Archive
All announcements listed below have expired.
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For First Time In Months, Wisconsin's COVID-19 Cases Are Declining. Experts Say It May Not Last
posted Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020Downward trends in new infections 'encouraging,' but effects of Thanksgiving gatherings are still unknown
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“We’re struggling here.” Madison hospitals postpone some surgeries to increase ICU capacity
posted Monday, Nov. 16, 2020Madison hospitals announced they would immediately start postponing some non-urgent procedures in an effort to free up staff and space for more ICU beds.
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Madison health director endures during COVID-19, despite 'no off-switch'
posted Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020Janel Heinrich’s life as director of Public Health Madison and Dane County has not been easy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Public Health Madison & Dane County to Provide Free Drive Through Flu Shots
posted Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020Free drive through flu clinic at Alliant Energy Center for Dane County adults and children 6 months and up who don't have health insurance, and Dane County children 6 months and up who are on BadgerCare or Medicaid.
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COVID-19 hospitalizations at record levels in Wisconsin, Dane County
posted Monday, Oct. 5, 2020A record 714 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wisconsin as of Sunday, with the tally growing more than 2.5 times in the last month and coming closer to what a hospital official said could be "crisis stage."
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Alliant Energy Center COVID-19 Test Site Hours Change Beginning October 5
posted Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2020Beginning October 5th, the Alliant Energy Center COVID-19 community test site hours will change. The site will be closed on Mondays, while continuing to be open Tuesday through Saturday until the end of the year.
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UW, Public Health act to stop COVID-19 spread in fraternity, sorority houses
posted Friday, Sep. 4, 2020Members of nine UW–Madison fraternities and sororities with off-campus live-in chapter houses have been directed to quarantine for at least 14 days in response to confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their members.
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Covid-19 cases could explode after Labor Day: It's up to us to stop it
posted Thursday, Sep. 3, 2020"The more we travel, the more we interact with people, the more opportunities there are for exposure."
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COVID-19 Update: FDA Warns Consumers About Hand Sanitizer Packaged in Food and Drink Containers
posted Thursday, Sep. 3, 2020The FDA has discovered alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are being packaged in beer cans, children’s food pouches, water bottles, juice, and vodka bottles.
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How to Understand COVID-19 Numbers
posted Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020Viewed in isolation or presented without context, coronavirus numbers don’t always give an accurate picture of how the pandemic is being handled.
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Opioid overdoses up more than 30% in Madison since start of COVID-19 pandemic
posted Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020From January to June, the Madison Police Department received 139 overdose calls, compared to 102 during the same time in 2019.
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People are dying after drinking hand sanitizer, CDC says
posted Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020Young children might unintentionally swallow these products, whereas adolescents or adults with history of alcohol use disorder might intentionally swallow these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute.
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Dane County to purchase and deliver 100,000 free face masks to local organizations
posted Thursday, Jul. 16, 2020A number of Dane County departments are working to get masks out to community centers, churches, schools, food pantries, and other settings that can reach underserved communities and those who may be unable to afford masks.
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COVID-19 could be controlled in 1-2 months if people wear masks: CDC Director Robert Redfield
posted Thursday, Jul. 16, 2020The most powerful weapon we have is face coverings, washing hands, and physical distancing.
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Protesting in a pandemic: Wear masks, wash hands, get tested
posted Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Anyone who attends a gathering should watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
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Madison COVID-19 testing site to remain open until June 24
posted Monday, Jun. 8, 2020In response to high utilization, the Wisconsin National Guard has extended the Dane County COVID-19 community testing site at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison through June 24.
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UW Health: Youth sports will look a lot different when they return
posted Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Kids who play sports and their parents are going to have to accept a new normal in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, medical experts warn.
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Public Health Offices Closed to Public
posted Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2020To protect health of staff and clients
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Health agencies’ funding cuts challenge coronavirus response
posted Monday, Mar. 9, 2020When an outbreak hits, public health departments are America’s front line of defense.
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State Health Agency Offers Tips for Travelers in Response to COVID-19
posted Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2020DHS recommends travelers returning from countries with a CDC level 2 or level 3 coronavirus travel health notice practice limited self-quarantine.
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A Guide: How To Prepare Your Home For Coronavirus
posted Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020The CDC is telling Americans that they should be prepared for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their community. But what does preparedness look like in practice? The short answer: Don't panic — but do prepare.
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'All Hands on Deck': Health Workers Race to Track Thousands of Americans Amid Coronavirus
posted Monday, Feb. 24, 2020Local health departments around the United States are monitoring thousands of people returning from travel in China and elsewhere. Among the tasks: daily calls, emails, texts.
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Efforts to Ramp Up to Address Black Infant Mortality in Dane County
posted Monday, Feb. 24, 2020An expanded birth coach program, a new Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance, and a screening tool to connect black pregnant women to community resources are being launched to address poor outcomes for black babies in Dane County.
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After decrease in opioid overdoses in Madison, UW, city takes steps to sustain downward trend
posted Monday, Feb. 17, 2020After Madison saw a 10% decrease in opioid overdoses in 2019 from the previous year, city officials and University of Wisconsin researchers are surging forward to increase access to treatment options.
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'We've got what you need': Foundation for Black Women's Wellness celebrates grand opening
posted Monday, Feb. 3, 2020After using different spaces around the community for about eight years, Lisa Peyton-Caire, her Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness and the women they serve in Madison and Dane County have a permanent place to call home.
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Flu more of a threat to Wisconsinites than Coronavirus
posted Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020According to the latest CDC data Wisconsin is considered one of 34 states with a high number of influenza-like illnesses in just the last week. While the number of Coronavirus cases in this state is zero.
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Health officials advise limited consumption of Lake Monona fish due to PFAS contamination
posted Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020State health officials now recommend that people limit consumption of fish from Lake Monona and Starkweather Creek.
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Dane County Health Officials Want Tighter Vaccine Controls
posted Friday, Jan. 10, 2020Dane County health officials unanimously approved a position statement calling for an end to the state’s personal conviction waiver which allows unvaccinated children to attend school.
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Wisconsin serious flu cases up threefold from a year ago
posted Friday, Jan. 3, 2020Wisconsin has had 459 hospitalizations for flu this season — more than three times the number at this time last year — and 11 residents have died, state health officials said Friday.
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'An incredible public health advance': Raising the legal age to purchase tobacco
posted Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020A major shift in the way that tobacco is bought and sold, as President Donald Trump signs new legislation that raises the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21-years-old.
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Breastfeeding Advocates Look to Ease Lactation-on-the-Go
posted Monday, Dec. 9, 2019With prefabricated “lactation rooms” and mini-grants for companies that want to turn unused space into comfortable areas for breast milk pumping, local public health officials are expanding efforts to encourage nursing.
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The Litter of the Law: Most Madison Cat Owners Ignore City Regulations
posted Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019There are around 30,000 pet cats in Madison. But only a little over 3 percent are in compliance with city law, which requires owners pay an annual $15 licensing fee per cat ($20 if it isn’t spayed or neutered).
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Proposal would expand the area in Downtown Madison where additional bars are banned
posted Monday, Nov. 18, 2019Recent study by City of Madison Finance and Public Health shows a link between alcohol and increased crime and building code violations.
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Open Enrollment via Federal Marketplace Begins
posted Friday, Nov. 1, 2019The federal marketplace is for people who would not otherwise have health insurance through work, Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP. The deadline to sign up is December 15.
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City of Madison Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis
posted Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019The City of Madison joins 32 other organizations in Wisconsin that have signed on to the resolution and agree something more needs to be done.
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CDC Intensifies Warnings About Vaping Illness As Cases Top 1,000
posted Friday, Oct. 4, 2019The case count has reached 1,080, the agency announced Thursday. There have been 18 deaths in 15 states, and more deaths are being investigated.
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Don't Kiss Your Chickens, the CDC Says. Please Don't.
posted Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2019The CDC and health officials are investigating several outbreaks of Salmonella linked to contact with backyard poultry and caution all chicken keepers to wash hands with soap and water after touching poultry.
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Health Alert: Opioid Overdose Increase
posted Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2019There has been an increase in suspected opioid drug overdose activity in Dane County from August 25 to September 7, 2019.
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Health Alert: Vaping Linked to Severe Lung Disease
posted Thursday, Sep. 5, 2019Public Health Madison & Dane County is urging residents to stop using vape or e-cigarette products immediately.
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How Climate Change Threatens Public Health
posted Friday, Aug. 30, 2019Citing health threats posed by climate change, more than 70 major medical groups in the U.S. released a call to action in June 2019 declaring climate change “a true public health emergency.”
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The Impact of Racism on Children's Health
posted Monday, Aug. 12, 2019American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on how racism affects the health and development of children and adolescents.
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For Your Health: 2020 Census Affects Public Health
posted Friday, Aug. 9, 2019The federal government uses census data to allocate funds for programs that help keep millions of families healthy, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
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New Cases Identified in Investigation of Lung Disease Among Teens and Young Adults Who Reported Vaping
posted Friday, Aug. 2, 2019Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeing cases of teenagers and young adults with severe lung disease who all reported recent vaping. They are investigating to find a possible cause. All are urged not to vape.
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$100,000 Fundraising Goal Reached: Dream of a Black Women’s Health and Wellness Center Now Set to Become Reality
posted Wednesday, Jul. 31, 2019The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is a Madison-based non-profit organization committed to empowering Black women and girls to build and sustain healthy, thriving, wellness-centered lives.
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Severe Lung Damage in Adolescents Who Report Vaping
posted Friday, Jul. 26, 2019The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is investigating a cluster of teenagers in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties with severe lung disease who all reported recent vaping.
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Dane County effort lists next steps to battle black infant mortality
posted Tuesday, Jul. 16, 2019Initiatives were announced to implement in 2020, including creating a Black Maternal Health Alliance, training more African American doulas and deploying neighborhood action teams.
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Summer Food Program Kicks Off, Aims to Eliminate Food Insecurity
posted Tuesday, Jul. 2, 2019The program is a collaboration between the City of Madison, REAP Food Group, MMSD and PHMDC.
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Six Local Women Launch First Health Care Co-op Owned by Immigrants
posted Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2019Roots4Change, the first immigrant co-op in Dane County, markets community-wide culturally aligned doula services, a postpartum peer support group, holistic wellness workshops, and events embracing cultural heritage & traditions.
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Mosquito Traps Testing for West Nile Set Up Heading Into Summer
posted Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2019Our staff is setting up mosquito traps in order to measure population levels and test for mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus.
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Lodi Graduates Recognized for Tobacco Prevention Work
posted Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2019Two Lodi High School graduates were awarded the 2019 Tobacco Free Columbia-Dane County Coalition Youth Advocacy Award for leadership and advocacy in their school to spread the truth about tobacco and nicotine products to their peers.
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Informational Forum About Vaping Hosted by Belleville High School
posted Thursday, May. 30, 2019Staff at the Belleville High School hosted a forum, where our staff presented information to the public about vaping.
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Harambee Village Works to Create a More Equitable Health Care System
posted Thursday, May. 30, 2019The women of Harambee Village aspire to create a more equitable health care system through improving health outcomes for mothers and babies one family at a time.
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US lawmakers push bipartisan bill to raise the federal minimum buying age for tobacco to 21
posted Tuesday, May. 14, 2019U.S. lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate in April that would raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21.
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Measles cases break record since disease was eliminated in United States in 2000
posted Wednesday, May. 1, 2019Nationwide, 695 cases of the vaccine-preventable illness had been reported in 22 states this year, as of Wednesday April 24th, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Stress, racism behind poor outcomes for black babies in Dane County
posted Monday, Apr. 15, 2019Report from Dane County Health Council and the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness, follows nine months of focus groups and surveys involving nearly 300 black women, black men and health care and social services providers.
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US measles cases surpass last year's total in just three months as outbreaks spread across four states
posted Monday, Apr. 1, 2019There are currently 6 measles outbreaks in the U.S. linked to travelers who brought measles back from other countries. Make sure you are vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally.
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Fostering a Community of Recovery Through the Mayors' Opioid Institute
posted Monday, Apr. 1, 2019Find out what we are learning from others and how we are incorporating this into our efforts to address the opioid epidemic in our community.
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State Health Officials Warn the Flu Season is Far From Over
posted Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2019The Wisconsin Department of Health Services expects this to be one of the longest flu seasons in recent memory with the powerful influenza A/H3 virus currently affecting young and old alike.
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Wisconsin Has Highest Rate of Deadly Falls Among Older Adults
posted Monday, Mar. 4, 20191,365 Wisconsin residents 65 or older died from falls in 2016.
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Why Black Women Face a High Risk of Pregnancy Complications
posted Monday, Mar. 4, 2019According to the CDC, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. A big reason for the disparity may be racism.
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Measles may make you vulnerable to other deadly diseases
posted Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019Shots may provide protection against more than measles.
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Washington State Officials Declare State of Emergency As Measles Outbreak Continues
posted Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019Vaccination is safe and effective against this highly contagious disease.
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Odds of Dying From an Accidental Opioid Overdose in the US Surpass Those of Dying in Car Accident
posted Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019Data from the National Safety Council shows the gravity of the opioid epidemic.
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As Farmers Struggle, New Effort Aims to Prevent Suicide
posted Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019Economic challenges may be putting farmers at risk.
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Surgeon General Warns Youth Vaping is Now An Epidemic
posted Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018E-cigarette use among high school students has increased dramatically in the last year. Our video explains the dangers.
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Suicide and Opioid Deaths Continue to Rise in Wisconsin and the Nation
posted Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018The Centers for Disease Control reports that, again, life expectancy declined in 2017, driven largely by deaths from drug overdoses and suicides.
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All Madison Libraries Will Have Narcan On-Site By End of Year
posted Wednesday, Dec. 5, 201870 library employees have volunteered to take a training to identify the symptoms of an overdose and administer Narcan, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
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Public Health Launches Violence Prevention Initiative
posted Monday, Dec. 3, 2018More than 90 attendees attended the launch to begin working together on a public health approach to violence.
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Is 'Juuling' safe? What's really inside the popular e cigarette
posted Monday, Nov. 12, 2018Findings from a leading scientist's study.
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Drop in adult flu vaccinations may be factor in last season's record breaking deaths, illnesses
posted Monday, Nov. 12, 2018Flu vaccination is the main way to prevent sickness and death caused by flu.
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DreamUp Wisconsin selects 11 initial proposals for boosting the middle class in Dane County
posted Monday, Nov. 12, 2018The initiative seeks to raise net income by 10 percent for 10,000 middle class families in Dane County by increasing income or decreasing costs of living.
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Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment for 2019 Begins November 1
posted Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018Starting November 1, you can apply for new 2019 health insurance---or renew, change, or update your 2018 health plan for 2019. Enrollment goes through December 15, 2018.
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Healthy Communities Fund - Application
posted Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018Public Health Madison & Dane County has funding available to support local organizations and programs that are working to address health and racial equity in our community. Applications are due November 16.
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Wisconsin Announces Addiction Recovery Helpline
posted Monday, Oct. 22, 2018Call 211 to be connected with local treatment and recovery resources.
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It's Open Season on Ticks!
posted Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018Ticks can carry germs that can make you sick. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick bites this hunting season.
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With Teen Vaping on the Rise, Health Officials Target Schools, Stores
posted Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018E-cigarette use among youth is on the rise in Dane County. We have created a video about the dangers of JUUL.
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Paul Soglin, Joe Parisi To Propose New Funds to Address Violence Trauma
posted Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018Find out about proposals to address the root causes of violence in our community.
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County Budget Will Include Epidemic Resources, Largest Increase in Mental Health Resources
posted Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018$10,000 is proposed for PHMDC to expand the availability of NARCAN to parts of our community experiencing higher occurrences of overdoses.
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More Cases of Severe Bleeding in Wisconsin Linked to Synthetic Cannabinoids
posted Thursday, Sep. 20, 2018There are now 80 cases, including cases in Dane, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Rock and Fond du Lac Counties.
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PHMDC Joins Instagram
posted Thursday, Sep. 20, 2018Check us out and follow us!
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Record Number of Mosquitoes for September
posted Thursday, Sep. 20, 2018Floodwater mosquitoes are in large numbers and annoying, but do not carry disease.
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Protect yourself from flood hazards
posted Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018Cleaning up properly after a flood is important.
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Breastfeeding in Public Is Finally Legal in All 50 States
posted Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018All States now have laws in place to protect nursing mothers who breastfeed in public.
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Another health alert added to long list of foods possibly contaminated with salmonella, cyclospora
posted Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018Pay attention to food recalls and avoid the foods involved.
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$15 billion vaping company is under investigation for targeting minors
posted Thursday, Jul. 26, 2018The popular e-cigarette brand Juul Labs is under investigation by the Massachusetts attorney general, who is concerned the company is targeting minors.
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Public Health Approach Seeks to Cure Violence by Healing Trauma
posted Monday, Jul. 16, 2018Find out how we are using a public health approach to address violence in our community.
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For the First Time, Madison Area Taking Coordinated Approach to Gun Violence
posted Wednesday, Jul. 11, 2018Learn about how our organization is working with other community partners to address violence in our area.
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Animal Services received average of 10 calls a day this weekend for dogs left in hot cars
posted Friday, Jul. 6, 2018Our Animal Services Officer discusses the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car.
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How to Recycle Fluorescent Bulbs
posted Friday, Jun. 29, 2018Learn how to properly recycle mercury containing fluorescent bulbs or tubes in Madison and Dane County.
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K2 and Spice Still Causing Hospitalizations in Wisconsin
posted Friday, Jun. 22, 2018People continue to be hospitalized with severe bleeding after using synthetic cannabiniods, which have contained rat poison.
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Foodborne Illness Advisory: Honey Smacks Cereal Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
posted Tuesday, Jun. 19, 2018If you have this product in your home you should throw it away or return it to the place you purchased for a refund.
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Stay cool in the summer heat!
posted Friday, Jun. 15, 2018Take care of yourself and your loved ones, with these tips.
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New UW Obesity Estimate Shows State is Significantly Heavier
posted Thursday, Jun. 7, 2018Online obesity map shows data by zip code.
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June 6 is Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day
posted Monday, Jun. 4, 2018Hot conditions can turn dangerous quickly. Know what to do to stay safe during extreme heat.
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Madison to Host 'Addiction, Hope, & Recovery' Town Hall to Fight Opioid Epidemic
posted Thursday, May. 31, 2018The Town Hall meeting is Thursday, May 31, 4-8 pm at the Madison Central Library
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Nasty Germs May Be Lurking In Your Hotel Swimming Pool
posted Tuesday, May. 22, 2018Key to preventing waterborne diseases is to not swim in the water and don't let your kids swim in the water if sick with diarrhea. We inspect public pools and work with pool operators to reduce the chance of disease.
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Learn How to Get Licensed For Short Term Rentals in Your Home
posted Friday, May. 11, 2018Are you hosting or want to host short-term rentals, like Airbnb and VRBO in your home? Join us at a free workshop to learn how to get licensed.
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Community Collaboration to Reduce the Rate of Low Birthweight in Black Babies
posted Wednesday, May. 2, 2018We are proud to partner in a new collaborative community engagement campaign to address and identify solutions to lower the incidence of low birthweight babies born to Black mothers in Dane County.
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Surgeon General's Advisory on Naloxone and Opioid Overdose
posted Wednesday, May. 2, 2018The Surgeon General recommends expanding the awareness and availability of naloxone as a key part of the public health response to the opioid epidemic.
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Fewer Kids Are Getting Cavities But Disparities Exist
posted Wednesday, May. 2, 2018A new study shows that overall, US children are getting fewer cavities, but racial and income disparities are apparent.