Department of Health Services

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.

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."

Who Uses Cannabis in Wisconsin?

Interest in CBD and cannabis products is growing around the state

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.

Evers Seeks Ways to Expand Health Coverage

Governor wants to get more people insurance coverage beyond Medicaid expansion Republicans oppose.

Get Ready for Tuesday’s Healthcare Debate

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

State’s Drinking Culture Costs $6.8 Billion Per Year

Includes cost of legal expenses, traffic stops, medical costs, lost productivity.

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.”

Evers Will “Fight Like Hell” for Medicaid

Republicans will strip Medicaid expansion from budget. Poll showed 70% support Evers proposal.

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."

Walker’s Costly War on the Poor

Former governor’s “trampoline” for SNAP recipients is a high-cost failure, report finds

Bill Allows Pharmacists to Vaccinate Children

In reaction to measles outbreak, lawmakers look to strengthen state’s response.

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

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

Wind Project Whips Up Controversy

Some neighbors oppose 24 wind turbine proposal in Green County near state's border.

A Primer on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Where to seek information, protection, testing and other resources.

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.

Republicans Call for Reset of Evers’ Budget

Governor’s cabinet members get hammered on many issues by GOP legislators.

Healthy Women, Healthy Babies Program Overdue

State’s black infant mortality rate is worst in the nation, this bill addresses problem.

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

March 22, 2019

6 Things to Know About Lincoln Hills

A primer on how state’s youth prisons will be changed. Or not.

Three Hospitals Offer 40 Recovery Coaches

Ascension hospitals have new way to treat opioid addiction.

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."

State Officials Meet to Tackle Drug Epidemic

Two-Day conference focuses on opioids, which killed 916 users in 2017.

Why Medicaid Expansion Needed

Key to expanding health coverage, better reimbursement rates, says new state DHS secretary.

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.

Evers Wants More Funds for Women’s Health

$28 million package would also restore Planned Parenthood’s funding.

Nursing Homes Need 16,000 Workers

New report says state’s nursing facilities face funding shortfalls, worker shortages.

Federal Shutdown Hurts Food Share Recipients

Demand for food pantries up due to delays getting benefits.

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.

Evers Tells Kaul to Drop ACA Lawsuit

Governor says people voted for this, but GOP legislators insist AG must obey their new law.

Shutdown May Cut Off Food Share Benefits

State official unsure whether there will be funding for the program given federal shutdown.

25% of Prescribed Antibiotics Are Unnecessary

So says new study. But Wisconsin’s rate of prescribing antibiotics is below national average.

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

Wisconsin Food and Nutrition Programs Will Continue Despite Federal Government Shutdown

FoodShare members will receive their February benefits this month

Evers Demands Respect for State Employees

First executive order prohibits discrimination in state employment, second calls on agencies to respect all employees.

Governor-elect Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Barnes Announce Cabinet Members

"This talented group of leaders will help our administration address the issues Wisconsin residents asked us to focus on."

State’s Smoking Rate Hits All-Time Low

But decline is slower for African Americans and low income consumers.

State Medicaid Fraud Program Overreaches?

State claims millions saved, but some call it “bullying” of legitimate service providers.

Forum Examines Lead Poisoning Prevention

Solutions? Issue of lead paint vs lead pipes still debated.

Governor-elect Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Barnes Announce “What’s Best for Kids” Advisory Council

"I’ve said from the beginning that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state..."

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Health Policy Advisory Council, Transition Staff Additions

"Expanding access to affordable health care for Wisconsin residents is a top priority for our administration."

Adult Smoking Hits a New Low in Wisconsin

Work is still needed to reduce tobacco use among some groups

4th Dimension Recovery Center Opens to Address Opioid Epidemic in Wisconsin

New Facility Provides Crucial Treatment Option in Midst of Opioid Crisis

Wisconsin Receives Approval for Governor Walker’s BadgerCare Plus Welfare Reform for Childless Adults

Final implementation of these policy changes is expected to be at least one year from approval.

Governor’s Race Enters Wishlist Phase

Walker and Evers promise increased spending for roads and schools, but haven’t said how to pay for them.

#HopeActLiveWI: Wisconsin Awarded Nearly $3 Million to Combat Opioid Epidemic

DHS to distribute $1 million to local partners for local community projects

How Tobacco Companies Target Minorities

UWM study shows stores in black and Latino neighborhoods target children.

Wisconsin is Ready to Win the 21st Century: Tax Relief, Worker Training, Children’s Health Among Governor Walker’s Priorities in Next State Budget

Priorities included in state agency budget requests due today

Health Coverage Steady After Decline

State enrollment in Affordable Care Act steady this year after 13% drop in last year.

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

Health officials urge everyone to protect against mosquito bites

Tobacco is marketed more heavily in Milwaukee’s minority neighborhoods study finds

This study is the first to document the trend in Milwaukee.

First Death in Wisconsin Linked to Fake Weed

DHS continues to urge people to stop using synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic Marijuana Raises Alarms

Can be spiked with rat poison, police and health officials seek to prevent sale.

Meth A Bigger Issue Than Opioids?

New state report looks at drug use and treatment efforts.

Forced to Work for FoodShare

Is GOP legislation “life changing” or a waste of taxes? Hard to say since Walker vetoed study of program.

UW Officials Stonewall State Audit Bureau

Legislators consider ways to compel their compliance.

American Heart Association recognizes Sen. Alberta Darling with Friend of Heart award

Lawmaker recognized for efforts on dispatcher-assisted CPR, FoodShare incentives laws

Del Monte Vegetable Trays Pose Potential Health Risk

The investigation is ongoing.

Aldermen urge further interviews in Health Department investigation

News release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

State Awards $2.4 Million For Opioid Treatment

Grants were given to select counties and tribes to improve access to treatment.