Karen Timberlake

Wisconsin Joins National Effort to Grow and Retain Health Care Workforce

Multiple states collaborate to address worker shortages

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Cabinet Take ‘Cabinet on the Road’ to Western Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers, together with members of his cabinet, hosted ‘Cabinet on the Road’ events in Osseo, Altoona, Menomonie, and Eau Claire.

Wisconsin Receives USDA Approval to Provide Food Benefits in July for Children Under Six Not Enrolled in School

DHS Makes Changes to COVID-19 Data Webpages

Updates make data easier to find, align with CDC Community Levels as a tool to keep you safe and healthy

Proposal to Extend Medicaid Coverage for Postpartum Individuals Open for Public Comment

Federal government approval would extend coverage from 60 to 90 days

Wastewater Tests Show Uptick in COVID-19

Too early to tell but increases found in several cities, including Milwaukee.

‘You Are Heroes,’ Evers Tells Workers

Governor kicks off statewide tour to thank health and front-line workers who helped battle pandemic.

DHS Urges FoodShare Members to Protect Themselves from Fraud

Gov. Evers Announces Additional Security Pay Program for State Employees

Families with Children Who Did Not Receive Free or Reduced Price Meals at School Due to COVID-19 Will Receive Food Benefits

Wisconsin issues first round of benefits through the 2021-2022 School P-EBT Program

DHS Updates Vaccination Coverage Dashboard to Include Booster and Additional Dose Data

New metrics show coverage by county and demographics

DHS Awards $3.4 Million in Community Outreach Grants to Promote Equity in COVID-19 Vaccinations

DHS to Request 30-day Extension of Medicaid Coverage for Women After Pregnancy

Federal government’s approval would increase coverage from 60 to 90 days

Kaul, Planned Parenthood Oppose Abortion Ban

GOP bill almost identical to restrictive 6-week abortion ban passed in Texas.

Creating a workforce to build healthier communities

With help from Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant, UW-Eau Claire, Mayo Clinic, and others hope to train new generation of health care workers, teachers

DHS Urges Vaccination as the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Gains Full FDA Approval

Gov. Evers Announces More Than 5.4 Million Pieces of PPE Distributed So Far in 2022

More than 533,000 pieces of PPE distributed to school districts across Wisconsin this year

Wisconsin Sees Record COVID-19 Cases

State health officials report highest ever seven-day-average of cases

National Guard Deploying to Hospitals, Nursing Homes

Gov. Evers deploying 210 members in wake of COVID-19 surge.

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin National Guard to Support Hospital and Nursing Home Capacity

Gov. Evers, OCI Announce Cost of COVID-19 At-Home Tests to be Covered by all Health Plans

New requirement comes from Biden Administration as Omicron Cases Surge

Gov. Evers and DHS Announce Rate Increase to Help Support Healthcare Workforce in the Midst of COVID-19 Case Surge

Evers Administration, DHS, DPI Remind Schools of Support, Resources Available to Help Keep Kids and Educators Safe in School as Omicron Spreads

DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Everyone Ages 12 and Older

DHS also recommends Pfizer and Moderna booster doses at 5 months and an additional primary dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age

Wisconsin Receives Oral Antiviral COVID-19 Treatments

Initial supply of molnupiravir and Paxlovid is limited, both drugs require a prescription

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake’s Statement on CDC Recommendations to Shorten Isolation and Quarantine Periods

Gov. Evers and DHS Announce FEMA Support for Wisconsin Hospitals

FEMA support will provide critical care to Wisconsinites in the Green Bay area

Pressure Builds on State’s Hospitals

More than 95% of ICU beds are full, one-third of them patients with COVID-19.

DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake Joins First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Visit to Children’s Wisconsin to Encourage Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations

Governor Evers, DHS Mark the One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Vaccine Arriving in Wisconsin

More than two-thirds of Wisconsin adults are now fully vaccinated and nearly 90,000 children ages 5 through 11 have received at least one dose.

La Crosse Lighthouse Peer-Run Respite Opens

A space for healing mental health and substance use concerns

Many Older Teens Eligible for Booster Shots

State officials say those 16 or older who got the Pfizer vaccine should get booster shot.

DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for everyone 16 and older

DHS supports the FDA authorization and CDC recommendation to provide a Pfizer booster dose for 16- and 17-year-olds

DHS Awards $8.1 Million in Community Outreach Grants to Promote Equity in COVID-19 Vaccinations

Funds still available for community organizations to support vaccine outreach

First Case of the Omicron Variant Identified in Wisconsin

Governor Evers, DHS urge vaccination and continued public health practices to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant

DHS Provides Update on Omicron Variant

No cases among Wisconsin residents have been identified at this time but investigation is ongoing

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake’s Statement on CDC’s Recommendation of Booster Doses for All Adults

Federal Funds Help Wisconsinites Get Health Coverage

$2 million ARPA funding to non-profit that helps people sign up for insurance through ACA.

DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Anyone 18 and Older

DHS supports the FDA authorization, CDC recommendations

DHS Announces $2 Million in Funding to Help Wisconsinites Access Affordable Health Insurance

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Celebrate the Holidays Safely

Provides recommendations to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin to Join the Bloomberg Opioids Overdose Prevention Initiative

Bloomberg Philanthropies expands initiative to five new states, commits additional $120 million to reduce overdose deaths in U.S.

Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations to Children Ages 5-11

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine deemed safe and effective for this age group

Gov. Evers Joins OCI and DHS to Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Health Coverage During Open Enrollment

Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Booster Doses

DHS supports CDC recommendation to expand eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots

DHS Announces Multiple Funding Opportunities to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities

DHS Provides Update on Measles Cases in Wisconsin

Risk of measles transmission in surrounding communities remains low

DHS to Increase COVID-19 Testing Capacity, Relaunches Community Testing Program

The program seeks to increase COVID-19 testing access across Wisconsin

DHS Continues Investment in Quality Health Care for Rural Areas

DHS Announces the Hire of the Director of the Office of Health Equity

Dr. Michelle Robinson to serve as the first director of the newly formed office

DHS Announces New Electronic Communications to Notify COVID-19 Close Contacts

Contact tracers can now send texts and emails to close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19

DHS Improves Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services for Medicaid Members

Beginning November 1, a new vendor will make updates to improve the member experience, but the overall process to secure assistance getting to covered appointments will remain the same

State DHS Approves COVID-19 Booster

Senior citizens who got Pfizer shot should get booster, as should some groups with underlying conditions or greater exposure.

Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine Booster Doses

DHS supports the FDA authorization, CDC recommendation to provide Pfizer booster doses to certain populations

More Than 142,000 People Receive First Dose Between August 20 and September 19

DHS encourages Wisconsinites who received their first vaccine dose between August 20 and September 19 to claim their $100 reward by September 30

DHS Connect Fully Implemented

Comprehensive electronic health records system in use at all seven state facilities

Milwaukee County Falls Prevention Coalition Brings Community Together as County Executive David Crowley Proclaims Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Coggs Center Welfare Office Resumes Full-Time Hours

Limited hours made it difficult to access services like FoodShare, childcare subsidies.

Gov. Evers, DHS Remind Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated to Get $100

Wisconsinites who receive their first dose August 20 through September 19 are eligible to receive the reward

Gov. Evers Announces $58.4 Million Investment in Local COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Recovery

Local and tribal health departments receive funding from American Rescue Plan Act

Federal and State Officials Advise Wisconsinites That Making or Buying Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards is Illegal

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Deputy Secretary Willems Van Dijk to Retire

Governor thanks Deputy Secretary Willems Van Dijk for years of service to the state, welcomes Deb Standridge to new role

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Extension of the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program

More than 65,000 Wisconsinites receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine between Aug. 20 and Sept. 1

Leaders Celebrate New Mental Health Center

Huge gathering of officials for project lauded as momentous, exciting and historic.

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce $5.7 Million in Funding for Mental Health Emergency Center in Milwaukee

Investment continues Administration's efforts to ensure state rebounds and recovers from the coronavirus pandemic

Keeping Kids Safe During Back to School

As cases rise, DHS and DPI urge districts and schools to follow COVID-19 guidance

DHS Urges Vaccination as Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Gains Full FDA Approval

Vaccination also encouraged under EUA for children ages 12 to 15, and for an additional dose in people who are immunocompromised

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Wisconsin Vaccinators Have Administered 6 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

Over 50 percent of Wisconsinites have completed their vaccine series

Gov. Evers Launches $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program to Encourage Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated

Wisconsinites will receive $100 by getting vaccinated now through September 6

State Health Officials Expect Current COVID-19 Surge Will Worsen

Surge is driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant and low vaccination rates.

DHS Releases New Data on COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Vaccination Status

Data shows the rate of infection much higher amongst individuals who are not fully vaccinated

Wisconsin to Offer Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose to People Who Are Immunocompromised

DHS supports FDA, ACIP recommendations of additional dose of mRNA vaccine to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce 608 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered at Wisconsin State Fair

On-site vaccination clinic brings COVID-19 vaccines and free cream puffs to many during Wisconsin State Fair

Gov. Evers Announces Vaccine Clinics, Encourages State Workers and Families to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccination is key to protecting employees and their families from Delta variant

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce 194 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered at Wisconsin State Fair

On-site vaccination clinic brings COVID-19 vaccines and free cream puffs to many during Wisconsin State Fair’s opening days

DHS Releases New and Updated Resources for Schools to Keep Students Safe

Resources include updated guidance on outbreaks and new testing communications toolkit

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Free Cream Puffs for Individuals Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine at Wisconsin State Fair

Governor, DHS, Wisconsin State Fair collaborate to host on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Wisconsin State Fair

Wisconsin Submits Plans to Support Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Prevention activities, treatment programs, and recovery supports are part of Wisconsin’s proposals for American Rescue Plan Act funds

DNR Takes On Water Quality Issues Despite Opposition From GOP, Industry

The state regulator is launching a water quality awareness campaign.

DNR Kicks Off Water Quality Month With Safe Water For All Campaign; Announces Panel Series

Agency Working With DHS And Other Partners To Make Sure Our Water Is Safe Now And For Future Generations

Governor Evers, DHS Urge COVID-19 Vaccination Ahead of 2021-2022 School Year

Wisconsin Submits Plan to Enhance and Improve Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services

Central to the plan are critical initiatives to strengthen the caregiving workforce left out of state budget passed by legislature

New Maps Provide Additional Geographic Breakdowns of COVID-19 Vaccination Data

Visualizations include municipalities, zip code tabulation areas, school district boundaries, and census tracts

COVID-19 Numbers at Zero in State Prisons

More than 96% of inmates agreed to vaccines, DOC statistics show.

Peer-run Respite Grants Awarded, New Locations Added

Five centers will be available to all state residents

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Gender-Neutral Language Options for Parents to be Added to Wisconsin Birth Certificates

Wisconsin to Issue Second Round of Benefits to Children Who Missed Free or Reduced Price School Meals Because of COVID-19 Pandemic

School P-EBT benefits to be released this weekend will cover the months of December 2020 through March 2021

Governor Evers, DHS Announce Enhanced COVID-19 Testing Support for Schools

COVID-19 testing services are now available for the 2021-2022 school year

Delta COVID-19 Strain in Wisconsin

Vaccination important to fighting highly contagious strain.

DHS Now Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern B.1.617.2, the Delta Variant

With the addition of new variant of concern, DHS urges vaccination to combat COVID-19

Wisconsin Re-Launches “You Stop the Spread” Multimedia Campaign

Encourages People to Get Vaccinated to Protect Themselves and Their Communities from COVID-19

Build Trust to Boost Vaccinations

Only 24% of Blacks, 32% of Latinx in state have had at least one dose.

Federal and State Officials Advise COVID-19 Vaccine Providers in Wisconsin that Individuals Seeking Vaccinations Cannot Be Charged

DHS Updates COVID-19 Summary Data Page

New dashboard displays key COVID-19 metrics and utilizes improved data

Wisconsin Set to Distribute FoodShare Benefits for New Pandemic-EBT Program for Children Under 6 Who are Not in School

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Creates Office of Health Equity

Announces Search for Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Medicaid Expansion Increases Access to Care, Improves Health Outcomes, and Lowers Death Rates New Study Shows

Fully Vaccinated People Can Resume Activities Without Masks

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective

Wisconsin Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations to Children Ages 12-15

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine deemed safe and effective

Wisconsin Needs Medicaid Expansion

$1.6 billion in federal dollars would fund the health care Wisconsin residents deserve.

DHS Connecting Vaccinators with Groups Wanting On-Site Vaccination Clinics

Matching employers and organizations with local vaccine providers

Some Wisconsin FoodShare Recipients to Receive Additional Emergency Allotment Benefits

DHS Transitions to VaccineFinder

New State COVID-19 Testing For Schools

Federally funded testing program for students and staff aims to ‘decrease disruptions in classrooms.'

State Officials Push Action on PFAS

50 state sites polluted. Evers budget includes $20 million to fight forever chemicals.

Governor Evers, DHS Announce More Than $175 Million to Support COVID-19 Testing in Schools

Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care (LTC) Program Ending

Nearly 110,000 staff and residents vaccinated

PFAS In Wisconsin Webinar 2 p.m. April 19

Presented By The Wisconsin DNR & DHS

DHS Releases Improved COVID-19 Hospital Data Webpage

The updated page consolidates hospital data into informative dashboards

Founding Member of national African American Tobacco Leadership Council to Kick-off No Menthol Sunday efforts in Wisconsin

Evers Reaches Deal To Save Federal Food Aid

$70 million in monthly aid jeopardized after court ruling ended governor’s pandemic emergency order.

Gov. Evers Reaches Deal with USDA, Preserves More Than $70 Million a Month in Food Assistance for Wisconsin Families

More than 400,000 Wisconsin households to continue seeing emergency food assistance as state COVID-19 cases trend in wrong direction

State Wants Pause in Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

6 reports of blood clots among 6.8 million doses administered.

Wisconsin DHS Pauses Administration of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccinators instructed to stop administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine

DHS Reaffirms that Every Wisconsinite Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine

People without an ID or insurance should not be turned away

Everyone Age 16 and Older Now Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine

DHS Awards $6.2 Million in Grants to Promote Health Equity in COVID-19 Vaccine Program

Grant program supports community outreach efforts

General Population Eligible for Vaccine April 5th

State opens vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older a month ahead of schedule.

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Everyone 16 and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Starting April 5

Wisconsin leads the nation in getting available shots in arms

Increased Vaccine Supply Expands Federal Retail Pharmacy Program to More Locations

Nearly 600 participating pharmacy locations will be offering COVID-19 vaccinations

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce One Million Wisconsinites Have Been Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

DHS Releases New COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Data

The launch also includes an update of vaccine distribution metrics

Groups Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine on March 22

Wisconsin Adds More Partners to the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program

New pharmacy partners started receiving federal allocation this week

Wisconsin to Issue Benefits to Children Missing Free or Reduced Price School Meals Because of COVID-19 Pandemic

DHS is working in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Children and Families, and schools across the state to implement the program for the 2020-2021 school year

Vaccine Eligibility Expanding Based On Medical Conditions

DHS announced Thursday it would make another 2 million people eligible on March 29th.

DHS Announces People with Medical Conditions Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine March 29

Anticipates general public being eligible in May

Wisconsin Eliminates Waitlist for Long-Term Care Services for Medicaid-Eligible Adults

Success achieved in decades-long effort to ensure Wisconsinites who are elderly or have physical or developmental disabilities can receive home and community-based services

State Vaccine Hotline Up and Running

Call center helps people schedule COVID-19 vaccinations, answers questions about the vaccine.

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce 1 Million Wisconsinites Have Received at Least One Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Wisconsin continues to be regional, national leader in vaccine administration

COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline Now Available

For vaccine help, Wisconsin residents can now call 844-684-1064

Select Kroger Stores Take Part in Federal Retail Pharmacy Program

Kroger joins Walgreens to accelerate vaccination efforts

Wisconsin Anticipates First Shipment of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Third FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective

Groups Now Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine

State Launches Vaccine Provider Map

Interactive map shows vaccine providers, where doses are being distributed.

DHS Announces Groups Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine on March 1

People 65+, teachers, and child care workers will be prioritized

Some Students Currently Enrolled in Institutions of Higher Learning Now Temporarily Eligible to Participate in Wisconsin FoodShare

Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry Launching March 1

Pilot Locations Will Begin Testing Software February 22

Wisconsin Receives 988 State Planning Grant

Funding to be used to prepare Wisconsin for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 988 calling code, effective July 2022

Coalition of Health Care, Advocates, Criminal Justice Partners Issue Recommendations to Reform State’s Crisis Mental Health Response

February 11, 2021

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce First Community-Based Vaccination Clinic In Rock County To Open February 16

Evers Names 30 Equity Council Members

Governor’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion appointees include leaders from nonprofits, tribes, churches, community groups.

Peer-Run Respite for Veterans Now Open

The R&R House supports veterans with mental health and substance use challenges

DHS Announces Groups Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Tentatively Beginning March 1

Focuses on vulnerability and exposure risk of COVID-19

Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines

Evers appointee to head state health department a seasoned pro. GOP legislators should confirm her.

State Losing Top Health Official To Biden Administration

Andrea Palm named deputy secretary of Department of Health and Human Services.

Gov. Tony Evers Releases Statement on DHS Secretary-designee Palm Nomination, Announces DHS Interim Secretary Karen Timberlake

Evers Has Many Advisers

And they are being asked to take on a huge agenda of possible reforms.

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Health Policy Advisory Council, Transition Staff Additions

"Expanding access to affordable health care for Wisconsin residents is a top priority for our administration."