Department of Health Services

State Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at Truck Stops

Traveler to Wisconsin may have exposed people to measles.

Possible Measles Exposures in Wisconsin from Out-of-State Traveler

DHS sharing public locations, asking residents to watch for symptoms and check their vaccine status

Gov. Evers Wraps Up Statewide Tour Highlighting Bipartisan State Budget Investments to Support Access to Affordable Healthcare in Midst of Reckless Republican Cuts

Governor discusses devastating cuts to Medicaid and food assistance while highlighting bipartisan budget initiatives to support healthcare access statewide

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Over $110 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin 

City Providing Free Measles Vaccines

Cases of highly-contagious measles recorded in Oconto, Wisconsin.

Amid Falling Vaccination Rates GOP Bill Pushes Exemptions

Bill requires waiver forms be given to parents with health forms schools give them.

How Are State’s Local Governments Spending Opioid Settlement Payouts?

Milwaukee County seen as national model for transparency.

New DHS Data Show School Year Vaccination Rates Held Steady for 2024-2025 School Year

Parents are urged to get children protected before the new school year starts

Wisconsin Sees First Measles Cases, 9 Confirmed in Oconto County

Cases reported nationally hit their highest level in 33 years in July.

DHS Confirms First Cases of Measles in Wisconsin This Year

No known public exposure identified, overall risk to the public is low

Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Opposition to Trump Budget

Governor releases list of impacts Trump Administration’s budget will have on Wisconsin’s seniors, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and workforce

Justice Rebecca Bradley’s Favorite Obsession

She's death on 'unelected bureaucrats." What's that all about?

Mosquitos in Milwaukee Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Health officials urge Wisconsinites to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

AG Kaul Sues Trump Administration for Blocking Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood

Wisconsin’s Cross-Agency Collaboration Supports Progress for Workers with Disabilities

2025 Joint Report Highlights Career Pathways, Equity, and Wages

First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity Found in Wisconsin This Year

DHS urges everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites

State’s First Dental Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program Launches

Program is latest earn-while-you-learn solution aimed at workforce shortages

New Report Details Post-Roe Abortions in Wisconsin

Three years after Roe v. Wade was struck down, a dramatic shift in the number of abortions has taken place.

Older Adults Account for 20% of Wisconsin’s Suicides

Older men have highest rate. Experts discuss possible causes and solutions.

Wisconsin Has Lost $2.6 Billion From Not Expanding Medicaid

And under new federal rules Wisconsin will still lose out compared to other states.

DHS Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law

The law limits secondhand smoke indoors and supports prevention efforts

Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators

A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?

Gov. Evers Signs Two Bills Advancing Nuclear Energy Innovation in Wisconsin

Governor signs four additional bills filling gaps to ensure kids in crisis can get the close-to-home care they need, strengthening support for statewide child advocacy centers, and supporting workplace safety for local police and fire

Gov. Evers Approves Bill to Support Lead Service Line Replacement in Superior

Act 8 would allow private water utility in Superior to utilize federal funding for lead service line replacement

Lawmakers Release Funds for Literacy But Delay Much of State Budget

Joint Finance Committee can't decide funding for UW system, Medicaid, child care.

MPS Plans Lead Remediation at 40 Schools This Summer

At least 106 MPS schools are believed to contain lead hazards.

Measles Will Likely Arrive in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's vaccination rate has declined and every neighboring state has seen cases.

Bipartisan Bill Expands Alternatives to Prison for People with Mental Illness

'It works because you don’t see repeat involvement in the criminal justice system.'

Rate of Syphilis in Wisconsin 2.5 Times Higher Than in 2019

Decreasing from 2002 peak but still high, with a hike in babies born with syphilis.

WEC Mails Postcards to Inactive Voters

Grand Opening Held For New Coggs Building

County officials, community celebrate new human services building in King Park neighborhood.

Coalition of Wisconsin Business Leaders Support the Price Transparency for Patients Act

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Continues to Recommend Current COVID-19 Vaccine to Protect Against Severe Illness

Wisconsin No Longer a Leader in Childhood Vaccinations

Percentage of children not getting vaccinated 4 times higher than 25 years ago.

Wisconsin Republicans Support ‘Junk Food’ Ban

Legislators target SNAP spending on candy, soda, inspired by RFK Jr.'s campaign.

Gov. Evers, DHS Continue Administration’s Efforts to Combat Lead Poisoning Statewide with Permanent Rule

Rule continues governor’s efforts during 2025 Year of The Kid to ensure clean, safe drinking water for kids and families, get lead hazards out of service lines, homes, and schools

Federal Budget Bill Cuts $314M in Food Assistance to Wisconsin

'Big beautiful bill' slashes SNAP, which serves an eighth of Wisconsin residents.

DHS Highlights Impact of Federal SNAP Changes on Wisconsinites

Proposed changes to SNAP will cost taxpayers $314 million per year and put 90,000 people at risk of losing benefits

County Opens New Coggs Building

Department of Health and Human Services moving into new headquarters.

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

Advocates Say Proposed Medicaid Changes Would Reduce Number of People With Health Coverage, Raise Costs

Republicans in Congress want to implement an 80-hour work requirement, delay changes that would make it easier to maintain coverage.

DHS Campaign Increases Awareness of Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers

New toll-free phone hotline and resource directory make finding resources and services easier statewide

Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health Seeks Public Input

Council is creating a statewide action plan to improve the mental health of Wisconsinites

GOP Lawmakers Not Worried About Federal Funding Cuts

They should be, Democrats warn. Evers suggests setting aside $500 million fund.

Medicaid Cuts Won’t Save Money, Will Worsen Health Care

State health agency assesses the effects on Medicaid of federal funding cuts.

DHS Highlights Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Wisconsin Medicaid Members

Congressional proposals likely to shift costs to Wisconsin, slash the Medicaid budget, and make services harder to access for working adults

What To Know and How To Keep Kids Safe From Lead Poisoning

More than 4,500 children under age 6 tested positive for lead poisoning in Wisconsin last year. It has no overt symptoms.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Ask Trump To Address Federal Data Sharing Dispute Impacting Veterans

Lawmakers want to use data tool to help veterans connect to benefits.

Drug Take Back Day is April 26

70 Partners in Wisconsin Form Coalition to Promote Climate Action

Announced on Earth Day, seeking community support, solutions to climate change.

Aisha Carr Faces New Felony Charges

Former school board member at center of previous scandals charged with campaign finance violations.

County Wants Public Art For New Coggs Building

County has $100,000 budget, seeking artists for large mural and indoor mobile.

Wisconsin Underage Tobacco and Vape Sales Decreased in 2024

Decrease linked to successful public awareness campaign and actions by communities as public health leaders work to continue this downward trend

Legislature Could Pass Several Budgets

Uncertainty over federal funds could make usual all-inclusive budget impossible.

New Data Show Congenital Syphilis Increasing in Wisconsin while other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Decrease

During STI Awareness Week, DHS highlights importance of access to prevention, testing, and treatment

Bill to Make Medicaid Eligibility Harder Held After Flurry of Opposition

Witnesses testified that current eligibility requirements are already burdensome.

Trump Administration Axed Federal Employees Needed for MPS Lead Crisis

City Health officials sought help from federal experts, only to find they disappeared.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Sheboygan County

New MPS Superintendent Dumps Beleaguered Facilities Director

Top building manager gone as lead crisis drags on.

Gov. Evers Releases Statement Regarding New Lawsuit Suing Trump Administration for Recklessly Gutting Over $225 Million in Federal Funding from Health Services in Wisconsin

Three MPS Schools Remain Closed Because of Lead Contamination

Health department working with district on long-term plan, but work drags on at three closed schools.

State Audit Reveals How Wisconsin Relies on Federal Funds

Audit Bureau details $18.6 billion in assistance, and a need for better records in certain areas.

Rep. Taylor Condemns $210 Million Federal Cuts to Wisconsin Health Services

What Exactly Does The Department of Public Instruction Do?

The Underly-Kinser race has brought great attention to a department few understand.

Wisconsin NRB Meeting April 9

French Island Makes Progress on PFAS Pollution

Residents drinking bottled water, awaiting new municipal water system in 2028.

Vaccine Fatigue Causing People to Skip Shots, Wisconsin Experts Say

Only 34% of Wisconsinites got a flu shot this season.

Trump’s Plan To Curtail HIV Prevention Funding Would Hit Wisconsin

Vivent Health stands to lose federal funding under proposal.

Baldwin Votes to Strengthen Penalties, Step Up Enforcement Around Deadly Fentanyl

Baldwin has taken all of government approach to stop the fentanyl crisis, pushing for more border security, support for state and local communities, and increased access to Narcan

Spring Break Travel + Low Measles Vaccination Rate Puts Wisconsin at Risk

As measles spreads rapidly in states like Texas, state health officials say vulnerable to an outbreak

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, Health Experts Encourage Parents to Learn the Signs

Data show self-harm rises among adolescents after school breaks and heading into the end of the school year

GOAT Gets Started in State Legislature

Committee that is Wisconsin's version of DOGE seeks proof that state employees are really working.

Gov. Evers Announces Historic Capital Budget Projected to Generate Over $7 Billion in Economic Activity and 37,000 Jobs Statewide

Health Department Will Investigate 10 More Schools For Lead Issues

Clinics scheduled for concerned children, staff to be tested.

Gov. Evers Makes Critical Investments in Health Care Coverage and Access

1.3 Million People in State Threatened By Possible Medicaid Cuts

Federally funded care for poor, elderly and disabled helps 1 in 5 Wisconsin residents.

State Legislators Disagree on Budget Impact of Massive Proposed Federal Cuts

28% of current, $98.7 billion state budget came from federal funding. Medicaid a big issue.

Wisconsin Communities Get Millions From Opioid Settlement as Deaths Decline

Report finds local governments in state may lack public health infrastructure.

Waukesha County Charter School Wants To Offer a Safe Place for LGBTQ+ Students

Autumn Hill Academy promotes student well-being.

Measles Vaccination Rates Falling Across Wisconsin

Down by 20% in some counties over past decade. State has second worst rate in U.S.

Common Ground Opposes Mayor’s Housing Authority Nominee

Coalition wants a resident of a public housing tower installed on board.

Gov. Evers Introduces “The Most Pro-Kid Budget in State History” in 2025 the Year of the Kid

Governor’s budget includes the largest investment in Wisconsin’s kids by any governor in Wisconsin history

Gov. Evers Announces Comprehensive Plan to Ensure Clean Water for Kids and Families in 2025 Year of the Kid

Governor proposes key investments to fight PFAS contamination statewide, remove lead from service lines, homes, and schools

Water Fluoridation Debate Boils Up in Wisconsin

Village of DeForest joins nearly 80 communities banning fluoridation since 1995.

Federal Funds Uncertainty Threatens State Budget

$28 billion of projected two-year budget is supposed to come from federal funds.

DNR Reports Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza In Wild Merganser Collected From Milwaukee County

Bipartisan Support for Medicaid Postpartum Expansion in Senate Health Committee

Bill would allow those that qualify to receive longer care.

Suicide Prevention Program Expands in Honor of Jonathan Brostoff

Friendship Circle plans 41 free trainings across the state to honor late alderman.

Dangerous Levels of Lead Contamination Found At Three MPS Schools

District says it has remediated situation, but its buildings have been source of lead poisoning.

Gov. Evers Announces Budget Investments to Support Wisconsin’s Farmers, Producers, Agricultural Industries Statewide

Governor’s 2025-27 Executive Budget will invest more than $80 million to support the success of Wisconsin farmers and processors, future of state’s agricultural industries

Evers Announces $145 Million Plan to Address PFAS

His new budget will fund new grant programs, staff, testing and research.

As Previewed in 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers Approves DHS Emergency Rule to Strengthen Standards to Prevent Further Hazardous Lead Exposure to Wisconsin Kids

Rule allows more kids to be eligible for services to help reduce lead exposure

Wisconsin Joins Legal Effort to Preserve Tougher Standards for Lead in Water

Joins 9 states and DC to back new federal rules and push to replace lead pipes.

Gov. Evers Kicks Off 2025 Year of The Kid with Efforts to Ensure Kids and Families Have Access to Safe, Clean Drinking Water

Governor approves rule to combat lead poisoning, directs additional $5 million to support the replacement, reconstruction, treatment, or abandonment of contaminated private wells to address PFAS and other contaminants

State Health Officials Launch Campaign to Discourage Menthol Tobacco Use

80% of Black adult smokers polled said they smoked menthol cigarettes.

Wisconsin Health Departments Watching Trump Administration’s Health Communications Pause

Trump administration has paused federal health communications, but temporary pause isn't without precedent.

Gov. Evers Delivers 2025 State of the State Address

Gov. Evers Declares 2025 the Year of the Kid- “If We Want to Improve Our Kids’ Outcomes, Then We Have to Shorten the Odds” 

Gov. Evers Announces New Efforts to Reduce Crime and Keep Kids, Families, and Communities Safe by Preventing Gun Violence

Legislators Agree on Postpartum Medicaid Expansion

But not Robin Vos. Just two states haven't extended coverage from 60 days to a year.