• DWD is coordinating rapid response with the local workforce development board. The rapid response support includes assistance with job search and placement, unemployment insurance application assistance, interview preparation, career counseling, and navigation of childcare and health insurance information, among other resources.?
• DWD?s rapid response teams are continuing to gather critical information, meet with the affected employees and employers, and identify opportunities to connect affected employees with new opportunities that provide family-supporting wages.?
• DWD will be hosting community job fairs to assist affected workers and the general public on February 7 and February 20.?
• DWD continues to coordinate with DHS and other state agencies to support continuity of healthcare services in the region.?
• Additional services will be made available via DWD?s mobile career labs for affected employees, with a schedule to be announced in the coming days.?

DHS Rapid Response Efforts

• DHS has met with both the local leadership and the systemwide leadership of HSHS and Prevea Health, and the department will continue to have regular meetings with these leaders moving forward.?
• DHS is facilitating conversations between the leadership of HSHS and Prevea Health and the leadership of other regional healthcare systems, including Marshfield Clinic Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System and?is continuing to urge the three systems to increase transparency in their planning and decision-making.?
• DHS will continue to monitor EMS, trauma, and crisis response going forward, in addition to ongoing transition and continuity of care planning, including:
  • Coordination of an agreement to transfer certain patients from HSHS to Mayo Clinic; and
  • Necessary steps to ensure all local OB/GYNs have privileges at all local hospitals so they can continue to provide care locally regardless of the facility at which they are working. This is particularly important given the pre-existing shortages with regard to OB/GYN care in the region.?
• DHS?s Bureau of Human Resources has notified employees of the department?s Northern Wisconsin Center, who mostly use Prevea Health and HSHS, and the bureau is working with them to help them find care.?
• DHS is conducting outreach to facilities and organizations to encourage them to have a presence at upcoming job fairs in the region, including long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, DHS-administered facilities, etc.?

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OCI Rapid Response Efforts?

• OCI is in communication with Western Wisconsin insurers about their efforts to maintain access for their policyholders.
• OCI has been in contact with the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) on State Employee Health Plan issues and is awaiting feedback from ETF as they monitor the situation.?

ABOUT THE DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM?

The Dislocated Worker Program provides transition assistance to workers and companies affected by permanent worker layoffs. The rapid response teams help companies and worker representatives develop and implement a practical transition plan based on the size of the layoff event. Types of services include:?

• Pre-layoff workshops on a variety of topics, such as resume writing and interviewing, job search strategies, and budgeting;?
• Provision of information about programs and resources through written materials and information sessions; and?
• Career and resource fairs.?

Workers affected by a permanent layoff may also access basic re-employment services at no charge through the state?s Job Centers. Certain services, including training assistance, may be an option for some workers after enrolling in one or more of DWD?s workforce development programs. Additional information on the Rapid Response Team process is available here.