Department of Health Services

DHS Reports First Deaths in State This Year Due to West Nile Virus

Wisconsinites encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites to avoid illness

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Approved by FDA

Could be available this week for Wisconsin residents.

DHS Announces Seal-A-Smile to Return for 25th Year

Successful program improves oral health by providing preventive dental services in schools statewide

Marquette County Horse Confirmed with West Nile Virus

Could Medicaid Expansion, Rural Incentives Reduce Labor Shortage?

Final report by Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce offers recommendations.

Gov. Evers Announces Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Releases Full Report

Report details recommendations to address challenges facing the state’s healthcare workforce

Live Vape Free Helps Young Adults Reduce or Quit Vaping

Expanded program offers nicotine replacement therapy

Serenity Inns Opens New Addiction Treatment Center in Milwaukee

New Facility Helps Alleviate Milwaukee’s Critical Need for Treatment Services by Serving 56 Men Seeking Recovery from Substance Use Disorder Each Year

Evers Bypasses Legislature in Battle Over Funding Long-Term Care

Governor using federal funds to revive blocked plan to aid struggling care providers.

Gov. Evers, DNR Announce New Outreach Grant Program for Lead Service Line Replacement

First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity in Wisconsin

DHS urges everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites

Gov. Evers Directs More Than $250 Million to Support Long-Term Care Services and the Caregiving Workforce in Wisconsin

Increased funding will bolster workforce delivering care to older adults and people with disabilities

Health Officials Urge Vaccinations Before Kids Go Back to School

Only 79% of MPS students were vaccinated last year.

Lawmakers Approve Funding, Positions for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center

Joint Finance Committee finally acts after holding up request for six months.

DHS Seeks Input on the IRIS Program for Waiver Renewal

Wisconsinites can share ideas to improve the program for older adults and people with disabilities

Milwaukee’s Native Community Faces Surge in Opioid Deaths

Battling the highest overdose rate among all racial and ethnic groups.

Wisconsinites Urged Not to Eat Diamond Shruumz-brand Products

Chocolate bars, cones, and gummies containing psychoactive compounds may cause serious illness

Gov. Evers Releases Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court to Overturn Roe v. Wade

New national data show more than one in three women of reproductive age live in states that ban abortion at six weeks or less, travel time to access abortion care has increased 300 percent since Roe was overturned

DHS Statement on Potential Data Disclosure by Partner Organization

Potential Disclosure May Have Affected Certain Medicaid Members

Coggs Center Will Become Affordable Apartments

County partnering with Gorman to redevelop former department store on 12th and Vliet.

DHS Issues Summer Fair Season Health Reminders

Simple precautions around animals can reduce the spread of illness

AG Kaul Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Signs Bill Adding 27 New Positions to ADRC to Better Serve Older Adults and People with Disabilities

360,000 in Wisconsin Lose Health Insurance Amid Medicaid Changes

About 30% of recipients up for renewal face disenrollment, most due to procedural issues.

Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds

GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee won't release funding, citing legal risk.

Healthcare Is Huge in Presidential Race

How Trump’s vow to overturn the ACA could damage Wisconsin and the nation.

Former Schuster’s Department Store Nominated For Historic Designation

Now known as the Coggs Center, Milwaukee County has eyed demolishing building.

DHS Expands Stroke Prevention Campaign

Highlights risk factors and signs of stroke

Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day is June 5

Wisconsin Ranks Number Two in the Nation During Spring Drug Take Back Day

“Saying, Not Saying” Campaign Aims to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Whooping Cough On Rise in Wisconsin

43 cases of highly contagious illness in April. Uptick in Minnesota as well.

State Health Department Reinstates Vaccine Requirements for School Children

Legislature had blocked vaccine requirements for chickenpox, meningitis.

DHS to Implement Immunization Updates for Children in Child Care Centers and Schools to Follow State Law

Updates follow federal recommendations to protect children and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases

ID Checks No Longer Mandated at Emergency Food Pantries

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says loosening restrictions will broaden access, but some pantry leaders warn of complications.

Republicans Fail To Override Any of Evers’ Vetoes

Two-day review session ends without any formal attempts.

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes

Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.

Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin

Governor’s countersuit comes as Republican lawmakers refuse to release nearly $200 million in already-approved investments to fight PFAS, improve kids’ literacy, respond to hospital closures in Western Wisconsin

Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds

Standoff between Republicans on Joint Finance Committee and Gov. Evers continues.

Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin

Health Officials Urge Vaccinations, Cite Cases of Infectious Disease

Public exposed to deadly diseases: measles in 2 counties, whooping cough in 1 county.

DHS Confirms Case of Measles in Dane County

Health officials investigating to identify possible exposures

Wraparound Milwaukee to Host Free ‘Wellness Together’ Event May 4

Community-focused event to help Milwaukee County families kickoff Mental Health Awareness Month with free mental health awareness and positive communication activities

Baldwin Backed Legislation to Crack Down on Fentanyl Traffickers Heads to President’s Desk

Legislature Stalls Opioid Settlement Funds. Again

Joint Finance Committee fails to meet deadline to approve state DHS plan.

Most Wisconsin Dentists Don’t Take Medicaid

Only 39% of Medicaid enrolled children aged 3-20 received dental care in 2022.

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

Salmonella Infections Linked to Fresh Basil Sold in Wisconsin

One person in Wisconsin has become sick

Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded Grants from State Opioid Settlement Funds

Funded projects focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment activities

Republican Lawmakers No-Show at Special Meeting to Release Statewide PFAS Funding, Stabilize Healthcare Access in Western Wisconsin

Governor implores Republicans to expeditiously release $140 million in already approved funding to address pressing challenges facing Wisconsin communities

Committee Blocks $258 Million Home Health Care Pay Plan

Providers fear losing workers, while others fear providers themselves will drop out.

DNR, DHS Respond To EPA’s Announcement Of Maximum Contaminant Levels For PFAS In Drinking Water

Few SNAP Recipients Reimbursed for Spoiled Food

Funding available for food lost due to power outages, flooding, but few apply. Why?

Gov. Evers Calls Joint Finance Committee into Special Meeting to Release Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Access in Western Wisconsin

April is Get Yourself Tested Month

PPWI to provide free STD testing

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Vetoes Anti-LGBTQ Bill Targeting Trans and Gender Nonconforming Kids

Evers Aggressively Uses Veto Pen on Republican Bills

Governor blocks proposals related to wolves, income tax cuts and school licensing.

Gov. Evers Signs Legislation to Support Holocaust Education, Expand Emergency Detention and Urgent Crisis Care Facilities Statewide

Wisconsin Is First State Approved For New Summer Youth Aid Program

Federal program aims to feed childen when schools are closed.

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin is the First State to Receive Federal Approval to Help Feed Kids and Families During Summer Months

USDA approves Wisconsin plan to provide summer food benefits for kids and families

Gov. Evers Signs Senate Bill 829

Gov. Evers Signs Senate Bill 875

Gov. Evers Take Actions on 44 Bills

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Celebrate 14 Years of the Affordable Care Act

Visiting Eau Claire, Evers Chides Legislators for Blocking Hospital Funds

As Republicans withhold aid, hospital closings create health-care gap in western Wisconsin.

BadgerCare Recipients Can Get Free Over-The-Counter Birth Control

Ever directs DHS order: pharmacies can provide Opill at no cost for recipients.

Community Health Workers Help Wisconsinites Thrive

New campaign highlights their valuable contributions to communities, families, and individuals

Gov. Evers Slams Republicans for Continued Delays Releasing Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Industry in Western Wisconsin

Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee set to meet Monday without taking any action to release funding to fight PFAS, address urgent healthcare industry needs in Western Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Health Officer Paula Tran Statement on CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance

Wisconsin Seniors Face Housing Upheaval As Assisted Living Homes Reject Medicaid

Assisted living promises more independence than nursing homes, but it carries serious risks.

Republicans’ Medical Marijuana Bill Is Likely Dead

Election-year proposal doesn't find support in Senate.

DHS Awards Grants from JUUL Settlement Funds to Prevent and Treat Vaping by Youth and Young Adults

Feedback from statewide listening sessions and surveys recommended how funds should be used

Kirsten Johnson Aims to Restore Trust in Public Health

And bolster workforce. State DHS leader oversees nearly 6,000 employees.

Senator Agard Releases the BEST Agenda to Promote Economic Security in Wisconsin

Marquette University School of Dentistry dean appointed to Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

DNR, DHS Issue Updated Safe Fish Consumption Guidelines

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Meet with Eau Claire Leaders to Support Regional Healthcare Workforce Following HSHS and Prevea Closures

Attorney General Josh Kaul announces $350 million settlement with marketing firm over its role in opioid epidemic

February 1, 2024

Feeling Sick? Report it Quick!

DHS launches new tool letting people report suspected illnesses from food or water

Evers Task Force to Spotlight Health Care Worker Shortage

Everyone in state should have good quality care, 'no matter their zip code.'

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, Appoints Lieutenant Governor Chair

Governor’s task force announced in State of the State address to create action plan to address chronic challenges in the state’s healthcare industry, bolster healthcare workforce

State Hits Record ACA Health Insurance Enrollment

226,000 enrollments, up from 221,128 last year. Nationally a record 21.3 million enrolled.

As Previewed in 2024 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers Announces DHS Standing Order to Increase Access to Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception for BadgerCare Plus Members Available Now

Evers Will Offer Free Contraceptives for Badger Care Recipients

Governor proposes state initiatives on mental health and reproductive care.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Statement on the State of the State

Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers 2024 State of the State Address

Gov. Evers Reaffirms Support for Reproductive Healthcare, Announces Efforts to Expand Access to Oral Contraception, Postpartum Coverage After Pregnancy

Governor’s directive enables BadgerCare Plus members to access over-the-counter contraception without copays, urges Legislature to pass bipartisan legislation expanding postpartum BadgerCare coverage to 365 days

Gov. Evers Urges Legislative Action to Address Wisconsin’s Mental Health Crisis, Announces Interagency Council on Mental Health

Bill Allows 17-Year-Olds to Provide Emergency Medical Services

Proposal aims to address staffing shortages, but some EMS groups oppose it.

MHD Release: Milwaukee Health Department Launches COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Dashboard

Will Dental Therapists Solve State’s Shortage of Dentists?

Advocates say yes. Bill licensing dental therapists goes to Gov. Evers for his signature.

Experts Analyze Medical Marijuana Bill

Based on Minnesota plan, 'one of most restrictive and expensive programs in the country.'

DHS Wants All Children Tested For Lead Poisoning

Lead exposure particularly dangerous for young children, but can be remediated if caught.

DHS Recommends Blood Lead Tests for All Children

Tests now encouraged for children ages 1 and 2, and those aged 3-5 who have not been previously tested

Health Agency Urges Parents, Caregivers to be Aware of Signs of Self-Harm After School Breaks

Data show increases in self-harm coincide with returning to school in September and January

Proposals Would Allow Guns In More Churches, More Access To Tasers

Proposals attempt to navigate existing restrictions in state law.

Gov. Evers Slams Senate Republicans for Baselessly Firing PSC Commissioner Huebner

Governor appoints Kristy Nieto to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana

Republican divisions between geographic areas, between Senate and Assembly on the bill.

Senate Leader Shoots Down Government-Run Marijuana Dispensaries

Republicans in Assembly proposed idea. Senate still working on tax cuts.

GOP Proposal Would Halt Gain-of-Function Research in Wisconsin

Method has been under scrutiny since COVID-19 pandemic.