News Releases: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DHS Provides Update on Distribution of Latest Opioid Settlement Funds
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) awarded agencies in communities across the state more than $21 million from the state’s latest share of opioid settlement funds from October through December of 2024, the largest amount awarded in a quarterly period since Wisconsin began receiving funds in 2022 from the national litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and pharmacy chains.
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.
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.