Jeanette Kowalik

Dr. T Confirmed As Health Commissioner

Michael Totoraitis is the new leader of city health department.

New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval

Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.

Mayor Names New Health Commissioner

Michael Totoraitis will lead department, subject to council confirmation.

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Resigns

Kirsten Johnson resigns after two years on job. New commissioner will be sixth in six years.

Lead Program Investigation Closed Without Criminal Charges

But investigation confirms program was mismanaged.

Milwaukee Enacts (Soft) Mask Mandate

Largely ceremonial rule applies to publicly-accessible buildings and businesses, ends March 1.

Milwaukee’s Extended Indoor Dining Closure Reduced COVID-19 Spread

Study finds cities with extended closures saw 61% fewer COVID-19 cases.

It’s Johnson Vs. Dimitrijevic On Mask Mandate

Health commissioner and alderwoman at odds over whether city should have mask mandate.

Health Commissioner Says Lead Crisis is Top Priority

Commissioner Johnson said she can fix department's troubled lead program.

Update Expected Soon on Criminal Investigation Into Health Department

City officials and council members want to know status of DOJ, Milwaukee County DA investigation.

Milwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again

Scale of problem currently limited to one family in Bay View, but full review planned.

Reggie Moore’s Calling Has Always Been His Community

The former director of the Office of Violence Prevention is still working for a safer Milwaukee.

Fired Deputy Health Commissioner Questions Her Ouster

Dr. Griselle Torres was one of two department leaders fired when Commissioner Kirsten Johnson took over.

Leadership Shakeup at Health Department

Two top officials pushed out by new city Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson.

State Says Health Department Needs Improvement Plan

MHD is in trouble, but the blame goes back four commissioners.

New City Health Commissioner Approved

Kirsten Johnson's appointment sails through council.

New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement

Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.

Kirsten Johnson Appointed Milwaukee Health Commissioner

Current leader of joint Washington Ozaukee Health Department would take helm in Milwaukee, lead COVID-19 response.

False Claims Frustrate Efforts to Fight Pandemic

Conspiracy theories, misinformation, attacks on health officials could make us sicker.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Retires

Rohlfing criticized for how he handled black doll hung by its neck in station break room.

Be Patriotic, Get Your Flu Shot

Mayor and Health Commissioner get their immunization, encourage others to do the same.

Board of Health Statement on Dr. Kowalik’s resignation as Commissioner of Milwaukee Health Department

Health Commissioner Says She Faced Racism, Sexism

"A constant power struggle from Day One," says outgoing commissioner Jeanette Kowalik.

City Expands Program To Fight Overdoses

Housed in fire department, the MORI program aims to reduce drug addiction, overdoses.

Health Commissioner Kowalik Resigns

Led the department's turnaround after lead crisis. Will take Washington D.C. job.

The City of Milwaukee Health Department Collaborates with Common Ground

The Hop Now Wears a Mask

"Spread the word, not the virus" is message in new rolling mask billboard.

Milwaukee Natives Leading City’s COVID-19 Response

Jeanette Kowalik and Lilliann Paine started as Health Department interns, now they're leading it.

How Will Health Dept. Free Mask Program Work?

Department plans to distribute 500,000 locally made masks.

Nine Businesses Receive Warnings For Violating Milwaukee Mask Mandate

Bars and restaurants generating the largest number of complaints. Fines coming next.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights public health measures taken by the Milwaukee Health and Fire Departments, Department of Administration, Election Commission, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

New Order Allows Milwaukee Schools To Reopen, Could Halt Indoor Dining

Bars and restaurants required to have safety plan by September 15th or face "capacity limits."

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

Once expected to face a close vote, Steve Miner gets council approval on 13-2 vote.

VISIT Milwaukee partners with the MMAC to provide 50,000 free masks to Milwaukeeans

As part of the MaskUpMKE initiative, the masks will be available at Citgo stations across the city

Kowalik Still Resists School Reopenings

City health leader says schools must get approved plan to reopen, with precise rules still to come.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

Why Are Bars Still Open?

They are key spreaders of COVID-19. So why are city and county health officials okay with bars being open?

Don’t Call 911 On City Mask Mandate

Emphasis on voluntary compliance. "We don't want a bunch of Karens making complaints."

Public comment wanted for next set of cabinet-level appointees

Leadership for Public Works, Water Works, Port, Health Department and Emergency Management & Communications Director set for this week

Milwaukee Adopts Mask Mandate

Council unanimously adopts indoor and outdoor mandate. Goes into effect Thursday.

Mask Mandate Passes Committee

Proposal would require masks indoors and outdoors, but with limited enforcement.

Milwaukee Mask Mandate Scaled Back

Special council committee to debate it. Outdoor requirement scaled back, minimum age raised.

What Is And Isn’t In Milwaukee’s Mask Mandate

Proposal requires a mask indoor and outdoors, fines up to $500 for repeated violations.

Plaintiffs seek Injunction against new “Madison Dane” and Milwaukee orders

What Should Or Shouldn’t Be in Milwaukee Mask Mandate?

Council debates ordinance before its written.

75 Businesses Demand a City Mask Mandate

Pabst Theater Group, Colectivo, Fiserv Forum, Bartolotta join call for action.

Milwaukee Increases Bar Capacity to 50% As Cases Spike Statewide

Changes go into effect July 1st. City also unveils plan to allow 100 percent capacity.

Milwaukee Restaurants Could Return to 100 Percent Capacity

Health department preparing pilot program for restaurants with COVID-19 mitigation plan.

COVID-19 Testing Down Significantly

Officials worry about drop in testing here as COVID-19 cases spike across the nation.

How Bars and Restaurants Are Reacting To Reopening News

Businesses offer support, some share concerns. Virtually all have struggled.

Bars and Restaurants Can Reopen Friday in Milwaukee

Revised order will loosen restrictions

Northside Testing Center Up and Running

A new center, replacing one shut down more than a week ago, started testing Monday.

How to Protest During a Pandemic

Local health officials offers do's and don'ts that could save your life.

More Than 150 Catholic Churches Opened

Many in Milwaukee Archdiocese offered Mass Sunday, in violation of city shutdown order.

Milwaukee Opening New Northside Community Testing Site

Site will be on Custer High School campus, replaces Midtown Center.

Milwaukee Maintaining Its Health Order At Least One More Week

Dashboard shows Milwaukee has actually regressed in fighting COVID-19.

Hispanics Now Have Greatest Number of COVID-19 Cases in Milwaukee

Also, county's poorest are more than 2.5 times as likely to contract COVID-19.

Where Are City’s COVID-19 Hotspots?

Big change as south side census tracts now have far higher rate than on North Side.

Midtown Center Testing Site To Close, Southside Site Will Remain

Testing sites have collected over 16,000 specimens.

Federal Lawsuit Challenges Local “Safer at Home” Orders

Two plaintiffs are Republican candidates for office, another is a Milwaukee pastor.

Milwaukee Releases Five Criteria To Open Up

Barrett and Kowalik have phased plan to reopen city. Revised order allows gyms to open.

Suburbs’ Policies Ignore Science, Kowalik Charges

Suburban elected officials overruling health officers on COVID-19, city official charges.

Milwaukee Allows Salons, Barbershops To Reopen

New order is similar to the order issued by Milwaukee suburbs Wednesday night.

Milwaukee’s “Safer at Home” Order Remains in Effect

Bars and restaurants in Milwaukee must remain closed.

Supreme Court Strikes Down “Safer at Home”

Decision goes into effect immediately. Milwaukee's order remains in effect.

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers Draws Praise for Work Addressing COVID-19

Organization provided tests for over two-thirds of cases on south side. Officials say it is slowing spread.

At Least 40 COVID-19 Cases Tied to Election in Milwaukee

Number up five-fold from Monday, final report still pending.

7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?

Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.

COVID-19 Cluster Growing on City’s South Side

Hispanic community being hard hit by fast growing cluster.

White City Worker Wins Racial Bias Payout

Health department employee's claims involve former interim commissioner Patricia McManus.

Grants Target COVID-19 Racial Disparities

More than $1 million in grants will fund programs in Milwaukee County.

African-Americans Hard Hit By COVID-19 Across Wisconsin

African-American disparity isn't just a Milwaukee problem.

Governor Evers Suspends In-Person Voting Until June

UPDATE: Wisconsin Supreme Court overrules Evers, reinstates election.

Wisconsin Reports 2,267 COVID-19 Cases, 624 Hospitalizations

Death total has risen to 68. 1,148 cases in Milwaukee County.

Resist Spring Fever

Practice social distancing, avoid leaving home when possible.

Milwaukee Will Have Only Five In-Person Voting Sites

As city is short over 1,000 poll workers, polling sites reduced from 180 to 5.

Shut-Off Proposal Called ‘Dictator Like’

Ald. Rainey wants water, electric shut off for businesses violating shutdown. Mayor, governor disagree.

Time to turn out the lights on businesses not following the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order

Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey March 30, 2020

Eight COVID-19 Deaths in Milwaukee’s African American Community

In the City of Milwaukee, the African-American community is facing a crisis.

842 COVID-19 Cases in Wisconsin, “Crisis Within A Crisis” in Milwaukee

Evers acknowledges disparate racial impact in Milwaukee, says CDC is studying matter.

Milwaukee Health Department launches campaign to increase awareness around COVID-19 and best practices for staying healthy

Ascension St. Joseph Offers Free COVID-19 Testing

Patients must be pre-approved for testing by an Ascension physician.

Medical Examiner Launches Public Data Portal

Public can get accurate information on COVID-19 cases, other deaths.

David Bowen, Gwen Moore Talk COVID-19 From Quarantine

Two black political leaders share their story and why social distancing is key.

Trump Can’t Lift Pandemic Restrictions

In a state of emergency local health officials have broad authority to maintain restrictions.

Alderman Asks Hospital for Free Testing

COVID-19 hits black population hard, many cases within a mile of St. Joseph Hospital.

African-Americans Hit Hard by COVID-19

Majority of cases in the City of Milwaukee are African Americans.

City Issues “Stay at Home” Order For Wednesday

"Essential" activity allowed is broadly defined, but message clear: please stay home.

Order of the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Imposing a City-Wide “Stay-At-Home” Requirement to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19

Why Flattening The Curve Matters

Mayor Tom Barrett lays out how Wisconsin could be short by 56,000 hospital beds.

County Asks for Equipment Donations

Help save healthcare workers' lives; donate masks, gloves, disinfectants, safety glasses.

City May Use Hotels for Quarantine

Modeled on Chicago's program to slow COVID-19's spread, provide economic support.

City Will Also Issue “Stay at Home” Order

The goal: to "send a message about how serious this is," said Mayor Barrett.

Milwaukee Cancels Early Voting

UPDATE: Barrett calls for election to be postponed or switched to mail-in only voting.

381 Cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, 4 Deaths

"Stay at home," says Governor Tony Evers in simple message on how Wisconsinites can help.

First Responders React To Supply Shortage, Change Operations

Police officers and firefighters are having trouble accessing the personal protective equipment they need.

Milwaukee County Releases Interactive Map of COVID-19 Outbreak

64 cases confirmed in Milwaukee County. Tracker allows public to better monitor outbreak.

COVID-19 Testing Supplies Running Low

State and local officials prioritizing tests for worst cases, so results understate spread of disease.

Bars, Restaurants Ordered to Close

Milwaukee and 10 suburbs order no in-house service. Carryouts and delivery only.

Milwaukee Officials Ask Public to Stay Home, As Much as Possible

As cases of COVID-19 grow in Milwaukee County and the state, preventive measures now will save lives in the future.

Milwaukee County Updates Regarding COVID-19

Second Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Discovered in the City of Milwaukee

Milwaukee Public Schools and the City of Milwaukee Health Department to give update

First Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Confirmed in the City of Milwaukee

Milwaukee Health Department issues guidelines for travel and mass gatherings

Residents encouraged to avoid non-essential travel, events with more than 250 people

Milwaukee Preparing for the Arrival of Coronavirus

Scale of virus outbreak in Wisconsin doubles during press conference as Barrett asks Evers to declare statewide emergency.

Coronavirus Likely to Hit Milwaukee, Officials Say

Health Department officials are planning for response to outbreak.

Public Health Officials Announce New Guidance for Travelers in Response to COVID-19

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers to Host Third Annual Health Equity Summit

Empower a Healthier Milwaukee

Homicides Down 33% Since 2015

New approach with many stakeholders paying off, but work nowhere near done, says mayor.

Former Health Director Blames Barrett

Bevan Baker breaks his silence, slams Mayor and other city departments.

City Wins $700,000 For Drug Overdose Fight

Opioid program has saved 15 lives in 2019; new funding will expand program.

5 Milwaukeeans to Be Thankful For

Milwaukee is a better -- and far more interesting place -- because of these five folks.

Health Department Probe a State Matter

Criminal investigation taken over by Department of Justice, city officials say.

City of Milwaukee offers its Support to Camille Mays and Family

The Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention calls on the community to come together for justice in this case and an end gun violence in our city.

Board of Health Announces New President and Vice President

Should Smoking Be Banned in Front of Public Buildings?

Murphy and Donovan square off over smoking in front of City Hall.

Milwaukee awarded $5.6 million HUD grant to protect children and families from lead hazards in the home

City of Milwaukee identified as a priority area to address lead and other home health hazards

Feds Award $5.6 Million for Lead Abatement

42-month grant can be used for paint and soil abatement in affected homes.

Violence Prevention Director to testify on Capitol Hill regarding the city’s efforts to combat gun violence

Reggie Moore, Director of the City of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention will testify in front of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Urges Residents to Stop Using Vaping Products

Severe pulmonary disease has been discovered among teens and adults who reported vaping

Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program

Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Reminds Residents to Stay Safe in Hot Weather

Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed

Council Protects Tenants Seeking Lead Hazard Remedies

Ordinance prohibits evictions of tenants seeking advice or service for lead hazards.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Announces Dates and Locations for 18th Annual Back-to-School Health Fairs

Health fairs to be held August 2nd at Washington High School and August 9th at Journey House

Board of Health Appointments Sail Through

Public Safety & Health Committee approves Barrett's appointments, chastises Barrett for not creating board earlier

First Mosquito Pool Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in the City of Milwaukee

Health officials remind residents to continue to take precautions into summer season

Barrett Appoints First Board of Health

City's first health oversight board is proposed to be filled almost entirely with women.

Teaching UWM Students About a City

“Focus on the Future” tour, on spring break, is an eye-opening look at Milwaukee.

DA Asked To Consider Charging City Officials

Hamilton, Donovan ask Chisholm to review top officials' actions on lead program problems.

Community Coalition Undercut By City Health Department

Statement of Alderman Tony Zielinski April 16, 2019

Barrett Blasted on Infant Mortality Grant

African-American led organizations say Mayor, Kowalik killed their effort to get grant.

Kowalik Reshaping Health Department

Commissioner reorganizing troubled, 254-person agency, first such effort in 10 years.

New Program Uses “Violence Interrupters”

414 Life Program trains “interrupters" to combat city’s gun violence.

FLAC, Get the Lead Out Fight City Over Lead Posioning

Groups have a showdown with city officials over claims surrounding city's failure on lead poisoning, infant mortality.

Barrett Offers Upbeat State of City Speech

Mayor touts employers coming to city, The Hop's launch and a friendly governor.

Council Approves Civilian Health Oversight Board

In the wake of health department's critical failures, mayor and council want more oversight.

Council Committee strongly backs creation of city Board of Health

The full Common Council is scheduled to take action on the legislation when it meets on Tuesday, February 5 at 9 a.m. in the third floor Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions as Temperatures Drop

Cold temperatures and wind chills predicted, residents reminded to take seasonal precautions

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.

Lead-Free Homes a Priority for Kowalik

But “we don’t have enough contractors,” city’s new health commissioner says.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Offers Free Flu Vaccines

Health officials issue reminder that it’s not too late to get vaccinated

Final report released by Heroin, Opioid and Cocaine Task Force

News release and report from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

Forum Examines Lead Poisoning Prevention

Solutions? Issue of lead paint vs lead pipes still debated.

City’s Lead Program is Working Again

New health commissioner is resolving troubling issues, Mayor Barrett reports.

Health Department Faces Criminal Probe

Spat between Hamilton and Zielinski reveals DA investigating and Baker hiring lawyer.

Was Barrett Asleep on Health Department?

Problems may go back a decade and mayor deserves much blame, some alderman say.

The Inspector General Is Coming

Common Council creates its own watchdog to monitor city departments.

Barrett Unveils 2019 Budget Proposal

Proposal would add 10 police officers, spend $20 million on lead abatement efforts.

New Health Advisory Committee can spike citizen participation and engagement on critical issues

Statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis - September 18, 2018

Council Okays New Health Commissioner

Unanimous vote hands Jeanette Kowalik one of the most difficult jobs in city government.

Health Commissioner Pick Gets First Approval

Kowalik wins unanimous vote from committee, interim commissioner reveals ongoing issues.