Department of Health Services

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.

Following Child’s Influenza Death, State DHS Urges Vaccination

The flu vaccination rate in Wisconsin is only 31.7%.

DHS Confirms First Pediatric Influenza-Associated Death in Wisconsin

Encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses to avoid serious illness

DHS Launches Campaign Highlighting Health Risks of Menthol Tobacco Products

Working to reach populations most targeted by tobacco marketing and menthol use

Protect Wisconsin’s Waters By Reducing Your Salt Use This Winter

Should You Test Your Home for Radon?

1 in 10 Wisconsin homes have high levels of cancer-causing gas you can’t smell or see.

Certified Direct Care Professional Program Now Available in Hmong

Start your health care career with free training in English, Spanish, or Hmong

United Community Center Awarded Drug Company Money For Addiction Treatment

Nonprofit will use state grant for residential substance abuse facility for men.

Gov. Evers Celebrates Wisconsin’s Highest Enrollment Ever on HealthCare.gov

Wisconsinites Can Still Enroll in Affordable, High-Quality Health Insurance Through the Federal Marketplace until January 15

DHS Provides Update on Distribution of Latest Opioid Settlement Funds

Seeks ideas for investing fiscal year 2026 opioid settlement funds

With Respiratory Virus Cases Increasing Across the State, DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves

It's not too late for flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking

New Strain of Norovirus Could Be Driving Outbreaks

Wisconsin health official says a record number of outbreaks were reported in December.

Health Department Striving To Be Model of Anti-Racism

New deputy commissioner drawn to job through anti-racism focus, personal experience with department.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Burnett County

2024 Wrap Up- Gov. Evers Highlights Administration’s Accomplishments During “Year of the Worker”

Evers Administration celebrates successes bolstering and supporting Wisconsin’s workforce in 2024

Gov. Evers, First Lady Deliver Radio Address Encouraging Wisconsinites to Take Care of Their Mental Health this Holiday Season

Wisconsin Human HPAI Case Confirmed by CDC

Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves More Than $81 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin, Republican Members Delay Approval of Funding for Critical UW System Building Projects

Republican legislators delay the reallocation more than $70 million in building projects for UW System, continuing obstruction of critically needed projects

Wisconsin Has First Case of Human Bird Flu

DHS confirms Barron County resident was exposed to infected turkey farm.

DHS Reports Presumptive Positive Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wisconsin

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Kenosha County

Hesselbein Will Revive Medical Marijuana Bill

Democratic state Senate leader expects more bipartisan legislation in new session.

Inferior Care Feared As Counties Privatize Nursing Homes

In past three decades, 22 Wisconsin counties have sold or closed facilities.

DNR, Partners Awarded $1 Million To Improve Understanding Of Water Quality, Fish Consumption And Related Health Issues In Central Wisconsin

DHS Announces Innovative Medicaid Housing Benefit

Milwaukee County Health Leaders Urge Vulnerable Residents to Protect Themselves with Vaccines Before the End of 2024

Vaccines and Gift Cards Available at Select Events Across Milwaukee County

Wisconsin Wayfinder Celebrates One Year of Supporting Families with Special Health Care Needs

More than 2,200 families and nearly 670 providers and professionals helped

Virginia Hart Special Recognition and Diversity Award Winners Announced

Salmonella Infections Linked to Cucumbers Sold in Wisconsin

Three Wisconsinites ill, cucumbers recalled, Wisconsinites urged to check homes for them

Wisconsin Sees Surge In Whooping Cough

1,887 confirmed cases of pertussis. Health officials urge people to get vaccinated.

ACA Enrollment Off to Strong Start

'Incredibly busy' in Wisconsin. But will Trump, Republicans target health care coverage in 2025?

Legislative Committee Studying Whether To Create Long-Term Youth Psychiatric Care Facilities

Seventy-eight children were placed out of state for care in 2023.

Help Fight Food Insecurity In Wisconsin, Participate In The DNR’s Deer Donation Program

Serenity Inns: A Proven Lifesaving Facility Denied Critical State Funding

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to ‘Be Antibiotic Aware’ This Respiratory Virus Season

Using antibiotics when they're not necessary can do more harm than good

City of Milwaukee Health Department Confirms Hepatitis A Case

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

DHS Launches New System to Help Communities Track and Respond to Overdose

Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR) system will help the state's efforts to address overdose epidemic

Wisconsin Health Officials Urge Vaccination Before Holidays

Flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations are available.

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves Against Respiratory Viruses This Holiday Season

Now is the time to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines

November 18-22 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin

Candidates Ignore State’s Looming ‘Senior Tsunami’

Over-75 population expected to explode, creating huge shortage of health care workers.