988 Wisconsin Lifeline Marks First Anniversary
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today is recognizing the positive impact the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline has had in the year since the service began taking calls, texts, and online chats. From July 2022 through June 2023, the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline received 91,834 contacts for mental health and substance use support. “The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is a critically important resource for Wisconsinites to be able to talk to someone when they need to,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “We are proud...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJuly 13, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - July 13, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

Second Round of Grants for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Exceeds $12 Million; Total Funding Reaches $30 Million
Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the selection of 90 awardees for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) grants that will improve services for people who are older or have a disability, helping them remain in their home or community. A total award of $12.5 million to 90 organizations marks the completion of the second round of funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) . ”After seeing such success from our first round of grantees, we...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJuly 10, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - July 10, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Horse in Dunn County
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed that a horse in Dunn County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for West Nile virus . The positive test is a sign that mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are present in Wisconsin and can transmit the virus to people and other animals. The horse is the first reported West Nile virus infection in the state this year. Currently, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 2023. DHS has monitored the spread of West Nile...(see release)JenniferC.MillerJune 27, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 27, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Announces Expansion of Harm Reduction Efforts
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson joined attendees at the state ’s inaugural Harm Reduction Conference in Green Bay today to announce expanded efforts to address the overdose epidemic and the devastating impact it has had on communities statewide. "Overdose continues to take far too many lives in Wisconsin, and I am proud to support our partners across the sta te who work to save lives, prevent harm, and promote hope for the future," said Secretary...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 27, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 27, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Seeks Public Input on Use of JUUL Settlement Funds  
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will hold three listening sessions and offer an online survey to gather ideas from the public and partners about how to use nearly $15 million over the next five to nine years to reverse the harm caused by electronic nicotine delivery devices, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes. The funds are from a multi-state settlement reached with JUUL Labs, a leading manufacturer of vaping devices.   "Wisconsin has made great strides in keeping kids from...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 27, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 27, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Seeks Input on Family Care and Family Care Partnership Programs for Waiver Renewal
From now until August 1, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking input about how we can make the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs the best they can be. DHS will use the input to make proposed changes to the Family Care and Family Care Partnership waivers. Family Care and Family Care Partnership are Medicaid long-term care programs for older adults and adults with disabilities. The goal is to get members the services they need to live in a home setting when...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 23, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 23, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Reminds Medicaid Members to Submit Renewals on Time
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds residents who are BadgerCare Plus or Wisconsin Medicaid members that renewals are underway, and there is a "just right" time to renew to avoid delays or gaps in coverage. For example, on May 15, DHS sent renewal packets to approximately 53,000 Wisconsin households scheduled to renew in June. DHS encourages these members to submit their renewals by June 16 to avoid any gaps in coverage. Packets are in the mail to members with a July...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 12, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 12, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

Additional Grants Awarded to Help Reduce Disparities in Behavioral Health Care System
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced four organizations have received funding to help providers better serve communities that continue to experience barriers to accessing behavioral health care. Each organization has received $85,762 in one-time grants as part of an ongoing effort by DHS to improve health equity and access. "With these grants, we are working towards improved health outcomes. We need to meet people where they are with respect, dignity, and...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 9, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 9, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Awards Funding to 14 Nonprofit Dental Clinics
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded $5.1 million in grants to 14 nonprofit dental clinics to increase access to dental care in our state. Grant awards range from $59,000 to $150,000 per clinic over three years and will enable the selected clinics to serve more children and families in need, including Medicaid members, people who have low income, people with disabilities, and people who are uninsured. "This funding creates more access to important oral health services,"...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittJune 6, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - June 6, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Selects Providers for New Homeless Assistance Program
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded grants for a new program designed to help families and pregnant people experiencing homelessness. Using funds from the Children ’s Health Insurance Program Housing Support Initiative, selected homeless assistance providers will offer a set of supportive housing services, including housing consultation, transition supports, sustaining supports, and relocation supports. Wisconsin is the first state to implement this type of housing...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittMay 19, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - May 19, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Launches Independent Living Supports Pilot Program
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the launch of the Independent Living Supports Pilot program, which will provide eligible Wisconsinites with critical resources allowing them to continue to live independently in their homes rather than entering a Medicaid long-term care program. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the pilot will take place in select areas of the state. Those who enroll will have access to program benefits for up to 12 months. "We ’ve designed...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittMay 18, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - May 18, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Secretary-designee Highlights Over $18 Million in Grants at Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson took the stage at the annual Opioids, Stimulant, and Trauma Summit in Wisconsin Dells today to highlight several grant awards totaling over $18 million to tribal nations and local health agencies and other partners to address opioid and other substance use disorders affecting Wisconsinites. Funding for these grants comes from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement, as well as the State Opioid...(see release)JenniferC.MillerMay 16, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - May 16, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news

DHS Announces Pandemic Recovery Grant Awards and Shares Program Highlights
Almost $1.6 million in supplemental funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to 23 county Birth to 3 programs last year is yielding positive results for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Counties have been using funds to promote child and family-focused pandemic recovery efforts by helping families overcome challenges related to the pandemic, including decreased access to resources and increased...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittMay 3, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - May 3, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Releases New Reports on Infant Deaths in Wisconsin
 The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released two new reports on birth outcomes that continue to shed light on how to best reduce and address significant disparities in infant deaths across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) reports analyze the factors that con tribute to inequalities in fetal and infant mortality to help focus public health prevention efforts. Data from the DHS Maternal and Infant Mortality Prevention Unit show Wisconsin’s overall infant...(see release)Elizabeth.GoodsittMay 1, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - May 1, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Elizabeth.Goodsitt Source Type: news

DHS Honors State Health Care Providers With the “Wisconsin BigShot” Awards
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded  115 state health care providers its annual “BigShot” awards for their efforts to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases. The Wisconsin BigShot award is an annual recognition t hat celebrates providers in the Vaccines for Children Program who are leading the way in protecting children’s health by ensuring their youngest patients are up to date on their vaccinations. The awards are based on 2022 immunization data...(see release)JenniferC.MillerApril 21, 2023 (Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases)
Source: Wisconsin DHFS Press Releases - April 21, 2023 Category: Hospital Management Authors: JenniferC.Miller Source Type: news