Department of Health Services

Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees

Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.

Food Pantries Brace For Surge With Federal Program Ending

Federal SNAP emergency allotments end this month.

DHS Investigating FoodShare Benefits Scam

Patient Safety Concerns Raised About New Granite Hills Hospital

The facility is a psychiatric hospital contracted by Milwaukee County.

Republicans Again Block Student Vaccine Requirements

Legislative body blocks Department of Health Services rules regarding meningitis and chickenpox.

Wisconsin’s Medicaid Program Starts to Resume Routine Operations

BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid members should update contact information if it has changed to ensure they get benefit renewal instructions

DATCP Reminds Poultry Owners of Increasing Threat of Avian Influenza

New Milwaukee Office Building Would Be Public-Private Partnership

State pivots from original plan to build its own facility at 27th and Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Gets $2.5 Million In JUUL Settlement

E-cigarette maker was sued more than 5,000 times for its youth-focused marketing.

Gov. Evers, DHS Awards $1 million in Grants to Help Reduce Disparities in Behavioral Health Care System

Equity and inclusion trainings to be offered to service providers

Republican Legislators May Suspend Vaccine Requirements

Committee may suspend DHS rules for students on chickenpox, meningitis.

Local Officials Hope Lawsuit Settlement Funds Can Reduce Drug Overdoses

644 overdose deaths in county in 2021. 'We're finally getting some resources.'

What BadgerCare Recipients Need to Know

You need to reapply for coverage. How to prepare for and/or get help.

Wisconsin Sees Spike in Toxic Shock Syndrome Cases

State officials urge education about tampon use.

$175,000 Settlement For Violent 2018 Arrest

Demetrious Lowe alleges police beat him after knocking him to the ground during mental health episode.

Revitalize Milwaukee Plots Major Expansion

Home-repair organization adding lead abatement, energy efficiency improvements and more.

DHS Expands Free COVID-19 Testing Program

Wisconsinites can order two free COVID-19 self-test kits every month

Dan Kelly Makes His Case for High Court

'Where do our rights come from?' asks former state Supreme Court justice. 'God!'

New Multimedia Campaign Focuses on 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Statewide advertising planned through 2023 to increase awareness of the service.

DHS Monitoring Increase in Toxic Shock Syndrome Cases

State sees largest number of reported cases in over 10 years

Big Numbers Drive Budget Decisions

Which 5 programs account for 84% of state budget? And when was the beer tax last increased?

State’s Younger Adults Dying at Higher Rates

Mortality rate up 137% for those aged 30-34 since 2001, while the rate declined for seniors.

State’s ACA Insurance Exchange Enrollment Up This Year

Nationally new record set, with 12% increase, up to 16.3 million people enrolled.

DNR Study Finds Densest City Areas 10 Degrees Hotter in Summer

Fewer trees and green spaces, more asphalt, concrete make heart of Milwaukee hotter.

Governor’s Health Equity Council Releases Full Report

Report details recommendations aimed to achieve long-lasting and equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites

WDVA Secretary-designee Bond Announces Leadership Team

DHS Seeks Ideas for $8 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds

Survey results will help prioritize how to best address opioid use disorder

Gov. Evers: State of Mental Health “Burgeoning Crisis”

Governor declares 2023 the Year of Mental Health

Multiple State Agencies Responding To PFAS Contamination In Town Of Stella

New PFAS Fish Consumption Advisory Issued For Lake Wausau And Stevens Point Flowage

Elevated Levels of PFAS Found In Several Fish Species

Study Finds High Level of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Great Lakes Fish

Eating 1 freshwater fish a year similar to drinking PFOS-contaminated water for a month.

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Test Their Homes for Radon

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

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2022 Accomplishments

Gov. Evers Launches Housing Program to Support Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Opioid Use Disorders

New Recovery Voucher Program will use Opioid Settlement Funds for affordable, safe, stable housing

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Seeking Federal Help For Town With PFAS Contamination 170 Times Safe Levels

“We don't really have an idea where it's coming from,” says DNR official.

Senator Baldwin Secures Over $255 Million for Wisconsin in Senate Appropriations Legislation

Projects championed by Senator Baldwin were included in Fiscal Year 2023 bipartisan bill

DHS Confirms Pediatric Influenza-Associated Death in Wisconsin

Encourages everyone six months and older to get the influenza (flu) vaccine

Many Counties Charge Patients for Birth Costs Covered by Medicaid

Milwaukee County collected $69.2 million. Report criticizes this practice.

Many Residents Unaware State Moved Out of Coggs Center

Individuals keep showing up at old location for FoodShare, other benefits.

DNR Will Again Attempt To Draft PFAS Groundwater Standards

DNR board approved drinking and surface water standards in February, but failed to pass limits for groundwater.

Nearly All Wisconsinites Age 6 Months and Older Now Eligible for Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

DHS urges Wisconsinites to get an updated COVID-19 vaccination and a flu shot to protect themselves and others ahead of the holidays

Why Have So Few Children in County Gotten Updated COVID Vaccine?

Only 2.9% of children ages 5 to 11 have received an updated dose.

DHS Reminds Wisconsinites: It is Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Vaccine

With flu cases increasing nationwide, Wisconsinites are encouraged to get a flu vaccine to avoid serious illness

Residential Treatment Center Opens Downtown

48-bed eating disorder facility in a 7-story building. Plus: All the week's real estate news.

DHS Leader Karen Timberlake Leaving Gov. Evers Administration

Timberlake has led Department of Health Services since January 2021.

Three Respiratory Illnesses Affecting Milwaukee

COVID-19 isn't the only virus going around right now.

Gov. Evers Announces DHS Secretary-designee Timberlake Leaving Evers Administration

Wisconsin DOJ and 32 other States finalize $435 Million Agreement with JUUL Labs

December 8, 2022

DHS, OCI Urge Wisconsinites to Sign up for Health Care Coverage by December 15

Marketplace enrollment ensures coverage starts January 1

As the Cold Weather Brings an Uptick in COVID-19 Cases, DHS Reminds Wisconsinites How to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season

Free COVID-19 self-tests and COVID-19 treatment telehealth services are available

DHS Awarded $45 Million to Support Public Health Workforce Development

Grant from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advance public health workforce development at state and local levels over next five years

Hospitals, Clinics Across State At Capacity

Facing highest number in years of patients with influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Where To Get Advice on Health Care

It's Open Enrollment Period in Wisconsin. Advisors like Quentella Perry can help.

Wisconsin Ranks Number One During Fall Drug Take Back Day

November 23, 2022

State Opioid Deaths Set New Record

1,427 opioid-related deaths in 2021, up 16% over 2020 record and 70% more than in 2018.

Two New Dental Clinics in City For Underserved

Ascension opening urgent dental care clinics on South Side, North Side.

State To Provide More Money To Nursing Homes

Reimbursement rate increase designed to address staffing, rising costs.

Health Officials Urge Flu, COVID-19 Vaccinations Amidst Three-Virus Surge

RSV, flu and COVID-19 cases are all on rise, stressing hospitals.

DHS Announces Opportunity to Order More Free COVID-19 Self-Tests

All Wisconsin households can order a free package of COVID-19 self-tests each month

DHS Announces Medicaid Nursing Home Rate Increase to Support Health Care Workforce

DHS to cover an average of 90% of nursing homes' costs of providing care for Medicaid members

Marquette’s behavior analysis program receives $2 million from State of Wisconsin to expand Medicaid’s HCBS workforce

Wisconsin Fall Drug Take Back Collection Yields 54,040 Pounds of Unwanted Medications to Fight Opioid Epidemic

November 10, 2022

Wisconsin Launching COVID-19 Telehealth Program To Expand Drug Access

Service builds on Test-to-Treat program. Designed to fill health care coverage gaps.

$12 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Wisconsin Home and Community-Based Services Professionals

First wave of awards will bring innovation and enhancement to the state’s direct care workforce

DHS Launches Free Telehealth Service for COVID-19 Treatment

Increases access to life saving antiviral treatments

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Grants to Expand Child Telepsychiatry Services, Access to Behavioral Health Care

More than $100 million invested in behavioral health in past year

DHS Secretary-designee Timberlake and Insurance Commissioner Houdek Celebrate the 10th Annual Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov

Wisconsinites in every corner of the state can sign up for affordable, high quality health insurance from November 1, 2022 through January 15, 2023

Hunger Task Force Blasts State For Leaving Coggs Building

Files civil rights complaint. State says residents seeking benefits can still get service.

Baby Formula Shortage Easing in State

But questions about formula access still remain for some parents, caregivers.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Respiratory Virus Spreading Rapidly in Wisconsin Children

RSV often causes cold-like symptoms, but is leading to surge in youth hospitalizations.

Wisconsin Receives Federal Approval to Implement Housing Benefits

Stable housing is critical to improving health outcomes for children and families

DHS Invests $8.3 Million in Wisconsin Schools for School Health Service Workforce

DHS Encourages All Wisconsinites to Take Steps to Prevent Childhood Lead Exposure

October 23-29 marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Drug Take Back Day is October 29

October 25, 2022

National Commission on Correctional Health Care Names Wisconsin Resource Center 2022 Facility of the Year

Award recognizes quality and innovation in resident care

State Health Department Introduces New Flu Vaccine Data Dashboard and Report on Vaccine Coverage in Wisconsin

The data will help promote vaccines among populations and communities that need them most

Updated COVID-19 Boosters Available for People 5 Years and Older at Milwaukee Health Department Immunization Clinics

State Agencies Launch Real Talks Campaign to Prevent and Reduce Substance Use

Strategies encourage open, honest, and caring conversations about drugs

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce $16 Million Investment in Maternal and Child Health

Initiative to reduce maternal and infant mortality disparities through impactful partnerships

What Two Fire Stations Will Milwaukee Fire Department Cut?

Or will an influx of Medicaid money stave off cut?

Potential Data Disclosure May Have Affected Certain Wisconsin Medicaid Members

DHS Expands Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Criteria for Wisconsinites

DHS encourages all eligible Wisconsinites to get vaccinated

DNR Seeking Public Input On PFAS Contamination In Marinette, Peshtigo And Surrounding Communities

In-Person Listening Session Oct. 26

AG Candidates Agree on Transparency Funding, But Not Related Legal Decisions

More money needed for public records issue, but Kaul and Toney aren't in unison on what should be public.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

DHS Accepting Applications for Projects to Improve Cultural Competence of Behavioral Health Workforce

Grants to be awarded for equity and inclusion efforts

DHS Launches Monkeypox Data Page

State Ramps Up Suicide Prevention Effort

Wisconsin surpasses national rate. DHS using federal grant for expanded program.

Stay Healthy this Fall: COVID-19 At-Home Tests and Booster Shots Still Available with No Out-of-Pocket Cost

DNR Recommends Precautions For Hunters Handling Wild Game To Prevent Exposure To Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Health Officials Expect Severe Flu Season, Urge Flu Shots

Flu vaccination has declined since 2019.

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Nearly $32 Million in EMS Flex Grants, Providing Support to 442 EMS Providers in Nearly Every Wisconsin County

Governor invests an additional $20 million into EMS grant program based on increased need

DHS Encourages You to Protect Yourself Against the Flu by Getting Vaccinated

Fall is the best time to get vaccinated and flu vaccines are available now

Senators Baldwin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 Lifeline saw a 45 percent increase after adopting three-digit number

DHS Receives Five-Year Grant for Suicide Prevention

Wisconsin one of six states to receive federal grant

County Can’t Decide on Coggs Building

Committee approves $32 million for new DHHS building, and officials seem to favor razing the Coggs building.