AGP Executive Report

Hospital Funding: A North Dakota hospital is among the plaintiffs challenging a revised federal 340B drug-rebate pilot set to begin in January. Hospital groups say it could add major costs and administrative burdens for safety-net providers. State Health Grants: Federal HHS awarded North Dakota entities more than $1.2 million for opioid response, Native American aging services, youth outreach, and other programs. Measles Watch: The CDC reported 4,080 U.S. measles cases as of Oct. 8, including cases in North Dakota; 10% of cases nationwide have resulted in hospitalization. Food and Nutrition: North Dakota Farmers Union donated 40,000 pounds of pork to the Great Plains Food Bank, which says more neighbors are seeking food assistance.

Federal Health Grants: HHS is awarding North Dakota organizations $1.23 million, including $300,000 for rural opioid response, $468,879 for the Turtle Mountain Band’s economic advancement program and $215,343 for Native American aging services. Rural Care: A Napoleon facility is drawing national attention as rural health access remains a concern; Williams County has also committed $880,000 to local healthcare. Public Health Alert: North Dakota warned of possible measles exposure for passengers on Amtrak’s Empire Builder, including at Minot. Drug Costs: North Dakotans who bought certain generic prescriptions from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation from multistate price-fixing settlements; check eligibility at AGGenericDrugs.com. Health Innovation: The BCBSND Caring Foundation expanded its grants to seven North Dakota organizations.

Medicare Payments: The Trump administration says it has sent one-time $90 payments to nearly 21 million seniors to offset October premiums, using money from the Medicare Improvement Fund. North Dakota Health Grants: HHS awarded more than $1.2 million to state entities, including $300,000 for rural opioid response and $215,343 for Native American aging programs. Rural Access: North Dakota’s strained rural care system drew attention in a report on expected Medicaid cuts, while Grand Forks County has laid off three public health workers amid budget pressures. Mental Health: NDSU Extension is offering free, two-hour webinars to help people recognize when someone may be struggling and provide support. Drug Costs: A multistate settlement over alleged generic-drug price fixing could offer compensation to people who bought eligible prescriptions from 2009 to 2019.

Federal Health Funding: HHS grants are supporting North Dakota programs for opioid response, youth outreach, aging, caregiver respite, traumatic brain injuries and tribal services. Local Care: Williams County approved $520,000 in behavioral health grants and $360,000 to help Tioga Medical Center plan a hospital expansion. Napoleon’s Wentz Living Center is also drawing national attention for its close-knit approach to long-term care, though staffing remains a challenge. Mental Wellness: NDSU Extension is offering free webinars to help people recognize when someone may be struggling. Cancer Care: Jamestown Regional Medical Center added technology to detect early signs of lymphedema in patients, including those recovering from breast cancer. Public Health: North Dakota health officials warned of possible measles exposure aboard the Empire Builder after an infected passenger traveled through Minot.

Local Care: Williams County approved $520,000 in behavioral-health grants and $360,000 to help Tioga Medical Center plan a hospital expansion. Federal Funding: HHS awarded more than $3 million to North Dakota tribes and organizations for child-support services, caregiver respite, traumatic brain injury support and Native American aging programs. Community Health: The BCBSND Caring Foundation nearly doubled its Health Innovation Grant program, funding seven organizations working on local health challenges. Measles Alert: North Dakota warned Empire Builder passengers who passed through Minot about possible exposure after a measles case was confirmed in Montana; officials urged riders to check their vaccination status. Kratom Rules: North Dakota’s September special session cost about $220,000 and banned synthetic kratom products while placing restrictions on natural kratom.

Community Health: The BCBSND Caring Foundation is nearly doubling its Health Innovation Grants, funding seven North Dakota organizations for community-led health initiatives. Regional Care: HealthPartners and Essentia Health plan to unite in 2027, creating a system with 22 hospitals and more than 135 clinics across three states, including North Dakota; the organizations say care and coverage will continue without interruption, pending review. Measles Alert: North Dakota is warning Empire Builder passengers who traveled through Minot that they may have been exposed to measles. Check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Veterans’ Mental Health: A North Dakota community organization will receive nearly $699,000 in federal grants for suicide prevention services for veterans. Food Safety: A recall covers 28-ounce bottles of four Gatorade flavors sold in North Dakota and 36 other states because labels failed to disclose Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 dyes, which can trigger reactions in some people.

BCBSND Caring Foundation Funding: The BCBSND Caring Foundation expanded its Health Innovation Grants to seven North Dakota organizations, nearly doubling typical recipients to back community-led solutions that improve access and well-being. Suicide Prevention for Veterans: The VA awarded $698,970 to a North Dakota community group for suicide prevention services for Veterans, funded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Small-Business Mentoring: Three regional SCORE chapters combined into “SCORE Dakotas,” bringing together more than 50 mentors and reporting 600+ clients mentored in fiscal 2026. Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime/Orange and Zero versions) in 37 states, including North Dakota, after undeclared Yellow No. 5/Yellow No. 6 dyes were found. Drug Pricing Accountability: A bipartisan coalition of states, including North Dakota’s AG Nick Brown, asked a court to approve a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition involving Sandoz and Fougera. Maternal Health Costs: New University of Michigan research links post-Dobbs abortion bans to higher employer-insurance premium costs for women, with larger impacts for Black and Hispanic women. Stablecoin Pilot: The Bank of North Dakota launched a pilot for its Roughrider Coin with local banks and credit unions to test stablecoin benefits and risks.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade sold in 37 states, including North Dakota, after the FDA flagged undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 in four flavors (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero). The FDA classifies it as Class II, meaning effects are expected to be temporary or medically reversible for most people, but shoppers—especially those sensitive to yellow dyes—should check bottle lot codes and stop drinking affected products. Public Health & Prevention: A rare West Nile complication is landing a 13-year-old in intensive care in California after transverse myelitis, underscoring how mosquito-borne illness can escalate quickly. Measles Watch: Montana health officials say measles risk is rising as vaccination rates decline, with confirmed cases and exposure sites including an Amtrak station in Malta—an alert that matters for travelers passing through North Dakota. Workforce & Care Access: North Dakota lawmakers and the Department of Public Instruction unveiled a teacher bonus proposal that could add about $3,400 in retention pay, aiming to address staffing shortages that ripple into school-based health supports. Mental Health Policy: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith praised Senate passage of a mental health in aviation bill meant to reduce FAA delays tied to mental health treatment and certification.

Food Safety Alert: PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including North Dakota, after the FDA flagged undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 on labels. The affected flavors are Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero; the FDA classifies it as a Class II recall, meaning risks are expected to be temporary or reversible for sensitive people. Public Health: Montana health officials are warning of measles risk as Fergus County confirmed a case, with potential exposure tied to an Amtrak station stop in Malta and a Moore workplace visit—measles can spread through the air for hours. Workforce & Care Access: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction and lawmakers unveiled the Support Teachers and Youth Succeed bill, proposing retention bonuses of about $3,400 for classroom teachers funded through the Common Schools Trust. State Health Funding: Three North Dakota universities will receive over $1.3 million from HHS, including Head Start support at Mayville State, FDA research at NDSU, and rural health assistance funding at UND. Nutrition & Budgets: A survey finds 62% of families are cutting back on meat, seafood, or dairy as grocery prices rise, pushing households toward cheaper options.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime/Orange and Zero versions) sold in 37 states, including North Dakota, because labels didn’t list Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6; FDA classifies it as Class II and says it’s a temporary, medically reversible risk for some. State Health Leadership: North Dakota HHS named Stephanie Bates to lead the Medical Services Division, overseeing Medicaid, CHIP, autism services and other health programs. Medicare Costs: The Trump administration says it will send $90 one-time payments to more than 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B in October, with eligibility tied to Part B premium responsibility. Public Input on SNAP: North Dakota opened a public comment period on planned SNAP “Healthy Choice Waiver” changes that would restrict purchases of many candies, energy drinks and sweetened beverages; comments run until Oct. 15. Child & Family Services: The North Dakota Children’s Cabinet launched a statewide “road show,” with a Jamestown stop Oct. 9, to gather feedback on building a seamless network of supports for children and families. Healthcare Workforce & Access: Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Baxter Clinic welcomed family medicine specialist Dr. Kayla Fussy, a UND graduate and Altru residency alum. Outbreak Watch: CDC reported the alfalfa sprout outbreak has grown to 76 illnesses in 16 states, including North Dakota, tied to a contaminated seed lot.

Medicare Cost Relief: The Trump administration says it will send one-time $90 payments to more than 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B in October, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund to help cover Part B premium costs. State Health Leadership: North Dakota HHS named Stephanie Bates executive director of the Medical Services Division, which oversees Medicaid, CHIP, autism services and other programs. Food Safety Alert: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has grown to 76 illnesses in 16 states, with recalls widening to more home kitchens; separately, frozen berry recalls expanded after an E. coli outbreak linked to Great Value and Trader Joe’s products, including distribution to North Dakota. Children’s Services: The North Dakota Children’s Cabinet launched a statewide “road show” with public meetings in 11 cities, including Jamestown (Oct. 9) to gather input on building a seamless network of supports for kids and families. SNAP Policy Feedback: North Dakota opened a public comment period on planned SNAP changes under its Healthy Choice Waiver, which would restrict purchases of most candy, energy drinks and sweetened beverages. Local Care Capacity: Rugby Ambulance is seeking a mill levy increase to sustain emergency service as costs rise and the service has operated at a deficit.

Leadership in Medicaid and autism services: North Dakota HHS named Stephanie Bates as executive director of the Medical Services Division, overseeing Medicaid, CHIP, autism services and other programs. SNAP rules open for public comment: The state’s Healthy Choice Waiver would restrict SNAP purchases of most candy, energy drinks and sweetened beverages; comments are due by Oct. 15 after a federal request delayed implementation to Nov. 1. Measles exposure watch: Health officials reported possible exposure on an Amtrak Empire Builder passenger who used the restroom at the Minot station; people who may be exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days and coordinate with providers. Food safety alert: A Chilean frozen berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak; affected Great Value and Trader Joe’s frozen organic berry lots were shipped to stores including North Dakota—check freezers. Youth nicotine shift: Fargo Cass Public Health says teen vaping is down, but smokeless tobacco use among high schoolers more than doubled from 2023 to 2025, with nicotine pouches likely a driver. Care access and local health staffing: Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Baxter Clinic welcomed family medicine specialist Dr. Kayla Fussy. Rural emergency funding: Rugby Ambulance is seeking a mill levy increase to sustain EMS as costs rise and the service has run at a deficit.

Rural Workforce & Access: A CNN look at Hettinger, ND shows how immigrant workers are filling critical hospital roles, including ultrasound technician Marichu Castillo Villamiel, highlighting the strain and payoff of staffing small-town care. Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded recalls of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people and hospitalized six; North Dakota shoppers are urged to check freezers for affected lots. Public Health Alerts: North Dakota health officials reported possible measles exposure for people who were on an Amtrak Empire Builder passenger route and at the Minot station during a specific window; unvaccinated exposed residents may need to quarantine and everyone should watch for symptoms. Nutrition Policy: North Dakota opened a public comment period on proposed SNAP restrictions that would limit purchases of certain sugary drinks and candies, with implementation delayed to Nov. 1. Local EMS Funding: Rugby’s ambulance service is seeking a mill levy increase to cover rising costs and sustain emergency care as the service has run deficits for years. Community Health Support: Women’s Way is helping North Dakotans get breast cancer screenings, offering free or no-cost support for eligible people.

SNAP Policy Update: North Dakota opened a public comment period on planned Healthy Choice Waiver changes that would restrict what people can buy with SNAP benefits, including most candies, energy drinks and sweetened beverages; comments run through Oct. 15. Public Health Alert: State health officials say a measles-positive passenger on Amtrak’s Empire Builder traveled through Minot and used the station restroom around 9:30 a.m. Sept. 24, creating a potential exposure for passengers and anyone at the station from 9:06 to 9:51 a.m.; unvaccinated people should quarantine and monitor for 21 days. Youth Nicotine Trend: Fargo Cass Public Health reports teen vaping is down, but smokeless tobacco use among high school students more than doubled from 3% in 2023 to 7% in 2025, with nicotine pouches likely a driver. Rural EMS Funding: Rugby Ambulance Service is seeking a mill levy increase to sustain emergency care as costs rise and the service has operated at a financial loss for more than a decade. Healthcare Access (Medicare): Aetna announced its 2027 Medicare plan lineup, highlighting $0 copays for key services and targeted support for people with chronic conditions.

Measles Alert: North Dakota health officials are tracking a possible measles exposure after an Amtrak Empire Builder passenger traveled from Chicago to Minot (Sept. 23–24) and used the restroom at the Minot station around 9:30 a.m.; people on the train or at the station during the stop (about 9:06–9:51 a.m.) should monitor for symptoms for 21 days, and unvaccinated people should quarantine. Tobacco Use Shift: North Dakota teen vaping is down, but smokeless tobacco use among high schoolers more than doubled from 3% (2023) to 7% (2025), with nicotine pouches like Zyn suspected to be a driver. Cancer Screening Access: Women’s Way is helping Fargo-area women get breast cancer screenings, covering costs and barriers like co-pays, deductibles, reminders, and transportation. Child Safety Trial: A civil negligence case against the Anne Carlsen Center over alleged mishandling of a 2019 sexual abuse allegation is set for trial Oct. 5–16. Food Safety: The FDA reports more illnesses tied to recalled sprouts (E. coli and salmonella), with additional cases and hospitalizations reported as the outbreak spreads. Drug Pricing Accountability: Iowa joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz generic-drug settlement over alleged anticompetitive price manipulation. Rural Health & Workforce: North Dakota’s rural health grant strategy is moving toward “anchor partners,” and HHS awarded over $12.4 million to North Dakota for community-based care.

Legal Accountability: A Jamestown civil lawsuit over alleged sexual assault at the Anne Carlsen Center is headed to a jury trial Oct. 5–16, after claims that the center failed to supervise and negligently kept a male employee despite prior inappropriate conduct. Regional Health Care Consolidation: Minnesota’s HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a plan to combine into a 22-hospital system spanning Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, with patients and regulators watching for impacts on access and costs. Food Safety: The FDA says more people have been added to an E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC, with cases reported in North Dakota and 15 other states. Drug Pricing & Consumer Relief: Multiple state attorneys general are seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing, while the Trump administration has begun mailing $500 ACA “refund” checks to eligible HealthCare.gov enrollees in 30 states. Public Health Policy: A North Dakota SNAP error-rate story flags rising administrative problems that could cost the state money, as SNAP rules and funding responsibilities shift. Mental Health Access: A counseling compact is expanding across states, allowing licensed counselors to practice across state lines via telehealth and in person.