Department of Health Services

2025 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

As Flu Season Looms, Two Wisconsin Children Die of Respiratory Illness

DHS confirms one pediatric death from COVID-19 and one from influenza and warns this flu season could be more severe than usual.

Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address Wishing Wisconsinites a Happy Holidays

DHS Confirms First Pediatric Respiratory Illness-Associated Deaths

Encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses to protect against serious illness and spread of disease

MPS Buildings Cleared of Lead-Paint Risks after 10-Plus Months of Work

All Affected Schools Now Meet or Exceed Standards

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $185 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin

Defying Federal Advisors, Wisconsin Reaffirms Support of Hepatitis B Vaccine

CDC advisory committee voted last week to end recommendation of a universal birth dose.

DHS Continues to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose within 24 Hours of Birth

Health officials reviewed safety and effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccine, issuing guidance to parents, clinicians

Wisconsin Moves to Require Lead Service Lines Replaced By 2037

Some groups hail the move for strengthening protections, but others voice concerns about costs.

Gov. Evers, DNR Announce More Than $159 Million to Ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water for Wisconsinites in 29 Municipalities

Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan “Bradyn’s Law” to Create New Crime for Extortion

New State Program Will Hand Out $10 Million for Violence Prevention

Evers directing $10 million in federal funds to local governments, schools, nonprofits.

Evers Vetoes Bill Barring Medicaid Payments to Undocumented Immigrants

State law already prevents this, Evers says, while making 8 other vetoes.

DNR Announces New Online Tool To Help Private Well Owners Interpret Water Test Results

Vision 2030 Update: 1 West Wilson Building Available for Sale in Madison

Bids for Historic State Office Building Due March 16

AG Kaul and Coalition Sue to Block Unlawful SNAP Eligibility Guidance

Officials Call On Feds — Don’t Take Away Food Aid

SNAP pause and future cuts to it in 'One Big Beautiful Bill' hurt people, they warn.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Registered Nurse Tricia Ploessl

DHS Tracking Respiratory Illness Activity Ahead of the Holiday Season

Wisconsinites urged to get vaccines now to be protected for the holidays and beyond

Senate Passes Bills to Eliminate 400-Year Veto, Redefine Abortion

And a bipartisan bill that bars health care for undocumented immigrants.

Assembly Bill Blocks SNAP Payments for Candy, Soda, Energy Drinks

It's about health, GOP backers say. It punishes people for being poor, opponents say.

Gov. Evers, DNR Announce $282 Million to Improve Drinking Water Quality for Wisconsinites in 74 Municipalities

Wisconsin Lacks Standards for Pesticides in Water

Growers use millions of pounds of pesticides per year, but research needed on impact.

November 17-21 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin

Evers Calls Out Trump For Trying to Claw Back Food Assistance

This would be 'embarrassing for any president of the United States,' governor says.

Wisconsin Ranks Number ONE in the Nation During Fall Drug Take Back Collection

DATCP and DHS Urge Wisconsin Retailers to Continue to Accept FoodShare

Businesses should not refuse service, DATCP is prepared to enforce against price gouging

DATCP and DHS Urge Wisconsin Retailers to Continue to Accept FoodShare

Businesses should not refuse service, DATCP is prepared to enforce against price gouging

Evers Says SNAP Food Benefits Remain Available

Governor flatly refuse Trump administration order to withdraw benefits.

Gov. Evers Urges Members of Congress to Condemn Trump Administration Attempts to Yank FoodShare Payments from Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites

Governor calls out Republicans in Congress for staying silent as Trump Administration tries to take food away from Wisconsin kids, families, and seniors

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Lead Coalition Urging Court to Reject Last-Ditch Trump Administration Effort to Yank Newly Restored SNAP Payments

States urge court to enforce directive requiring Trump Administration to ensure federal resources are available to pay November SNAP payments in full as required by court order

Gov. Evers Slams Trump Administration for Last-Ditch Effort to Yank Newly Restored FoodShare Funding from Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites

FoodShare Assistance Restored to Wisconsinites

Funds became available overnight, hours after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the program.

City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Continue Emergency Food Drive Following November FoodShare Update

Gov. Evers Announces Evers Administration Immediately Moves to Ensure Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites Receive November FoodShare Payments in Full after Court Directs Trump Administration to Stop Withholding Funding

Ex Fabula StorySlams are live events where community members connect and share true, personal stories related to the night’s theme, told without props or notes.

Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address Encouraging Wisconsinites to Take Care of One Another Amidst Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown and Lapse in FoodShare Benefits

DHS Applies for $1 Billion in Federal Funding to Expand Access to High Quality Health Services in Rural Wisconsin

Funding to support workforce, technology, and care coordination services

Ron Johnson Flips Position on Ending Senate Filibuster

In 2022, Johnson accused Democrats trying to eliminate filibuster of wanting 'absolute power.'

Federal SNAP Benefits Could Take Weeks to Arrive

And even then payments would be reduced, WI Department of Health explains.

FoodShare Delays, City-County Food Drive Progress, WIC benefits, and ACA Updates

Many in Wisconsin Rely on Food Stamps, Obamacare

Numbers show big statewide impact and even bigger in Milwaukee County.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency, Period of Economic Disruption Due to the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown and Lapse in FoodShare Benefits

Governor’s emergency order prohibits price gouging statewide as FoodShare benefits lapse, requires state agencies to respond and suspend any administrative rules hindering or delaying the state’s response

Gov. Evers Releases Statement Regarding FoodShare Lawsuits

Gov. Evers Takes Action on 19 Bills

Hunters: Help Your Fellow Wisconsinites Experiencing Food Insecurity By Participating In Deer Donation Program

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance for August floods

Perimenopause & Menopause Education Bill Passed Out of Senate Committee–Unanimously!

Wisconsin Sues Trump Administration For Food Assistance Cuts

Wisconsin joins two dozen states arguing federal government is violating the law.

State Building Commission Releases Funding Gov. Evers Requested to Revamp Corrections Facilities

More than $700 million approved for key state projects across UW System and corrections, among others

Article hits home on being prepared for ICE arrest/detainment

Healthcare Premiums for Wisconsinites to Skyrocket in 2026 if Republicans Fail to Extend Affordable Care Act Tax Credits

Wisconsinites face sticker shock on out-of-pocket healthcare coverage costs with many seeing premiums double, some seniors seeing increases of over $30,000 per year if Congressional Republicans allow enhanced Affordable Care Act supports to expire

Hunger Task Force Prepares for Lapse in Federal Food Assistance

Food bank stocking up as federal funding halted because of shutdown.

News Release – DHS Reminds Wisconsinites to Take Action Against Mosquito Bites

Continued protection recommended after a horse in Wisconsin tests positive for Eastern equine encephalitis

Halle Berry Joins Rep. Robyn Vining and Sen. Dianne Hesselbein to Advocate for Bipartisan Perimenopause & Menopause Education Bill

Federal Shutdown Could Halt Foodshare by Nov. 1, Evers Warns

Mothers and kids, 700,000 Wisconsin residents will lose access to food aid.

Wisconsin FoodShare Program to Run Out of Funding in Nine Days

Co-Chairs Criticize DHS For Lack of Plan, Transparency with Opioid Settlement Funds

Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bills to Bolster EMS Professionals and Services Across Wisconsin

Wisconsin Improves Child Lead Testing Rates, Urges Continued Testing and At-Home Prevention

Statewide lead testing for children under age 6 increased 26% in 2024

Drug Take Back Day is October 25

Wisconsin FoodShare Program to Run Out of Funding in 10 Days

Sen. Keyeski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Lower State & Local Costs while Improving Health Outcomes for Incarcerated Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

How Legislators, Governor Candidate Will Address Affordable Housing Crisis

Do Democrats and Republicans agree on any proposed solutions?

Wisconsin Health Officials Urge Respiratory Illness Vaccination

The plea comes as some face roadblocks and confusion to get the COVID-19 shot amid federal changes.

Lawmakers Debate Whether Wisconsin GOP Proposal Is ‘Anti-Vax’

Proposal would require schools, child care facilities to provide information to parents on how to opt out of vaccination.

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated Against Respiratory Viruses This Fall

Vaccines for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are becoming more available across the state

Senate Approves School Cellphone Ban

Senate also passes bill require insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings.

Counties, Faith Leaders, Health Pros to Legislators: Keep Food on the Table for 700,000 Wisconsinites

Budget Cuts Hit Mental Health, Substance Abuse Services

County budget deficit and declining Medicaid enrollment drive spending cuts.

Poultry Shows, Exhibitions in Four Wisconsin Counties Suspended Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Company Must Cull More Than 500,000 Birds After Avian Flu Discovery

It's the second Wisconsin detection of avian flu in a week for Daybreak Foods, the nation's fourth-largest egg producer.

New COVID-19 Vaccines Becoming Widely Available in Wisconsin

More health systems ramping up access to latest vaccine.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County

DNR Names Companies Responsible for PFAS Contamination In Northern Wisconsin Community

A site inspection found PFAS levels more than three times those typically seen in soil, groundwater and sediments.

Gorman Near Construction Start On Vliet Street Project

Project would redevelop historic building into 66 affordable housing units.

Despite Attempts, Report Finds Wisconsin Isn’t Doing Enough To Curtail Nitrate Pollution

Farms likely overapplied 16 million pounds of nitrogen in fertilizer in 2022, says new report.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County

DHS Reports Increase in Fall-related Emergency Medical Services Calls Statewide

Number of responses increased by 10,000 from 2023 to 2024

How to Test Your Deer for CWD This Hunting Season

South Shore Beach Rehabilitation Project Completed After More Than a Decade of Study and Planning

Gov. Evers Joins Coalition of Governors Urging Congress to Keep Healthcare Affordable by Extending ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

In a joint letter to U.S. congressional leadership, coalition of 18 governors highlight importance of extending tax credits provided by the Affordable Care Act to help keep premiums low and provide stability for millions of working families

DHS Continues to Recommend the Covid-19 Vaccine for All Wisconsinites 6 Months and Older

Statewide medical order makes it easier for Wisconsinites to get the vaccine

Gov. Evers’ Executive Order Ensures Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

Move comes as federal FDA ends support of vaccines for most people.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order to Ensure Access to Vaccines in Wisconsin

After Trump Administration recklessly undermines medical professionals and access to safe and effective vaccines, governor directs whole-of-government response to protecting vaccine access statewide to keep kids, parents, families, and seniors, among others, safe

Gov. Evers Sues GOP Legislators Again in Rulemaking Dispute

Supreme Court ended their power to block administrative rules, he insists.

Gov. Evers Celebrates Grand Opening of New Critical Access Hospital in Park Falls

Park Falls project received $20 million through governor’s Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Grant Program to expand access to healthcare in rural Wisconsin

DHS Distributes Free Xylazine Test Strips, Renews Statewide Naloxone Standing Order for Pharmacies

Efforts part of a commitment to drug overdose protection

Grant County Horse Confirmed With West Nile Virus

Gov. Evers Shares Video Message Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month, Encourages Wisconsinites to Take Care of Themselves and Each Other 

Green Bay Area Ducks Contaminated with ‘Forever Chemicals’

Warnings by state agencies to limit consumption given high levels of PFAS.

DNR and DHS Issue New PFAS-based Consumption Advisory for Ducks Harvested on Green Bay

DNR and DHS Issue New PFAS-based Consumption Advisories for Fish and Deer Near town of Stella and Surrounding Waterbodies in Oneida County

Wisconsin Women in Government Announces Board Members and Executive Committee

Veterans Say Klein Hall Gave Them a New Life

Now the Chippewa Falls facility closing after Republican legislators cut funding.

Governor’s Office Estimates Trump Megabill Will Cost State $284 Million

Up to 270,000 could lose health insurance and 43,700 lose food assistance.

Despite 2024 Decline, Algae Blooms Still On Long-Term Upward Trend

About 62% of blooms reported so far this year have been dangerous blue-green algae.

Rep. Fitzgerald Fact-checks Governor Evers- Top 5 False Claims About the One Big Beautiful Bill

ECCHO Celebrates Civic Health Month With Grassroots Leadership Across Wisconsin

14 People in NE Wisconsin Have Been Infected With Measles

An outbreak in Oconto County. Most of those infected were not vaccinated.