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Content referencing Kirsten Johnson
State DHS Asks for $70 Million to Cover FoodShare Costs
Trump's Big Beautiful Bill shifted SNAP food assistance costs to the states.
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Hope Kirwan
State Officials Say Despite Federal Change, Kids Should Get Recommended Vaccines
Wisconsin DHS backs current childhood vaccine schedule, rejecting Trump administration move.
Jan 8th, 2026 by Hope Kirwan
Governor’s Office Estimates Trump Megabill Will Cost State $284 Million
Up to 270,000 could lose health insurance and 43,700 lose food assistance.
Sep 2nd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Health Department Striving To Be Model of Anti-Racism
New deputy commissioner drawn to job through anti-racism focus, personal experience with department.
Jan 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Candidates Ignore State’s Looming ‘Senior Tsunami’
Over-75 population expected to explode, creating huge shortage of health care workers.
Nov 4th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Could Medicaid Expansion, Rural Incentives Reduce Labor Shortage?
Final report by Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce offers recommendations.
Aug 21st, 2024 by Joe Schulz
State Health Department Reinstates Vaccine Requirements for School Children
Legislature had blocked vaccine requirements for chickenpox, meningitis.
May 21st, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Legislature Stalls Opioid Settlement Funds. Again
Joint Finance Committee fails to meet deadline to approve state DHS plan.
Apr 23rd, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Committee Blocks $258 Million Home Health Care Pay Plan
Providers fear losing workers, while others fear providers themselves will drop out.
Apr 11th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Visiting Eau Claire, Evers Chides Legislators for Blocking Hospital Funds
As Republicans withhold aid, hospital closings create health-care gap in western Wisconsin.
Mar 19th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
BadgerCare Recipients Can Get Free Over-The-Counter Birth Control
Ever directs DHS order: pharmacies can provide Opill at no cost for recipients.
Mar 19th, 2024 by Hope Kirwan
Kirsten Johnson Aims to Restore Trust in Public Health
And bolster workforce. State DHS leader oversees nearly 6,000 employees.
Feb 12th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Evers Task Force to Spotlight Health Care Worker Shortage
Everyone in state should have good quality care, 'no matter their zip code.'
Jan 30th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
DHS Wants All Children Tested For Lead Poisoning
Lead exposure particularly dangerous for young children, but can be remediated if caught.
Jan 19th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Bipartisan Proposal Would Create Mental Health Crisis Centers Across State
Current model has police offers driving individuals for hours.
Nov 2nd, 2023 by Robert D'Andrea
Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees
Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.
Oct 9th, 2023 by Steven Walters
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.
Jul 31st, 2023 by Steven Walters
Missing Ventilators Restart Fight Over Federal Funds Oversight
Auditors found some COVID-19 supplies missing, triggering debate about who should control aid dollars.
Jun 5th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Dr. T Confirmed As Health Commissioner
Michael Totoraitis is the new leader of city health department.
May 9th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval
Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.
Apr 27th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Names New Health Commissioner
Michael Totoraitis will lead department, subject to council confirmation.
Apr 19th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Resigns
Kirsten Johnson resigns after two years on job. New commissioner will be sixth in six years.
Jan 10th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Ramps Up Monkeypox Testing, Vaccines
City health department leads the way. 'If you know you’ve been exposed get tested.'
Sep 28th, 2022 by Edgar Mendez
Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job
New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.
Aug 31st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention
Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.
Aug 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Dumps Head of Violence Prevention Office
Arnitta Holliman removed from role she had held for a little more than a year.
Aug 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Offering No-Appointment Vaccination For Everyone Six Months and Older
CDC authorizes COVID-19 vaccination for those ages six months to four years.
Jun 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Bublr Rolling Out Hundreds of E-Bikes, 26 New Stations
New e-bikes are "awesome" and "extremely fun" says Mayor Johnson.
Apr 28th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Lead Program Investigation Closed Without Criminal Charges
But investigation confirms program was mismanaged.
Mar 24th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Mask Mandate Expires
Lasted less than six weeks. But businesses and organizations can still require masks on their premises.
Mar 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Offering $100 Vaccine Incentive
Health Department offers $100 gift cards to any city resident getting first vaccination.
Feb 1st, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Mask Mandate Anticipated To Go Into Effect Saturday
Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson signs measure into law. Lasts until Mar. 1.
Jan 20th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Enacts (Soft) Mask Mandate
Largely ceremonial rule applies to publicly-accessible buildings and businesses, ends March 1.
Jan 18th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Moving Toward Cash Vaccination Incentives, Free Rapid Tests
But first the city must figure out how it can purchase the tests.
Jan 13th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Giving Away Free N95/KN95 Masks
More than 1% of all Milwaukee residents tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
Jan 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Public Schools Extends Virtual Instruction
But Health Commissioner says health department had no role in decision, expresses concern about impact.
Jan 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Moving To Institute Mask Mandate With No Enforcement
Would apply to all publicly-accessible, indoor businesses and organizations in the City of Milwaukee.
Jan 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Will Monitor City’s Covid Testing Sites
Overcrowding, aggressive behavior lead to request for police presence.
Jan 5th, 2022 by Corrinne Hess
Omicron Drives County’s Worst Pandemic Surge
'Staggering' surge in cases, hospitalizations 'unprecedented' for Milwaukee, official says.
Jan 4th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson Contracts COVID-19
Johnson is fully vaccinated and boosted.
Jan 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
COVID Testing Surges, While Mayor Pleads For More Vaccinations
City testing sites operating at near max capacity while there is no wait for vaccinations.
Dec 28th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor
Milwaukee's acting mayor hosts a ceremony of pomp and circumstance to tell his story.
Dec 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Dec 20th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
General City Workers Will Get 2% Raise
First raise for non-resident workers since 2008.
Dec 8th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Get Vaccinated, Get Your Photo With Championship Trophy
And a chance for free Bucks tickets. Team partners on vaccine clinic Saturday.
Dec 1st, 2021 by Annie Mattea
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.
Oct 21st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Marina Dimitrijevic is Officially Running For Mayor
Alderwoman is the seventh individual in the race.
Oct 18th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Allocates $45 Million To Violence Prevention, Victim Support
Evers joined by Attorney General Josh Kaul and Milwaukee violence prevention leaders for announcement.
Oct 13th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Oct 11th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
It’s Johnson Vs. Dimitrijevic On Mask Mandate
Health commissioner and alderwoman at odds over whether city should have mask mandate.
Sep 30th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Vaccination of North Side Youth Lags Behind County Average
High school students discuss the vaccine, hesitancy and school during COVID-19.
Sep 30th, 2021 by Matt Martinez
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.
Sep 29th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Offers $100 Vaccination Incentive
Health department will pay up to 1,000 people to get their first COVID-19 vaccination.
Sep 21st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Planning Its Own COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive
New program will replace expiring state effort. Employer mandates expected to boost interest.
Sep 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Arts Groups Announce Vaccine Requirement
Coalition of performing arts groups requiring COVID-19 vaccination proof or a negative test.
Sep 2nd, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Barrett Imposes Vaccine Mandate For City Workers
All except police and fire fighters must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination by October 29.
Aug 24th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Milwaukee Have a New Emergency Health Order?
MTEA is asking for more COVID-19 guidelines and private schools pushing back.
Aug 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Summerfest Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test
Music festival is first major outdoor event in Milwaukee area to implement requirement.
Aug 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Sees ‘Extreme’ COVID-19 Transmission
Hospitalizations statewide have quadrupled over the past month.
Aug 3rd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Proposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees
More than 6,000 city workers would need to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.
Aug 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Can Health Officials Act Against Delta Variant?
Court decisions, public resistance limit what state and local officials can do.
Aug 2nd, 2021 by Shamane Mills
Six Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules
Push mayor for indoor mask mandate and mandatory vaccinations for city employees.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Bucks Celebrations Hike COVID-19 Cases?
Health officials fear a spike could come. Half of county residents are not vaccinated.
Jul 25th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Health Commissioner Says Lead Crisis is Top Priority
Commissioner Johnson said she can fix department's troubled lead program.
Jul 22nd, 2021 by Matt Martinez
Update Expected Soon on Criminal Investigation Into Health Department
City officials and council members want to know status of DOJ, Milwaukee County DA investigation.
Jul 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Anger and Frustration With Milwaukee’s Lead Program
Even the Milwaukee Health Department doesn't like what's happened since 2018.
Jul 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Get Vaccinated, Get a Shot at Free NBA Finals Tickets
Health department offering shots and a shot to win free Bucks tickets.
Jul 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
COVID-19 On the Decline
COVID-19 at historically low levels in Milwaukee area.
Jun 25th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again
Scale of problem currently limited to one family in Bay View, but full review planned.
Jun 17th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Ends Its Mask Mandate
City mask mandate and capacity restrictions discontinued as public health order allowed to expire.
Jun 1st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Vaccination Rate Below 20% in One Milwaukee Neighborhood
But your sewage doesn't lie, COVID-19 case rates are declining in the city.
May 26th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
May 25th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
City Mask Mandate Ends June 1st
Following new CDC guidelines, city will allow its health order to expire.
May 18th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Removing Most COVID-19 Restrictions on June 15th
Health order expected to be reduced to a focus on masks.
May 13th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Resuming Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Wednesday
Milwaukee also using more community clinics to make vaccinations more convenient.
Apr 27th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
City Won’t Enhance Current COVID-19 Restrictions
A week ago the health department anticipated rolling back current health order.
Apr 13th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
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.
Apr 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Anticipates New COVID-19 Restrictions Next Week
City "anticipates" moving from Phase Six to Phase Five of its health order.
Apr 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Apr 6th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Brewers Join COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign
Public service announcements feature Brewers players asking everyone to get vaccinated.
Apr 5th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
City May Reimpose COVID-19 Restrictions
With cases rising, worried health department officials reevaluating current health order.
Mar 30th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Fired Deputy Health Commissioner Questions Her Ouster
Dr. Griselle Torres was one of two department leaders fired when Commissioner Kirsten Johnson took over.
Mar 26th, 2021 by Matt Martinez
Milwaukee Loosens COVID-19 Health Restrictions
Business and public gathering capacities increased, some restrictions lifted.
Mar 18th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Leadership Shakeup at Health Department
Two top officials pushed out by new city Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson.
Mar 13th, 2021 by Matt Martinez
City Has More Vaccine For Educators Than Demand
Mayor says Wisconsin Center has 800 vaccine appointments still open for Wednesday.
Mar 9th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
34 Vaccine Doses Spoil at Wisconsin Center
Miscommunication causes loss, as city rushed to contact unscheduled recipients.
Mar 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
State Says Health Department Needs Improvement Plan
MHD is in trouble, but the blame goes back four commissioners.
Feb 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New City Health Commissioner Approved
Kirsten Johnson's appointment sails through council.
Feb 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement
Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Kirsten Johnson Appointed Milwaukee Health Commissioner
Current leader of joint Washington Ozaukee Health Department would take helm in Milwaukee, lead COVID-19 response.
Jan 14th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
