2017 DSHS News Releases

Welcome to DSHS' news releases for 2017. You may search by keyword and release number.

DSHS moves to revoke certification of drug/alcohol treatment program facility in Pierce County

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360-923-7739

OLYMPIA-The Department of Social and Health Service notified A Fresh Beginning treatment facility in Tacoma, Washington that it has begun the revocation process on the facility’s certification.

The revocation action comes after the Department of Health found that Clarence F. Farmer, administrator and owner of A Fresh Beginning (which was formerly called A Change Counseling), had committed unprofessional conduct and suspended his credential as a chemical dependency professional for at ...read more

Federal government gives additional extension to SIA for Western State Hospital

Sunday, October 1, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360-902-7739

LAKEWOOD, WA --The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) announced that Western State Hospital has been provided an additional extension to the Systems Improvement Agreement (SIA) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This extension runs through November 2, 2017. CMS previously granted a 60-day extension in July followed by a 30-day extension in September.

 CMS ...read more

Washington state selected for national leadership program to build health equity

Monday, September 25, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright,

OLYMPIA - With an ability to design research to meet urgent community needs—and to directly apply that research to create change—researchers and community leaders are powerful partners for impacting community health needs.

As members of one of only 15 three-person teams selected, Ann Muno (The Justice for Girls Coalition of Washington State), Dr. Sarah Veele (DSHS- Rehabilitation Administration), and Dr. Arina Gertseva (Washington State Center for Court Research) join ...read more

Federal government gives additional extension to SIA for Western State Hospital

Thursday, August 31, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360-902-7739

LAKEWOOD, WA --The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) announced that Western State Hospital has been provided an additional 30-day extension to the Systems Improvement Agreement (SIA) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

In July, a 60-day extension was given which would have ended Sept. 3. CMS and DSHS entered into the original agreement in June 2016 to fix ...read more

Community forums will address racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice system

Sunday, August 13, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright, (360) 902-8338

Community Forums will address racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice system

OLYMPIA – Earlier this year, Washington was one of three states awarded a federal grant intended to address racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system. The two-year Smart on Juvenile Justice Reform Grant gives the state and its partners a chance to develop a plan that will have a significant impact on the system.

As part of the process, DSHS’s ...read more