Weekly Update: February 22, 2022
$30 Million to Support and Stabilize EMS in Rural Communities
During his 2022 State of the State address, Gov. Tony Evers announced a plan to support and stabilize Wisconsin’s emergency medical services (EMS) system across the state with a nearly $30 million investment. The governor’s plan includes efforts to supplement the Funding Assistance Program (FAP), which provides annual grants to all public ambulance service providers, including volunteer fire departments, nonprofits, and counties and municipalities, create a new grant program to help those providers who are not eligible for FAP, and fund a 16 percent reimbursement rate increase for private and municipal ambulance providers for emergency medical transportation.
$20 Million for Youth’s Mental Health Support
During his 2022 State of the State address Tuesday night, Gov. Tony Evers announced his “Get Kids Ahead” initiative which will provide $15 million to support school-based mental health services in K-12 schools across the state. Gov. Evers also announced a $5 million investment for the University of Wisconsin (UW) System to help students access mental health supports remotely and on campus.
“We know this pandemic has affected our kids in more ways than one, including their mental health. And a kid who’s in crisis isn’t going to be able to pay attention at school, finish their homework, or engage with their friends or teachers,” said Gov. Evers during his address.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the pressing need for additional or improved student health services related to mental and behavioral health. A breakdown of funding available for school districts is available here.
Black History Month Spotlight:
 In honor of Black History Month, throughout the month of February DHS is celebrating Black medical pioneers who have shaped health care and changed the face of medicine in America. We believe sharing information and posts like these provide a great educational opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about people you may not have heard of before, and encourage you to learn more about their contributions. Visit BlackHistoryMonth.gov to find ways to celebrate, learn, and honor.
And while we spend this time to celebrate, we also acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black communities across Wisconsin.
To see the data, visit the COVID-19: Racial and Ethnic Disparities page. And to learn more about how DHS is working to center equity in our work to reduce health disparities, visit the DHS Office of Health Equity home page. The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is get your free vaccination and booster, wear a mask in public indoor spaces, and get tested if you have been exposed or are feeling sick.
ICYMI: Recent COVID-19 News Releases
|
