Department of Health Services

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.

Grants Will Fund Recovery Housing For Those Facing Homelessness and Battling Opioids

Program is funded by larger opioid settlement.

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Reached Highest Enrollment Ever on HealthCare.gov

For a limited time, Wisconsinites can still sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance on the federal marketplace through Jan. 16, 2024

DHS Encourages Pregnant Wisconsinites To Get RSV Vaccine

Vaccine can protect babies from serious illness

Watertown Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility Now Open

Center provides care for young people who need a safe place to be during times of distress

Wisconsin Teens Are Vaping Less, But More Stores Are Selling To Those Underage

2019 federal law raised minimum age to 21. Vaping, not cigarettes, are oft-flavored favorite of teens.

Federal Change Will Allow Medicaid Coverage To Continue For Kids, Even If Income Rises

Change, aimed at improving health, will allow children to stay on BadgerCare for up to 12 months.

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Child Care Centers to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

Woman Uses Narcan Vending Machine To Save Two Lives

Quick action by Shanice Collins reversed effects of opioid overdose.

2023 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

Wisconsin Health Officials Urge Holiday Caution Amid Respiratory Illness Spread

COVID-19, RSV and the flu are all spreading.

DHS Confirms Pediatric Respiratory Illness-Associated Death in Wisconsin

DHS encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated and take action to reduce the spread of illness

Three-Agency Collaboration Supports Higher Employment Rates for Individuals with Disabilities

Competitive Integrated Employment Yielding Improved Employment Outcomes

Representative Shelia Stubbs Introduces Legislation to Create an Office of Violence Prevention

DHS Continues to Make COVID-19 Treatment Easily Available as Cases Climb

Free COVID-19 treatment telehealth services extended through April to quickly connect Wisconsinites to care

State a Leader in Training Home Health Care Workers

Amid federal push for more workers, nearly 5,000 have signed up for free state training.

DHS Releases New Interactive Medicaid Renewal Data Dashboard

Department of Health Services Urges Wisconsinites to Throw Away Applesauce Brands That are Part of Nationwide Recall Due to High Levels of Lead

Parents and caregivers should have children tested for elevated blood levels if they ate applesauce products included in the recall

Could New Coggs Building Go Solar?

Two supervisors suggest new Human Services building should include solar power generation.

DHS and DOJ Announce Dose of Reality Roundtable Discussions on Wisconsin’s Opioid Epidemic

Statewide tour will include local community leaders and partners to talk about what we can do to save lives

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Vetoes Bill Prohibiting Gender-Affirming Care in Wisconsin

HIV Cases Are Rising in Wisconsin

But those with the disease are living longer, healthier lives.

Limited Supply of Narcan Prevents Milwaukee Groups From Saving Lives

Vending machines aren't available after hours, or are even turned off during the day.

DHS Recognizes World AIDS Day

Remembering those lost to HIV and committing to ending the HIV epidemic

State Program Helps Police Connect People in Crisis to Mental Health Experts

$2 million telemedicine pilot program offers grants to local law enforcement agencies.

Gov. Evers, First Lady Encourage Wisconsinites to Take Care of Mental Health During the Holiday Season

Cantaloupes Linked to Salmonella Infections Sold in Wisconsin

At least four people in four counties have become ill; two of them hospitalized

Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Are Rising in Wisconsin

Rate has nearly doubled in past week and flu vaccinations are far below pre-pandemic levels.

Wisconsin Underage Tobacco, Vape Sales Rise in 2023

Increase in underage sales linked to confusion between federal and state law, public health officials continue to build awareness and compliance

State Democrats Introduce Bill To Limit Book Bans

Proposal would set high standards for instituting ban, seeks cosponsors.

DHS Announces New Accountability Measures for Medicaid Providers to Ensure Families Receive Critical, Effective Post-Birth Care Services

Changes to child care coordination benefit will increase provider accountability and prevent fraud to help promote positive health outcomes for mothers and children

Wisconsin Ranks Number One During Fall Drug Take Back Day

November 9, 2023

November 13-17 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin

Toxic Forever Chemicals Detected In 71% Of State’s Shallow Wells

PFAS is quite prevalent says DNR study, but what comes next?

Hunters Encouraged To Participate In The DNR’s Deer Donation Program

Donations Help Wisconsinites In Need

Bipartisan Proposal Would Create Mental Health Crisis Centers Across State

Current model has police offers driving individuals for hours.

Legislative Democrats Propose Legalizing Abortion, Requiring All-Options Counseling

Proposal would repeal restrictions in place before Roe vs. Wade was overturned.

DHS Launches Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network

Connecting Wisconsin families with special health care needs to essential support and resources

COVID-19 Reporting Requirements Changing in Wisconsin

DHS Marks 25 Years of Aging and Disability Resource Centers Serving Wisconsin Communities

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Help End Childhood Lead Poisoning

DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Help End Childhood Lead Poisoning

Drug Take Back Day is October 28

October 23, 2023

Bill Would Triple Eviction Notice Period For Long-Term Care Facilities

Shift from 30 to 90 days would give more time to find new housing.

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce New Federal Grants to Support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

New investments will help increase public awareness of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its ability to help people with mental health and substance use needs

Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees

Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.

Gov. Evers Slams Senate Republicans for Continued Efforts to Obstruct the Peaceful Transfer of Power by Baselessly Firing Appointees

Governor names immediate appointments to ensure critical government operations continue

Gov. Evers Proclaims October 17 “Rise Up for LGBTQ Youth Day”

Increasing Number of Wisconsin Kids Skipping Immunizations

Use of personal conviction waivers has increased, particularly in rural and small school districts.

MUPD, Wisconsin Voices for Recovery partner to install Nalox-ZONE boxes on Marquette campus

GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill

Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.

State DHS Urges Syphilis Testing During Pregnancy

Congenital syphilis cases up dramatically in state and nation.

Measles Case is Confirmed in Milwaukee

Groundbreaking For Coggs Center a History Lesson

Trailblazing legislator's legacy continues at new human services building.

Can State Reduce Its High Black Infant Mortality Rate?

Wisconsin has one of highest rates in U.S. Experts, research suggest solutions.

Wisconsin Schools Not Spending Pandemic Aid On Air Quality Improvements

Wisconsin school districts received more than $1.5 billion in federal funds.

DHS Awards Funding to Law Enforcement Agencies Working to Address the Opioid Epidemic

Application period still open for additional grant dollars

State Health Leaders Urge Individuals To Get New COVID-19 Booster Shot

Updated vaccine better matched to variants currently circulating.

DHS Calls on Wisconsinites to Make a Plan to Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses This Fall

Updated COVID-19 vaccine approved and available soon, flu and RSV vaccines available statewide

State’s Elder Care Facilities Face Staffing, Budget Issues

Nearly two dozen nursing homes in Wisconsin have closed since 2020.

State Says Relatively New Hospital Has Corrected Serious Safety Flaws

Granite Hills Hospital provides psychiatric care, in partnership with Milwaukee County, to uninsured individuals

Gov. Evers, DHS Renew Commitment to Suicide Prevention During Year of Mental Health

Statewide resources and support available to individuals and families as deaths in Wisconsin top 900 for second year

City Regulators Can Require Fixing of Lead Hazards — If They Can Find Landlords

Out-of-state landlords, ever-changing owners elude Milwaukee Health Department.

Grants Awarded to Support Statewide Network of Substance Use Prevention Coalitions

Three organizations to act as regional prevention coordinators for the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth

Milwaukee Renters Face Lead Poisoning Risks

City struggles to hold landlords accountable. ‘We have to do something,’ top official says.

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Wisconsin

DHS urges Wisconsinites to continue to prevent mosquito bites

Program Aims To Help Inmates Avoid Opioid Addiction After Release

Behind The Walls operates from within Milwaukee's Community Reintegration Center.

Response To PFAS Contamination Ongoing With Town Of Stella And Multiple State Agencies

4% of Tested Water Systems In Wisconsin Exceed EPA’s Proposed PFAS Limits

But all tested systems are meeting the state's less-stringent standard.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $341.8 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin

Alcohol Killing More Wisconsinites, Studies Show

State’s excessive drinking culture causes alcohol-induced deaths at a rate nearly 25% higher than rest of the country.

DHS Announces Free Online Program to Train 10,000 Caregivers

New curriculum and employment website support home and community-based care

Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Expand Vaccine Access

The bills, aimed at addressing state's decreasing vaccine rates, are unlikely to advance in the Republican-led Legislature.

Attorney General Kaul Joins Law Enforcement, Public Health Officials Across Wisconsin to Highlight Additional NARCAN® from Opioid Settlements

Opioid Settlements Yield 31,560 Additional Doses of NARCAN® for Wisconsin Law Enforcement

Houses of Worship Could Become Exempt From Emergency Orders

Authors of the proposed constitutional amendment argue that it's a matter of separating church and state.