Department of Health Services

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.

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