Department of Health Services

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.

Coggs Center Redevelopment Secures $2 Million

'Vliet Street Lofts' would include affordable apartments.

Wisconsin WIC Program Celebrates 50 Years of Increasing Access to Healthy Food, Nutrition Education, and Breastfeeding Support

Nationwide anniversary of Women, Infants, and Children program celebrated in Wisconsin's 61 WIC agencies

Gov. Evers, OCI Announce Wisconsin Among 14 States to Receive Federal Funding to Support Access to Reproductive and Maternal Healthcare under Affordable Care Act

Prioritize home safety when daylight saving time ends this weekend

Return Your Unused Medicine To Avoid Chance of Abuse, Overdose

Led by Attorney General Josh Kaul, Wisconsin officials urge public to participate in 'Drug Take Back Day' Saturday.

Drug Take Back Day is October 26

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Take Action to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

October 20-26 marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Wisconsin Children Have Second-Worst Vaccination Rate

State officials ramping up promotion as federal report shows immunization is plummeting.

New CDC Report Shows Wisconsin Families Behind Other States in Protecting Children from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Declining vaccination rates leave children and communities vulnerable to outbreaks

Politicians Get Close Look at Coggs Center Construction

Hard hat tour loops through several doors in building designed to have "No Wrong Door."

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves 50 Community Projects Across Wisconsin Supported by $50 Million State Budget Investment

Baldwin Delivers Nearly $13 Million for Milwaukee and Kenosha to Remove Dangerous Lead Paint

DNR Asks Hunters Near Town Of Stella To Donate Deer Tissue Samples For PFAS Testing

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites

Precautions recommended after two horses in the state infected with Eastern equine encephalitis

Medicaid Expansion Could Benefit 90,000 Wisconsin Residents

Wisconsin Policy Forum studies long-offered expansion's potential, ability to save $200 million annually.

Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin celebrates 30 years as voice for children’s health!

State-Funded Leave Behind Program Gives Live-Saving Tools to Opioid Addicts

$500,000 from opioid settlement pays for kits with Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

Wisconsin Sees 1,000% Spike in Whooping Cough Cases

State officials encourage immunization. Levels returning to pre-pandemic rates.

New Coggs Center Rises

$42 million complex represents county's vision of "No Wrong Door" to access services.

AG Kaul Meets with EMS Leave Behind Program Recipients

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated as Respiratory Illness Season Begins

Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV arriving across Wisconsin

Staffing, Medicaid Rates Put Wisconsin’s Long-Term Care Providers in Crisis

Gov. Evers’ $258 million plan will temporarily help, but more needed providers say.

Groundwater Coordinating Council Releases 2024 Report To The Legislature

Groundwater Standards, Nitrate And PFAS Remain Key Focuses, Alongside New Recommendation For Water-Stressed Regions

West Nile Virus Kills 2 in Wisconsin

State health officials encourage residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

DHS to Mark International Overdose Awareness Day with New Investments to Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths

Strategies will focus on harm reduction services and supports

Rather Than Razed, Coggs Building Could Be Turned Into Affordable Housing

Crowley proposes supporting Gorman proposal with $2.5 million budgeted for demolition.

Baldwin Delivers $850,000 to Reduce Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities Throughout Wisconsin

Baldwin-backed federal funding will help test, remediate, and reduce lead exposure and minimize health impacts