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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 contribute to inequalities in fetal and infant mortality to help focus public…

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…

The federal government has announced the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will end May 11. In Wisconsin, case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19 are significantly lower than they were during the surge in late 2021 and early 2022, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has been making plans to move away from an…

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 As part of the Oconto County Health and Safety Fair, Oconto County Public Health is holding a free car seat check event on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church located at 165 N. Farm Road in Oconto Falls.  Please note that the car seat…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently submitted its plan to use nearly $8 million in opioid settlement funds to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) to support prevention, harm reduction, and capital projects to address the state’s opioid crisis. The money is part of the $400 million the state receives in annual installments through…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is investigating a scam that targets FoodShare members through fake text messages. DHS is alerting members to take steps now to protect their benefits. “It is alarming that scammers are going after public benefits like FoodShare that people rely on to feed themselves and their families,” said DHS…

State sees largest number of reported cases in over 10 years Since July 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has received five reports of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), with four cases associated with super absorbency tampon use by teenage females. No deaths have been reported. TSS is a serious illness caused by bacteria…

Survey results will help prioritize how to best address opioid use disorder The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is asking the public to share thoughts on how to use a second round of opioid settlement funds to provide guidance on where money should be spent to reduce harms associated with opioid use disorder. Approximately…

During National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging residents and business owners to test their homes and buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer nationally, and easy-to-use tests are widely available. “Radon is an environmental health issue in our state. Approximately one in 10 homes…

Health Department partners with local municipalities to offer $5 radon tests to help prevent lung cancer The Oconto County Health Department is lowering the price of radon tests to encourage Oconto County residents to test for radon gas in their homes. The easy to use tests will be for sale at the discounted price of…