AGP Executive Report

Digital Safety for Youth: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Orygen and Simply Bloom, giving young people, families, and educators practical guidance for safer conversations online about suicide, self-harm, and mental health, with school workshops and assemblies planned from November 2026. Infectious Disease Watch: The Ministry of Health says Ebola risk to Bermuda remains low after WHO’s public health emergency for outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, with no confirmed cases locally and active monitoring plus travel advice for residents. Local Nursing Pipeline: Eight Bermuda College students completed associate degrees in nursing at a pinning ceremony, joining a growing local workforce as Bermuda faces ongoing staffing pressures. Older Adult Mental Health: A local column highlights how common and often overlooked mental health struggles are for older adults, especially for caregivers noticing memory loss, depression, isolation, or personality changes. Cancer Care Focus: Dr Adam Feldman’s prostate cancer column notes it’s the top cancer for men in Bermuda and stresses screening and assessment of urinary or other warning signs. Ocean Health & Community: BIOS reports advanced underwater research activity in Bermudian waters, while the Bermuda National Trust and partners urge faster action on marine protection through the Marine Spatial Plan.

Digital Safety for Youth: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health has launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Bermuda College and Orygen to help young people, families, and educators communicate more safely online about suicide, self-harm, and mental health, with resources in print and online plus school workshops and assemblies planned from November 2026. Infectious Disease Watch: The Ministry says Ebola risk to Bermuda remains low after WHO declared a public health emergency tied to outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda; there are no confirmed cases locally, but the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is actively monitoring and reviewing preparedness, especially for travellers. Cancer Care Focus: A new local cancer care update highlights how services now cover more than treatment—prevention, early detection, diagnostics, coordinated care, emotional support, palliative care, and survivorship—reflecting growing demand as Bermuda’s population ages. Marine Health & Reefs: Bermuda National Trust and more than 60 groups have urged faster action on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme’s Marine Spatial Plan and marine protections, warning that reef and fish declines are already affecting the island’s marine experience. Workforce Pipeline: Bermuda College nursing students marked progress toward licensure after completing associate degrees in nursing, with eight graduates recognised at a pinning ceremony as the programme faces ongoing staffing pressures. Public Health Education: A prostate cancer column notes it remains the top cancer for men in Bermuda and stresses screening and symptom awareness.

Digital Safety for Youth: Bermuda’s Health Ministry has launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Bermuda College and Orygen to help young people, families, and educators communicate more safely online about suicide, self-harm, and mental health, with resources in print and online plus school workshops and assemblies planned from November 2026. Infectious Disease Watch: The Ministry of Health says Ebola risk to Bermuda remains low after WHO declared a public health emergency for outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda; no cases are confirmed locally and the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is monitoring and reviewing preparedness, especially for travellers. Cancer Care Focus: A new local cancer care piece highlights how services now cover prevention, early detection, diagnostics, coordinated treatment, emotional support, palliative care, and survivorship—reflecting growing demand as Bermuda’s population ages. Workforce Pipeline: Eight Bermuda College nursing students completed associate degrees and were recognised at a pinning ceremony, now eligible to prepare for the NCLEX as Bermuda faces ongoing staffing pressures. Health & Wellness in the Community: Solstice has added a geriatric psychiatry specialist to strengthen later-life mental health support for older adults, families, and caregivers. Public Health Reminder: Bermuda’s reefs and ocean health are again in the spotlight, with calls for faster action on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme’s Marine Spatial Plan to protect marine life.

Mental Health & Youth Safety: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health has launched #ChatSafe Bermuda, localising Orygen’s suicide/self-harm online safety guidelines with support from Bermuda College and Simply Bloom, plus school workshops and resources planned from November 2026. Infectious Disease Watch: The Ministry says Ebola risk to Bermuda remains low after WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern tied to outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit monitoring and reviewing preparedness for travellers. Older Adult Mental Health: Solstice has added a geriatric psychiatry specialist, board-certified consultant psychiatrist Elizabeth Hathaway, to strengthen support for dementia and later-life mental health through its Longevity Centre. Local Nursing Pipeline: Bermuda College marked Nurses Month with eight associate-degree nursing graduates now eligible to prepare for the NCLEX, aiming to help ease ongoing staffing pressures. Cancer Care Focus: A new piece highlights how Bermuda’s cancer support is expanding beyond treatment—toward coordinated care, emotional support, and local access to services like radiation therapy. Community Health & Safety: Police renewed a witness appeal after a Devonshire shooting left a man with multiple gunshot wounds, urging anyone with information to contact investigators.

Ebola Watch (Bermuda): Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says the current risk of Ebola remains low, with no confirmed cases, while the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit monitors developments and reviews preparedness as international travel can bring infectious diseases in. Cancer Care (Local): A new focus on cancer care in Bermuda highlights the shift from overseas radiation therapy to more local access, with cancer now framed as prevention, early detection, coordinated treatment, emotional support, palliative care, and survivorship—not just a single service. Mental Health & Ageing: A new piece urges that mental health struggles in older adults shouldn’t be treated as “normal ageing,” pointing to how loneliness, depression, memory changes, and medication or physical illness can complicate symptoms and why proper assessment matters. Prostate Cancer (Column): Dr Adam Feldman notes prostate cancer is the top cancer affecting men in Bermuda, stressing risk factors and the importance of screening since many cases show few early symptoms. Workforce (Nursing): Eight Bermuda College students completed associate degrees in nursing and were recognized at a pinning ceremony, moving toward NCLEX eligibility amid ongoing staffing pressures. Road Safety (Injuries): Police report a serious collision on Rosemont Avenue, Pembroke, sending a female motorcyclist to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with serious leg injuries and a possible head injury. Community Health (Gardening): Lawn care guidance covers how much to water and when to fertilize to avoid fungus, pests, and wasted water.

Ebola Watch: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says the current risk of Ebola remains low after WHO declared a public health emergency for outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, with no confirmed cases locally and the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit actively monitoring and reviewing preparedness. Cancer Care Focus: A new look at Bermuda’s cancer journey highlights how care is expanding beyond treatment—covering prevention, early detection, coordinated support, palliative care, and survivorship—while noting the growing need as more people live longer with cancer. ED Overcrowding Update: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital boarding times are improving, with admitted patients facing about 20 hours boarding after a median 5 hours to a decision to admit, as the Ministry and Bermuda Hospitals Board push toward a six-hour ED boarding target and add long-term care capacity. Workforce Boost: Eight Bermuda College nursing graduates completed associate degrees and are now eligible to prepare for NCLEX, stepping into a system facing ongoing staffing pressures. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Dr Adam Feldman notes prostate cancer is the leading cancer affecting men in Bermuda and stresses screening and assessment of urinary or other warning signs. Migraine Triggers: A study points to two weather patterns—cold fronts with precipitation and the Bermuda High—as linked to higher migraine risk, reinforcing the role of pressure and precipitation changes. Road Safety: Police report serious injuries in a Rosemont Avenue collision in Pembroke, and a separate fatal motorcycle crash in Smith’s on Monday.

Migraine & Weather: A new study points to two common patterns—an approaching cold front with rain/snow and the “Bermuda High” bringing heat, humidity and storms—as triggers for new migraine headaches, with barometric pressure and precipitation suspected to play a role. Local Cancer Care: In a fresh look at Bermuda’s cancer journey, clinicians highlight how care now needs to cover prevention, early detection, coordinated treatment, emotional support, palliative care and survivorship—especially as more people live longer with cancer. Emergency Department Flow: Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Ministry of Health say ED boarding is improving, with a target of six hours for admitted patients, plus added long-term care capacity at MWI to support smoother patient flow. Nursing Workforce: Eight Bermuda College nursing graduates were pinned and are now eligible to prepare for NCLEX, aiming to help ease ongoing staffing pressures. Road Safety: Police reported serious injuries after a motorcycle collision in Pembroke, and a separate fatal motorcycle crash in Smith’s, underscoring ongoing road risk. Marine Protection Push: Bermuda National Trust and 60+ groups submitted an urgent open letter backing the Marine Spatial Plan and a proposed Marine Development Act. Stroke Awareness: World Stroke Month coverage urges year-round prevention and rehab support, citing common risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Nursing Workforce Boost: Eight Bermuda College students completed associate degrees in nursing and were pinned during Nurses Month, moving them toward NCLEX licensure as Bermuda faces ongoing staffing pressures. ED Overcrowding Update: Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Ministry of Health reported progress on patient flow at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, with admitted patients waiting about 5 hours for a decision to admit and a further 20 hours boarding in May, as they work toward a 6-hour ED boarding target. HIV Awareness & Testing: Bermuda launched HIV Awareness and Testing Month, highlighting WHO/PAHO recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission and offering free, confidential HIV testing at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic through June. Pharmacy Access Change: Allshores’ exclusive pharmacy deal with Phoenix Pharmacies took effect, aiming to lower costs for a small list of very expensive medicines (including some weight-loss drugs) while keeping most prescriptions available through members’ usual pharmacies. Cancer Care Spotlight: Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre announced an ASCO presentation on building world-class cancer care in a small island, including how local radiation therapy reduced major barriers for patients and families. Road Safety & Health: Police reported serious motorcycle collisions in Pembroke and Smith’s, with riders transported to KEMH; separate drink-driving cases also resulted in road bans. Disability Support Moves Forward: Government outlined plans for a Disability Act and expanded support for residents with disabilities and hearing loss, including a pilot to help fund hearing tests and devices.

Emergency Care Update: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital boarding times improved in May, with admitted patients waiting a median of about five hours for a decision to admit and a further 20 hours to reach a ward, as the Ministry of Health and Bermuda Hospitals Board push toward a six-hour ED boarding target. Road Safety & Injuries: A serious collision on Rosemont Avenue in Pembroke left a female motorcyclist with serious injuries and a possible head injury; police also reported a fatal Smith’s crash that became Bermuda’s ninth road death of 2026. Nursing Workforce: Eight Bermuda College associate nursing graduates were pinned and are now eligible to prepare for NCLEX, adding to efforts to ease staffing pressures. HIV Awareness & Testing: Bermuda launched HIV Awareness and Testing Month with free, confidential testing at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic throughout June, alongside renewed anti-stigma messaging. Cancer Care Spotlight: Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre says its “Bermuda Model” cancer care approach is being presented at ASCO, highlighting local radiation therapy access and coordinated support. Medication Access: Allshores’ exclusive pharmacy deal with Phoenix Pharmacies took effect, aiming to lower costs for a small list of very expensive high-cost drugs while keeping most prescriptions available at members’ chosen pharmacies.

KEMH Patient Flow Update: Bermuda Hospitals Board says emergency department boarding has improved, with admitted patients waiting a median of about five hours for a decision to admit and a further median of about 20 hours boarding in May, as work continues to hit a six-hour ED boarding target. HIV Awareness & Testing: The Ministry of Health launched HIV Awareness Month, noting 306 people living with HIV as of Dec 2025, and offering free, confidential testing throughout June at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic. Cancer Care Milestone: Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre will present its “Bermuda Model” for world-class, equitable cancer care at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. Disability & Hearing Support: Government plans a Disability Act and a new disability unit, plus a pilot to help fund hearing tests and devices for uninsured and underinsured residents. Pharmacy Costs Deal: Allshores’ exclusive arrangement with Phoenix Pharmacies has taken effect, aiming to lower costs for a small list of very expensive high-cost medicines while keeping most prescriptions available at members’ chosen pharmacies. Stroke Awareness: Dr. Kimberley Watkins marks World Stroke Month, highlighting prevention and rehab needs locally. Caricom Membership Consultation: Bermuda has closed its public consultation on full CARICOM membership, with government now reviewing feedback before an official position later this year.

HIV Testing Push: Bermuda’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic is offering free, confidential HIV testing throughout June as officials mark HIV Awareness and Testing Month, noting 306 people living with HIV as of Dec 2025 and urging residents to know their status. Cancer Care Milestone: Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre says its “Bermuda Model” cancer-care abstract is being presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, highlighting how local radiation therapy reduced the strain of leaving the island for treatment. Stroke Awareness: In World Stroke Month coverage, Dr Kimberley Watkins points to an average of 4–5 new stroke cases each week in Bermuda and stresses prevention through managing blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, smoking, weight, and activity. Prescription Costs Update: Allshores’ exclusive pharmacy deal with Phoenix Pharmacies has taken effect, aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for a small list of very expensive high-cost medicines while keeping most prescriptions available through members’ usual pharmacies. Mental Health Anti-Stigma: The Minister of Health says Bermuda is continuing efforts to reduce stigma and expand access to counselling and therapy, with Anti-Stigma Month activities wrapping up and more events planned. Food Security Win: The Ministry of Health marked 10 years of the Grow Eat Save gardening programme, supporting food security and healthier eating skills for households facing rising costs. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA outlook for the Atlantic season is underway, with forecasts pointing to fewer hurricanes than average as El Niño conditions develop. Local Safety: A serious collision in Smith’s sent a motorcycle rider to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while police also reported a stabbing on Front Street with two men taken to hospital and a suspect arrested.

HIV Awareness Month: Bermuda’s Minister of Health Kim Wilson and CMO Dr Shaun Ramroop launched HIV Awareness Month, noting 306 people living with HIV (Dec 2025) and encouraging residents to use free, confidential testing at the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic throughout June. Cancer Care Spotlight: Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre says its “Bermuda Model” cancer-care abstract is being presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, highlighting how local radiation therapy reduced the need for patients to leave the island. Prescription Costs: Allshores’ exclusive pharmacy deal with Phoenix Pharmacies has now taken effect, aiming to lower costs for a small list of very expensive medicines (including weight-loss drugs) while keeping coverage for most prescriptions at members’ usual pharmacies. Mental Health Anti-Stigma: As Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month ends, Minister Wilson says $2.29 million is earmarked for mental health support, including expanded counselling and therapy access. Food Security & Health: The Ministry of Health marked 10 years of the Grow Eat Save gardening programme, supporting home-grown produce and food-cost relief. Public Health Policy: In the House of Assembly, the Premier defended Bermuda’s sugar tax as materially linked to health insurance costs and non-communicable disease risk. Injury & Safety: A serious Smith’s collision sent a motorcycle rider to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while police report a stabbing on Front Street with two men taken to hospital and a suspect arrested.

HIV Testing Drive: Bermuda is offering free HIV testing throughout June as part of HIV Awareness and Testing Month, with officials stressing early diagnosis, confidentiality, and stigma-free access to care. Mental Health Anti-Stigma: As May’s Anti-Stigma Month wraps up, Health Minister Kim Wilson says $2.29 million is earmarked to expand counselling and therapy, with June 19’s Move More Games set to blend mental and physical wellbeing. Disability Support: The Government is moving toward stronger disability protections via comprehensive Disability Act legislation, aiming to reduce discrimination and barriers to full participation. Food Security & Health: The Grow Eat Save gardening programme marks 10 years, building skills for home-grown produce to ease food costs and support healthier eating. Hearing Care Pilot: A new pilot hearing support program will help adults in financial need cover hearing assessments and devices, with applications now open via Age Concern. Vector Control Reminder: Health officials urge residents to cut rodent activity and prevent mosquito breeding by securing waste, clearing standing water, and checking properties regularly. Medical Debt Help: The Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association says community donations are reducing overseas medical debt, noting funds go directly to clients’ interest-free medical loan balances. Local Safety: Police arrested a suspect after a stabbing on Front Street sent two men to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Mental Health & Anti-Stigma: Health Minister Kim Wilson says Bermuda is pushing to reduce stigma and expand access to mental health care, treating mental wellness with the same urgency as physical health. Disability Inclusion: The House heard plans for a comprehensive Disability Act, aiming to remove barriers and improve equal participation for people with disabilities. Hearing Access: A new pilot hearing support programme will help adults in financial need pay for hearing assessments and hearing devices via a grant administered by Age Concern. Food Security & Wellness: The Grow Eat Save gardening programme marked 10 years, training residents to grow fresh produce and support healthier, more affordable households. Vector Control: The Ministry of Health urged residents to cut rodent activity and prevent mosquito breeding as warmer months increase pest risks. Safety & Public Health at the Airport: Bermuda commissioned four new airport rescue and firefighting crash tenders for L.F. Wade International Airport, strengthening emergency response for medical travel and visitors. Community Health Events: Skyport is inviting local food vendors to its Safety & Wellness Expo, with senior students and the public onsite for hands-on experiences. Local Incident: Police arrested a suspect after two men were stabbed on Front Street; both were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Mental Health & Disability Policy: The Minister of Health reaffirmed Bermuda’s push to cut stigma and expand mental health support as Anti-Stigma Month ends, while the Minister for Youth, Social Development and Seniors outlined a comprehensive Disability Act aimed at removing barriers to full participation. Hearing Care Access: A new pilot hearing support program will help adults in financial need cover hearing assessments and devices, targeting gaps for uninsured or underinsured people. Vector Control Reminder: Health officials urged residents to reduce rodent activity and mosquito breeding as warmer months approach, stressing sealed bins, clean surroundings, and clearing standing water. Community Dementia Support: Dementia Bermuda highlighted its community-based dementia care and the care-system gaps families face, with discussion of what growing AI reliance could mean for brain health. Safety & Wellness at the Airport: Skyport is inviting food vendors to its October 6 Safety & Wellness Expo, bringing students and the public for hands-on experiences. Local Health Tech for Pets: PadsPass CEO Lauren Anders Brown (based in Bermuda) will speak at Caribbean Week in New York on digital tools that store pet health records and streamline travel compliance. Front Street Stabbing: Police arrested a suspect after two men were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital following a stabbing on Front Street in Hamilton. Wellness in the Workplace: CG Zest Wellness launched a corporate wellness programme in Barbados, expanding a model already operating in Bermuda and the wider region. Local Food & Land Use: The “Grow Local” initiative launched to connect landowners with farmers to boost Bermuda’s local crop production.

Disability Inclusion: In the House of Assembly, Minister Tineé Furbert outlined a new, comprehensive Disability Act to strengthen and amend existing protections after reports of ongoing discrimination and barriers. Mental Health Access: Health Minister Kim Wilson marked the end of Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month by reaffirming plans to treat mental wellness like physical health, expand care access, and reduce isolation. Hearing Care Support: A new Pilot Hearing Support Program will help adults in financial need pay for hearing assessments and hearing devices, with grants administered by Age Concern. Dementia & Brain Health: Dementia Bermuda highlighted gaps in the island’s care system and free services, including discussion on whether rising AI use could affect brain health. Vector Control: The Ministry of Health urged residents to cut rodent activity and prevent mosquito breeding as warmer months boost pest growth, stressing clean bins and standing-water checks. Local Food & Cost Relief: The “Grow Local” initiative aims to connect landowners with farmers to expand local production, while an Essential Commodities Regulations update adds more household staples— including infant nutrition items and children’s medicines— to help reduce costs. Airport Safety: Government commissioned four new Rosenbauer Panther airport rescue and firefighting crash tenders for L.F. Wade International Airport, now operational after training. Community Health Stories: A family sought help after a baby was born with multiple congenital conditions and faced major medical bills; another piece focused on what to look for if memory concerns suggest dementia. Pet Travel & Wellness Expo: Skyport invited food vendors to a Safety & Wellness Expo, and Bermuda-based PadsPass CEO Lauren Anders Brown is set to speak at Caribbean Week NYC on digital pet travel compliance.