Department of Health and Human Services

Who Will Be Denied Medical Resources?

State’s disability groups call for equal treatment should life-saving supplies need to be rationed.

BBB Scam Alert: “Mandatory” COVID-19 Test Texts are a Scam

Baldwin, Senate Colleagues Urge FDA to Change Discriminatory Blood Donation Policies to Combat Coronavirus Pandemic

As COVID-19 has spurred a nationwide blood shortage, the FDA continues to enforce discriminatory policies prohibiting many healthy gay and bisexual men from donating blood

AG Kaul Joins Multistate Coalition Urging Trump Administration to Ease Restrictions and Allow Medical Professionals to Research Solutions to COVID-19 Pandemic

Gov. Evers Announces Four Remaining Grand Princess Cruise Ship Passengers Return to Wisconsin

Baldwin, Colleagues Tell Trump to Immediately and Fully Use All Defense Production Act Authorities to Mobilize War-Scale Manufacturing Effort of Respirators, Ventilators, Test Kits, Other Medical Equipment

President has only invoked part of one title in Act, and refused to deploy Act's full powers to incentivize industry, retool private manufacturing capabilities; Senators also urge Trump to stop xenophobic references to COVID-19

Youth Orgs Staying Connected Remotely

Staying in touch with youth, connecting them with resources, in the age of social distancing.

Milwaukee County Updates Regarding COVID-19

Gov. Evers, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin National Guard Work to Bring Grand Princess Cruise Ship Passengers Safely Back to Wisconsin

Washington County Begins Emergency Protocols to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread

County Board Chair proclaims state of emergency

Milwaukee County Updates Regarding COVID-19

Milwaukee County Parks and the Zoo will close effective this weekend until further notice

Milwaukee Preparing for COVID-19 Outbreak

Local officials, healthcare providers are discussing, readying the city's capacity to treat those infected by Coronavirus.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Issues Proclamation About COVID-19

Administrative Orders will be implemented around paid leave and travel to provide employees with a financial safety net and to prioritize the health and safety of residents served by Milwaukee County

Wisconsinites Blast Trump for Broken Promises to Women

Gov. Evers Appoints Héctor Colón to the UW Board of Regents

Milwaukee County Wants Alternatives to Youth Incarceration

After the legislature failed to fund new facilities, Milwaukee County continues to explore alternatives to locking kids up.

County Had Record Overdose Deaths in 2019

404 overdose deaths last year; previous high was 401 in 2017.

Nicholson Proposal to Coordinate City, County, MPS Services Adopted

"ONE Milwaukee" Initiative Will Bridge Infrastructure Gaps and Align Services to Improve Outcomes for Residents

Pocan Announces Kathy Honerbaum as State of the Union Guest

Honerbaum, a retired ER nurse of over 50 years in Dodgeville, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and prescribed Ibrance, a $13,000 drug with a $2,800 copay.

Nicholson Calls for Better City-County Coordination of Services

Proposed "ONE Milwaukee" Task Force will bridge infrastructure gaps and align services to improve outcomes for residents.

TMJ & Orofacial Pain Treatment Centers of Wisconsin Agree to Pay $1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

Physician Group and Related Company Agree to Repay Over $800,000 to Medicare for Unnecessary Services

U.S. House of Representatives Approves Senator Baldwin’s Bipartisan Reform To Help Lower Prescription Drug Costs

The bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act takes the first step to address skyrocketing prescription drug costs by requiring transparency from drug corporations

Wilson Park Homeless Warming Center Debated

Public meeting gets unruly on proposal to let homeless sleep overnight in senior center.

Clarke Square Will Get New Clinic

Sixteenth Street Community Center’s eighth near south side health clinic opening.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls Out Trump Administration’s Efforts to Promote Junk Plans Under Questionable Legal Authority

This comes in response to links on the HealthCare.gov website that re-direct customers to third-party online brokers that sell junk insurance plans on their websites.

Revised Budget Saves More Transit

Board scrapes the barrel for funds to save bus routes, prevent various service cuts.

Supervisor Taylor Amendment Requires Trauma Sensitive Communication

The trauma responsiveness training proposed by Taylor would prepare DHHS staff to appropriately and compassionately serve individuals and families that have experienced trauma.

Lurie’s Bay View Proposal Revived

Plus: MPS unveils new schoolyards, Cambria hotel opens, Athea expanding chemical plant

High PFAS Levels Found at Airport

State DNR orders airport to take immediate action to “halt and minimize” PFAS pollution.

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation Awarded Two OCS CED Grants to Finance Social Enterprise Incubator and Athea Laboratories Expansion

NWSCDC to launch two economic development projects, growing jobs and entrepreneurship in Milwaukee.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Expanded Access to Care and Resources for Families with Alzheimer’s

Bipartisan Group of Senators Ask CMS to Launch Campaign to Educate Alzheimer’s Clinicians, Patients and Families about Resources Available to Them

Thursday, October 24: Third Space Brewing to Host Give20 Night to Support Milwaukee’s Housing First Initiative

Local Brewer Kicks Off New Charitable Giving Program: Give20, With 20% of Proceeds Donated to Local Causes

Behind Wisconsin’s Abandoned High Speed Rail

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson laid groundwork for the project that Gov. Scott Walker killed.

Milwaukee County Announces New Investments in Homeless Prevention Services in the 2020 Budget

$250,000 investment in the Housing First Initiative will support prevention programming

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Urges Trump Administration to Protect Health Coverage for People with Pre-Existing Conditions

Letter requests HHS and CMS to limit push of “junk” health insurance plans that cover less and cost more

Abele’s Budget Sees Cuts, and New Programs

Proposed budget closes two pools and cuts bus routes, but boosts the Sheriff's department

County Ends Vendor’s Contract Due to Actions at Border

Southwest Key's immigrant detention centers for unaccompanied minors cause termination.

New York’s After Care Program Helps Youth

Mentors youth offenders after they finish placement in community facilities. Last in a series.

Milwaukee County Announces $4 Million Grant to Support Young Adults Experiencing Mental Health Diagnoses

Federal grant will support DHHS Behavior Health Division’s Wraparound Milwaukee program to connect young adults to employment, education and housing opportunities

Youth Corrections Proposal Sent To State

Unlike Lincoln Hllls, proposed center emphasizes treatment and programming, not punishment.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Requests Data from Trump Administration on Consequences of Texas V. United States Prevailing

Letter to Azar, Mnuchin Stresses Risk in Upending Health Care System, Need to Understand Ramifications if Obamacare is Gutted

Carson Unveils New Program in Milwaukee

HUD Secretary touts housing assistance for young Americans aging out of the foster care.

County Proposal Replaces Youth Prison

Tells state it can renovate county Juvenile Justice Center to house children now in state prisons.

Milwaukee County Officials Remind Residents to Take Precautions During the Hot Weather

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for south central and southeast Wisconsin from 12:00PM on July 18 through 11:00PM on July 19

Ryan Clancy, candidate for Milwaukee County Supervisor, calls for divestment from Southwest Key

Private contractor Southwest Key is the largest non-profit operating detention centers for children, including children separated from their families, on the southern US border.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Introduction of Legislation to Stop the Cruel and Neglectful Treatment of Children at Border

The Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act would create clear, non-negotiable standards for the treatment of children in America’s care

Supervisor Martin Supports Plan to Upgrade, Repair Youth Facilities

"It is important to have our kids close to home and close to their families while receiving culturally relevant treatment that meets their needs."

What’s Happening With State’s Youth Prisons?

Three key developments affecting Wisconsin’s troubled youth correctional facilities.

Milwaukee Protests Immigrant Detention Centers

“Close the Camps” protests also held in Brookfield, Oshkosh, De Pere and Viroqua.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s Bipartisan Reform To Help Lower Prescription Drug Costs Passes Senate Health Committee

The bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act takes the first step to address skyrocketing prescription drug costs by requiring transparency from drug corporations

AG Kaul Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Trump Administration to Stop Health Care Discrimination

This motion is part of an ongoing lawsuit that the coalition of 23 cities and states filed against HHS in May 2019.

County Health Committee Advances Supervisor Dimitrijevic’s Doula Initiative

"It is revolutionary and a great win for women's healthcare that we are partnering with the city to put public funding towards birth support in Milwaukee for mothers who need it most."

County Opposes Plan to Replace Lincoln Hills

Abele administration says state plan lacks adequate funding, won’t rehabilitate youth.

Insurance Commissioner Says Medicaid Expansion Lowers Insurance Premiums on Individual Market

"The evidence is clear: states that expand Medicaid see a reduction in the cost of health insurance on the individual market."

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County DHHS Behavioral Health Division Recognize Mental Health Month

Community partners across the county will host free events throughout the month of May

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Colleagues to Raise Concerns about Potential Patent Infringement by Pharmaceutical Company Gilead Sciences and High Price of its HIV-Prevention Drug, Truvada

"Although Secretary Azar has stated that negotiations are ongoing, Gilead has reportedly reached no agreement with the government that would allow them to make use of these patented methods."

Milwaukee County and Wisconsin Community Services re-open the Day Reporting Center inside St. Anthony’s Place to offer an alternative to incarceration and advance social justice

The Milwaukee County Day Reporting Center, operated by Wisconsin Community Services, offers programs to help reduce recidivism rates among non-violent pretrial offenders.

Federal Court Grants Wisconsin’s Withdrawal from Case Challenging Prohibition of Discrimination under Affordable Care Act

"The State of Wisconsin should not have been involved in this lawsuit, and I am glad to be able to announce that we no longer are."

Kaul, AGs Warn of More Opioid Problems

Letter from 39 attorneys general warns federal officials that new policy could lead to illegal opioid use.

Bipartisan Coalition of AGs Express Concern Regarding HHS Pain Management Draft Report

"We should continue working to reduce opioid prescriptions, not take a step back from that effort."

County Submits Youth Prison Proposal

Asks state for $41.4 million to build secure residential center for youth now at Lincoln Hills.

Milwaukee County Submits Proposal and Renderings for New SRCCCY

Proposal signifies a step forward for Milwaukee County in Project Rise movement to reform youth justice system

Sensenbrenner Leads Bipartisan Effort to Extend Prescription Drug Program for Seniors

County “Creating a Hospital” for Its Jails?

Board begins work on costly inmate medical program for county jail, House of Correction.

6 Things to Know About Lincoln Hills

A primer on how state’s youth prisons will be changed. Or not.

Milwaukee County Provides More Than $2 Million in Support for St. Anthony Place, Opening Today to Support the Formerly Homeless

St. Anthony Place is a huge step in Milwaukee County’s effort to end chronic homelessness in our community and provide permanent, supportive housing for those in need

Common Council to Vote on Doula Funding Legislation

“I was born and raised in the 53206 Zip Code and have seen firsthand the lack of maternal health resources available to mothers and their newborns and its effects,” said Ald. Rainey.

Report Shows How to Handle Youth Offenders

As county looks for local approach to replace Lincoln Hills, could learn from New York’s success.

City and County of Milwaukee to Partner on Providing 100 Doulas for Improved Birth Outcomes

Doulas are often colloquially referred to as a pregnancy and birth companion, and typically provide physical, informational and emotional support to a pregnant mother and baby

County Officials Offer Antidote to Youth Prisons

Won’t be “a prison,” they say, promising humane alternative to Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake.

County Picks Location for Youth Offender Facility

Northwest side facility planned as part of model program to reduce recidivism.

County Prepares for Lincoln Hills Closing

Seeks to build secured residential center for youth in Milwaukee.

Governor-elect Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Barnes Announce Cabinet Members

"This talented group of leaders will help our administration address the issues Wisconsin residents asked us to focus on."

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans that Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections

New Administration guidance encourages states to promote “junk” health plans that lack protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans

New Residential Treatment Facility Opens

Youth who might have gone to Lincoln Hills now at county’s Bakari Center, with aim to reduce recidivism.

State Medicaid Fraud Program Overreaches?

State claims millions saved, but some call it “bullying” of legitimate service providers.

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Health Policy Advisory Council, Transition Staff Additions

"Expanding access to affordable health care for Wisconsin residents is a top priority for our administration."

4th Dimension Recovery Center Opens to Address Opioid Epidemic in Wisconsin

New Facility Provides Crucial Treatment Option in Midst of Opioid Crisis

Supervisor Alexander’s Statement on the 2019 Milwaukee County Budget

"I'm pleased that the 2019 budget process saw less conflict and greater collaboration than in recent years..."

Rep. Moore Calls On Gov. Walker to Restore Seniors’ FoodShare Benefits

"Had DHS correctly followed federal laws and regulations, affected seniors and persons with disabilities would have likely seen an increased monthly food benefit and had more resources available to provide for themselves."

Supervisor Taylor Presses for Action on HIV/AIDS

Final consideration of all proposed budget amendments will take place at the County Board's budget adoption meeting on November 5 at 9:30 a.m.

LGBTQ Leaders Demand Transgender Rights

Protest at City Hall opposes Trump Administration's attempt to "erase" transgender people.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Over $14 Million for HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services in Wiscons

Federal funding for Wisconsin will improve health care for those living with HIV/AIDS

Lowering the Cost of Health Care: 2019 Individual Health Insurance Rates to Drop by an Average 4.2 Percent Thanks to Governor Walker’s Health Care Stability Plan

Individual premiums expected to drop $992.28 on average compared to without Gov. Walker’s actions

$900K Grant Awarded to Milwaukee County to Fight Opioid Abuse, Homelessness Among Women Involved in Street Prostitution

Federal DOJ grant helps County expand partnership with Benedict Center, offer extended Housing Navigation services under the Housing First model

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation Awarded OCS CED Grant to Finance Argon Industries Expansion

NWSCDC to partner with MEDC to finance Argon Industries expansion; project will create 40 new jobs in Milwaukee.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Funding for Sherman Park Development in Milwaukee

Sherman Phoenix Project awarded federal grant to spur economic development and create jobs for Milwaukee

Project Rise: How Milwaukee County Is Rewriting Futures with an Innovative Youth Justice Model

Using a community-based, evidence-driven approach, Milwaukee County seeks to change lives and build community through its approach to youth justice

Tommy Could Help Create Prison Reform

Thompson, former Republican governor, regrets increase in incarceration, could team with Democratic reformers.

Federal Grant Funds to Assist Milwaukee County in Connecting 40 Families with Stable Housing

HUD increases Section 8 voucher funding by more than $250,000

College Campuses Going Smoke-Free

National trend includes 23 colleges in state, Marquette and MATC.

Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division Announces Brian McBride as New Director of Wraparound Milwaukee

McBride to continue focus on strength-based, individualized approach to care

Rallies Protest Immigration Enforcement

20 weekend rallies in state protest “zero tolerance” policy.

County Partnership in Addressing Homelessness Wins National Award

Thurgood Marshall Apartments one of four programs recognized by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for creating healthier home environments

Ahead of Open Enrollment, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Presses HHS on Navigator Funding

In past years, the federal grant process for Navigators was underway by April, but as of today, CMS has yet to put out a formal call for grant applications.

Sensenbrenner Votes to Send Comprehensive Opioid Legislation to Senate

Mary Jo Meyers Receives Unanimous Approval from County Board to Head Department of Health and Human Services

County Executive Chris Abele thanks the board for its support and thanks Meyers for her continued service and leadership

Abele Thanks County Board Committee and Chairman for Unanimous Support of Mary Jo Meyers

Health and Human Needs Committee votes 5-0 in favor of confirming acting head of County Department of Health and Human Services

Planned Parenthood files lawsuit against Trump

Organization fights to protect access to Title X and patient care