Department of Health Services

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.

Coronavirus and When to Wear Masks

As the disease spreads, what do public health officials advise?

Flu Hospitalizations Spike in Wisconsin

State saw 100 hospitalizations in half a day.

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces “Epi Access” Legislation

How State May Handle Coronavirus

How isolation and quarantine authority are used In Wisconsin

Gov. Evers’ Statement on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Confirmed Coronavirus Case in Wisconsin

Wisconsin resident recently traveled to China, becomes 12th case in US.

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.

What Are PFAS Chemicals?

And why so harmful? About those ‘forever chemicals” getting so much attention.

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?

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

Senate Debates PFAS in Firefighting Foam

Republican plan to ban it far too narrow in scope, Democrats argue.

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

City’s Minorities Depend On Catholic Hospitals

But that can mean less access to reproductive care for women.

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

How to Pass Expanded Medicaid Bill

Evers needs to be more strategic with Republicans.

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

Evers Signs ‘Telehealth’ Bill

Medicaid patients who get health care delivered long-distance now qualify for coverage.

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

How Local Doctors Discovered Vaping Illness

Medical College of Wisconsin doctors led the way to discovering some 1,300 vaping related cases in North America.

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.

Everyone Deserves Clean Water

Evers, Democrats back a comprehensive agenda. We want to work with Republicans on this.

Paging 402,000 People Lacking Health Care

Evers administration urges enrollment in state health insurance marketplace. You have until December 15.

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."

Lead Exposure Linked to Gun Violence

UWM study finds kids exposed to lead are more likely to later commit gun violence.

State Resists Immunizations

Wisconsin ranks 35th in percent of immunized children, yet bipartisan bill to address problem is stalled in committee.

Evers Pushes Action on Water Quality

After 13 public hearings across state, water quality policy proposals are being drafted.

State’s Meth Cases Up By 450%

Methamphetamine crisis quietly grows in Wisconsin while all attention on opioid epidemic.

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.

Police Seize Almost $1 Million From THC Vaping Operation

Department looking for a connection to the outbreak of vaping-related lung disease.

FDA Testing Vapes for Link to Lung Damage

The Wisconsin DHS is tracking 69 possible cases of vaping-related lung disease.

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.

Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana

But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald strongly opposes the bill.

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.

Too Many Wisconsinites Without Health Insurance

Evers' Health Secretary funding effort to increase number of insured.

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.

77% Of E-Cigarette Illness Involved THC Cartridges

Federal officials say most cases involved THC cartridges, but still no information on what exactly is causing the damage.

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

Evers, Governors Push Congress on PFAS

15 governors call for tougher standards, more protections on PFAS chemicals.

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

Committee Approves Loans for Lead Laterals

$550,000 loan program for any resident, regardless of income, to replace lead laterals.

New Data Analysis Shows Impact of Suicide in Wisconsin

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

Vaping-Related Lung Diseases Surging

450 suspected cases of lung disease in 33 states, including 46 in Wisconsin.

More Could Lose SNAP Food Benefits

Study shows new proposal could cut off 18 percent of SNAP recipients in state.

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

Vaping-Related Diseases Traced to THC

State health officials warn against THC vaping products as state, national investigations grow.

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

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

Evers Expands Effort Against “Forever” Chemicals

Directs DNR to create standards for drinking, surface water on PFAS chemicals.

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

State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment

Evers Administration uses lame duck law to make policy changes with no chance for public comments.

Mysterious Disease Caused By Vaping

State health officials confirm 12 cases of vaping-related lung disease.

DHS Takes Coordinated Approach to Dealing with Opioid Addiction

Treatment program will operate in two rural communities and one urban area.

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.

Evers Wants State Health “Lead Czar”

Also supports bill to provide $40 million in loans for home owners to replace lead laterals.

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."

City May Sue Opioid Manufacturers

Murphy wants city attorney to consider suit for damages from opioid epidemic.

25,000 Could Lose Food Share Benefits

Proposed change in federal SNAP program would cut off 25,000 state recipients.

Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short

$40 million state funding to replace lead laterals cut from budget by Republicans.

DNR Wants Local Tests for PFAS

Asks 125 wastewater treatment plants to test for chemicals linked to health problems.

New DNR Head Has Agenda of Change

Climate change, lead laterals and CAFO-polluted private wells are top concerns.

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."

New DNR Staff Will Probe Pollution

Added scientists will look at impact of “forever chemicals” contamination by Tyco company.

Bill Addresses “Staggering” Cost of Diabetes

Estimated $5.5 billion annual cost for state, 40% of residents projected to get disease.

Healthy Economy Buys New State Spending

Which helps explain budget victory being claimed by both parties.

What’s Happening With State’s Youth Prisons?

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

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."

Evers Uses 78 Partial Vetoes on Budget

Vetoes will help pay for $65 million more in education funding in revised budget.

Under Evers, DNR Restores Science

New groundwater standards and science-based approaches to chemical pollution.