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…

(see release)

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…

(see release)

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…

(see release)

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…

(see release)

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…

(see release)

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

DHS Launches Campaign Highlighting Health Risks of Menthol Tobacco Products The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a digital education and outreach campaign highlighting the dangers of menthol in commercial tobacco products and focused on the impact that targeted marketing of these products has on certain communities. “Over generations, menthol in tobacco has had a catastrophic health impact on Wisconsinites,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Each year 7,900 Wisconsinites die from tobacco use. National studies have shown that if menthol…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

January 6, 2025

DHS Reports Presumptive Positive Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the first presumptive positive human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Barron County. The human case follows an infected flock of commercial poultry identified in Barron County. The person had exposure to the infected flock. The case was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH) and is pending confirmation at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

December 18, 2024

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, can seep into homes through their foundation and be deadly at high levels. In Wisconsin, 1 in 10 homes has elevated levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and approximately 962 Wisconsinites have radon-induced lung cancer. Fortunately, radon is easy to test for and leaks can be fixed. This National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, and schools, to understand their…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

December 17, 2024

Wisconsin Wayfinder Celebrates One Year of Supporting Families with Special Health Care Needs The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) celebrates the one-year anniversary of Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, a service connecting families of children with delays, disabilities, special health care needs, or mental health conditions to the resources and support they need to thrive. Since its launch in November 2023, Wisconsin Wayfinder has supported the families of more than 2,200 children and nearly 670 providers and professionals across the state, helping them…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

December 2, 2024