Kirsten Johnson

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Candidates Ignore State’s Looming ‘Senior Tsunami’

Over-75 population expected to explode, creating huge shortage of health care workers.

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Recognize World Suicide Prevention Day, Highlight Grants to Help Reduce Suicide Deaths

Evers Administration highlights ongoing work and investments to help reduce suicide as the deaths by suicide in Wisconsin exceed 900 for second consecutive year

Could Medicaid Expansion, Rural Incentives Reduce Labor Shortage?

Final report by Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce offers recommendations.

Gov. Evers Announces Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Releases Full Report

Report details recommendations to address challenges facing the state’s healthcare workforce

Gov. Evers Directs More Than $250 Million to Support Long-Term Care Services and the Caregiving Workforce in Wisconsin

Increased funding will bolster workforce delivering care to older adults and people with disabilities

DHS Seeks Input on the IRIS Program for Waiver Renewal

Wisconsinites can share ideas to improve the program for older adults and people with disabilities

“Saying, Not Saying” Campaign Aims to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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

Legislature Stalls Opioid Settlement Funds. Again

Joint Finance Committee fails to meet deadline to approve state DHS plan.

Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded Grants from State Opioid Settlement Funds

Funded projects focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment activities

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

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.

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.

Marquette University School of Dentistry dean appointed to Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

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

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

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

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

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 Implements 12-Month Continuous Health Insurance Coverage for Children

Mandated by federal legislation, the change stabilizes health insurance for kids in BadgerCare Plus and other Medicaid programs

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

Competitive Integrated Employment Yielding Improved Employment Outcomes

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

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

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

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

Bipartisan Proposal Would Create Mental Health Crisis Centers Across State

Current model has police offers driving individuals for hours.

Statement from DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson on Senate Bill 462

A significant and meaningful step in creating needed infrastructure to address treatment options for people with a mental health crisis

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline Marks Five Years of Service

More than 31,000 calls, texts, and chats for support answered since 2018

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

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

Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees

Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.

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

Application period still open for additional grant dollars

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

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

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

1.4 Million Wisconsin Residents Need To Reapply For Medicaid, Will They?

As of June, more than one-third had not initiated the renewal process. Real test comes at end of summer.

988 Wisconsin Lifeline Marks First Anniversary

Wisconsinites can call, text, and chat for free, 24/7 mental health and substance use support

Second Round of Grants for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Exceeds $12 Million; Total Funding Reaches $30 Million

90 organizations will receive funding, many with a focus on crucial transportation enhancements

Additional Grants Awarded to Help Reduce Disparities in Behavioral Health Care System

Equity and inclusion trainings to be offered to service providers

DHS Announces Expansion of Harm Reduction Efforts

New funding for public health vending machines aimed at preventing or reversing overdose

DHS Launches Independent Living Supports Pilot Program

New effort explores ways to support Wisconsinites living at home longer, for better health outcomes

Missing Ventilators Restart Fight Over Federal Funds Oversight

Auditors found some COVID-19 supplies missing, triggering debate about who should control aid dollars.

DHS Releases New Reports on Infant Deaths in Wisconsin

DHS Releases New Reports on Infant Deaths in Wisconsin

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.

DHS Details End of Emergency COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 prevention and precaution remain a priority as response programs transition

DHS Awards $8 million for Opioid and Stimulant Treatment Service

Tribal nation and county agencies to use funding from the State Opioid Response Grant Program to support local needs

Mayor Names New Health Commissioner

Michael Totoraitis will lead department, subject to council confirmation.

DHS Awards $10 Million to Construction Projects for Opioid Treatment and Recovery Support Services

New and renovated buildings to provide much needed space for women with opioid use disorder

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Resigns

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

Milwaukee County Public Health Collaborative Announces New Campaigns Encouraging COVID-19 Booster and Flu Vaccinations in Low-Vaccine Rate Zip Codes

Holiday and COVID-19 booster campaigns aim to educate and excite

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

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Health Department Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated this Flu Season

Milwaukee Ramps Up Monkeypox Testing, Vaccines

City health department leads the way. 'If you know you’ve been exposed get tested.'

Milwaukee Health Department Hosts Fall Meetings to Gather Input from Community

Milwaukee Health Department Begins Administration of Updated COVID-19 Booster Vaccine to Target Omicron Subvariant

The Milwaukee Health Department is pleased to begin administration of the updated single-dose COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine on Monday, September 12

Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job

New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.

Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention

Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Supervisor Burgelis Seeks to Increase Monkeypox Awareness and Vaccine Distribution

Mayor Dumps Head of Violence Prevention Office

Arnitta Holliman removed from role she had held for a little more than a year.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Health Department Hosts 21st Annual Back-to-School Health Fair

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Mask Advisory

First Case of Monkeypox Identified in City of Milwaukee Resident

Milwaukee Offering No-Appointment Vaccination For Everyone Six Months and Older

CDC authorizes COVID-19 vaccination for those ages six months to four years.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week increased to 147.4 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and remains in the “high transmission” category.

Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes & Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO, Announce $5.7 Million In Federal Funding

Supports more than 200 Public Health AmeriCorps members

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Bublr Rolling Out Hundreds of E-Bikes, 26 New Stations

New e-bikes are "awesome" and "extremely fun" says Mayor Johnson.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Lead Program Investigation Closed Without Criminal Charges

But investigation confirms program was mismanaged.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Mask Mandate Expires

Lasted less than six weeks. But businesses and organizations can still require masks on their premises.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City Offering $100 Vaccine Incentive

Health Department offers $100 gift cards to any city resident getting first vaccination.

Mask Mandate Anticipated To Go Into Effect Saturday

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson signs measure into law. Lasts until Mar. 1.

Milwaukee Enacts (Soft) Mask Mandate

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

Tuesday’s City of Milwaukee Mask Ordinance Vote

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week is 593.2 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and remains in the “extreme transmission” category.

City Moving Toward Cash Vaccination Incentives, Free Rapid Tests

But first the city must figure out how it can purchase the tests.

Milwaukee Health Department Distributes Free N95 Masks

Masks will be available at Milwaukee Health Centers and Milwaukee Public Libraries

Milwaukee Health Department to Offer Extended Use of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines

Milwaukee Giving Away Free N95/KN95 Masks

More than 1% of all Milwaukee residents tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Public Schools Extends Virtual Instruction

But Health Commissioner says health department had no role in decision, expresses concern about impact.

Council Moving To Institute Mask Mandate With No Enforcement

Would apply to all publicly-accessible, indoor businesses and organizations in the City of Milwaukee.

Police Will Monitor City’s Covid Testing Sites

Overcrowding, aggressive behavior lead to request for police presence.

Omicron Drives County’s Worst Pandemic Surge

'Staggering' surge in cases, hospitalizations 'unprecedented' for Milwaukee, official says.

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson Contracts COVID-19

Johnson is fully vaccinated and boosted.

COVID Testing Surges, While Mayor Pleads For More Vaccinations

City testing sites operating at near max capacity while there is no wait for vaccinations.

Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor

Milwaukee's acting mayor hosts a ceremony of pomp and circumstance to tell his story.

MTEA Statement on Omicron Covid-19 Surge in City of Milwaukee

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

General City Workers Will Get 2% Raise

First raise for non-resident workers since 2008.

Get Vaccinated, Get Your Photo With Championship Trophy

And a chance for free Bucks tickets. Team partners on vaccine clinic Saturday.

Advisory from the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health

City of Milwaukee Health Department Seeks Input for Strategic Plan

City of Milwaukee Health Department Teams Up with Milwaukee Bucks to Vaccinate Children

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children Ages 5 to 11

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Rolls Out Vaccination Promotion For Second Shot

City will pay $25 to 1,000 people to get second shot. More than 23,000 people are currently eligible.

COVID-19 Second Dose Vaccine Incentive Program to Launch October 21

Get your flu shot today!

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson October 20, 2021

Marina Dimitrijevic is Officially Running For Mayor

Alderwoman is the seventh individual in the race.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Evers Allocates $45 Million To Violence Prevention, Victim Support

Evers joined by Attorney General Josh Kaul and Milwaukee violence prevention leaders for announcement.

New COVID-19 Mass Testing Site Opens in Menomonee Valley

New site at a former WisDOT emissions testing site. It replaces American Family Field testing site.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

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City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

It’s Johnson Vs. Dimitrijevic On Mask Mandate

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

Vaccination of North Side Youth Lags Behind County Average

High school students discuss the vaccine, hesitancy and school during COVID-19.

The Battle For New City Mask Mandate

As COVID-19 cases surge, teachers union and 11 other groups demand restored mandate, which many businesses oppose.

City Offers $100 Vaccination Incentive

Health department will pay up to 1,000 people to get their first COVID-19 vaccination.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Planning Its Own COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive

New program will replace expiring state effort. Employer mandates expected to boost interest.

Milwaukee Arts Groups Announce Vaccine Requirement

Coalition of performing arts groups requiring COVID-19 vaccination proof or a negative test.

Milwaukee Performing Arts Organizations Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Test for Audiences

Florentine Opera, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra among organizations announcing COVID audience screening

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Vaccination rates continue to slowly increase at a rate of approximately 0.5% each week

Barrett Imposes Vaccine Mandate For City Workers

All except police and fire fighters must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination by October 29.

Should Milwaukee Have a New Emergency Health Order?

MTEA is asking for more COVID-19 guidelines and private schools pushing back.

Summerfest Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test

Music festival is first major outdoor event in Milwaukee area to implement requirement.

Milwaukee County’s Public Health Officers Recommend Universal Masking in Schools

As Delta variant cases surge, data shows fourteen-fold increase in cases among children

Milwaukee Sees ‘Extreme’ COVID-19 Transmission

Hospitalizations statewide have quadrupled over the past month.

Proposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees

More than 6,000 city workers would need to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.

Can Health Officials Act Against Delta Variant?

Court decisions, public resistance limit what state and local officials can do.

Six Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules

Push mayor for indoor mask mandate and mandatory vaccinations for city employees.

Will Bucks Celebrations Hike COVID-19 Cases?

Health officials fear a spike could come. Half of county residents are not vaccinated.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Health Department Hosts 20th Annual Back-to-School Health Fairs

Fairs to be held Friday, July 30 and Friday, August 6

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.

Anger and Frustration With Milwaukee’s Lead Program

Even the Milwaukee Health Department doesn't like what's happened since 2018.

Get Vaccinated, Get a Shot at Free NBA Finals Tickets

Health department offering shots and a shot to win free Bucks tickets.

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 On the Decline

COVID-19 at historically low levels in Milwaukee area.

Crush COVID Crew Hosts Virtual Information Sessions on June 29

Milwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again

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

Health Commissioner Johnson Statement on Lead Case

Milwaukee Health Department to Host Second Vaccine Clinic on June 17

Fans receiving vaccination will be eligible to win tickets to Game 6

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Health Department to Raffle Bucks Playoff Tickets with Vaccination

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

Milwaukee Ends Its Mask Mandate

City mask mandate and capacity restrictions discontinued as public health order allowed to expire.

City of Milwaukee Order Phase 6 Update

Drive-Thru Vaccination Clinic at Summerfest

Vaccination Rate Below 20% in One Milwaukee Neighborhood

But your sewage doesn't lie, COVID-19 case rates are declining in the city.

Milwaukee Area Mass Vaccination Clinics End This Week

The federally-run Wisconsin Center clinic and the county-run Kosciuszko Community Center will administer their last shots this week.

City of Milwaukee Order Phase 6 Update

City Mask Mandate Ends June 1st

Following new CDC guidelines, city will allow its health order to expire.

Brewers Home Games to be at Full Capacity Beginning June 25

Milwaukee Removing Most COVID-19 Restrictions on June 15th

Health order expected to be reduced to a focus on masks.

Capacity for Brewers Home Games to Increase to 50% Beginning This Saturday

City Resuming Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Wednesday

Milwaukee also using more community clinics to make vaccinations more convenient.

City Won’t Enhance Current COVID-19 Restrictions

A week ago the health department anticipated rolling back current health order.

Reggie Moore Leaving Office of Violence Prevention

After 5 years on the job, Moore will shift focus from local to national change in new role.

Milwaukee Anticipates New COVID-19 Restrictions Next Week

City "anticipates" moving from Phase Six to Phase Five of its health order.

The City of Milwaukee Order Phase 6 Update

Walk-In Vaccine Clinics Open to Everyone

Clinics at North Division and South Division high schools are now open to all city residents 16 years or older.

Brewers Join COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign

Public service announcements feature Brewers players asking everyone to get vaccinated.

City May Reimpose COVID-19 Restrictions

With cases rising, worried health department officials reevaluating current health order.

Fired Deputy Health Commissioner Questions Her Ouster

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

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Names Two Senior Team Members

Milwaukee Loosens COVID-19 Health Restrictions

Business and public gathering capacities increased, some restrictions lifted.

Leadership Shakeup at Health Department

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

City Has More Vaccine For Educators Than Demand

Mayor says Wisconsin Center has 800 vaccine appointments still open for Wednesday.

Milwaukee Brewers Approved to Host 25-Percent Capacity to Open Regular Season

City of Milwaukee Health Department Approves Fan Attendance at American Family Field

34 Vaccine Doses Spoil at Wisconsin Center

Miscommunication causes loss, as city rushed to contact unscheduled recipients.

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.

Health Commissioner appointment to be heard at next Public Safety and Health Committee meeting

Kirsten Johnson Appointed Milwaukee Health Commissioner

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

Washington County Files Amicus Brief with State Supreme Court on “Safer at Home” Order

County argues local control is required by state law

Washington County Executive to Release “Blueprint for Reopening”

Washington Ozaukee Public Health Officer to brief county board at organizational meeting