WCA Statement on Passing of DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades

“On behalf of the 72 county governments across the state of Wisconsin, I want to express our profound sadness over the passing of Secretary of the Department of Health Services Kitty Rhoades, as well as our appreciation for all that she accomplished in her lifetime for people across Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell.

“The impact Kitty Rhoades had on county government and the people we serve cannot be overstated. During her years in the legislature she worked on many county issues both in the long-term care area, as well as a host of other areas.

During her time as DHS secretary, Kitty worked closely with counties on Family Care, mental health issues, county nursing home funding, children’s long-term services and others, always looking to improve services for the most vulnerable people in our communities. “

O’Connell concluded, “Kitty Rhoades will be deeply missed but the difference she made in so many lives throughout Wisconsin will endure.”