MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that all Wisconsinites enrolled in BadgerCare Plus or another Medicaid program must renew their benefits by an assigned due date between June 2023 and May 2024. As of January 2023, over 1.6 million members are enrolled in BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid. Those individuals were receiving […]
Tag: Covid-19
Posted inCommunity, Health, Health and Fitness, Life, Opinion
Op-Ed: Rare Disease Day: How my conditions shaped me to be a community storyteller
What do you want to be when you grow up? I bet you’ve asked and answered that question more times than you can count. Did you grow up to be what you wanted? I hope, like me, you became everything you thought you’d never be. I became a storyteller. I am who I am because […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS
DHS expands free COVID-19 testing program, 2 testing kits available each month
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has expanded its free COVID-19 testing program. Each month, Wisconsinites are now eligible for two COVID-19 testing kits at no cost. Residents can place their orders through the Say Yes! COVID Test website. Households can place an order once per month; ordering reopens on the first of […]
Posted inCommunity, Health, Health and Fitness, Life, Non-Profits
Women and heart disease: Ascension Cardiologist talks about Wear Red Day 2023
RACINE, Wis. — National Wear Red Day unites people across the United States each February during American Heart Month to spread awareness about heart disease, especially its impact on women. On Feb. 3, Americans will focus on going red for women and community members will take strides to raise awareness for heart disease. Dr. Desiree […]
Posted inHealth, Local news
Childcare, school immunization requirements for 2023-24 updated by Wisconsin DHS
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced updates to its immunization requirements for children in childcare centers and schools. The new requirements include updated guidelines for meningitis and whooping cough immunizations, and documentation of previous chickenpox infection by a qualified medical professional. There are no changes to the existing exemptions for […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS
DHS: COVID-19 treatment drug Bebtelovimab no longer authorized
MADISON — Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, formerly used to treat COVID-19, is no longer authorized in the United States. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is aware that Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are increasing in prevalence across the Midwest. However, this drug is not expected to neutralize these variants. According to the CDC […]
Posted inCelebrations, Community, Non-Profits, Things To Do
5 free acts of giving to accomplish this holiday season
Racine County has a rich history of giving among its residents. Over the years, thousands have donated time, efforts, money and material goods all in the name of making our community better place for all. This holiday season is no different. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, make the holidays heartfelt this year. Whether […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS, Health, Local news
Wisconsin DHS: Holiday season flu, COVID-19, RSV spread may be severe
MADISON — Citing nationwide high levels of respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on Thursday urged all residents to get all recommended vaccines as we embark on the holiday season. The 2022-23 fall/winter season “has the potential to be severe, especially for young children and older […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS
Pfizer Bi-Valent COVID-19 booster shots available at Regency Mall Community Vaccination Clinic
RACINE — Pfizer Bi-Valent booster shots are now available at the Community Vaccination Clinic at Regency Mall, 5538 Durand Ave. Updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, providing additional protection against the COVID-19 virus. Booster recommendations Pfizer Bi-Valent boosters are authorized for use in individuals 12 years […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS
DHS: plan now for updated COVID-19 booster
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) urges residents to make a plan to get boosted against the COVID-19 virus this fall. Doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters have started arriving in the state and will be delivered to providers over the next several weeks. Anyone, ages 12 and older, is eligible to […]
Posted inCommunity, CORONAVIRUS, Non-Profits
Wisconsin launches ‘Say Yes! COVID Test’ website: free tests available for ordering
The Say Yes! COVID Test website has officially launched as of Sept. 1, 2022. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has created these resources for Wisconsinites. It allows Wisconsin residents to get free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests delivered directly to them. Say Yes! COVID Test program The website allows people to place an order […]
Posted inCORONAVIRUS
COVID-19: 3 new things to learn as fall approaches
COVID-19 continues to impact Americans. As the fall approaches, it is important to stay up to date on vaccines, testing, and cases. It has been roughly two years, eight months since the onset of COVID-19, and we have learned a lot about the virus and watched as it has evolved over this time. The variants […]
Posted inCommunity, Non-Profits
Pop-up food pantry today at Mount Pleasant COP House on Mead Street
The Mount Pleasant Police Department, Mount Pleasant Citizen Police Academy Alumni, and Journey Disaster Response Team are hosting a pop-up food pantry. This community event is free and welcomes those in need to attend. It will take place tonight (Aug. 23) from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. or while supplies last. Food pantry details This […]
Posted inGovernment, Health, Parenting, Schools
DHS Urges COVID-19 vaccination for a healthy 2022-2023 school year
The 2022-2023 school year is approaching for Wisconsinites. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) urges parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child has received their COVID-19 vaccines, it is important they stay up to date with their booster vaccines. This is crucial, even for students who will be attending […]
Posted inCommunity, Non-Profits
Pop-up food pantry takes place at Anthony Lane COP House July 21
The Racine Police Department is hosting a pop-up food pantry. This community event is free and welcomes those in need to attend. It will take place today, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. or while supplies last. The food pantry will take place every third Thursday of the month. Pop-up food pantry specifics This pop-up […]