By Karen Timberlake,
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Widespread use of lead based paint in older housing throughout Wisconsin has poisoned more than 46,000 Wisconsin children since 1996. More than 1,000 Wisconsin kids are reported each year with newly diagnosed lead-poisoning. Although the use of lead in house paints was prohibited in 1978, high lead levels remain in the paint of many homes, particularly those built before 1950.
The changes will help to prevent lead poisoning, which creates very serious medical and behavioral problems. Lead interferes with a child’s normal …

Minority groups 2-3 times more likely to be hospitalized with H1N1
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services kicked off National Influenza Vaccination Week this week by calling on local public health departments to step up their H1N1 vaccination efforts in minority communities. DHS released a report showing that H1N1 hospitalizations for minority populations were higher in the 2009 fall outbreak.
“Based on these numbers it is clear that in addition to those with underlying health conditions, minorities should be considered a priority for vaccination efforts in 2010,” said State Health Officer Dr. …

A decision by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to make changes to state health care programs in Southeast Wisconsin could adversely impact the local economy, affecting hundreds of jobs in Milwaukee.
DHS announced in late July that they would terminate contracts with private companies involved in the BadgerCare and Medicaid programs effective at the beginning of 2010. Currently, nearly a quarter million people are enrolled in Badger- Care in Southeast Wisconsin.
The department has issued a new request for proposals (RFP) from health care firms, with new contracts expected to …

Healthy school age children and young adults added back into target group
The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced this week that it is expanding the H1N1 vaccination group to include healthy school age children and young adults.
During the past few weeks, DHS has been monitoring the vaccine supply with public and private providers, as well as allocations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Based upon the H1N1 vaccine supply and feedback from providers, Wisconsin is returning to the original CDC target group recommendations.
“We applaud the work …