AGP Executive Report

Marijuana safety crackdown: Tulsa County DA Steve Kunzweiler is pushing for tougher oversight of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry after a Sand Springs extraction explosion killed two workers; court records say the facility lacked proper licensing/registration, and prosecutors have charged the owner with murder. Indoor air protection: A new wildfire smoke guide warns Oklahomans how PM2.5 can slip indoors through HVAC and affect lungs and heart health—especially for kids and older adults—plus tips like filtration and air cleaners. Heat in schools: Tulsa Public Schools parents and the teachers union say some classrooms are too hot, with reports of rooms in the 80s to 90s and possible closures if cooling work orders don’t fix conditions. Counseling access across state lines: Tennessee joined the Counseling Compact, letting licensed counselors practice across state borders via a “driver’s license”-style privilege system—aimed at easing mental health provider shortages. Public health education: Safe Kids Tulsa Area hosted a free car seat check event, noting many parents think they installed seats correctly when they haven’t. Workforce pay boost: The Muscogee Nation approved a phased minimum wage increase for tribal employees over the next three fiscal years to help retention.

Marijuana safety crackdown: Tulsa County DA Steve Kunzweiler is pushing for stronger state safeguards after a Sand Springs explosion killed two workers at an extraction facility tied to alleged improper marijuana licensing and hazardous chemical handling; Bassham faces murder charges and the DA is urging more resources and legislative changes to curb illegal operations. Direct primary care + lifestyle medicine: A Hint Health whitepaper argues direct primary care should add lifestyle and functional medicine services, citing rising adult use of complementary approaches and patient outcomes tied to functional medicine. Heat in schools: Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association says some classrooms are running too hot, with crews working on about 180 AC work orders and the union weighing possible closures for health and safety. Food safety recall: Hodo recalled more than 10,000 cases of chili crisp lightly fried tofu after ink from packaging may have migrated into the food. Community health support: Safe Kids Tulsa Area held a free car seat check event in Owasso, highlighting how correct installation reduces fatal injuries for infants and toddlers. Workforce training: Wyandotte Public Schools launched an EMT certification track for seniors, funded by the Wyandotte Nation, letting students earn a national credential before graduation. Housing stability after disaster: Key to Home is rehousing residents displaced by a major Oklahoma City apartment fire, coordinating with case managers as units were condemned.

Marijuana Safety & Criminal Charges: A Tulsa man, Ryan Bassham, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after a Sand Springs explosion at a THC extraction facility killed two workers; investigators say the business lacked proper registrations and prosecutors allege hazardous chemical manufacturing led to the blast. Public Health & Food Recalls: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods mild guacamole recall to its highest threat level (Class I) over potential salmonella risk, with product sold in Oklahoma and other states; the FDA also issued a tofu recall over ink contamination concerns. Tick-Borne Allergy in Oklahoma: As alpha-gal syndrome spreads via ticks, Oklahomans are adapting—local businesses are adjusting menus and cross-contamination practices to serve people who can’t eat mammalian products. Pediatric Infection Research: A laser-based, light-activated therapy using methylene blue shows promise against dangerous abdominal infections in children with perforated appendicitis. Prevention for Teen Vaping: OU researchers will test whether targeted social media messages can help parents better spot and prevent nicotine and cannabis vaping, funded by a $2.5 million NIH grant. Local Care Access: Hughes County EMS became an American Heart Association training site, expanding CPR training capacity for the region. Community Wellness for Students: Sand Springs Schools won a $1.38M federal grant to fund after-school and summer learning that includes nutrition and health education, counseling, and wellness programming.

Marijuana Safety & Courts: A Sand Springs marijuana extraction blast killed two workers and has now led to murder charges against the facility owner, with court records also flagging invalid state licensing and compliance issues. Extreme Heat & EMS: Oklahoma City logged its second-hottest August on record, as triple-digit temperatures drove a surge in heat-related illness calls and hospital transports. Public Health Alerts: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole recall to its highest risk level after potential salmonella contamination, affecting sales across multiple states including Oklahoma. Nutrition Access: Oklahoma is expanding the SNAP “Add Milk!” incentive, matching SNAP dollars for low-fat or non-fat milk purchases in participating stores. Mental Health & Substance Use: Rogers State University hosted an Opioid Awareness Resource Fair, connecting Oklahomans with local prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Early Childhood Policy: Sen. Christi Gillespie was appointed to a new Oklahoma Early Childhood Task Force aimed at streamlining services for kids ages 0–5. Healthcare Workforce/Compliance: The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation, highlighting ongoing staff training for autism support. Community Safety: OSBI is seeking a person of interest in a Grove sexual assault case at a sports complex. Legal/Consumer Protection: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged ad pricing manipulation that they say overcharged advertisers by more than $20 billion. Disaster Response: A federal wildlife officer who died while helping evacuate residents during the Railroad South Fire is being remembered by Oklahoma officials and federal agencies.

Addiction Research: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Mike Beckstead will lead an NIH-funded one-year study with UT San Antonio and Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals to test a potential treatment approach for meth and cocaine addiction, a $400,000 project aimed at new options for substance use recovery. Public Health & Safety: A federal wildlife officer, David Taylor, 38, died while helping residents evacuate during the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, with officials saying evidence suggests he died during the evacuation effort. Community Health Access: KFF Health News reports Oklahoma’s Rural Health Transformation Program faces transparency concerns nationwide, with critics saying delayed or limited public reporting could make oversight harder as states spend funds. Local Health Coverage: Oklahoma City’s Meadows Apartments fire displaced about 50 residents after a domestic disturbance; officials say no injuries were reported and the Red Cross is assisting. Caregiver Support: Stephens County OK Home and Community Education will host free dementia caregiver classes Sept. 8 in Duncan, focused on “Care for the Caregiver.”

Wildfire Tragedy: A 38-year-old federal wildlife officer, David Taylor of Scio, Oregon, is believed to have died while going door-to-door to help residents evacuate during Oklahoma’s Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, with officials saying evidence recovered at a home indicates he died during the escape effort. Public Safety: A Tulsa woman, Amelia Swindell, 31, was killed early Sunday in a single-vehicle crash in Plain Dealing, Louisiana; impairment is suspected and toxicology samples were collected. Community Health & Caregiving: Stephens County’s Home and Community Education will host a free dementia caregiver class, “Care for the Caregiver,” Sept. 8 in Duncan. Medicaid Watch (Local Spending): Konawa saw Medicaid payments for Procedures/Professional Services rise to $26,917 in 2024; Elk City recorded $3,860 for non-oral drug administration; and Broken Arrow’s durable medical equipment spending climbed to $7,438. Service Expansion: UAFS’ RoarCorps program is expanding AmeriCorps-style service roles for students, adding areas like youth mental health and healthy futures.

Medicaid Spending Watch (Oklahoma): New federal Medicaid data show sharp local swings in 2024 billing—Okeene paid $792 for pathology/lab procedures (+668.9%), Moore billed $15,630 for medical/surgical supplies (+7.1%), and Duncan’s procedures/professional services jumped to $1,324 (+4037.5%). Dental & Vision Growth: Sulphur’s dental services hit $84,123 (+191%), Atoka’s vision services rose to $5,464 (+105.3%), and Stroud’s dental spending reached $95,316 (+8.6%). Surgery & Imaging Up: Okmulgee surgery payments climbed to $2,901 (+23.4%), Fairview surgery rose to $2,833 (+139.7%), Guymon radiology reached $1,454 (+138.4%), and Miami surgery spending surged to $92,169 (+132.3%). Food Safety Alert: Oklahoma health officials upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole recall to Class I over possible salmonella from jalapenos—residents should throw it out or return it. Public Health Outbreak Update: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce added Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, bringing confirmed illnesses to 11,458 across 20 states.

Food Safety Alert: Oklahoma health officials upgraded the risk on a Whole Foods guacamole dip recall after possible salmonella linked to jalapeños; residents are told to throw it out or return it. Public Health & Policy: Oklahoma state employees and retirees face higher health insurance premiums in 2027 as officials approve new rates amid rising healthcare and prescription costs. Mental Health & Substance Use: CREOKS plans a new 62-bed substance use treatment center near the Tulsa–Creek County line, with detox beds and residential recovery plus links to outpatient and medication-assisted treatment. Local Care Access: Shawnee’s Gateway to Prevention and Recovery will close Sept. 30 after 42 years, citing financial challenges and funding cuts. Community Health Oversight: Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Home audits show progress, with recent inspections reporting no violations. Major Incident (Safety): A deadly explosion at a Sand Springs THC extraction facility killed two and led to a murder warrant for a suspect, as investigators work with the ATF. Healthcare Workforce/Services (Business): Sterling Staffing Solutions and White Orchid Hospice both earned Inc. 5000 growth rankings, highlighting continued expansion in healthcare staffing and end-of-life care.

Oklahoma Health Costs: Oklahoma state employees and retirees will see higher health insurance premiums starting in 2027, with officials citing rising healthcare and prescription costs and noting Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma won’t offer plans for 2027 open enrollment. Youth Mental Health & Safety: Oklahoma is set to receive a guaranteed $235.6M from a multistate Meta settlement focused on protecting children and teens, after claims that social media was designed to be addictive and exposed young users to mental health risks. Local Mental Health Access: Shawnee’s Gateway to Prevention and Recovery will close Sept. 30 after 42 years, blaming financial challenges and funding cuts that have squeezed outpatient mental health and substance abuse services. Suicide Prevention: ODMHSAS is rolling out the “You Good?” 988 campaign ahead of September’s suicide prevention month, targeting groups with higher risk and encouraging people to check in on friends and family. Food Safety Watch: The FDA has upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole dip recall to its highest risk level over possible Salmonella contamination, while a lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues expanding into more states, including Oklahoma.

Mental Health Access: Oklahoma county jails are holding accused defendants found mentally incompetent for months because state treatment beds are scarce, leaving local officials to provide care in unsuitable jail settings. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC say the lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 20 states and 11,000+ illnesses, with hundreds hospitalized and two deaths reported in Michigan; the FDA also upgraded the risk level for related recalled products. Public Health & Community Care: TSET is sharing resources for Oklahoma families to build healthier habits together, and Oklahoma’s OBI is scheduling Labor Day blood drives to prevent a major donation shortfall. Health Coverage & Costs: Oklahoma Medicaid spending is rising as the aging population increases demand, and officials warned lawmakers that changes to federal Medicaid funding could shift costs back to the state. Local Health Infrastructure: OU Health is expanding minimally invasive heart valve treatments, while Oklahoma officials outlined progress on Rural Health Transformation Program initiatives. Homelessness Services: Norman’s “A Better Way” program is set to shut down after funding was denied, threatening one of the city’s key alternatives to panhandling. Corrections Safety: An ODOC officer was injured in an inmate attack at a Lawton facility, with an investigation underway.

Rural Health Funding Update (Oklahoma): Oklahoma health leaders say they’ve started all 29 Rural Health Transformation Program projects funded by CMS, using more than $223 million to expand access and improve outcomes across 68 rural counties. Food Safety Alert (Oklahoma & beyond): The FDA upgraded the cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall to the highest risk level and says confirmed cases now span 20 states, including Oklahoma, with more illnesses and hospitalizations reported. More Food Safety (Whole Foods): Whole Foods guacamole and dips tied to a Salmonella outbreak are under a Class I recall in 13 states, including Oklahoma, after FDA linked contaminated jalapeños to hundreds of illnesses. Insurance Watch (Kansas): A new analysis highlights how Kansas homeowners insurance costs are soaring—driven by severe weather—adding to the broader regional affordability pressure that also hits Oklahoma. Local Governance & Privacy: Oklahoma-area readers may note the Bernalillo County sheriff’s move to end Flock surveillance contracts over privacy concerns, a reminder that tech use in public safety is still under scrutiny. State Policy/Investing: Legal questions are raised over TSET’s “Oklahoma values” investment policy and how it could affect hiring and contract decisions.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has reached 11,458+ illnesses across 20 states, with Oklahoma among the affected and two deaths reported in Michigan; investigators are still focused on Taylor Farms produce. Recall Watch: Whole Foods recalled multiple jalapeño-containing dips in 13 states, including Oklahoma, after Salmonella contamination concerns. Public Health & Community: Oklahoma’s Coffee Memorial Blood Center is urging blood donations around the “blood moon” event, highlighting ongoing need for all types, especially O-negative. State Health Policy: Oklahoma’s Mending Health has been placed under supervision by the state insurance commissioner, following ACA exit-related changes. Youth Safety Online: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement would require new Instagram/Facebook protections for minors, with Oklahoma expected to receive at least $235 million. Local Health & Wellness: Oklahoma Baptist University reopened after 2023 tornado repairs, including a restored Shawnee Hall now used for behavioral health and social sciences.

FDA Approval: The FDA approved a “life-altering” pill for advanced pancreatic cancer, daraxonrasib (Rasonque), aimed at metastatic cases after chemotherapy, with reports of nearly doubling life expectancy—an Oklahoma City oncologist called it a major shift in treatment conversations. Public Health & Research: OMRF will study how microplastics may affect ovarian health and fertility, funded by a $123,000 grant. Youth Safety Online: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a landmark multistate Meta settlement requiring sweeping child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook, including daily screen breaks and nighttime access blocks, with at least $171M for Michigan. Rural Access: Oklahoma’s libraries are expanding broadband access through a statewide portal initiative—up to 175 private, internet-connected spaces—adding telehealth and workforce support in rural communities. Caregiving & Mental Health: A study of youth with cystic fibrosis found caregiver depression and anxiety symptoms tied to youth mental and behavioral health concerns, including sleep disturbance. Local Health/Community: Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma awarded $1M+ in grants to 23 nonprofits supporting health access, food insecurity relief, and behavioral health resources. Safety Incident: A deadly Sand Springs explosion at a business complex left one dead and another critically injured, with investigators saying it originated at a marijuana grow facility.

Meta child-safety settlement: Meta agreed to pay about $17.1 billion and make major changes to Facebook and Instagram after states alleged addictive design and harm to teens, including nighttime access limits and screen-time controls; Oklahoma is guaranteed at least $235.6 million (could rise if other platforms join). Health education & care access: Oklahoma Youth Parasports hosted the state’s first cerebral palsy soccer clinic for young athletes with physical disabilities at Bethany Children’s Health Center. Medical research: OSU researchers are testing ozone nanobubbles to help remove antibiotics and antibiotic-resistance genes from livestock wastewater. Community health & environment: Ragweed season is hitting Texoma early, with clinicians warning it can trigger more sinus infections and bronchitis. Public safety: Oklahoma City police investigated a southeast OKC shooting that sent a juvenile to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Oklahoma Health & Policy: Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond is inviting school districts to use the Botvin LifeSkills Training program through the Oklahoma READY initiative, aiming to curb higher-than-average youth substance use rates with an evidence-based curriculum supported by opioid abatement grant stipends. Public Health & Safety: A University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center team reported a rare case where a man’s weight loss and a stable tracheal lesion led to bronchoscopy, uncovering an airway tumor that was initially missed on imaging. Community Health Access: Oklahoma VA clinics are expanding to add care access for 10,000 more veterans, with new clinics and upgrades. Substance Use Watch: The DEA scheduled three lab-synthesized synthetic opioid compounds tied to “kratom” marketing, signaling tighter enforcement against products linked to overdose and dependence risks. Local Environment: Oklahoma forestry officials warned Atoka County residents to monitor for emerald ash borer after suspicious beetles were collected in McGee Creek traps.

Oklahoma Health & Policy: Oklahoma voters rejected SQ 844, which would have let lawmakers change how the state reimburses local governments for property tax exemptions tied to new manufacturing—an issue tied to school districts and big data-center growth. U.S. Senate Race: AP projects N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas wins the Democratic runoff and will face GOP Rep. Kevin Hern in November; Thomas, a nurse and Chickasaw citizen, highlights women’s healthcare and nursing shortages. Care Access for Veterans: The Oklahoma City VA system is expanding clinics and upgrades, including Wichita Falls, aiming to add care for about 10,000 more veterans. Wellness for First Responders: Project 49 brings OU Health screenings and support resources to Oklahoma City police after three officers died from cardiac events. Substance Use Treatment: CREOKS plans a new Tulsa detox and residential treatment center with medically supervised beds and 30-day residential programming. Maternal Health Costs (National): A new cost comparison ranks Louisiana among the cheapest states for childbirth, with big differences between in-network and out-of-network pricing. Public Safety: Oklahoma City police report a motorcycle crash with critical injuries; Bartlesville police are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child.