CDC has linked whole onions imported from Mexico to a salmonella outbreak, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio.

• Georgia: CDC on Thursday announced that a salmonella outbreak—currently identified in 37 states with a reported 652 illnesses and 129 hospitalizations—has been linked to fresh, whole red, white, and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, on Aug. 27 by ProSource Inc. According to CDC, consumers should dispose of all unlabeled onions and sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with the produce. The agency advised people to keep an eye out for symptoms such as a fever above 102 degrees, diarrhea that persists for more than three days, and any signs of dehydration. (Garfinkel, Axios, 10/21)

• Illinois: Walgreens on Thursday announced that it will expand mental health first aid training, first introduced in 2019, to 27,000 of its pharmacists. Participants will be trained to better understand mental health risk factors and warning signs—and be taught strategies to help people in crisis and non-crisis situations. "The majority of our patients and customers see their pharmacist more than they do any other health care provider, and especially now, pharmacists can play an even greater role with the additional training to help those who may be in crisis," Rick Gates, Walgreens' SVP of pharmacy, said. "The pandemic has exacerbated what was already widely considered to be a mental health crisis, and we're proud to further our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities by taking additional steps through these and other initiatives." (Adams, Becker's Hospital Review, 10/21)

• Ohio: TriHealth on Thursday announced that Helen Koselka has been appointed as CMO. Koselka has been serving as the system's interim CMO since Kevin Joseph stepped down from the role in July. Notably, Koselka's appointment was unanimous—with all of the almost 50 individuals involved in the selection process voting in favor. (Jensik, Becker's Hospital Review, 10/21)