AGP Executive Report

Adaptive Mobility & Inclusion: A 12-year-old Puerto Rico–connected boy with cerebral palsy received a donated adaptive tricycle, helping him build strength and join family bike rides. Food Safety Recall: MorningStar Farms recalled plant-based Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties nationwide (including Puerto Rico) due to possible plastic contamination. Cancer Care Access: An 11-year-old Puerto Rican soccer player with Ewing sarcoma had to seek treatment in Miami after local infrastructure gaps, highlighting the need for stronger oncology capacity. Health Fraud Crackdown: The DOJ announced a National Health Care Fraud Takedown charging 455 defendants (including 90 doctors) tied to $6.5B in alleged false claims and opioid abuse, with major patient harm alleged. Medicaid Fraud Focus: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield highlighted ongoing Medicaid Fraud Control Unit enforcement and recoveries. Public Health & Youth Protection: California AG Rob Bonta welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales on its platform. Local Health Equity & Power: Reporting says Puerto Rico’s DOE solar resilience funds were redirected away from rooftop solar and batteries for medically vulnerable residents toward PREPA and fossil-fuel infrastructure.

Medicare/Medicaid Crackdown: DOJ says 455 defendants, including 90 licensed medical professionals, face charges tied to alleged $6.5B in false claims and opioid abuse schemes, with patient harm including deaths. Food Safety Recall: MorningStar Farms is recalling Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties sold in the U.S. and Puerto Rico over possible plastic contamination; consumers should check UPCs and “best if used by” dates. Public Health Funding: Puerto Rico’s House approved a $13.18B FY2027 General Fund budget, with major allocations to the Health Insurance Services Administration and the Health Department, plus funding for emergency medical and public safety services. Access & Nutrition: SNAP July payments are starting next week, with dates varying by state and territory—important for households planning groceries and health-related needs. Local Health Research: Fred Hutch named eight Dr. Eddie Méndez Scholar Award recipients, highlighting early-career work in cancer and infectious disease research, with Méndez’s Puerto Rico roots noted. Health System Integrity: Abarca Health and LucyRx announced a PBM combination aimed at scaling an independent model, a move that could affect how medications reach patients.

Puerto Rico Budget Watch: The House approved a $13.18B General Fund budget for FY2027, with health and public safety among the biggest line items—$1.03B for the Health Insurance Services Administration (mostly premium payments) and $514.2M for the Health Department, plus funding for hospitals, public health programs, and emergency services. Food Safety Recall: Nutrition & Safety: MorningStar Farms recalled frozen Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties sold in the U.S. and Puerto Rico after customers reported possible plastic contamination; the company says it acted on customer complaints and provided UPCs and “best if used by” dates. Care Access & Workforce: Local Health Systems: Abarca Health and LucyRx announced plans to combine into a larger independent PBM under Healthcare Revolution Partners, pending approvals, aiming to scale services for commercial and government clients. Health & Resilience Context: Disaster Preparedness: Coverage also highlights how major storms can disrupt care and infrastructure—Puerto Rico’s own experience with long recovery after Hurricane Maria is cited as a caution for resilience planning. Community Health Innovation: Wellness & Prevention: Cannes Lions’ early winners included a Puerto Rico-linked audio campaign (“Coquí Alarmed”) tied to conservation messaging, reflecting growing attention to health & wellness themes in public campaigns.

Puerto Rico Policy & Oversight: The Financial Oversight and Management Board certified a revised 2024 fiscal plan, warning Puerto Rico’s path to stability depends on stronger structural reforms and consistent follow-through. Public Health & Access: A $1 billion Puerto Rico energy resilience effort aimed at rooftop solar and batteries for low-income homes is reportedly being diverted, raising concerns about backup power for residents—especially those with medical needs. Health System Workforce: Fort Buchanan leaders held an Installation Planning Board focused on personnel, readiness, and infrastructure priorities across the installation. Local Governance & Safety Nets: The Puerto Rico Senate approved a measure to protect the Police Retirement Trust Fund, tightening how trust resources can be used and limiting funding for items like overtime and settlements. Civic Space & Transparency: Amnesty International Puerto Rico says recent laws show a “clear pattern of democratic deterioration,” including changes that expand timelines for public records requests and add hurdles for oversight—an issue that can affect how health and safety information gets scrutinized.

Local Health Policy & Access: A new report says Puerto Rico’s $1B Energy Resilience Fund—meant for rooftop solar and batteries for low-income homes, including medically vulnerable residents—has been redirected toward PREPA, with plans tied to fossil fuel repairs and even a natural gas pipeline, raising concerns about reliability and health impacts during outages. Public Safety & Health Equity: The Puerto Rico Senate approved a measure to protect the Puerto Rico Police Retirement Trust Fund, limiting trust money to retirement benefits and keeping overtime and other payments from being funded through the pension resources. Governance & Civic Space: Amnesty International Puerto Rico warns of “democratic deterioration,” citing laws that expand delays and hurdles for public records and restrict oversight—an issue that can affect how quickly health and safety concerns are investigated and reported. Caregiver Support: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program, now available in Puerto Rico, aiming to connect family caregivers to resources via the 24/7 helpline. Community Health Services: MMM Multiclinic opened new facilities in Mayagüez, expanding local access to outpatient care.

New Clinic Expansion in Mayagüez: MMM Multiclinic opened a larger headquarters in the Mayagüez industrial area, tripling space to about 7,500 sq. ft. and aiming to cut specialist wait times for western Puerto Rico members, with services running Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Caregiver Support Boost: AARP and United Way Worldwide expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program to 10 more states plus regional support in California and Colorado, and it’s also available in Puerto Rico—helping family caregivers find resources via the 24/7, free, confidential 3-digit line. Cancer Care Follow-Up Focus: In a Puerto Rico-linked urology segment, researchers and clinicians emphasized that successful prostate cancer active surveillance depends on patient education and ongoing engagement—not just PSA tests and imaging. Active Surveillance Patient Engagement: The same discussion highlighted how anxiety about “untreated cancer” can affect adherence and push some patients toward definitive treatment despite favorable risk. Water & Health Context: Coverage also points to Puerto Rico’s ongoing water access emergency and how it intersects with daily health and service continuity.

New Clinic Expansion in Mayagüez: MMM Multiclinic opened a larger headquarters in the Mayagüez industrial area, tripling space to about 7,500 sq. ft. and aiming to cut specialist wait times for western Puerto Rico members. Care Access Hotline Boost: AARP and United Way Worldwide expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states and added regional support in California and Colorado—while Puerto Rico remains included—bringing support to millions of family caregivers via the 24/7 helpline. Cancer Care Follow-Up Focus: In a UroOnc Minute segment, UPR School of Medicine and VA Caribbean clinician Lourdes Guerrios-Rivera, MD, MSc, highlighted how active surveillance for prostate cancer depends on patient education and ongoing engagement, not just PSA tests and imaging. Health System Capacity in Puerto Rico: PhaseWell and LCTC plan to expand clinical trial access in Puerto Rico, supporting more opportunities for patients to participate in research. Local Health & Wellness Spotlight: A Puerto Rico–linked UroOnc Minute and MMM’s clinic expansion both point to a clear theme: improving access, continuity, and patient support across the island’s care network.

New Clinic Expansion: MMM Multiclinic opened a larger headquarters in Mayagüez, tripling space to about 7,500 sq. ft. and aiming to cut specialist wait times for western Puerto Rico members. Cancer Care Support: In a UroOnc Minute segment, UPR School of Medicine faculty Lourdes Guerrios-Rivera, MD, MSc, highlights that successful prostate cancer active surveillance depends on patient education and ongoing engagement—not just PSA tests and imaging. Caregiver Resources: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program to 10 more states, with Puerto Rico included, bringing access to support for millions of family caregivers via the 24/7 helpline. Water & Health Risk: Puerto Rico’s water crisis worsened as PRASA repairs to the Superaqueduct in Bayamón progressed slowly, with the National Guard activated and many customers still facing low pressure and inconsistent service. Public Health Research: A new study in rhesus macaques links early-life adversity to lasting, tissue-specific epigenetic changes, warning that blood-only studies can miss key internal-body patterns. Mosquito-Borne Disease Reminder: A travel-related dengue case in Oʻahu was reported with low expected local spread, but officials urged residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s water emergency worsened as PRASA repairs to the Bayamón Superaqueduct line proceed, with the National Guard activated to help distribution; officials say over 120,000 customers still face low pressure and inconsistent service while drought and extreme heat strain the system. Clinic Expansion: MMM Multiclinic opened a larger headquarters in Mayagüez (about 7,500 sq. ft.), aiming to shorten specialist wait times for western Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage and Multihealth beneficiaries. Prostate Cancer Care: In a UroOnc Minute episode, a UPR School of Medicine specialist explains how active surveillance for prostate cancer depends on patient education and support—not just PSA tests and imaging. Herbicide & Pregnancy: A new study links glyphosate exposure during pregnancy to hormone changes, adding to concerns about endocrine disruption. Food Safety: CDC research highlights marine-toxin foodborne outbreaks in the U.S., including hospitalizations and a death, underscoring risks from improperly stored fish and shellfish. Health Policy & Access: A Senate hearing on “the State of the Territories” included testimony from Puerto Rico’s governor on grid rebuilding, infrastructure modernization, and progress toward equal Union membership. Health System Integrity: Puerto Rico’s political crisis deepened as senior officials traded corruption allegations tied to federally funded procurement.

New Clinic Expansion: MMM Multiclinic opened a larger new headquarters in Mayagüez, tripling space to about 7,500 square feet and aiming to cut specialist wait times for western Puerto Rico members. Water Crisis & Health Access: Puerto Rico’s water-supply emergency worsened as the National Guard was activated to help distribution while PRASA works to stabilize the San Juan-area system after a major Superaqueduct rupture; officials warn pressure changes could trigger more breaks and that many customers remain on low, inconsistent service. Urology Care & Patient Support: In a Puerto Rico-linked urology discussion, a VA Caribbean Healthcare System physician emphasized that successful prostate cancer active surveillance depends on patient education and ongoing engagement—not just PSA tests and imaging. Mosquito-Borne Disease Reminder: A travel-related dengue case was reported on Oʻahu; health officials stressed removing standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and lower local transmission risk. Health Funding & Research Capacity: A biomedical research program tied to Puerto Rico institutions received renewed federal support, extending long-term NIH-backed capacity building. Medicare Abroad Gap: A Medicare explainer highlighted that Original Medicare typically pays almost nothing for care outside the U.S., including Puerto Rico, except in narrow emergency situations.

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: PRASA says the Superaqueduct rupture in Bayamón is still disrupting service for 120,000+ customers, with the National Guard activated to help distribution while repairs restore pressure gradually and officials warn sudden changes could trigger new breaks amid drought and extreme heat. Clinical Trials Access: PhaseWell and Latin Clinical Trial Center (LCTC) in San Juan are partnering to expand participation and improve trial access across oncology, CNS, and cardiometabolic studies. Energy & Health Infrastructure: Clean Energy Fuels secured LNG fueling-system contracts in Puerto Rico, including support for a pharmaceutical production site and a CHP plant, aiming to strengthen reliable power for critical operations. Public Health Watch: CDC reports a growing multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens, now including Puerto Rico, with hundreds sickened and hospitalizations rising. Mosquito-Borne Reminder: Hawai‘i DOH confirmed a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu from a visitor; local transmission risk is low, but officials urge removing standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Reproductive Rights: A Dominican Republic case challenges the country’s strict abortion ban after a teen died from leukemia while pregnant, arguing the ban blocks needed medical care.

Clinical Trials Access: PhaseWell Research is partnering with Latin Clinical Trial Center (LCTC) in San Juan to expand local participation in Phases II–IV trials, including oncology and cardiometabolic studies. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced $1.9M in HHS grants for Puerto Rico, targeting maternal/child health, newborn screening, mental health research, and HIV-related care. Health System & Housing Link: Elevance Health says it invested $640M in affordable housing over five years (including Puerto Rico), citing stable housing as a driver of better health outcomes. Public Health Preparedness: Puerto Rico’s consumer affairs agency met with other groups to coordinate fuel-supply continuity during hurricane season, including plans to keep gasoline moving to stations after storms. Infectious Disease Watch: A travel-related dengue case was reported in a visitor in Hawai‘i, with officials urging mosquito-control steps like removing standing water—relevant for Caribbean travelers and residents. Food Safety Alert: CDC updates show a growing multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, with cases now reported across Puerto Rico as well. Health Equity Research: A new Science study in rhesus macaques links early-life adversity to lasting, whole-body epigenetic changes, adding weight to the long-term health impact of childhood stress.

Public Health Alert: Hawai‘i DOH reported a new travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu tied to a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low because the person had left the island and wasn’t infectious for mosquito transmission at departure, but they’re urging residents to remove standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Cancer Research: New interim data on trastuzumab pamirtecan (and related ADC updates) highlight ongoing progress in HER2-expressing gynecologic cancers, including endometrial cancer survival and response signals. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner announced $1.9M in federal grants to strengthen health services, including maternal/child programs, newborn screening, mental health research, and HIV care. Caregiver Support Access: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 caregiver support program into more states, with Puerto Rico already included, aiming to connect family caregivers to services and resources. Housing as Health: Elevance Health said it invested $640M in affordable housing over five years, including Puerto Rico, framing stable housing as a driver of better health outcomes. Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: Nova Southeastern University opened NSU Health in Nevada to train anesthesia professionals via an anesthesiologist assistant program, responding to staffing shortages.

Health Funding for Puerto Rico: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced $1.9 million in federal grants from HHS to strengthen maternal and child health, newborn screening, mental health research, and HIV care, with major awards to Grupo Nexos’ Healthy Start and the UPR Medical Sciences Campus. Kidney Care Access: A Puerto Rico teen’s kidney transplant story highlights how families face major financial hurdles for transplant readiness and follow-up, and how Direct Relief’s care coordination program is working to reduce those barriers. Water & Health Risks: Puerto Rico leaders point to both drought and administrative failures behind ongoing drinking-water disruptions; San Juan reported thousands of water-emergency cases and ongoing tanker deliveries, raising concerns for public health and daily care needs. Caregiver Support: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program to more states, with Puerto Rico already included, aiming to connect family caregivers to help faster. Cancer Research Update: New interim trial data on Mocertatug rezetecan (Mo-Rez) reports rapid, deep responses in platinum-resistant ovarian and recurrent/advanced endometrial cancers. Drought as a Public Health Emergency: A national report says drought is worsening across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with knock-on effects for drinking water, heat illness, wildfire smoke exposure, food safety, and mental health. Skilled Trades & Health Workforce Pipeline: SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference included Puerto Rico students competing in hands-on trades, including medical assisting, supporting future health-related career pathways. Affordable Housing for Health: Elevance Health said it invested $640 million in affordable housing over five years, including projects in Puerto Rico—linking stable housing to better health outcomes.

Energy & Health Equity: Puerto Rico’s $1B Energy Resilience Fund for low-income, medically vulnerable residents is being redirected by the Trump administration away from rooftop solar and batteries toward PREPA, raising concerns that the medically necessary storm-power goal is being lost. Water Access Emergency: San Juan reports thousands of water-emergency cases and ongoing tanker deliveries as drought worsens, while local leaders blame not just climate stress but also governance and emergency response gaps. Public Health Funding: HHS is sending $41.3M to Puerto Rico for Head Start/Early Head Start and an Emergency Medical Services for Children grant—supporting early care and pediatric emergency capacity. Medical Data Privacy: A Puerto Rico court ruling upheld dismissal of a patient data-breach lawsuit for lack of standing, focusing on whether alleged harm can be traced to the breach. Maternal & Reproductive Health: A Puerto Rico study links glyphosate exposure during pregnancy to hormone changes tied to placenta function and fetal development, adding urgency for more research. Local Care & Clinics: Clean Energy Fuels Corp. won LNG fueling contracts tied to Puerto Rico operations, including a healthcare products supplier supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Diabetes Trend: Coverage flags a sharp rise in adolescent type 1 diabetes diagnoses among Puerto Ricans. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign expands across the region including Puerto Rico, with events and blood drives ahead of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

Public Health Funding: Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner announced $41.3M in HHS federal support for Head Start and Early Head Start, plus an Emergency Medical Services for Children grant for UPR’s Medical Sciences Campus—aimed at early childhood services and pediatric emergency capacity. Reproductive Health & Environment: A University of Michigan-led study in Puerto Rico linked higher glyphosate exposure during pregnancy to hormone changes tied to placenta support, fetal growth, and labor timing—raising concerns about widely used weed killer exposure. Diabetes in Teens: Coverage highlights a sharp rise in adolescent type 1 diabetes among Puerto Ricans, underscoring growing pressure on local screening and care pathways. Wellness Tourism: A travel piece spotlights Puerto Rico’s indigenous healing traditions as part of a broader wellness travel trend, with elders and traditional practices positioned as modern resilience tools. Healthcare Access & Policy: Separate reporting notes Puerto Rico health policy conference reforms being discussed, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize how care is delivered.