AGP Executive Report

Raw Milk Outbreak: Idaho health officials say nearly 60 people have gotten sick after drinking unpasteurized raw milk since May 19, with at least 45 testing positive for campylobacteriosis; investigators are tracking two likely sources in northern and southern Idaho and urging people to avoid raw dairy. Local Health & Safety: Idaho Transportation Department is fully closing Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path indefinitely after inspections found significant structural deterioration, while noting the nearby vehicle bridge remains open. Nursing Home Oversight: Lakeside Rehabilitation and Care Center in Coeur d’Alene received a 1-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, below Idaho’s 3.2 average, and reported $220,832 in fines across two penalties. Policy & Access: Planned Parenthood says some clinics will offer “just in case” abortion pills in advance, aiming to expand access amid ongoing restrictions. Idaho Courts & Rights: A federal judge is weighing whether to temporarily block Idaho’s transgender bathroom ban, with arguments focused on how enforcement would work. Community Health Workforce: UW School of Medicine received a $25 million gift to expand rural and Indigenous medical training scholarships across the WWAMI region, including Idaho.

Raw Milk Health Alert: Idaho health officials say nearly 60 people have fallen ill after drinking raw milk since May 19, with at least 45 testing positive for campylobacteriosis; the state is investigating two likely-linked outbreaks and working with producers to identify and fix contamination sources. Kratom Ban in Idaho Falls: Idaho Falls City Council unanimously approved an ordinance banning kratom sales effective July 1, with police and schools expected to run an awareness campaign. Trans Bathroom Ban in Court: A federal judge is weighing whether to temporarily block Idaho’s criminal transgender bathroom ban (HB 752) as attorneys argue about safety and enforcement for private businesses. Rural Medical Education Funding: The UW School of Medicine received a $25 million gift to create a rural and Indigenous-focused medical student scholarship program serving the WWAMI region, including Idaho. Local Access & Safety: ITD will fully close Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path indefinitely due to structural deterioration, while also noting options to help people who rely on the crossing for work and healthcare. Workplace Injury at INL: Idaho National Laboratory confirmed an employee was injured after a weapon they carried discharged on the job; the incident is under investigation. Policy & Care Access: Planned Parenthood’s affiliate says it will let some Idaho-area patients obtain “just in case” abortion pills in advance via in-person or remote appointments.

Idaho LGBTQ+ rights under pressure: A Boise medical-provider family says relentless anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is pushing them to consider leaving Idaho, as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs trans athlete ban challenges tied to Idaho’s 2020 law. Nursing home quality watch: CMS data show Kootenai County for-profit facilities Ironwood Rehabilitation and Care Center and Coeur D Alene Health of Cascadia both earned a 1-star overall rating in early 2026, far below Idaho’s 3.2 average, with Coeur D Alene also reporting fines and penalties. Public health—kratom crackdown: Idaho Falls unanimously passed a ban on kratom sales effective July 1 after local health officials and the coroner linked the substance to multiple deaths. Diabetes accountability: A Baker City father whose 10-year-old son died from Type 1 diabetes is seeking a special prosecutor and disqualification of the district attorney, alleging failures in how the case was handled. Water stress: Even with Idaho’s wettest April on record, experts warn low snowpack from the driest winter since 1934 may still strain irrigation and suburban water supplies. Rabies alert: Public health officials confirmed a rabid bat in Latah County, urging caution around wild animals and unvaccinated pets.

Raw Milk Outbreak: Idaho health officials say nearly 60 people have fallen ill after drinking raw milk since May 19, with at least 45 testing positive for campylobacteriosis; investigators are tracking two suspected sources across northern and southern Idaho and warn more cases may surface. Rabies Alert: Public Health Idaho North Central District confirmed a rabid bat in Latah County, urging residents not to touch bats, to seek medical care after any bat exposure, and to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccines. Food Access: Chobani is expanding its summer food program in Magic Valley for a second year, doubling to 96,000 meals and distributing weekly food bags through mid-August in Filer, Jerome, Twin Falls and Shoshone. Workplace/Community Health: A Boise forum highlighted how Idaho’s July 1 transgender public-bathroom law could affect employers and businesses, with attorneys warning of uncertainty and potential complaint handling challenges. Public Safety: Idaho Falls roadwork begins at Hitt Road and Lincoln Road, closing the right northbound lane through end of August near the Grand Peaks medical area.

Workplace & discrimination: Idaho Falls School District 91 is facing a lawsuit from former assistant principal Jody Immel, who alleges age, sex, disability and religion discrimination, plus FMLA retaliation and due-process violations. Public safety & traffic: Boise police are investigating an alleged accidental handgun discharge that sent a 17-year-old to the hospital after a self-inflicted leg wound during a downtown parking garage incident. Local construction impacts: Idaho Falls says right northbound lane closures on Hitt Road at Lincoln Road will run through late August for utility work tied to Riviera Park. Food & health risk: Idaho health officials are investigating outbreaks linked to raw milk, with reports of nearly 60 Idahoans sick. Animal health & biosecurity: Avian influenza has been detected in Idaho dairy cattle, prompting emergency H5N1 testing and movement rules for dairy imports into Florida. Substance policy: Idaho Falls City Council will hear public input on a proposed kratom ban after officials cited opioid-like effects and kratom-related deaths. Care access & tech: Kootenai Health installed the da Vinci 5 surgical robot to expand advanced surgical options. Nursing home snapshot: CMS ratings highlight wide variation across Idaho facilities, including several 4- and 5-star centers alongside lower-rated homes. Workforce pressure: Idaho is weighing solutions to a large-animal veterinarian shortage that’s straining rural livestock care.

Raw Milk Outbreak: Idaho health officials are investigating two raw, unpasteurized milk outbreaks that have sickened nearly 60 people in the past two weeks, with 45 confirmed campylobacteriosis cases; officials say the dairies are in northern and southern Idaho and are working with local agencies to identify and fix contamination sources. Healthcare Access Expansion: Saint Alphonsus broke ground on an 80,000-square-foot North Meridian Health Plaza in Meridian, aiming to bring primary and specialty care, urgent care, imaging, cardiology, women’s health, and outpatient rehab to the area by spring 2028. Food & Nutrition Support: The Institute of Rural Health received a $75,500 grant to expand fresh produce access for seniors and youth via farmers market vouchers, including pilots in Pocatello, Boise, and Sandpoint. Workforce/Education: LC State launched “LC State Elevate” to better serve nontraditional, working adults with new and improved programs. Road Safety (Injuries): Idaho State Police reported multiple serious crashes, including a semi vs SUV in Gooding County where the SUV driver is in critical condition, and a Twin Falls hay-stacker collision that sent two people to hospitals. Conscience Protection Laws: A new legal roundup highlights Idaho’s “Medical Ethics Defense Act” and a growing national push for healthcare employer conscience protections. Local Health Watch: Boise paused an industrial wastewater recycling project in Southeast Boise due to rising labor and construction costs.

Tribal Health Expansion: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe was selected for the FY2025 Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program, a major step toward long-term care facilities and expanded services for Idaho Tribal communities. Stroke Safety: Idaho Falls Community Hospital highlights stroke warning signs and urges people to call 911 fast, noting faster “door-to-needle” treatment targets can improve outcomes. LGBTQ+ Policy & Health Access: Idaho businesses are preparing for the July 1 criminal transgender bathroom ban, with attorneys advising on compliance and risk. Nursing Home Quality Updates: CMS ratings roll in across Idaho nursing homes, including multiple facilities earning 4- and 5-star scores and others receiving lower ratings—useful for families comparing care options. Public Health Alerts: A salmonella outbreak tied to “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with federal agencies urging consumers to check recalled products. Community Health Events: A NEWSTART Community Health Expo in Kamiah (June 7) will offer screenings, diabetes education, and lifestyle demos aimed at prevention. Water & Wellness: East Idaho coverage explores how much to water lawns during drought stress, tying conservation choices to long-term health of local water supplies.

Budget Fight Over Chemical Safety: Congress is set to debate cutting the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board budget by more than 40%, raising fears it could slow or weaken investigations after the Longview, Washington pulp mill implosion. Idaho Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls County earned a 3-star rating for Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported. Bathroom Law Prep: Idaho businesses are scrambling to comply with a new bathroom law taking effect July 1, with attorneys urging planning even as the law faces federal court challenges. Water Access & Health: Boise has indefinitely paused a planned recycled water facility in southeast Boise due to rising construction and labor costs, aiming to keep utility rates affordable. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA/CDC reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa supplements after additional illnesses, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states. Rural Health Support: Eastern Idaho school districts are running summer feeding programs, offering free meals for kids ages 1–18. Animal Health: Utah dairy farms in Cache County face mandatory weekly HPAI surveillance after a positive test, with quarantine rules if more positives are found. Care in the Field: Rescuers airlifted an injured hiker from rugged terrain in Kootenai County; she underwent surgery and was reported in good condition.

Uninsured Kids in Idaho: A new Georgetown University report says Idaho’s uninsured rate for children under 6 rose from 5.8% (2022) to 7.9% (2024), a 36% jump—one of the highest in the U.S.—with Medicaid “unwinding” cited as a key driver. Tick Season Warning: East Idaho is seeing more ticks after a mild winter; University of Idaho Extension urges careful checks after outdoor time and use of EPA-approved repellent (at least 20% DEET). Local Health Outreach: Gritman Medical Center in Moscow is hosting a free Teddy Bear Clinic (June 20) to teach kids healthy habits with hands-on activities and first responders. Road Safety (Jerome County): Idaho State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash north of Jerome where a driver failed to yield at a stop sign; the pickup driver died at the scene and the other driver was taken to a local hospital. Rural Hospital Funding: The Senate passed legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aimed at helping rural hospitals test Medicare payment models to keep care available. Cancer Research: A University of Utah-led Phase 3 trial found a prostate cancer drug combo (talazoparib + enzalutamide) cut the risk of progression or death by 52% in select patients.

Rural health funding: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, letting rural hospitals test new Medicare payment models to stay financially stable and keep care available. Coverage gap for Idaho kids: A new Georgetown report says nearly 8% of Idaho children under 6 were uninsured in 2024—up about 36% since 2022—after Medicaid “unwinding,” with advocates warning access could worsen as Idaho Medicaid changes loom. Local access and affordability: Idaho Falls opened the Bonneville Surgery Center, touting outpatient procedures at lower cost than hospital-based care, with multiple specialties already offered. Emergency care upgrade: Canyon County EMS added whole blood to ambulances through a partnership with Saint Alphonsus and the American Red Cross, aiming to improve survival for trauma patients. Health system contracting: MultiCare and Regence reached an agreement so Yakima-area facilities and doctors are back in-network for Regence members, while Premera talks continue. Medicaid fraud enforcement: Idaho AG Raúl Labrador announced arrests of two Ada County men on provider fraud charges tied to Medicaid. Community health support: Chobani’s second annual summer program plans 96,000+ meals across south-central Idaho through weekly free events. Public safety health tie-in: Idaho Power says arcing power lines likely caused the Mountain Home brush fire that destroyed homes and injured responders.

Idaho Teacher Pay & Health Costs: Idaho districts are negotiating 2026-27 salaries with state funding mostly flat, leaving many teachers with little or no schedule change; West Ada is seeing an average 3.82% bump, while Boise says the only state increase was a 10.8% per support-unit health insurance funding boost. Tribal Long-Term Care Funding: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe won an Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program award for a long-term care facility—an Idaho first for tribes and the only lower-48 recipient under the new long-term care focus. Family Support Program Impact: A Garden City mom shared how Family Advocates’ 10-week Family Strengthening Program helped her feel more present and supported, pairing parent education (stress, communication, discipline) with kids’ play and learning time. Idaho Medtech Spotlight: A McCall nurse practitioner’s emergency medication device, the Anchor IV Pump from Critical Medical Devices, won Boise’s Startup World Cup qualifier and heads to the Grand Finale in San Francisco. Wildfire Smoke Prep: Agencies are urging Idaho residents to get “Smoke Ready” now for a potentially earlier, smokier season, including checking filters and ventilation settings. Crash & Rescue Updates: A fatal Bonneville County crash north of Idaho Falls left one dead and three injured; separately, rescuers pulled a patient from Kirkham Hot Springs after a 20-foot fall during a medical emergency.

Public Health & Safety: Idaho State Police is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash north of Idaho Falls that killed a 70-year-old man from India; other occupants were taken to a local hospital, and police say the victim was not wearing a seatbelt. Emergency Response: Crews rescued a patient after a 20-foot fall into Kirkham Hot Springs during a medical trauma incident, with the patient airlifted to Air St. Luke’s. Cancer Prevention: A local report highlights how cumulative sun exposure raises skin cancer risk and urges regular protection and checkups. Rural Care Capacity: The Indian Health Service selected three tribal health organizations—including the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in Idaho—for its first Long-Term Care Joint Venture Construction Program, aiming to expand skilled nursing and elder care. Healthcare Access & Coverage: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving marketplace enrollees with fewer options starting in 2027. Idaho Community Health: Kootenai County is seeking public input to update its comprehensive plan and create its first Parks & Waterways Plan, shaping long-range decisions that affect health, recreation, and infrastructure.

Prison Health & Accountability: Idaho inmate Adam Dees, serving three life sentences for the 2015 Boise Foothills killings, died in an out-of-state private prison in Arizona; his death was ruled a suicide, renewing scrutiny of Idaho’s reliance on private facilities. Public Health & Safety: CDC-linked case details show how rabies can spread through organ donation after a donor’s likely skunk exposure, with Idaho cornea recipients among those exposed—rare, but a major reminder of screening and follow-up. Tribal Health Expansion: IHS selected three tribal health organizations for its first Long-Term Care Joint Venture Construction Program, including the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in Idaho, to grow skilled nursing and elder care capacity. Healthcare Access & Coverage: PacificSource is exiting Montana entirely by Dec. 31, 2026, leaving members to choose between fewer insurers in 2027. Idaho Community Health: Idaho’s IHS launched a tribal long-term care construction initiative with three projects, aiming to keep elders closer to home. Local Care & Wellness: Athletic Club Boise highlights sports medicine partnerships with Saint Alphonsus to support injury prevention and recovery for players. Health-Related Legal/Crime: A woman was sentenced in Idaho Falls for prostitution trafficking tied to an illegal massage business. Road Safety: Multiple fatal crashes across Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene are under investigation, with at least one death reported in each.

Insurance Contract Update: Premera Blue Cross and MultiCare extended their reimbursement negotiation deadline, keeping MultiCare in-network for Premera members through at least June 30 while talks continue. Public Health & Safety: Idaho State Police reported a fatal two-vehicle crash in Bonneville County, and a separate fatal motorcycle crash on westbound I-90 near Coeur d’Alene; causes remain under investigation. Healthcare Risk Alert: A rare rabies transmission through organ donation is in the spotlight after three cornea graft recipients were exposed to rabies from an Idaho donor later suspected to have died from rabies. Community Health Support: The Elmore Sheriff Employees’ Association launched a fund to help six deputies injured during the Mountain Home brush fire with medical and recovery costs. Workforce & Care Access: A national report highlights nursing home operators using new leadership training and recruiting approaches to stabilize staffing. Local Wellness/Prevention: A frost-protection guide offers practical steps to prevent cold-weather damage to gardens.

Idaho Road Safety: A 72-year-old Spokane motorcyclist died after a crash with an SUV on westbound I-90 near Coeur d’Alene; ISP is investigating the cause. Hayden Tragedy & Public Health: A Coeur d’Alene man released from prison days earlier was charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated DUI after investigators say he used an inhalant before crashing into a Hayden apartment, killing an elderly man and injuring a woman. Mental Health Access: A bipartisan push would designate May 29 as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, highlighting stress and the need for local support for farmers and ranchers. Alzheimer’s Early Detection: A new argument for Congress to help fund earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis points to the promise of blood tests that could catch disease before symptoms. Community Care & Wellness: Mountain Home’s community set up a fund to help six injured deputies cover medical and recovery costs after a brush fire. Food Security: Portneuf Valley Partners broke ground on a new Pocatello community garden with plots and classes to grow healthier food locally. Animal Health: Idaho Humane Society is seeking foster homes and donations after taking in 2,003 cats since Jan. 1. Healthcare Industry: Ratio Therapeutics expanded its radiopharmaceutical manufacturing collaboration with PharmaLogic, adding capacity at the Idaho Falls facility to support clinical development.

Mental Health in Agriculture: Sen. Jerry Moran joined a bipartisan push to designate May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, highlighting stress and the need for mental health resources for farmers and ranchers. Idaho Health Access & Costs: New data show Americans are dropping Obamacare coverage for nonpayment or cost reasons, with Idaho enrollment shrinking by 24,402 compared with last year. Kootenai Health Leadership: Two new board members were appointed to Kootenai Health—an experienced hospice executive and a local real estate CEO—bringing healthcare and community leadership experience. Rural Mental Health Capacity: A Leadership Coeur d’Alene panel described North Idaho’s mental health strain, including long waits for youth testing and challenges navigating treatment and insurance coverage. Community Health Support: Idaho Community Foundation awarded $55,043 in grants to help students facing financial emergencies stay enrolled, including coverage for medical and dental costs. Local Safety & Emergencies: A Hayden crash killed an elderly man and critically injured an elderly woman; the driver was arrested on vehicular homicide and DUI charges after being released from prison the day before. Wildlife & Public Health: Yellowstone officials are reminding visitors that drones are banned after a drone reportedly harassed a grizzly bear and cubs. Nuclear Fallout Compensation: Idaho “downwinders” are newly eligible for up to $100,000 under an expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Medicaid Spending Signals: New reporting tracks rising Medicaid billing in Idaho communities, including higher procedures/professional services and durable medical equipment claims in multiple areas.