AGP Executive Report

SNAP Help After Storm Outages: North Dakota HHS says SNAP households that lost food because of June power outages lasting more than four hours can apply for replacement benefits, with reporting due within 10 days via email, phone, mail, or local human service zones. Tobacco Cessation Push: ND Quits is promoting Quit Week with support options including medications and counseling, noting nicotine addiction is a chronic condition and quitting alone is harder. Women’s Health Update: Essentia Health Fargo is now offering the Acessa procedure for uterine fibroids, a minimally invasive radiofrequency option for heavy, painful periods. Cancer Screening Funding: ND HHS is launching a $1.5 million opportunity to expand access to mobile mammography in rural and underserved western North Dakota. Food Access Rules: ND is rolling out SNAP Healthy Choice guidance for retailers, including webinars to help stores comply with upcoming restrictions. Public Health Alerts: Emerado residents were told not to use city water after a watermain break, pending repair and testing for possible contamination. COVID Test Settlement: Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution available to affected consumers.

COVID-19 Consumer Protection: North Dakota Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and reimbursements for affected residents. SNAP Rules & Food Access: NDHHS is running webinars to help retailers prepare for upcoming SNAP purchase restrictions, and the state says replacement SNAP benefits are available for households that lost food during June storm power outages. Public Health Alerts: Emerado residents were told not to use city water after a water main break, as officials wait for samples to confirm safety. Women’s Health Education: A Bismarck women’s health expert is hosting a free community event on heavy, painful periods and treatment options. Health Policy & Oversight: North Dakota’s primary results included the loss of six incumbent GOP legislators, a reminder that health-related priorities can shift with new lawmakers. Community Tech for Health: Williston’s Tech & UAS Summit highlights emerging tools being used across healthcare and other sectors.

Public Health Alert: North Dakota’s ND Department of Environmental Quality issued a “Do Not Use Water” advisory for Emerado after a watermain break raised concerns about possible contamination and disease-causing organisms; residents are told to use bottled water for drinking, ice, brushing teeth, and infant formula until flushing and testing confirm safety. Behavioral Health Funding: HHS awarded nearly $600,000 to the University of North Dakota to expand the behavioral health workforce through training program development and stipends for graduate students. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 confirmed cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall updates. Child Well-Being: A new Kids Count report finds children’s well-being dropped in 29 states from 2019 to 2024, with North Dakota among the biggest decliners. Medicaid Oversight/Integrity: New York AG Letitia James secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling—another reminder of fraud risks in health programs. Weather & Health Risks: Severe thunderstorm watches and enhanced severe weather risk are in play across the region, with potential for damaging winds, hail, and flooding.

Medicaid Oversight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota Health and Human Services is expanding Medicaid fraud prevention and provider revalidation starting July 1, with tighter checks for high-risk categories including qualified service providers, non-emergency medical transportation, and 1915(i) providers. Tobacco Cessation: Grand Forks Public Health is running “Quit Week” through June 13, offering free coaching and nicotine replacement therapy resources via NDQuits and local partners. SNAP Food Rules: North Dakota HHS is hosting a webinar series to help retailers prepare for upcoming SNAP Healthy Choice waiver limits that will block SNAP purchases of soda and other prohibited items starting in September. Community Health & Food Access: Live Well Grand Cities in Grand Forks is reviving its coalition work tied to Blue Zones certification, including food skills classes and community gardens to support healthier living. Public Health Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $18.5 million in Great Plains grassland grants, supporting wildlife habitat and ranching communities across the region. Health-Related Legal Action: A national settlement secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of healthcare fraud.

Tobacco Cessation Push: Fargo Cass Public Health is backing North Dakota’s 7th annual Quit Week, offering walk-in coaching and nicotine replacement options to help people quit smoking, vaping, chewing, or nicotine pouches. Child Poverty Watch: A Kids Count data update says North Dakota’s child poverty rose, with about 23,000 children living below the poverty line in 2024 and housing costs hitting many families hard. Reproductive Care Access: New KFF reporting links Planned Parenthood clinic closures to funding limits tied to Title X and Medicaid policy changes, raising concerns for Medicaid enrollees who rely on the clinics. SNAP Food Restrictions: USDA waivers are expanding SNAP limits on items like soda, candy, and certain prepared desserts, with North Dakota listed among states rolling out restrictions later in 2026. Public Health Alerts: North Dakota health officials remind residents that preventing mosquito bites is the best defense against West Nile virus, noting no cases reported this year so far. Mental Health & Courts: A Grand Forks County man found not guilty by reason of mental illness will remain at the North Dakota State Hospital after a review. Rural Health Funding: A $3.2 million grant aims to help rural hospitals avoid generic drug shortages by pooling purchasing power.

Measles Watch: The CDC reports 2,030 measles cases across 30 outbreaks in 38 states plus DC since the start of 2026, with 92% in unvaccinated people and at least 127 hospitalizations—on pace to top 2025’s 30-year high. Rural Health Access: Envision Counselling Services is now offering free counseling in Moosomin and Rocanville, adding mental health support in smaller communities. Drug Shortages & Rural Hospitals: A $3.2 million grant will help rural hospitals pool purchasing power to access cheaper generics and reduce shortage pressure. Medicare/Quality Recognition: Trinity Homes (Minot) and Trinity Health Kenmare Hospital received quality awards, including an antibiotic stewardship honor for the Kenmare facility. West Nile Prevention: North Dakota Health and Human Services urges mosquito-bite prevention as no human cases have been reported yet this year; last year saw 86 cases, 36 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths. Data Center Health Concerns: An environmental health specialist warned Minot residents about potential hazards from data center growth, calling for stronger safeguards and regulation. Medicaid Billing Shift: Minot Medicaid payments under Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) jumped 54.8% in 2024, signaling changing local service use.

Medicaid Oversight: North Dakota is expanding Medicaid program oversight starting July 1 to prevent fraud, with more frequent revalidations, enhanced enrollment requirements, competency checks, site visits, and a provider enrollment moratorium for certain areas—focused on service providers, medical transportation providers, and parts of the 1915 program. Public Health & Safety: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases have topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with 2,030 confirmed cases in 39 states and North Dakota among them; most cases are in people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. Rural Health & Community Support: North Dakota State College of Science President Rod Flanigan announced he will retire Dec. 31, 2026, after leading major enrollment growth and allied health program expansion. Health-Adjacent Environment: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, keeping a major legal fight in motion. Local Health Access: A bipartisan Senate bill targets USPS delivery delays in North Dakota and Minnesota, aiming to improve tracking and notifications for residents relying on timely mail for essentials like prescriptions.

Medicaid Integrity Push: North Dakota HHS is expanding Medicaid oversight starting July 1 to prevent fraud, with more frequent revalidations, added competency checks, site visits, and a provider enrollment moratorium for certain high-risk categories, including service providers, non-emergency medical transportation, and 1915(i) providers. Mail Delivery Reliability: Senators Kevin Cramer, Tina Smith, John Hoeven and Amy Klobuchar introduced the Postal Delivery Accountability Act after USPS Inspector General findings ranked North Dakota and Minnesota among the worst regions for mail performance, aiming to improve tracking and public notifications for delayed or missing deliveries. Rural Health & Aging Support: Jamestown’s James River Senior Center details meal service options, transportation help, and weekly menus for older adults and homebound residents. Public Health Reminder: CDC reports U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second year in a row, with most cases among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, including confirmed cases in North Dakota. Workforce & Education Leadership: NDSCS President Rod Flanigan announced retirement plans effective Dec. 31, 2026, citing record enrollment growth and expansion of allied health and other programs. Community Wellness Effort: Foster County Public Health is joining statewide partners for Quit Week (June 7–13) to help North Dakotans quit smoking, vaping, chewing, or nicotine pouches.

Medicaid Integrity Push: North Dakota is ramping up oversight of its Medicaid program starting July 1 to prevent fraud, with more frequent revalidations, enhanced enrollment requirements, competency assessments, site visits, and a provider enrollment moratorium for certain areas—targeting service providers, non-emergency medical transportation, and 1915(i) services. Public Health Alerts: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases have topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with 2,030 confirmed cases in 39 states and D.C. in 2026 so far, and most cases tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. Quit Smoking Campaign: North Dakotans are being encouraged to take part in Quit Week (June 7–13, 2026), a statewide push to help people quit smoking, vaping, chew, or nicotine pouches. Data Center Health Concerns: In Oliver County, commissioners heard from a noise and health expert warning that low-frequency, tonal noise from hyperscale data centers could affect people and livestock, while the developer says studies and conditions are already addressing impacts. Local Care Access: Minot Medicaid billing under “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” rose 54.8% in 2024, reaching $832,861, highlighting how local spending patterns can shift.

Medicaid Integrity: North Dakota is ramping up oversight to prevent fraud in its Medicaid program, starting July 1, with more frequent revalidations, enhanced enrollment requirements, competency checks, site visits, and a provider enrollment moratorium for certain high-risk categories. Public Health: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases have topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with most cases among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status; North Dakota is listed among states with confirmed cases. Community Health & Care Access: A Minot Medicaid billing snapshot shows Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) payments rising 54.8% in 2024, underscoring how local spending patterns can shift. Rural Health & Workforce: North Dakota State College of Science President Rod Flanigan announced he’ll retire Dec. 31, 2026, after a tenure that included growth in allied health programs. Health-Adjacent Environment: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits, keeping the dispute in international view.

Medicaid Integrity: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota HHS is launching a new strategy to strengthen oversight and prevent fraud in Medicaid, with expanded revalidation starting July 1 for three high-risk provider categories. Rural Health & Local Partnerships: Slope County commissioners discussed a regional partnership, rural health funding opportunities, and tax credit application concerns with the Roosevelt Custer Regional Council. Data Center Health Concerns: Oliver County heard from a noise expert warning that data center sound—beyond decibel levels—can affect physical and mental health, as Applied Digital prepares studies. Public Health Watch: CDC reports U.S. measles cases have topped 2,000 for the second straight year, including cases confirmed in North Dakota. Maternal Health Support: A Grand Forks postpartum moms group is offering education, self-care resources, and peer connection for new and expectant mothers. Workforce & Care Access: NDSCS President Rod Flanigan announced retirement plans, with succession planning beginning as the college reports major enrollment growth. Community Nonprofits: North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations held its annual conference in Minot, highlighting the sector’s job and wage impact.

Medicaid Integrity in ND: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota HHS is launching a new strategy to strengthen oversight and prevent fraud in Medicaid, starting July 1 with tighter revalidation for three high-risk provider categories, plus more site visits, competency checks, and enrollment moratoriums in certain areas. Public Health Alert: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases have topped 2,000 for the second year in a row, with 2,030 confirmed cases in 39 states and DC in 2026; most cases are among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, including North Dakota. Maternal Health Support: In Jamestown, Central Valley Health District is expanding maternal health help through local partnerships, including lactation pods in public facilities and added breastfeeding and postpartum services supported by a BCBSND Caring Foundation grant. Community Nonprofits: The North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations held its annual conference in Minot, highlighting the sector’s scale and push for a stronger statewide nonprofit voice. Health & Safety Basics: North Dakota’s “Quit Week” push encourages residents to improve health habits, including quitting tobacco. Health Equity Access: A Fargo-area story spotlights a postpartum moms support group in Grand Forks offering education and mental health resources for new mothers. Food & Water Safety: EPA announced $27.5 million to reduce lead in Colorado drinking water by helping states identify and replace lead service lines.

Maternal Health Access: Central Valley Health District is expanding maternal health support in Jamestown with a $5,000 BCBSND Caring Foundation grant, adding safe, private breastfeeding spaces (including permanent lactation pods at multiple local sites) plus lactation support, reproductive health care, and postpartum services. Quit Week Tobacco Support: Pembina County Public Health and statewide partners are encouraging North Dakotans to quit smoking, vapes, chew, or nicotine pouches during Quit Week (June 7–13), with free help resources through Tobacco Free North Dakota and ND HHS. Food Safety Watch: The FDA is investigating two new foodborne illness outbreaks—listeria (8 sick) and cyclosporа (7 sick)—and is also continuing work on salmonella linked to moringa supplement capsules. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS data highlights nursing home performance in North Dakota counties, including Minot Health and Rehab (Ward County) and Tioga Medical Center LTC (Williams County), both rated below the state average, with reported fines/penalties. School Phone Policy Trend: A national look at school cellphone bans shows North Dakota among states moving toward stricter “gold standard” rules, as lawmakers weigh distraction-free learning against concerns about screen time.

Maternal Health Support: Central Valley Health District is expanding pregnancy and postpartum help in Jamestown with a $5,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation grant, adding lactation pods at multiple community sites and boosting WIC, lactation, reproductive health, and postpartum services. Rural Hospital Access: A new report flags 720 rural hospitals nationwide at risk of closure, with nearly 300 at immediate risk in the next 2–3 years—raising concerns about lost emergency and maternity care. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows several North Dakota nursing homes ranked among the largest in their counties, with overall ratings ranging from 2 to 3 out of 5 and multiple facilities reporting fines/penalties in Q1 2026. Food Safety: FDA is investigating two new outbreaks—Listeria (8 sick) and Cyclospora (7 sick)—and is also continuing Salmonella probes tied to moringa supplement capsules. Heart Health Basics: CPR and AED Awareness Week spotlights how quickly action matters, including teaching children the basics and reminding adults that AEDs give step-by-step instructions. Community Wellness: Local gardening pieces emphasize that fruit and vegetable intake supports long-term health and that green spaces can ease anxiety and stress.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA is investigating two fresh foodborne illness outbreaks—one involving Listeria (8 sick) and another involving Cyclospora (7 sick)—and is also probing a new Salmonella wave tied to moringa supplement capsules, including MOGO brand, with 18 illnesses across 14 states. Medical Education in ND: USD says its planned medical school move to Sioux Falls won’t affect its Yankton clinical campus. Rural Access & Staffing: A new report flags 720 rural hospitals at risk of closure nationwide, including nearly 300 at immediate risk in the next 2–3 years. Caregiving Workforce: A WalletHub ranking puts Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, citing projected shortages—an issue that echoes across the country. Community Health: CPR and AED Awareness Week spotlights quick action and where to find AEDs; North Dakota tick activity is described as typical so far, with reminders to use repellant and check for ticks. ND Health Infrastructure: UND’s campus master plan workshop is set for June 23–24, with community input on future connections and projects. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS data highlights CMS ratings and fines for Wishek Living Center in Q1 2026.

Medicare Supply Rules: A coalition of patient groups launched “The High Cost of Low Bids,” urging Congress to delay Medicare’s competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies, warning the lowest-bid model could limit access to the right fit for complex conditions. Public Health & Safety: North Dakota tick activity is described as “typical” so far this season, with state health officials advising repellant use and regular self-checks as ticks remain active for months. Rural Health Workforce: Fargo Public Schools is bracing for special education and speech-language pathologist vacancies, often relying on higher-cost contracted staff as shortages continue nationwide. Long-Term Care Watch: CMS data highlights mixed nursing home performance across North Dakota, including several facilities scoring above the state average (some with no fines/penalties) alongside others rated below average and reporting fines or penalties. Community Planning: UND’s campus master plan process moves into a June 23-24 workshop to gather public input on future construction and connections across campus. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with federal agencies urging consumers to check recalled products at home. School Wellness Policy: West Fargo reports early, mostly positive effects from North Dakota’s “bell-to-bell” phone restrictions, including more in-person social interaction.