AGP Executive Report

Intermountain Health Expansion: Intermountain plans to replace LDS Hospital in downtown Salt Lake City with a new 10-story hospital on about eight acres, adding a full-service ER, 24/7 ICU, behavioral health access, imaging, surgery, endoscopy, dialysis, and more—aiming to better meet long-term community needs. Mental Health Access: UVM Health’s Asha Clinic opened in Vermont as a specialized outpatient suicide-care program, led by suicide care researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, expanding access to targeted therapies. Cancer Care Tech in Utah: Lumea’s BxBoard biopsy transport container earned a top-3 finalist spot in Utah’s Innovation Awards MedTech category, designed to preserve prostate biopsy tissue integrity for more reliable diagnostics. Hospital Experience Snapshot: A new national study ranks Wisconsin highest for patient experience and Florida lowest, using CMS HCAHPS ratings—useful context for Utah patients comparing care quality. Public Health & Safety: The American Red Cross of Utah shared low-cost ways families can build disaster readiness kits without buying expensive prepackaged supplies. Health Costs Pressure: A report on rising health insurance costs highlights how higher deductibles and premiums can force tough choices for families facing medical emergencies.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont’s Asha Clinic opened in Burlington as a specialized outpatient program focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients with therapies proven to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Disaster Readiness: The American Red Cross of Utah is urging families to build low-cost emergency kits gradually—using what you already have, making a plan, and adding a few items over time—amid wildfire, earthquake, flood, winter storm, and home fire risks. Alcohol & Cancer Risk: A new national analysis finds alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the U.S. doubled from 1990 to 2023, with the biggest burden in men and adults 55+, and liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers leading. Measles Watch: Utah measles cases are down, but health officials say they’re still concerned and want continued vigilance, especially for children’s vaccinations. Public Health Staffing: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply, including a 35% decline in Utah, raising concerns for conservation and health-related ecosystem work. Road Safety: A Provo cyclist was killed after a vehicle collision, and a separate I-80 rollover in Salt Lake City left one dead and another critically injured.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont’s Asha Clinic in Burlington opened as a specialized outpatient program focused only on suicide care, led by Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients with proven therapies that reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Neonatal ICU Support: Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County launched TeleNICU training with University of Utah Health, aiming to strengthen real-time neonatal specialist support for newborns needing advanced care. Utah Health & Community: Sweetgreen opened its first Utah location in Salt Lake City, partnering with local dairy distributor The Creamery and using prebiotic OLIPOP “soda floats,” plus a first-day meal donation plan for food insecurity. Native Fish Management: Utah wildlife biologists used rotenone in Mill Creek to protect native Bonneville cutthroat trout, sparking online controversy over the method and its impact. Local Care in Action: SUU interns received a Life Saver Award after first-aid response helped save a woman in medical distress at The Wave. Utah Sports Injury Watch: BYU reported a left leg injury for safety Raider Damuni during its season opener, with status still being assessed.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont’s Asha Clinic opened as a specialized outpatient model focused only on suicide care, led by suicide researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients to therapies proven to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Neonatal Support for Rural Hospitals: Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County partnered with the University of Utah Health’s TeleNICU, training staff to collaborate in real time with neonatal specialists when newborns need advanced support. Mental Health in Schools: Skyline High School in Utah is prioritizing student mental health by hiring a full-time psychologist after local suicide impacts, with state research showing Utah youth suicide rates higher than the national average. Public Health—Measles Watch: Southern Utah health officials say the measles outbreak is dissipating, with only two cases reported in a recent early-summer window and none since, while warning schools may bring a bump if vaccination gaps remain. Utah Health Policy & Cannabis: A new look at Utah’s medical cannabis pharmacy model highlights pharmacist-led patient consults and how it could shape a future federally regulated Schedule III market. Community Health & Safety: Utah County is offering naloxone training for opioid overdose response as communities continue strengthening prevention and recovery efforts.

Suicide Care Access: Vermont opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused only on suicide care, led by Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to connect high-risk patients with therapies proven to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Measles Watch in Southern Utah: Health officials say the measles outbreak is fading, with only two cases reported in early August and none since, but they warn of possible bumps as school resumes—urging parents to keep kids vaccinated. Youth Mental Health in Schools: Skyline High School in Utah is expanding mental health support with a full-time psychologist after local suicide impacts, using Trustland funds to strengthen resilience. Opioid Response: Utah County Health Department is offering naloxone training for opioid overdose response. Maternal & Newborn Health Funding: The LDS Church and UNICEF announced a $1.2M Pakistan initiative to improve maternal and newborn care, targeting hundreds of thousands of mothers and strengthening delivery before and during childbirth. Addiction & Public Safety: A Uintah County man received 151 months for distributing fentanyl that led to a death, underscoring ongoing overdose risks.

Suicide Care Access: Asha Clinic in Burlington, Vermont opened as a specialized outpatient program for suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to connect patients with therapies proven to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Opioid Crisis, Utah Courts: In Uintah County, Jerod Arthur Young, 50, was sentenced to 151 months for distributing fentanyl that led to a death, with prosecutors citing toxic, lethal fentanyl levels. Addiction Treatment Access (Utah): A study says Utah ranks No. 1 for access to addiction treatment. Public Health & Safety: Utah County reported its first severe neuroinvasive West Nile case of 2026, and local health officials offered naloxone training. Wildlife & Federal Staffing: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing is down sharply nationwide, with Utah among the hardest hit, raising concerns for conservation capacity. Maternal Health Funding: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF announced $1.2M for maternal and newborn care in Pakistan, targeting 410,000 mothers. Mental Health in Later Life: Experts warn depression isn’t a normal part of aging and is often underdiagnosed in older adults.

Suicide Care Access: UVM Health opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused only on suicide care, led by suicide-care researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients to proven therapies that reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Utah Mental Health & Research: Utah researchers are joining an NSF center studying how assistive robots and people learn to work together over long periods in real settings like homes, hospitals, and assisted living. Addiction Treatment Access: Utah ranked No. 1 for access to addiction treatment in a 48-state study, showing a smaller gap between substance-use needs and available services than any other state. Public Health Watch: A measles outbreak continues to spread nationally, with Utah health officials confirming more cases in the state. Local Health Safety: Salt Lake City police arrested a man they believe stabbed another passenger on a UTA TRAX train, and a federal grand jury indicted a Utah woman accused of abusing her 3-month-old twins, who were airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital. Cancer & Alcohol: A new study reports alcohol-linked cancer deaths have doubled since 1990, with impacts across multiple cancer types beyond liver cancer.

Mental Health Care Access: A new specialized outpatient suicide-prevention clinic, the Asha Clinic at UVM Health in Burlington, opens with a team led by suicide-care researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and funded by the Four Pines Fund, aiming to connect people in suicidal distress to evidence-based treatment. Public Health Watch: Health officials in multiple states are racing to contain measles outbreaks, including Pennsylvania’s fast-moving outbreak where some communities have limited routine care—while Georgia reports additional daycare-linked cases. Utah Mental Health Support: Crisis Text Line data suggests Mountain West states, including Utah, see suicide as a frequent topic in crisis texts, pointing to rural barriers like fewer local resources and less community support. Utah Health & Safety: Utah County is seeing West Nile virus cases, including a first confirmed case in the county, underscoring mosquito-season precautions. Local Health Policy/Consumer Protection: Utah regulators are involved in enforcement tied to online health services, including a Utah Division of Consumer Protection lawsuit against Hims & Hers over prescription-related disclosures. Community & Wellness: Park City leaders are pushing for a four-season tourism push, while local nonprofits continue expanding wellness and support programs.

AI Prescription Refills in Utah: A JAMA Internal Medicine op-ed raises alarms about Utah’s pilot program that lets an algorithm autonomously renew about 190 prescriptions, questioning transparency, monitoring, and who’s accountable if something goes wrong. Cancer Risk From Alcohol: A new U.S. study finds alcohol-attributable cancer deaths doubled over 33 years, with impacts across multiple cancer types—not just liver cancer—prompting renewed calls for prevention and screening. Measles Watch: Illinois confirmed measles cases are rising, with most patients unvaccinated; Utah is also seeing a high case count this year, underscoring the need to stay current on immunizations. Stroke Rehab Timing: New American Stroke Association guidance urges starting rehab in the hospital as soon as a patient is stable, ideally within 48 hours, and tailoring care to physical, cognitive, and mental health needs. Utah Health Access & Equity: Utah’s UWLP released a 2026 update on educational attainment of Utah women, linking education gaps to downstream effects on health and opportunity. Local Health Outreach: USU Eastern welcomed students back with Town Ties, including healthcare resources and free visits via local clinics.

Stroke Rehab Update: New American Stroke Association guidelines say rehab should start in the hospital as soon as a patient is stable, ideally within 48 hours, and should be tailored to physical, cognitive, and mental health needs. Great Salt Lake Health Risk: A new study estimates dust from a shrinking Great Salt Lake could drive $1.1B to $2.3B a year in health care costs, tied to fine particle exposure. Utah Health & Safety: Utah County reported its first human West Nile case of 2026, described as the severe neuroinvasive form. Public Health & Food: Utah health officials reported 21 salmonella cases across two counties, without naming a specific food source. Local Health Innovation: UVU students used applied AI to develop a toothpaste business, turning personal dental experiences into a product in development. Healthcare Workforce & Access: A national look finds nurse practitioners are projected to be the fastest-growing job in Utah (65% growth through 2034), reflecting ongoing demand for care providers. Community Care Model: The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City pairs tiny homes with job training through social enterprises like its donut shop. Health-Adjacent Crime: A woman was indicted in southern Utah after severe injuries to her 3-month-old twins led to airlift to Primary Children’s.

Cancer Care Expansion: Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard marked the start of vertical construction for a new cancer campus, aiming to bring more research and care closer to Utah County and the Mountain West. Mental Health Access in Utah County: The Children’s Center Utah opened the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi, built on a pediatric hospital campus to coordinate care for younger kids. Opioid Response: Utah County Health Department is offering free naloxone training courses and urges residents to know how to prevent and respond to overdoses. Women’s Health Supply Worry: Utah-area patients are dealing with estrogen patch shortages tied to HRT market shifts, prompting people to scramble for refills. Trauma Support After Violence: Utah officials say dozens of people affected by the Charlie Kirk shooting at UVU are still seeking mental health therapy through the victim compensation program. Local Hospital Move: Intermountain Health plans to relocate LDS Hospital from the Avenues to a new downtown Salt Lake City medical campus near State Street and 700 South. Public Health Threat: A St. George man was hospitalized with neuroinvasive West Nile virus after a suspected mosquito bite. Data Centers & Air Quality: Utah environmental groups warn proposed EPA changes could speed data center approvals while making public input harder to challenge. New Genetics for OCD: US scientists identified 36 genes linked to OCD and chronic tic disorders, pointing to new treatment targets. Road Safety: A semitruck driver was hospitalized after a crash in Daggett County that sent the vehicle down an embankment. Community Health & Safety: Utah County also reported ongoing opioid seizure activity, highlighting fentanyl risk in the community.

Public Health Alert: A St. George man was hospitalized with the neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus after a suspected mosquito bite, underscoring how quickly symptoms can escalate. Opioid Response: Utah County is offering free naloxone training courses and urging residents to know how to prevent and respond to overdoses as fentanyl remains a major driver of overdose deaths. Pediatric Mental Health Access: The Children’s Center Utah opened the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center in Lehi, bringing specialized care closer for families in Utah County and aiming to serve hundreds of families each year. Emergency Preparedness: A coach’s immediate CPR and AED use helped save a child in Henefer after a baseball struck them during practice, with the child later airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital. Infectious Disease Watch: Illinois reported a measles outbreak in Douglas County, a reminder that vaccination coverage matters as cases rise nationally. Local Health Care Update: Intermountain Health approved relocating LDS Hospital downtown, with construction expected to take several years. Community Health & Wellness: sweetgreen announced its first Utah location in Salt Lake City, opening Sept. 8.

West Nile in Utah County: Utah County confirmed its first human West Nile case of 2026, and it’s the severe neuroinvasive form—prompting mosquito abatement teams to step up targeted treatments as the season ramps up. Memory Care Return: Silverado is reacquiring Silverado Aspen Park in Salt Lake City, bringing nearly 30 years of dementia care experience back to the valley and expanding its approach for people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Interpreter Training in Moab: Utah State University Extension offered free, 40-hour medical interpreter training in Moab, with 18 participants completing the program and organizers aiming to repeat it this winter. Cancer Story in South Jordan: A Sandy woman described how urgent care led to a pelvic CT scan and ultimately a Stage 4 uterine cancer diagnosis, highlighting the importance of follow-up when symptoms persist. Digital Apostilles: Utah becomes the first state to offer digital authentication for apostilles, speeding up secure document verification for international use. Public Health Watch: Bear River Health Department is investigating a Salmonella outbreak after 21 confirmed cases in Cache and Box Elder counties. Community CPR Win: A child was airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital after CPR and an AED shock restored a pulse following a medical emergency at Henefer Town Park.

Mass-Casualty Readiness: Iron County is retrofitting an older school bus into an “AmbuBus” that can transport up to 18 patients during major incidents, with the vehicle donated by the school district. Foodborne Illness: The Bear River Health Department says 21 people are sick with salmonella across Cache and Box Elder counties, urging hand hygiene and safe food handling while the source is investigated. Overdose Prevention: Carbon and Emery counties held a “Light to Remember” event for International Overdose Awareness Day, offering naloxone kits, education, and a remembrance luminary ceremony. Public Health Alerts: Wisconsin measles cases are surging, with 110 confirmed as of Sept. 1 and most tied to unvaccinated people—an urgent reminder for Utah families to stay protected. Mental Health Support: Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs is highlighting Suicide Prevention Month resources statewide, including the 988 lifeline and Utah-specific support options. Medical Research: University of Utah Health researchers report that blocking the EFHD1 protein may help prevent progression of metabolic liver disease in cells and mouse models. Digital Health & Safety: Attorneys general announced a major Meta settlement requiring new child-safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Local Care & Tech: Intermountain added an AI-enabled MRI system for cardiac and cancer imaging, aiming to improve imaging workflows.

West Nile in Utah County: Utah County Health confirmed a serious neuroinvasive West Nile case, urging residents to use repellent, wear protective clothing, and remove standing water. Road Safety in Salt Lake City: A head-on crash between a car and a UTA bus on Redwood Road killed one and sent five to the hospital. Campus Tragedy: The University of Utah reported a student death after an electric-scooter accident and offered mental health support resources. Youth Suicide Focus: Utah released a study on youth suicides (2016–2019) using psychological autopsies, urging parents to directly ask kids about suicidal thoughts and highlighting warning signs like feeling unseen or relationship breakups. Healthcare Fraud Alarm: A national anti-fraud push targets Medicare/Medicaid waste and alleged large-scale healthcare fraud, calling for stronger prevention and enforcement. Mental Health Access Across State Lines: Wyoming joined the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed counselors to practice across participating states, aiming to ease provider shortages. Utah Public Health Watch: H5N1 detections resumed in dairy cattle and poultry after a month without federal updates, including a Utah dairy herd.

Public Health & Safety: Utah County reported its first human West Nile virus case this year, a rare neuroinvasive illness, as health officials and mosquito teams investigate and remind residents that many infections cause no symptoms. Emergency Preparedness: After deadly storms, Utah remains under flood watch with flash-flood risk highest in southern and central areas, especially near burn scars and slot canyons; the Grand Canyon flash floods left multiple deaths and missing people. Healthcare Access: A new adult stroke rehab guideline urges starting recovery in the hospital as soon as patients are stable—ideally within 48 hours—and emphasizes cognition, communication, and mental health, not just physical function. Care After Surgery: A University of Utah-led study links delays in starting home rehab after hip or knee replacement to worse mobility outcomes, with bigger gaps for rural patients and those on both Medicare and Medicaid. Utah Health Policy: Nursing home Medicaid rates are rising modestly in Utah (about 2.4% reported), while other states vary from flat to higher increases—an important signal for facility finances. Community Health: Moab’s Recovery Day on Sept. 3 will offer overdose remembrance and resources, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Local Health News: Utah parents are being urged to follow the state’s new e-bike helmet law as school resumes. Injury & Trauma: A Sandy 5-year-old died after a reported gunshot wound in what police called a tragic accident involving young children. Transportation Safety: A Salt Lake City crash involving a UTA bus left one dead and multiple injured, with road closures in the area.