MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is currently investigating a scam that targets FoodShare members through fake text messages. DHS is alerting members to take steps now to protect their benefits and to be aware of fake text messages. Complaints have been made by concerned FoodShare members about a scam instructing them […]
Tag: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Posted inCommunity, Government, Health, Health and Fitness, Life, Local news
Wisconsin Medicaid Program resumes routine renewal benefit operations starting May 2023
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 […]
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Obesity and the importance of weight management
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 64% of adults in Wisconsin are either overweight or obese. Obesity has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association for almost a decade, yet many people often struggle alone with their weight and health concerns long before they talk to a doctor. Starting a […]
Posted inGovernment, Local news, Parenting
Tobacco 21 is serious stuff – State pushes ID check for tobacco, vape sales
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is serious about its new public education campaign. As the name “Tobacco 21” indicates, age 21 is the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and vape products – no matter what. Citing the Synar Surveys – a statewide assessment of the retailer violation rate for underage […]
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, Government, Health, Local news
Applications available for NARCAN® Direct Program until Feb. 14
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is now accepting applications for the next round of the NARCAN® Direct Program. This program ensures NARCAN®, the opioid overdose reversal drug, is provided at no cost to select community agencies for free distribution. Eligible agencies The following agencies are eligible to apply to participate in the NARCAN® […]
Posted inGovernment, Local news
Public input sought for $8M opioid settlement funds use
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking public input for how to use an estimated $8 million coming from a second round of opioid settlement funds. The second year of funding can be used for existing programs or toward new projects to address the impacts of the opioid epidemic in communities […]
Posted inCommunity, Government, Local news
Extra FoodShare benefits end for Wisconsinites in February 2023
MADISON — Wisconsinites will no longer receive the additional FoodShare benefits come February 2023. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, passed by Congress in late December, will end the federal program’s distribution of additional FoodShare funds that were enacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those enrolled in Wisconsin’s FoodShare program have been receiving the maximum amount […]
Posted inHealth, Kenosha Lens, Local news
Wisconsin DHS reports first pediatric influenza-associated death of 2022-23 flu season
MADISON — Kenosha County has suffered its first mortality from pediatric influenza of the 2022-23 flu season. This was confirmed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Tuesday. To date, 30 pediatric influenza-associated deaths have been reported from across the nation, according to a press release. All Wisconsinites, especially children, are encouraged to get […]
Posted inHealth, Local news
DHS urges flu vaccination now, Wisconsin among 43 states with high case levels
MADISON – With influenza (flu) cases on the rise in Wisconsin and nationally, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) urges residents to get their flu vaccinations right away. The most recent data compiled by the DHS shows that Wisconsin is among 43 states reporting high levels of flu activity. Influenza (flu) is spreading throughout […]
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 inCORONAVIRUS
Free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests now available by mail for Wisconsinites
MADISON — Free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests are now available to Wisconsin residents through the state-supported Say Yes! COVID Test program. All state households are eligible to place an order every month for one free test kit that contains five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests To order a test kit, visit the Say Yes! COVID Test […]
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 inCommunity, Government, Health, Health and Fitness, Life, Local news, Parenting, Schools
Take steps to prevent childhood lead exposure during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
MADISON — National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is observed now through Oct. 29. During this week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages all Wisconsinites to take steps to prevent and detect childhood lead exposure. Success in prevention and detection can be made by getting the facts, helping children get tested for lead exposure, […]
Posted inCommunity, Government, Health, Local news, Police and fire
Free Fentanyl test strips available now at 2 Racine, 2 Kenosha County locations
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced that 120,600 fentanyl test strips have been distributed to local organizations. Fentanyl test strips are available in Racine County at the following locations: City of Racine Public Health Department, 730 Washington Ave., Room 4, Racine, WI 53403Racine County Human Services Department, 1717 Taylor Ave., Racine, WI […]