Department of Health Services

First Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Confirmed in the City of Milwaukee

Gov. Evers Directs DHS to Mandate Statewide Closure of All K-12 Wisconsin Schools

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is Canceling All Performances Through March 23 Due to EverIncreasing Concerns Over the Spread of the COVID-19 Virus

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

Lynden and COVID-19

Milwaukee Repertory Theater to Suspend all Performances and Public Events Through April 5, 2020

An urgent message regarding First Stage performance schedule due to COVID-19

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Cancels March 19th Neighborhood Night and Postpones April 4th Birthday Party

The Museum will follow the Department of Health Services’ recommendation for cancelling large public events due to coronavirus.

Elections Commission Takes Action on COVID-19 Issues for April 7 and May 12 Elections

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is Canceling March 13-15 Performances at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Due to Ever-Increasing Concerns Over the Spread of the COVID-19 Virus

Milwaukee Health Department issues guidelines for travel and mass gatherings

Residents encouraged to avoid non-essential travel, events with more than 250 people

Two Additional Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed in Dane County

Patients were in contact with person with illness confirmed earlier this week

Gov. Evers Declares Public Health Emergency Due to COVID-19

Three Additional Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed in Wisconsin

New guidance for people who have been on a cruise in Egypt

Third Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Wisconsin

Person was exposed while traveling

Second Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Wisconsin

Person was exposed while traveling

State Health Agency Offers Tips for Travelers in Response to COVID-19

Advice is for people who are planning and returning from trips

Gov. Evers Acts on More Than 60 Bills

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers to Host Third Annual Health Equity Summit

Empower a Healthier Milwaukee

Gov. Evers Signs Bills Focused on Expanding Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Services

Gov. Evers Signs Legislation at Ashland High School Enhancing Student Safety and Support

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee County Supervisors Introduce Ordinance to Advance Racial Equity and Improve Health Outcomes

Leadership commits to eliminating institutional racism by changing County policies, practices and power structures

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces “Epi Access” Legislation

Gov. Evers’ Statement on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus Case is Confirmed in Wisconsin

Risk to Wisconsin Public Remains Low

Gov. Evers Signs Bills Relating to Employee Contracts and Funding for Homelessness

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Approves DNR Effort to Create New PFAS Standards

PFAS Permanent Rulemaking Process Moves Forward

Democrats Introduce “Raising the Bar on Clean Water” Legislative Package

The package consists of five bills which repeal a multitude of regressive Republican water policies.

Rep. Robyn Vining Proposes Bill to Curb Youth Vaping & Protect Consumers

Bill is part of the Vaping Awareness Prevention package to improve public health in Wisconsin.

Gov. Evers Signs Six Bipartisan Bills

Governor signs six bills into law.

Gov. Evers Takes Action to Address Youth Vaping

“Vaping is a serious public health epidemic and it is time to take action," said Evers.

DNR Providing Emergency Drinking Water to Homeowner with PFAS Contamination Near JCI Investigation Area

With Hospitalizations on the Rise, DHS Wants to Avoid a More Deadly Flu Season

Residents encouraged to get flu shots and take other precautions to avoid serious illness

DNR Confirms PFAS-Containing Foam Found at the Mouth of Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona

Wisconsin Health Officials Find E. coli O157 in Bagged Romaine Salad from Salinas Valley, California

Consumers should avoid eating any products with romaine lettuce from that region

Health Agency Reminds State Residents That Cold Can be Deadly

Wisconsin had 75 cold-related deaths last winter

DHS Investigates Outbreak of Adenovirus Infections on College Campuses

Students and staff urged to take care to avoid respiratory illness

DHS Urges Residents to Set a Healthy Table this Thanksgiving

Advice comes as DHS investigates E. coli and hepatitis A infections

Gov. Evers Signs Senate Bill 380 to Expand Health Care Access via Telehealth Services

"Wisconsin residents deserve access to quality health care, regardless of where they live in our state.”

AG Kaul Announces 3 Counties and 1 Tribe to Establish Treatment Courts; 7 Counties to Expand Current Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs

Wisconsin Collects More Than 30 Tons of Unused Medications During Drug Take Back Day; Ranks Second in Nation

Statewide 280 law enforcement agencies hosted Drug Take Back events and collected disposed drugs from 476 permanent drug disposal boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state.

AG Kaul Hosts Policy Summit on Emergency Detention and Mental Health

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices

The first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices is scheduled for November 20.

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline Marks One Year of Service

Hotline connects callers to substance use treatment and recovery options

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Taking More Steps to Protect Drinking Water

PFAS Rulemaking Process Moves Forward

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security

"Everyone should have the opportunity to save for their future and no one should have to worry about making ends meet or their financial security in retirement."

Surface Water Sampling Reveals PFAS At Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

As a result, DNR is asking airport and military officials to take steps to prevent future discharges of PFAS from the outfalls.

Gov. Evers Endorses Water Quality Recommendations from DNR, DATCP, DHS

“Folks should be able to trust the water coming from their tap”

Surface Water Sampling Reveals PFAS At Dane County Regional Airport

In a letter to Dane County Regional Airport on Oct. 11, the DNR informed airport officials that the sampling data indicates they are responsible for the discharge of a hazardous substance.

DNR’s First Round of Sampling Shows PFAS Contamination at Surface Water Monitoring Locations in Wisconsin

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, such as non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and firefighting foam.

Sen. Alberta Darling Plays Politics With Suicide Prevention Hotline

This is the second instance of Sen. Darling playing politics with funds available in the state budget to prevent suicides.

Governor Evers’ Administration Works to Get More Wisconsinites Covered

“Every Wisconsinite deserves access to affordable, quality health care and it’s time to work together to get folks covered,” said Governor Evers.

Wisconsin Celebrates Advances in Using Health Information Technology

Wisconsin ranked #2 nationwide in meaningful use of health technology

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for HELP Committee Hearing on Health Outbreak Connected to Vaping

"As of September 19, CDC had confirmed seven deaths, and more than 500 cases in 38 states and one territory, yet questions remain regarding the specific cause of the outbreak."

Governor Evers’ Task Force on Caregiving Holds First Meeting in Milwaukee

The 29-member group has goals to increase caregiver workforce, improve conditions for direct care workers, and provide support for family caregivers

Department of Health Services Teams with the Milwaukee Brewers to Promote Immunizations

Catchers Yasmani Grandal and Manny Pina star in Spanish language public service announcements

Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Task Force Members Kick off Governor Evers’ Retirement Security Task Force Surrounded by Retirees and Stakeholders

By listening to people across Wisconsin, the Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security will explore ways to ensure people can adequately save.

DHS Lead Abatement Program Receives Federal Approval

Efforts will improve housing conditions for low-income children and pregnant women

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Wisconsin This Year

Continue to protect yourself against mosquito bites

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Urges CDC to Address Outbreak of Severe Lung Disease Connected to Vaping

Mystery illness has sickened hundreds of Americans, including more than 30 Wisconsinites

New Data Analysis Shows Impact of Suicide in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's updated suicide prevention plan will be released later this year

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Receives $1.8 million Grant to Expand Maternal Mortality Review Team Efforts

Goals include preventing pregnancy complications and death, and reducing disparities in health care

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Funding to Reduce Opioid Overdoses in Wisconsin

Senator Baldwin worked to secure investment in Wisconsin prevention efforts

Majority of Wisconsin Lung Disease Patients Who Reported Vaping Cite THC Products

The investigation of lung disease among people who reported vaping is ongoing

Gov. Evers Directs DNR to Address PFAS Contamination in Drinking, Ground and Surface Waters

"I am committed to protecting our state's natural resources and ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to clean drinking water."

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #41 Recreating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #40 Relating to PFAS in Wisconsin

Executive Order #40 directs the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to take additional steps to address PFAS contamination.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

"Caregivers provide critically important care and services, and it is essential that we recognize the important contributions these unsung heroes make to families in Wisconsin."

State Health Agency’s New Data Tool Shows a Decline in the Number of Opioid Deaths in Wisconsin

The 838 deaths reported in 2018 is a 10 percent reduction from the year before

Older Age Groups Now Included in Investigation of Lung Disease Among People Who Reported Vaping

These patients experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, cough, and weight loss.

Gov. Evers’ Budget Gives Wisconsin Reason to Smile, $2 Million Will Expand Dental Services, $1 million for Free and Charitable Health Centers

"The health of our teeth can affect our overall well-being."

Gov. Evers Launches Back to School Health Resource for Parents

"A kid's ability to succeed in the classroom can be impacted by both their physical and mental health."

Rep. Robyn Vining Co-Sponsors NEW Medicaid Expansion Legislation

"Medicaid expansion is what the people want and it’s what they deserve."

New Cases Identified in Investigation of Lung Disease Among Teens and Young Adults Who Reported Vaping

DHS urges Wisconsinites to avoid vaping and e-cigarettes

Gov. Evers Announces Lower Rates on Wisconsin’s Individual Health Insurance Market

The rate decrease also highlights the positive impact of that the Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan, or the state’s reinsurance program, is having on the individual market.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order 36 Relating to Measures to Abate and Prevent Lead Exposure in Drinking Water

"Lead poisoning is a statewide risk not just in Kenosha and Milwaukee, but in communities around the state."

Gov. Evers Signs Bill to Reform Sign Language Interpreting Licensure System in Wisconsin

"We're working to ensure deaf and hard of hearing folks across our state have access to reliable and experienced interpreters no matter the situation or circumstance."

Majority Leader Fitzgerald Reacts to Governor Evers Signing the Wisconsin Budget

"I want to thank Governor Evers for signing the budget into law today, including fully embracing the middle-class tax cut."

First Mosquito Pool Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in the City of Milwaukee

Health officials remind residents to continue to take precautions into summer season

Republican Budget is Replete with Countless Missed Opportunities

"The budget passed today leaves much to be desired for the people of Wisconsin."

Department of Health Services, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Work to Make Groundwater Cleaner

DHS Has Sent New Groundwater Recommendations to DNR

Analysis: Wisconsin Residents Will Pay More Than $2 Billion to Support Medicaid Expansion in Other States

Because Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid, state residents experience no return on these investments.

Representative Hintz rolls out Website to Highlight Importance of Vaccine

"We need to do all we can to avoid a completely unnecessary outbreak in our state."

Gov. Evers Announces Appointment of Linda A. Hall as Director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health

Ms. Hall will begin as director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health on July 8, 2019.

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.

A day after gutting health care programs around the state, GOP criminalizes reproductive care

Democrats have introduced and promoted initiatives aimed at improving access to preventive care like basic health exams, cancer screenings, and STI testing.

Get Ready for Tuesday’s Healthcare Debate

WILL research on the cost of Evers' proposed plans, and common sense solutions.

Attorney General Kaul Files Lawsuit to Hold Purdue Pharma Accountable for Role in Opioid Crisis

After years of inaction by previous administration, Kaul and Evers take decisive steps

State Health Department Launches Campaign to Get More Wisconsin Children Immunized

“Immunizations are safe and effective and not only protect the child, but the people around that child, too.”

Gov. Evers and DHS Secretary-designee Palm Announce Community-Specific Data for DHS Budget Proposal

"My budget proposal draws down $1.6 billion in new federal funding into Wisconsin so we can improve healthcare in communities across the state."

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

"Through proper disposal, we can prevent prescription drugs from being diverted—and help prevent addiction."

Senator Erpenbach Applauds the SeniorCare Extension

"This is a huge win for our state."

DNR and DHS Work Together to Improve Water Quality in Wisconsin

This week the DNR worked with Department of Health Services to ask the health agency to review 40 contaminants for possible groundwater quality standards.

A statement from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski following the March 22 special Public Safety and Health Committee meeting

March 22, 2019

Include Children’s Immunizations on Your Spring Break Schedule

Vaccine preventable diseases can put the brakes on your spring break plans

Gov. Evers Advocates for Expanding Medicaid in Visits to Janesville, Beloit

"By expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin, our budget improves access to quality, affordable health care for people across our state."

JFC Democrats Baffled by Republican Objection to Reducing Childhood Lead Poisoning

With the federal matching rate at 94.56%, and hundreds of thousands of children facing exposure, the JFC Democratic members are outraged that the Republicans objected to the request.

Governor Evers Makes Historic Investments in Health Care Coverage and Access

“Governor Evers’ budget makes historic investments in the health and well-being of every Wisconsinite,” said Secretary Designee Palm.

Council Committee strongly backs creation of city Board of Health

The full Common Council is scheduled to take action on the legislation when it meets on Tuesday, February 5 at 9 a.m. in the third floor Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

DHS Asks FoodShare Members to Be Aware of March Benefit Letters

Automatically generated letters will say no benefits are available in March because of federal government shutdown