DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Help End Childhood Lead Poisoning
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by encouraging all Wisconsinites to take steps to end childhood lead poisoning by getting the facts, helping children get tested for lead exposure, and checking homes for lead hazards. “Every child deserves a healthy start in life.” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Each year in Wisconsin, thousands of children have their futures put at risk because of lead exposure and poisoning. We know...(see release)JenniferC.MillerOctober 19, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - October 19, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

Wisconsin Adds New Hub to Pilot Program
The Department of Health Services (DHS) will be adding a fourth site to a program initiated in 2020 that pilots a hub and spoke approach to treating Wisconsin Medicaid members affected by substance use disorder and physical and behavioral health issues that challenge their efforts in recovery. Vin Baker Recovery of Milwaukee was selected in a process earlier this year. The organization's startup costs as a pilot program participant will be funded through Wisconsin ’s 2022 share of the National...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittOctober 17, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - October 17, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

Syphilis Cases Continue to Rise in Wisconsin-Affecting Babies, Teens, and Adults
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has issued a memo to health care providers in the state calling for increased awareness and testing for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis. Recently released 2022 surveillance data show a continued rise in cases in the state. Cases of syphilis increased 19% (1,608 to 1,916) from 2021 to 2022. Among those cases, congenital syphilis increased 81% (16 to 29) during this same time period. By comparison, Wisconsin had an average 0-2...(see release)JenniferC.MillerOctober 6, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - October 6, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Calls on Wisconsinites to Make a Plan to Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses This Fall
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is calling on Wisconsinites to make a plan to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. The reminder comes as the updated COVID-19 vaccine has received federal regulatory approval, a new annual flu vaccine is available, and a vaccine and antibody to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is on the market. With cooler temperatures, the risk of respiratory illnesses rises, but there are now more tools available to keep people...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittSeptember 12, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - September 12, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Awards Funding to Law Enforcement Agencies Working to Address the Opioid Epidemic
DHS Awards Funding to Law Enforcement Agencies Working to Address the Opioid Epidemic The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded grants to six law enforcement agencies to support their work addressing the opioid epidemic in our state. The Buffalo, Columbia, Eau Claire, Marathon, and Sawyer County Sheriff ’s Offices, and the Village of Cottage Grove Police Department will receive funds to support community drug disposal programs, programs that keep people with an opioid use disorder out of jail, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder education and...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittSeptemb...
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - September 11, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

New Report Finds Wisconsin EMS Providers Are Responding to More Falls
A new report from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) finds that falls are a leading cause of injury and death in Wisconsin. The report, EMS and Falls in Wisconsin , shows that, in 2022, emergency medical services (EMS) providers responded to over 130,000 falls across the state, the top injury they responded to. “This data provides unique insight into where and why falls are occurring, and sheds light on where resources are needed most,” says State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Today...(see release)JenniferC.MillerSeptember 11, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - September 11, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Highlights New Grant Program and Exceptional Partner Work at Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is lifting up substance use prevention efforts across the state through a new grant program and awards recognizing exceptional work by partners who are improving the health and safety of people and communities. The announcements are part of the Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference happening today and tomorrow in the Wisconsin Dells and online. “The focus of this conference is to confront the societal challenges surrounding substance use...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittSeptember 11, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - September 11, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

Wisconsin State Health Officer Earns National Recognition
Today, Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Public Health, has been selected by the de Beaumont Foundation as one of its Class of 2023 40 Under 40 in Public Health leaders. The de Beaumont Foundation, a national nonprofit that supports and invests in public health solutions and partnerships, announced its third class of public health leaders after reviewing nominations from hundreds of public health professionals...(see release)JenniferC.MillerSeptember 5, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - September 5, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

Grants Awarded to Support Statewide Network of Substance Use Prevention Coalitions
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has renewed its commitment to a statewide network of substance use prevention coalitions - the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth - by awarding grants to three partners working to build a healthier Wisconsin. Community Advocates, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, and Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center will act as regional coordinators for the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth. The Alliance for Wisconsin Youth supports the work of more...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittAugust 24, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - August 24, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Observes International Overdose Awareness Day by Awarding Grants to Make More Life-Saving Tools Available
Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is expanding its commitment to ending drug overdoses and related harms. Grants have been awarded to 15 county, municipal, nonprofit, and tribal nation agencies to make life-saving resources more available in communities with a high need through vending machines in public places stocked with free fentanyl test strips and NARCAN ®, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. “By funding these...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittAugust 21, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - August 21, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Wisconsin  
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Public Health Madison& Dane County have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in a Wisconsin resident this year. The individual is a resident of Dane County. Cases of West Nile virus have also been reported in three horses in Wisconsin and several mosquito pools. The horse cases were located in Dunn and Clark counties, and the positive mosquitoes were from Milwaukee and Lafayette counties. "This confirmed case in a Wisconsin...(see release)JenniferC.MillerAugust 18, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - August 18, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Welcomes the CDC Director to Wisconsin to Highlight School Vaccination Rates and Urges Action Ahead of School Year
With the school year around the corner, the Department of Health Services (DHS) welcomes CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen today to Wisconsin as part of a nationwide call to action to ensure children are ready for a healthy school year. "We are grateful for Dr. Cohen ’s visit to Wisconsin to help us spread this important health message, because we want every child ready and excited for the school year ahead. A critical part is making sure children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases by...(see release)JenniferC.MillerAugust 14, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - August 14, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Announces Free Online Program to Train 10,000 Caregivers
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently launched an initiative to train 10,000 people as certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) to combat the state ’s shortage of caregivers. The self-paced curriculum includes direct care topics such as safety, ethics, and communication. Most candidates will be able to complete the free program, developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, in about 30 hours and then must pass an online exam to earn certification....(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittAugust 6, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - August 6, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

Need someone to talk to? Call UpliftWI
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces a new phone line is now available allowing all Wisconsinites to share their successes and challenges with a peer who will listen and offer support. Built by Mental Health America of Wisconsin under a grant from DHS for people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns, UpliftWI can be reached at 534-202-5438 daily from noon to midnight, with 24/7 operation expected by the end of the year. This non-emergency service is free...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJuly 27, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - July 27, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Releases Early Data on Medicaid Renewals
Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a new webpage showing statewide data in BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid enrollment following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement that had kept members enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between June 2023 and May 2024, more than 1.6 million, or about 1 in 4, Wisconsinites will need to renew to see if they can stay covered under their current state program. “We want to be transparent about the...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJuly 19, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - July 19, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news