News Releases: 2021
DHS Urges Public Health Practices to Keep Kids Safe and in School
As students return to school in January, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is asking all Wisconsin parents and guardians to take action to help slow the spread of Omicron and keep children safe in schools.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake’s Statement on CDC Recommendations to Shorten Isolation and Quarantine Periods
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to shorten isolation and quarantine periods for the general public, given what we know right
DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge Statement on New FDA Emergency Use Authorizations of the First Antiviral Pills to Treat COVID-19
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorizations for Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s Molnupiravir, the first oral antiviral medications authorized for use in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
DHS Reminds Wisconsinites of COVID-19 Testing Options
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites of the various ways to get tested for COVID-19. Trusted testing partners include local health departments, community testing sites, pharmacies, and health care providers.
Gov. Evers and DHS Announce FEMA Support for Wisconsin Hospitals
Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending a 20-person team from the U.S. Navy to support Bellin Health’s COVID-19 response in the Green Bay area.
DHS Issues Public Health Advisory about the Omicron Variant
Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a public health advisory calling on all Wisconsinites to take urgent action to prevent additional hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19.
Families with Children Who Did Not Receive Free or Reduced Price Meals at School Due to COVID-19 to Receive Food Benefits
Wisconsin has received U.S. Department of Agriculture approval to offer the School Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program for the 2021-2022 school year.
DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake Joins First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Visit to Children’s Wisconsin to Encourage Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations
DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake today released the following statement after a visit to Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy:
Governor Evers, DHS Mark the One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Vaccine Arriving in Wisconsin
Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) are marking the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state. Wisconsin first began administering the COVID-19 vaccine on December 14, 2020.
La Crosse Lighthouse Peer-Run Respite Opens
Wisconsin’s sixth peer-run respite funded by the Department of Health Services (DHS)—the La Crosse Lighthouse—is now open.
DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for everyone 16 and older
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that 16- and 17-year-olds receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after having received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (P
DHS Awards $8.1 Million in Community Outreach Grants to Promote Equity in COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced $8.1 million in grants has been awarded to organizations across the state to promote health equity in COVID-19 vaccination throughout the state.
First Case of the Omicron Variant Identified in Wisconsin
Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the newest variant of co
DHS Provides Update on Omicron Variant
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the City of Milwaukee Health Department are investigating a COVID-19 outbreak from a wedding in Milwaukee County on November 27.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake’s Statement on CDC’s Recommendation of Booster Doses for All Adults
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports CDC’s recommendation that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine.
DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Anyone 18 and Older
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that anyone 18 and older receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six m
DHS Announces $2 Million in Funding to Help Wisconsinites Access Affordable Health Insurance
DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake today at an open enrollment event in Appleton announced $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for Covering Wisconsin to support efforts to make sure that Wisconsinites have the health care coverage they
DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Celebrate the Holidays Safely
As we look ahead to the winter holiday season, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to take steps to protect their health and the health of those around them. You can celebrate safely even while the disease continues to spread.
Don’t Let the Flu Stop You This Holiday Season
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) continues to encourage Wisconsinites to get a flu vaccine to help them stay healthy while visiting family and friends this holiday season.
Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations to Children Ages 5-11
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces that children 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine.
Every Child in Wisconsin Deserves a Healthy Start in Life That is Free from Exposure to Lead
Deteriorating lead-based paint, especially in homes built before 1978, is the main source of lead exposure in Wisconsin. It is estimated that in Wisconsin there are more than 350,000 older homes with lead paint.
Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Booster Doses
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that certain populations who have increased risk of exposure to or transmission of COVID-19 receive a booster shot of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after
DHS Announces Multiple Funding Opportunities to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities
Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced funds will be made available to promote racial and geographic equity in the COVID-19 response.
DHS Provides Update on Measles Cases in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Monroe County Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 22 cases of measles in Wisconsin.
DHS to Increase COVID-19 Testing Capacity, Relaunches Community Testing Program
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today the relaunch of the Testing Pilot Program, now referred to as the Community Testing Support Program, to support entities across Wisconsin in offering local, convenient COVID-19 testing.
DHS Continues Investment in Quality Health Care for Rural Areas
Grants totaling more than $550,000 to increase access and enhance health care quality in rural Wisconsin were announced today by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
DHS Announces the Hire of the Director of the Office of Health Equity
Today, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the hiring of Dr. Michelle Robinson as the Director of the newly formed Office of Health Equity.
DHS Announces New Electronic Communications to Notify COVID-19 Close Contacts
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 can be sent a text or email notifying them of their exposure to COVID-19.
DHS Encourages Flu Vaccination: Protect Yourself and Those Around You
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages everyone to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) this fall. The flu vaccine is another layer of protection to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from a preventable disease.
DHS Improves Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services for Medicaid Members
Beginning November 1, 2021, Wisconsin Medicaid members who participate in eligible programs will be working with a new vendor, Veyo, to get transportation to their covered health care appointments.
Wisconsin to Offer COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine Booster Doses
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that certain populations who have increased risk of exposure to or transmission of COVID-19 receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after having received their second do
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake’s Statement on CDC’s Recommendation of Booster Doses of Pfizer Vaccine for Certain Populations
“DHS is aware of the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that people 65 and older and certain populations who are at high risk of COVID-19 receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary serie
Wausau Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility Now Open
A youth crisis stabilization facility is now open in Wausau, with start-up funding provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The eight-bed facility operated by North Central Health Care serves young people with non-life-threatening mental health needs.
More Than 142,000 People Receive First Dose Between August 20 and September 19
Since the launch of the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced more than 142,400 Wisconsinites have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
DHS Connect Fully Implemented
Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston is now using an electronic health records system, marking the end of a multiyear transformation in how the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) provides services and supports at the seven state facilities for people living with psychiatric di
Gov. Evers, DHS Remind Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated to Get $100
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) urge Wisconsinites to get vaccinated by Sunday, September 19 in order to qualify for the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program.
Federal and State Officials Advise Wisconsinites That Making or Buying Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards is Illegal
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, joins Timothy M.
DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Mask Up and Follow Public Health Practices Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
Ahead of Labor Day weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to celebrate safely and continue taking steps to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. Wisconsin is seeing very high case activity.
DHS Renews Commitment to Reducing Drug Overdoses in Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in Wisconsin, and the Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging residents to reflect on the impact overdoses have had on families and friends of people who use drugs in every corner of the state, and to renew our commitmen
Keeping Kids Safe During Back to School
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) have released guidance on strategies districts and schools can use to best protect students during in-person learning this school year.
DHS Urges Vaccination as Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Gains Full FDA Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will now be marketed under the name Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in people 16 years of age and older.
Health Department Urges People to Keep Taking Steps To Avoid Mosquito-Related Illnesses
As summer winds down and the risk for some illnesses spread by mosquitoes goes up, health officials are encouraging Wisconsin residents to use simple prevention steps to Fight the Bite.
DHS Releases New Data on COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Vaccination Status
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new webpage, COVID-19 Vaccine Data, which includes a visualization showing the rate of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths per 100,000 among individuals who are fully vaccinated vers
Wisconsin to Offer Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose to People Who are Immunocompromised
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that some immunocompromised people are recommended and eligible to get an additional dose of Pfizer (ages 12 and up) or Moderna (ages 18 and up) COVID-19 vaccine following a completed series.
Three Sites to Pilot New Hub and Spoke Model to Improve Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is collaborating with three health care providers in different areas of the state to pilot a new approach to treating eligible BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid members who have substance use disorders and at least one other health condition.
New Report Shows COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Opioid Overdoses; McKinsey & Company Settlement Funds Aid Response to Opioid Epidemic
A report published today by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) shows the state’s opioid epidemic worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, DHS is unveiling new strategies to prevent and reduce further harm.
DHS Releases New and Updated Resources for Schools to Keep Students Safe
To help keep students and teachers safe during the 2021-2022 school year, the Department of Health Services (DHS) today launched a K-12 School Testing Program communications toolkit.
Wisconsin Submits Plans to Support Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that Wisconsin will receive nearly $50 million in additional funding from the federal government to address mental health and substance use needs.
Growing Case Activity and Circulation of Delta Variant Prompt Updated CDC and DHS Guidance
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recommendations that were issued on July 27, 2021.
Governor Evers, DHS Urge COVID-19 Vaccination Ahead of 2021-2022 School Year
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourage anyone attending school in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year to get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.