DHS Honors Wisconsin Health Care Providers with the Wisconsin BigShot Awards The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced its annual Wisconsin BigShot awards, celebrating 90 Wisconsin health care providers for protecting children’s health by ensuring they are up to date on childhood vaccinations, including measles, pertussis, meningitis, and HPV. “Vaccines continue to be the safest and most effective way to prevent many of the diseases that used to cause serious illnesses and deaths,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “These awards celebrate the…

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lucy.pepin

April 22, 2025

New Data Show Congenital Syphilis Increasing in Wisconsin While Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Decrease This STI Awareness Week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is sharing new data to help public health and health care leaders focus prevention efforts and support the sexual health of all Wisconsinites. According to new preliminary 2024 Wisconsin STI surveillance data, STI rates are decreasing overall but continue to be high throughout the state. In 2024, DHS received 31,576 reports of STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia). Of these infections, over half were reported in…

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lucy.pepin

April 15, 2025

DHS Highlights Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Wisconsin Medicaid Members With the U.S. House of Representatives proposing $880 billion in cuts to the federal budget, substantial impacts to Medicaid and other health programs are unavoidable. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has started to analyze how these cuts might impact Medicaid members and providers in our state, including shifting costs to Wisconsin, slashing the Medicaid budget, making services harder to access for working adults, and increasing costs to Wisconsin taxpayers. “Wisconsin’s…

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lucy.pepin

April 9, 2025

Wisconsin Underage Tobacco and Vape Sales Decreased in 2024 The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reports a decrease in the rate at which tobacco and vape retailers sold to underage consumers last year, with annual data showing a decline from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. These results come from the Synar Survey, an annual statewide assessment of the retailer violation rate. In 2019, the rate was 5.5% and reached its highest point in 2021 when the rate was 14.1%. “We are glad to see a decline in overall sales of tobacco and vape products to…

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lucy.pepin

March 21, 2025

Gov. Evers Makes Critical Investments in Health Care Coverage and Access Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) highlights critical portions of Gov. Evers’ 2025-27 DHS budget proposal, which was introduced February 18, 2025. “Building on his declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Kid, Governor Evers’ budget supports health kids, families, and communities across the state,” said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “This budget makes critical investments in public health, health care access and coverage, mental health, and long-term care, prioritizing the…

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lucy.pepin

March 4, 2025

As Previewed in 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers Approves DHS Emergency Rule to Strengthen Standards to Prevent Further Hazardous Lead Exposure to Wisconsin Kids Gov. Tony Evers, as previewed in his 2025 State of the State address, announced approval of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) emergency rule to strengthen standards to protect more kids from further lead exposure. In Wisconsin, lead poisoning or exposure is defined in state law, which also permits DHS to promulgate rules with a different value based on blood lead level recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The emergency rule lowers Wisconsin’s…

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lucy.pepin

January 31, 2025

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, Health Experts Encourage Parents to Learn the Signs March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, and this spring break season the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants parents, caregivers, and those who work with young people to know that self-harm among those ages 10-19 typically increases following a return from school breaks and in the final weeks of the school year. Data on adolescent self-harm visits to Wisconsin emergency departments (ED) showed a nearly 10% increase in May 2023 compared to the previous month, and a 24% increase in…

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lucy.pepin

January 27, 2025

DHS Confirms First Pediatric Influenza-Associated Death in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first pediatric influenza-associated death in our state for the 2024-2025 season. Nationwide, 16 pediatric influenza-associated deaths have been reported. “We are saddened to announce the season’s first death of a child from flu in Wisconsin, and our deepest sympathy goes out to this child’s family,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Respiratory viruses remain a significant health concern, especially in children. If you or…

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lucy.pepin

January 15, 2025

Certified Direct Care Professional Program Now Available in Hmong The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) now offers free online training to become a certified direct care professional (CDCP) in English, Spanish, and Hmong. CDCPs care for older adults and people with disabilities in their homes or community living spaces, helping with bathing, dressing, eating, exercise, and other daily activities. This program is part of WisCaregiver Careers, which trains and rewards caring people who wish to pursue careers in health care. Research published by the…

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lucy.pepin

January 8, 2025

With Respiratory Virus Cases Increasing Across the State, DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves With high respiratory illness activity throughout the state, the Department of Health Services (DHS) urges Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses as soon as possible and reminds them it’s not too late to get the protection that can help avoid serious illness this season. Flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV) activity levels are increasing significantly across Wisconsin and nationwide. Emergency department visits due to respiratory viruses have also…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

January 8, 2025