Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Recent News About Wisconsin Department of Health Services
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Wisconsin DHS urges vaccinations as respiratory illness season begins
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging residents to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. Updated COVID-19 and new annual flu vaccines are now available, alongside RSV vaccines for eligible individuals, including most older adults and pregnant people. An RSV antibody to protect infants from severe illness will be available starting October 1.
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Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs affects multiple states
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), local health departments, and federal partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to eggs from a Wisconsin farm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65 people in nine states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella, including 42 individuals residing in Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin highlights new investments ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day
Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is highlighting new state efforts to end overdose deaths and improve the health of people who use drugs. This annual observance, as proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers, serves as a day to remember those lost to drug overdose, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and act to save lives.
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Wisconsin reports first West Nile Virus deaths of 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed two deaths and one hospitalization due to West Nile virus (WNV) illness, marking the first such fatalities in the state this year. The initial three human cases were reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties. Additionally, WNV has been detected in mosquitoes, animals, and healthy blood donors whose blood screened positive for the virus.
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Wisconsin's Seal-A-Smile program marks its 25th year
As the 2024-2025 school year begins, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is commemorating the 25th anniversary of its Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile program. This initiative delivers preventive dental services to children statewide. The program, managed by DHS in collaboration with the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin and Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation, served over 86,300 students during the 2023-2024 school year, amounting to an estimated $17,554,000 in dental services.
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Wisconsin expands anti-vaping program for young adults
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line has expanded its text-based Live Vape Free program to include young adults aged 18-26. The initiative aims to support young Wisconsinites in ending their use of nicotine and vape products, offering two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy for those medically eligible.
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Wisconsin DHS advises parents on back-to-school health preparations
As summer winds down and back-to-school planning gears up, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites that now is the time to book appointments, communicate special health concerns with schools, and talk to children about issues that may impact their mental and emotional health.
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Expanded care choices coming for Wisconsin Medicaid members in 2025
Starting in January 2025, nearly 8,000 Family Care and Family Care Partnership (Partnership) members in South Central Wisconsin will have expanded choices for managing their long-term care. Members in Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Rock, and Waushara counties will be able to select from four managed care organizations (MCOs) for Family Care—an increase from the two currently available. Additionally, residents in these nine counties will now have the option to participate in Partnership for the first time.
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Wisconsin reports first West Nile virus activity of 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reported the first West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Wisconsin for this year. A healthy blood donor from Washington County tested positive for WNV, and a dead bird from Chippewa County was also found to be infected with the virus. Despite testing positive, the blood donor is not considered a human case as they did not develop any symptoms, which are necessary to classify it as a probable or confirmed case.
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Wisconsin’s UpliftWI answers over 16,500 calls in its first year
In its first year, UpliftWI, Wisconsin's phone service staffed by individuals with lived experiences in mental health and substance use concerns, answered 16,508 calls for support. Operated by Mental Health America of Wisconsin under a grant from the Department of Health Services (DHS), UpliftWI aims to provide hope and knowledge to those in need.
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Wisconsin DHS seeks community input for maternal and child health survey
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking input from state residents on family health in their communities to help shape the priorities and focus of maternal and child health programs. The Maternal and Child Health, Title V Needs Assessment Survey forms part of a comprehensive statewide assessment conducted every five years by the DHS Maternal and Child Health Program as part of federal Title V funding.
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Wisconsin DHS seeks public input on IRIS program improvements
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking input from state residents to enhance the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program. The IRIS program serves approximately 26,000 Wisconsinites, empowering adults with disabilities and older adults with long-term care needs to live independently and make their own choices.
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Wisconsin health officials warn against consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is investigating reports of severe illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. These products contain a proprietary blend of mushrooms and are available online and at retailers nationwide.
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Potential data breach impacts over 19K Wisconsin Medicaid members
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), one of its partners, experienced a security incident potentially exposing the protected health information of 19,150 Wisconsin Medicaid members.
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Wisconsin officials issue health reminders as fair season begins
The 2024 fair season in Wisconsin begins this week, offering residents an opportunity to interact with animals. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reminding the public that animals can carry diseases, but simple precautions can ensure a safe experience.
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Wisconsin DHS expands statewide campaign for stroke prevention
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is expanding its statewide public awareness campaign on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. This initiative aims to educate residents on reducing stroke risk, recognizing stroke symptoms, and responding swiftly during a stroke incident.
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Wisconsin honors wastewater professionals for contributions during pandemic
The Department of Health Services (DHS) today joined partners from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene to honor Wisconsin wastewater professionals. The event coincides with Governor Evers proclaiming May 22, 2024, as Wastewater Professionals Appreciation Day, recognizing these professionals for their role in protecting and promoting the health, safety, and overall well-being of Wisconsinites.
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Wisconsin launches "Saying Not Saying" campaign against mental health stigma
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched the "Saying, Not Saying" campaign aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. The initiative seeks to highlight the often unspoken realities behind the common question, "How are you?" and encourage a more open dialogue about mental health concerns.
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Wisconsin DHS announces updated immunization requirements for schools
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced updates to immunization requirements for children in child care centers and schools. The changes include a requirement for meningitis vaccination and documentation of chickenpox infection by a qualified medical professional. Exemption options for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons remain unchanged.
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Wisconsin health officials investigate potential measles exposures
Following a confirmed case of measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, is working to identify and directly notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.