Public Health Watch: A nationwide Cyclospora update says hospitalizations and deaths are rising as the lettuce-linked outbreak expands, with cases reported across many states and Puerto Rico—raising the stakes for testing and follow-up when symptoms linger. Community Health & Safety: In Florida, a rescue near a Coast Guard station highlights how fast bystanders and first responders can save lives during medical emergencies in the water. Health-Related Loss in the Puerto Rican Community: Tributes continue after Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón died at 33, nearly 11 years after a ring injury left him with severe brain damage, renewing calls for stronger sports safety and medical protocols.

Cyclospora Update: Federal health officials report 740 hospitalizations and two deaths nationwide as the lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak keeps expanding; Puerto Rico is among the places reporting cases, and the CDC says the contaminated product is gone—so the focus now is whether sick people were tested and need care. Water Crisis & Preparedness: Puerto Rico’s historic drought is driving water rationing for hundreds of thousands of households, with experts pointing to mismanagement and highlighting a practical fix many homes could use: rainwater catchment from rooftops. Health Access Story: A Puerto Rico Army National Guard veteran’s kidney transplant journey shows how life-changing calls can still fall through—she was offered a donor kidney, then the organ wasn’t viable, sending her back to dialysis. Boxing Safety & Care: Tributes continue after Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón died at 33, nearly 11 years after a ring injury left him with irreversible brain damage, renewing attention on medical protocols and long-term outcomes after traumatic blows. Policy Watch: The Trump administration moves to stop Medicaid/CHIP funding for minors’ gender transition procedures, with a short taper window for those already on treatment. Local Health Context: A Puerto Rico retirement guide notes that keeping Medicare and planning for higher local electricity and healthcare costs are key for a realistic budget at age 62.

Public Health & Safety: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing is worsening access, with municipal shutoffs leaving about 180,000 households limited supply and many families without consistent water for 100+ days; experts point to mismanagement as the core issue and highlight rainwater harvesting as an underused fix. Infectious Disease Watch: The national cyclospora outbreak keeps growing, with FDA/CDC updates tied to recalled iceberg lettuce; cases now include Puerto Rico, and health officials continue inspections and symptom guidance. Sports Medicine & Injury Aftercare: Tributes followed the death of Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón at 33, nearly 11 years after a 2015 bout left him with catastrophic brain injury; boxing bodies say the incident pushed stricter safety and medical protocols. Healthcare Access & Outcomes: A Puerto Rico veteran’s kidney transplant story underscores how donor availability can change lives fast—then fall through—showing the emotional and medical rollercoaster of end-stage renal disease care. Community Health Support: A new neighborhood meals program in Pittston targets families when school food isn’t available, reflecting how rising grocery costs are driving local nutrition efforts.

Water Crisis & Preparedness: Puerto Rico’s drought is driving water rationing, leaving about 180,000 households with limited access, while experts point to underused roof rainwater harvesting as a practical way to build local resilience. Public Health Infrastructure: The island’s grid reliability remains a concern, with Puerto Ricans averaging 36 hours of power interruptions in 2025—highlighting how health services can be affected when outages persist. Food Safety: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has reached 13,895 lab-confirmed cases in the U.S., with Puerto Rico among states reporting infections—prompting renewed attention to what’s safe to eat. Clinical & Training Updates: The University of San Juan is entering a new phase with $2.4 million in upgrades, including a geriatric simulator and new paramedic-firefighter and criminal justice programs. Sports Safety & Neurology: Tributes followed the death of Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón at 33, nearly 11 years after a 2015 fight left him with catastrophic brain injury, renewing calls for stricter in-ring medical protocols.

Boxing Safety & Neurology: Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón died at 33, nearly 11 years after a 2015 fight left him with catastrophic brain injury after illegal blows to the back of the head; boxing bodies say the case helped push stricter safety rules and medical protocols. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis (cyclospora) keeps spreading in the U.S., with FDA and CDC updates tying many cases to a recalled iceberg lettuce supply; Puerto Rico is listed among states with confirmed cases, while Florida reports new clusters. Local Health Systems & Training: University of San Juan begins a new academic phase with $2.4 million in upgrades, including new lab and geriatric training tools, plus new paramedic/firefighter and police-focused criminal justice programs. Healthcare Access & Chronic Disease: A Puerto Rico veteran’s kidney transplant journey highlights how fast donor opportunities can appear—and how quickly they can disappear—after a promising call was followed by a non-viable kidney. Health Policy: The Trump administration moves to stop Medicaid/CHIP funding for gender transition procedures for minors, with a taper window for those already on treatment. Care & Resilience: A new kidney gives a veteran her life back, underscoring the impact of timely transplant access.

Boxing Safety & Brain Injury: Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón died at 33 after an 11-year battle following a 2015 fight against Terrel Williams that left him in a persistent vegetative state; his father confirmed the death, and the case continues to fuel calls for stricter enforcement against illegal “rabbit punches.” Public Health Watch: A major cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded, with the FDA adding Maine and Massachusetts to the list of affected states; reported cases and hospitalizations remain high as officials track the source and slow the spread. Local Health Impact (Water Access): Puerto Rico’s drought response remains urgent, with rotating 48-hour water shutoffs affecting hundreds of thousands of households and businesses, pushing residents to ration and rely on emergency deliveries. Community Wellness: A Puerto Rico-linked benefit concert in Miami (“Unidos por Los Nuestros”) will raise funds for earthquake relief in Venezuela and Colombia, including rebuilding and mental health services.

Sports Safety & Health: Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at 33 after more than a decade living with catastrophic brain injuries from a 2015 bout in Virginia, where he was repeatedly hit in the back of the head (“rabbit punches”) and later collapsed; his father confirmed the death, and while the exact cause wasn’t publicly detailed, reports describe a severe brain bleed, emergency surgery, a long coma, and permanent neurological disability. Legal Accountability: Colón’s family’s 2017 $50 million lawsuit over the aftermath of the fight named medical and event-related parties (not the opponent or referee), keeping pressure on how combat-sports injuries are handled. Community Wellness Event: On St. Croix, H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the Oct. 2 “Purple Carpet Bash” focused on domestic violence support, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Infectious Disease Watch: Florida cyclosporiasis cases are rising again, with the CDC reporting over 13,000 confirmed cases nationwide; symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea and fatigue, and health officials stress food safety and monitoring.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico is facing days without fresh water as drought deepens and the government rolls out rotating 48-hour shutoffs for about 180,000 customers, leaving tens of thousands unsure when service will fully return. Food Safety Watch: A Class I recall was issued for nearly 30,000 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered U.S. commerce without required import reinspection—officials warn Caribbean distributors and kitchens, including in Puerto Rico, to audit freezer stock. Clean Water Act Case (Puerto Rico): Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against a Naguabo slaughterhouse operator and employees, alleging illegal wastewater discharges into waters leading to a public beach. Pregnancy Vaccines: New guidance highlights why vaccines during pregnancy protect newborns before their first infant shots, focusing on timing for Tdap and other key immunizations. Cyclospora Update: CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise nationwide, with Puerto Rico included in the surveillance totals. Community Support: A Miami livestream benefit concert (“Unidos por Los Nuestros”) will raise funds for earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia, with proceeds supporting housing, schools, and mental health.

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is facing rotating 48-hour water shutoffs amid a severe drought, leaving tens of thousands without running water and pushing residents to rely on tanker deliveries and community wells. Consumer Protection: Puerto Rico’s consumer affairs agency (DACO) says businesses cannot charge a “water service fee” or similar charges during rationing, warning of fines up to $10,000 per violation. Public Health Watch: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues to climb, with the CDC reporting 13,895 confirmed cases and reviewing 10,455 additional suspected cases; officials warn totals may rise as reporting lags. Food Safety & Health Policy: A New Jersey law restricting “copay accumulator” programs highlights the ongoing fight between drugmakers and insurers over how coupons apply to deductibles—an issue that can hit patients needing high-cost medicines. Environmental Health: Federal prosecutors unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees, alleging illegal wastewater discharges that could affect public health.

Water Crisis Watch: Puerto Rico’s drought response is intensifying as the island orders rotating 48-hour water shutoffs for hundreds of thousands of customers, with the metro area hit hardest and officials warning the problem is also a public health and infrastructure issue. Consumer Protection: DACO is cracking down on the “water fee,” saying no business can charge consumers for water service or related costs during scheduled outages, with potential administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation. Infectious Disease Alerts: The CDC reports nearly 14,000 cyclosporiasis cases tied to a lettuce-linked outbreak, with experts saying the specific recalled products are likely no longer on shelves—though cases continue to rise, including in Puerto Rico. Maternal Care Access: A March of Dimes report flags maternity care deserts across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with rural communities facing the biggest gaps and many women traveling far for labor and delivery. Health Policy: A new U.S. executive order would narrow childhood vaccine recommendations, including changes to how MMR is offered, as measles cases climb.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought emergency is forcing rotating 48-hour water shutoffs for hundreds of thousands, with the island’s water utility taking a major hit from leaks and failing infrastructure—prompting federal coordination and National Guard distribution of supplies as taps run dry. Foodborne Illness Watch: A fast-growing U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to processed iceberg lettuce has reached nearly 14,000 cases, with Puerto Rico among the reported locations; experts say the specific recalled products are likely no longer on shelves, but health officials stress staying alert for symptoms. Vaccine Policy Shift: A new U.S. executive order would narrow childhood vaccine recommendations and push for MMR to be offered as separate single shots, raising concerns among pediatric experts about confusion and safety. Cancer Care Update: Puerto Rico is included in expanded access for daraxonrasib for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer as centers roll out the drug ahead of FDA approval. Pharma & Access: Amgen reported strong growth across key therapies, including Repatha and TEZSPIRE, underscoring continued momentum in treatments that may matter for Puerto Rico patients.

Water Crisis Update: Puerto Rico’s drought has pushed the island into rotating 48-hour water shutoffs for about 180,000 customers in the San Juan area, with the Carraízo Reservoir nearing crisis levels and residents scrambling to store water as outages can stretch if rains don’t come. Public Health & Access: The water cuts are hitting daily health needs—especially for elderly neighbors and families in apartments—while the aqueduct system continues to lose more than half of treated water before it reaches taps. Cancer Care Watch: A pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib, is being made available to patients at many U.S. cancer centers ahead of FDA approval after strong trial results, with Puerto Rico listed among early access sites. Medication Costs: A coalition of states, including Nevada, announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price and competition manipulation—another reminder that prescription affordability remains a major health issue. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak has triggered recalls of certain food items, with health agencies investigating illnesses across multiple states. Climate & Health Risk: U.S. heat records are adding pressure to already strained systems, raising concerns about heat impacts on learning, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven emergency is hitting hard again: the island is rationing water with rotating 48-hour shutoffs affecting San Juan and nearby municipalities, leaving more than 180,000 households without running water and forcing residents to rely on tankers and stored supplies. Public Health & Access: Officials say hospitals and essential services are being prioritized, but there’s still no clear end date as heat and dry conditions persist. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled food items has expanded across multiple states, adding pressure on consumers to check labels and retailers to pull products quickly. Medication Costs: A major U.S. Medicare Part D subsidy is ending early, raising concerns about higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs for seniors managing chronic conditions. Pharma Competition: A coalition of states and territories announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price and competition practices. Climate & Health Risks: The U.S. just logged its hottest month on record, a reminder that extreme heat can worsen health risks—especially for communities already dealing with shortages like water.