Public News Service

According to leading support organizations, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Amid higher autism rates, calls grow for community acceptance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. Rates are much higher than a …

Nearly 13 million Americans receive health coverage through unique plans under both Medicare and Medicaid. They are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. (Adobe Stock)

Unique government health plans try to find an audience

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

After a dip in the early stages of the pandemic, the Wisconsin Hospital Association says patient volumes have rebounded and remain high, stretching health systems thin as they deal with staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)

Pressure eases, but WI still faces health-care workforce woes

Critical, but stable. That's how an industry group describes the state of Wisconsin's health-care workforce. Amid some brighter spots, shortages loom …

The Wisconsin Hospital Association estimates about one in five nurses around the state is moving on from their profession. (Adobe Stock)

For-profit colleges complicate WI's nursing shortage efforts

Wisconsin faces a big staffing shortage of registered nurses. Advocates hope for key solutions to bear fruit amid unease about the emergence of for-…

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health said the health-care workforce still has not recovered from the earlier stages of the pandemic when staff experienced burnout after being thrust onto the front lines. (Adobe Stock)

Rural health leaders: WI task force should address regulatory issues for hiring

Gov. Tony Evers announced a new task force this week to address hiring issues within health care in Wisconsin. Those speaking up for rural health …

Wisconsin's New Freedom Transportation Program, which enlists volunteer drivers to help older people and those with disabilities get to the doctor, serves more than 40 counties. Program officials estimate they are at least 20 drivers short of where they need to be. (Adobe Stock)

WI hospital closures add urgency to need for volunteer drivers

This week, a Midwest health care system announced the closure of two hospitals of two hospitals in western Wisconsin. Those who help transport older …

Vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners for routine childhood shots have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with just 93% of students meeting vaccination requirements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Misinformation movement harming vaccination rates

Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates in Wisconsin an…

Latinos account for 47% of agricultural field workers and 46% of construction laborers in the U.S. and face extreme summer heat threats due to climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Report brings to light climate-change impact on Latinos' health, heritage

As climate change makes extreme weather events more common globally, new findings show Latinos often face the most significant effects on their …

According to United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report, Wisconsin is 26th in the nation when it comes to adult tobacco use. (Adobe Stock)

WI in top half for health rankings, but resources low for public outreach

Wisconsin ranks 22nd in the country when it comes to a range of health measuring sticks, and local public health officials said more resources could …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated 9% of women of childbearing age in the United States have high blood pressure. Policy experts say expanding health coverage can open up more access to screenings, helping new moms avoid health complications. (Adobe Stock)

WI remains outlier in not fully extending postpartum Medicaid coverage

Wisconsin lawmakers are in the midst of their fall session and they face renewed calls to approve a plan to help new mothers with limited resources ma…

Health coverage assistance groups and providers warn that if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that don't suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)

Health coverage experts: Sidestep intimidation, prepare to enroll

The fall season is here, meaning many Wisconsinites will soon make decisions about their health coverage. Experts say early preparation with trusted …

According to the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, more than half a million children have been disenrolled from Medicaid in just 21 states that post child enrollment data on a more-timely basis. (Adobe Stock)

WI Kids Losing Health Coverage in Medicaid Unwinding

As Wisconsin kids head back to school, families who rely on Medicaid are reminded to ensure their children still have health insurance. States are …

Health equity groups said dental therapists can go out into settings like schools and federally qualified community health centers, and provided much-needed oral health care to underserved populations. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Therapists Touted as Key to Advancing Dental Care Equity

The term "food deserts" is used a lot in the fight against hunger, but groups calling attention to the shortage of oral health care professionals say …

This year, six Wisconsin communities received Community Challenge grants from AARP. Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility was a common theme among awarded projects.

Amid Concerning Data, WI Cities Carry Out Pedestrian Safety Projects

A recently released report shows pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. remain at alarming levels. In Wisconsin, local communities are stepping up with …

In key categories measuring child well-being, Wisconsin consistently ranks among the top 20 states in an annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Despite High Ranking, Child Well-Being Concerns Persist in WI

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Wisconsin fared better in the …

Wisconsin is among the handful of states that have yet to formally adopt expanded postpartum health coverage through Medicaid. So far, nearly 40 states have done so. (Adobe Stock)

WI Budget: Renewed Push to Include Expanded Postpartum Health Care

Wisconsin policymakers have less than a month to adopt a new state budget. Advocates for extending postpartum health coverage through Medicaid hope …

This legislative session, Wisconsin Republicans have sought tighter caps on unemployment benefits, while adding more eligibility benchmarks. (Adobe Stock)

Veto Calls Grow Over Public-Aid Restrictions Proposed in WI

A coalition of Wisconsin groups is asking Gov. Tony Evers to reject bills it contends would make it harder for people struggling to get by to bounce …

Researchers found cities with the highest ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live based on the metrics of physical inactivity and mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Two of Wisconsin's largest cities land in the top twenty in a new ranking for parks. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has issued its annual …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends every woman get a well-woman checkup once a year. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts to Women: Put Your Personal Health on the Front Burner

As Women's Health Week continues, experts in Wisconsin and elsewhere are reminding women to prioritize their well-being. The Centers for Disease …

Beyond extending postnatal health coverage, some health leaders say improving paid-leave benefits can help address health complications that pregnant women can face, such as an elevated risk for stroke. (Adobe Stock)

A Spotlight on Stroke Risks for Pregnant Women

Research has emerged about the link between pregnancy complications and a higher risk of stroke, and a Wisconsin health expert suggested it is a risk …

In March 2020, COVID-19 forced schools in 185 countries to close their doors, according to the<br />United Nations. (Adobe Stock)

Teachers' Union Leader Testifies About School Closures During COVID

Earlier in the pandemic, Wisconsin Republicans brought legal challenges to shutdowns meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Three years into the …

Animal protection groups say warning signs of pet maltreatment can include dogs or cats left in yards chained up, looking dirty and in need of food and water. (Adobe Stock)

Animal Cruelty Awareness Month: Family Violence Warning Signs

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and Wisconsinites are urged to be aware of how family violence can affect pets - as well as the need …

In a new AARP report, the work of unpaid family caregivers in Wisconsin is valued at $16.97 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Uptick in Hours, Value of Unpaid Family Care in WI

The economic value of uncompensated family caregiving in Wisconsin has increased by more than $2 billion, according to the latest report estimating …

A national study from 2022 found a higher percentage of young adults ration their insulin supply, compared to those 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

An Insulin Hurdle Out of The Way, Others Remain

Some older patients with diabetes are now getting easier access to insulin. But there is concern many younger ones are still navigating a difficult …

The National Alliance on Mental Illness says one in five college students faces a mental-health condition. (Adobe Stock)

Following MSU Shooting, College Students Reminded to Seek Support

This week's mass shooting at Michigan State University is the latest in a long list of such tragedies to happen on a campus, and students in …

Eye-care professionals say limiting screen time before bedtime, using blue light-blocking filters on your devices, and wearing blue light-blocking glasses can all help protect from potential health risks. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts Amplify Warnings about Blue Light Exposure

With increased use of digital devices and computers in daily life, people are exposed to more and more blue light. Health experts, including a …

Projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 40% of all Americans living with Alzheimer's will be Black or Latino. (Adobe Stock)

Black History Month: Shining a Light on Alzheimer's Disparities

With Black History Month underway, Wisconsin researchers and support groups are highlighting the disparities in cases of Alzheimer's disease…

Senior advocates point out that family caregivers perform a range of tasks such as shopping, transportation, meal preparation, medication management, wound care and home updates, ultimately saving the state money. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

Wisconsin lawmakers are back in session and have a large budget surplus to work with. Advocates for the state's older residents hope any spending …

A public health administrator in western Wisconsin says local-level offices have been chronically underfunded for years, limiting their reach in providing prevention tools and other services. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Public Funding Overshadows WI Health Ranking

Wisconsin is 21st in the country when measuring health data, but an annual ranking found the Badger State is behind most other states in funding …

In the past two years, 12 states saw significant declines in their rate and/or number of uninsured children. Wisconsin held steady at 4%. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Stable Numbers for WI, Concerns Linger Over Kids' Uninsured Rate

A new report found Wisconsin is holding the line in preventing children from going without health insurance, but advocates for families who qualify …

Tamara Loertscher holds her son, Harmonious Ellner, weeks after his birth in 2015. Loertscher was detained and incarcerated in Taylor County, Wis., during her pregnancy after health officials alleged she was using drugs while pregnant, an allegation she denies. (Photo courtesy of Loertscher.)

Policing Pregnancy: WI ‘Fetal Protection’ Law Forces Treatment or Jail

By Phoebe Petrovic for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service …

Each year in Wisconsin, an estimated 5 to 10% of people with prediabetes progress to developing Type 2 diabetes. (Adobe Stock)

Diabetes Prevention Efforts Kick into High Gear in WI

November is National Diabetes Month, spotlighting a disease affecting millions of Americans. In Wisconsin, state health officials say more than 525,0…

While its overall uninsured rate is on the lower end, Wisconsin is among the many states with huge disparities when it comes to health coverage. (Adobe Photo) <br /> <br /><br />

Tips for WI Residents Enrolling in ACA Health Coverage

Wisconsin residents who are looking for a health plan or who want to change their policy can do so starting Nov. 1, when open enrollment through the …

Roughly 50% of small-business owners in the United States offer health insurance, but some worry about being able to keep it if costs continue to rise. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Wisconsin would have been 56% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government…

Children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days in a single year due to dental-health problems, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign. (teeth.org.au)

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

School students across Wisconsin are still getting settled as the new academic year unfolds. And experts say it's important to get them in for a …

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is an extension of expanded subsidies in the American Rescue Plan that help bring down costs of ACA insurance plans. These subsidies are seen as important to those ages 50 to 64, who pay up to three times more for their insurance. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Sweeping legislation approved by Congress is designed to address a range of issues, including climate change and deficit reductions. Other components …

Mental health providers have reported a sharp rise in needs for services among children. And in states such as Wisconsin, analysts say it is even more pronounced among children of color. (Adobe Stock)

WI Child Well-Being Summary: Glaring Mental-Health Disparities

An annual summary ranks Wisconsin 10th in the nation for child well-being, and like many other parts of the country, mental health is a growing …

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, roughly one in five abortions performed in Illinois in 2020 was for a patient from out-of-state. (Adobe Stock)

Two Planned Parenthood Groups Collaborate to Ensure WI Abortion Access

Planned Parenthood of Illinois and Wisconsin are partnering to improve abortion access for Wisconsinites. Abortion in Wisconsin was functionally …

Wisconsin's first abortion ban was passed in 1849, the year after it was granted statehood. (Adobe Stock)

WI Governor, AG Launch Lawsuit Against 1849 Abortion Ban

Wisconsin's 173-year-old abortion ban faces a legal test, as the state's Democratic leaders announced Tuesday they are suing to overturn it. The …

Gov. Tony Evers was one of 17 governors who last month issued a joint letter to Congress urging it to pass the Women's Health Protection Act. The measure would guarantee abortion access at the federal level. (Adobe Stock)

WI Governor Calls Special Session to Attempt Repeal of 1849 Abortion Ban

Gov. Tony Evers is calling the Legislature back to Madison this month to vote on repealing the state's 1849 abortion ban. The move comes as the U.S…

Thursday's march fell on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered to be the founder of modern nursing. (Adobe Stock)

WI Nurses Rally for Fairer Wages, Safe Staffing Ratios

Nurses from across Wisconsin converged on the state Capitol building Thursday, as part of a rally demanding fairer wages and safer staffing ratios as …

An abortion ban was enacted in 1849 in Wisconsin, the year after it was granted statehood. (Adobe Stock)

WI Law Would Criminalize Abortions if SCOTUS Overturns Roe v. Wade

Wisconsin has a 173-year-old abortion ban that hasn't been enforced in decades. But if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the decision in Roe v…

According to the Department of Justice, drugs should never be flushed or poured down the drain, as they can contaminate rivers and lakes. (Adobe Stock)

Drug Take Back Day Offers Safe Path for Prescription Disposal

Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day, and there will be more than 135 events across Wisconsin where folks can dispose of both controlled and …

Doctors, judges, juries and law enforcement have rejected a dozen child abuse diagnoses made by former University of Wisconsin pediatrician Dr. Barbara Knox, a joint investigation by Wisconsin Watch and the Anchorage Daily News revealed. (Claire DeRosa/Wisconsin Watch and University of Wisconsin)

Investigation Reveals Numerous Wrongful Child-Abuse Allegations by WI Expert

By Brenda Wintrode for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Jonah Chester for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Serv…

According to AARP Wisconsin, prescription drug prices have outpaced inflation in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Petition Pushes Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

More than 126,000 Wisconsinites have signed an AARP petition urging Congress to lower prescription drug prices. According to GoodRx, an American …

Wednesday's press conference commemorating the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act was hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin, Protect Our Care Wisconsin, the Committee to Protect Health Care and For Our Future Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

On 12-Year Anniversary of ACA, Wisconsinites Discuss its Impacts

Wednesday marked the twelve-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which currently extends health insurance coverage to roughly 224,000 …

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Wisconsin is one of ten states with full-time legislatures. Despite taking home an average annual salary of more than $50,000, Wisconsin's lawmakers are not scheduled to meet again until next year. (Adobe Stock)

WI Lawmakers Reintroduce 'Economic Justice Bill of Rights'

Wisconsin's legislative session has concluded, but Democrats still are pushing for a so-called "Economic Justice Bill of Rights." Among other things…

A poll by Compassion & Choices found 68% of self-identified Republican respondents and 70% of Democratic respondents support medical aid in dying. (Adobe Stock)

As Legislative Session Ends, WI Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Stalls Again

Wisconsin's legislative session has drawn to a close, and a measure to permit medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients was one of many bills …

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WI: Health