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Author Archives: Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Devin Blake started as a journalist at Patch, writing about the Southern California neighborhoods he grew up in. He focused on local business communities throughout the area and was drawn to stories about unemployment, worker resources, and businesses that were filling unmet needs in their communities.

Watching the homelessness crisis continue to deepen over those years, he began working as a resource and information coordinator for community groups and nonprofits so they could better serve populations without stable housing—populations that included the elderly, developmentally delayed and those with HIV/AIDs, among others.

Blake has contributed to a number of publications, including New York magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He loves spending time with his wife and negotiating with his son.

devin.blake@milwaukeenns.org
Posted inEducation

Ban that prohibits incarcerated students from using Federal Pell Grants ends in July

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service April 5th, 2023April 3rd, 2023 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A nearly 30-year ban on the use of federal grant money by incarcerated students will end this summer.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Safety concerns mount at Milwaukee County’s Granite Hills psychiatric hospital

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service March 19th, 2023March 20th, 2023 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services flagged several violations, and dozens of calls to West Allis police concerned patients assaulting other patients or staff.

A young girl getting a shot at the clinic.
Posted inHealth & Welfare

What to know about medical costs in Wisconsin as federal public health emergency ends

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service March 17th, 2023March 16th, 2023 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The federal public health emergency is a key COVID-19 pandemic tool. It is scheduled to end on May 11.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

What Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Plus recipients should know to keep their benefits

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service March 3rd, 2023March 9th, 2023 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

BadgerCare Plus recipients should be ready to reapply for coverage after March 31. A health care navigator can help.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Ascension to close South Side Milwaukee’s only labor and delivery unit, prompting questions and protest

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service December 22nd, 2022April 25th, 2024 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Health care giant to close St. Francis Hospital Birthing Center on Dec. 23. Staff and patients see new hurdles for expecting mothers.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Although free and available, few young children in Milwaukee are getting COVID-19 boosters 

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service December 16th, 2022December 16th, 2022 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Experts cite COVID fatigue, parental skepticism and structural barriers in explaining low rates of vaccination.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Milwaukee County sees rise in suicides in Black communities

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service December 5th, 2022December 3rd, 2022 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Groups seek to destigmatize mental illness and highlight resources.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Confused about health insurance during open enrollment? A navigator can help. 

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service November 30th, 2022April 25th, 2024 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Navigators with Covering Wisconsin and other groups help residents make health insurance choices.

Posted inHealth & Welfare

Unhoused and underserved: Milwaukee sees increase in homeless resident deaths

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service November 14th, 2022November 17th, 2022 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

At least 52 Milwaukee County residents died while experiencing homelessness in 2021 — a significant increase that’s likely undercounted, officials say.

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