Oconto County Public Health Press Releases

In both 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 cases surged during the colder months. As colder weather returns, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites of the available programs for accessing COVID-19 self-tests and treatment. All Wisconsinites are encouraged to utilize these services to keep themselves and those around them safe this holiday season. Wisconsinites…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to order free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests and have them delivered directly to their house through the state-supported Say Yes! COVID Test program. Starting today, all Wisconsin households are eligible to place an order every month for one free test kit that contains five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests on…

With respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV circulating at high levels nationwide, the 2022-2023 respiratory season has the potential to be severe, especially for young children and older adults. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has issued an alert to Wisconsin health care providers(link is external), and urges everyone to get all recommended…

On October 20, 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released its Influenza Vaccine Update and launched a new online flu vaccine data dashboard. Together, the report and data dashboard provide a look at previous and current flu vaccine rates statewide, and highlight communities and areas of the state more vulnerable to the seasonal flu. As of…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide housing support for low-income Wisconsin families in need. Those who are eligible include families with children 18 and younger and individuals who are pregnant who have low income (below 200% of the federal poverty level) and…

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging all Wisconsinites take steps to prevent and detect childhood lead exposure by getting the facts, helping children get tested for lead exposure, and checking homes for lead hazards. “During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we urge awareness and…

In response to rising rates of substance use across Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers, the Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have unveiled Real Talks Wisconsin, an effort to give residents the information they need to keep themselves, their families, and their communities healthy and safe. Real Talks Wisconsin promotes frequent conversations to…

Free drug harm reduction kits containing Narcan, fentanyl test strips and education on how to use these items will be available for pick up from Oconto County Public Health starting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, Oconto County health officials announced today.  “Harm reduction is one piece of a comprehensive initiative to impact substance abuse and…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that 120,600 fentanyl test strips have been distributed to organizations across the state to help prevent drug overdose deaths. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are the leading cause of overdose deaths in Wisconsin. “Wisconsinites who use drugs are more likely to encounter fentanyl than ever before,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen…

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging Wisconsinites to get an updated COVID-19 booster vaccination and their annual flu shot ahead of the upcoming holiday season. People can safely get their COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines at the same time, including the annual flu vaccine. Everyone age 5 and older is now eligible…