• Georgia: According to a new CDC report, teen smoking hit an all-time low in 2024, dropping 20% in the estimated number of middle and high school students who used at least one tobacco product. Between 2023 and 2024, the number dropped from 2.8 million to 2.25 million, the lowest number since CDC began recording the data in 1999. In 1999, almost 30% of high school students smoked. In 2024, only 1.7% of high school students reported smoking, down from 1.9%. "Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone for public health," said Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, director of CDC's Office on Smoking and Health. However, she added that "our mission is far from complete." (Stobbe, Associated Press, 10/17)
• Illinois: In another round of corporate personnel cuts, Walgreens laid off 256 employees, or 3.6%, from its support center team. The company also cut 215 open and unfilled positions. According to Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman, the layoffs are part of the company's efforts to turn around its business and a recent decision to focus on the core retail pharmacy business. "While decisions like these are always difficult, we believe this action is necessary to position us to rapidly respond to the changing external environment so we can best serve the millions of patients and customers who depend on us every day for their healthcare needs," Engerman said. "We are grateful for the many contributions by team members who will be leaving, and we are committed to supporting them as much as possible during this transition." All affected employees will be offered outplacement support and severance, Engerman said. (Davis, Crain's Chicago Business, 10/29)
• Maryland: Accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program generated $5.2 billion in savings in 2023, the highest level reported since the program was launched over 10 years ago. Overall, these ACOs saved Medicare $2.1 billion in 2023, a 16.7% increase from the $1.8 billion in savings recorded in 2022. Doctors, hospitals, and other providers in participating ACOs also earned $3.1 billion in performance bonus payments in 2023, compared to $2.5 billion in 2022. According to CMS, ACO performance also improved on quality measures, including ones related to diabetes and blood pressure control, breast and colorectal cancer screenings, and screening for future fall risk. "We continue to be encouraged and inspired by seven consecutive years of savings and high-quality care, with 2023 being the strongest year of performance to date," said Meena Seshamani, deputy administrator of CMS and director of the Center for Medicare. "We are taking steps to continue to grow this impactful program to ensure those we serve have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, no matter where they live." (Berryman, Modern Healthcare, 10/30)

The impact of social factors is undeniable. Extensive research estimates that up to 20 percent of health outcomes are a result of social and environmental risk factors. To address patients' unmet social needs before an acute care episode, population health managers increasingly extend care model interventions into the community. Learn how to choose impactful interventions that extend your population health goals.