2017 DSHS News Releases

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


Western State Hospital invites community to learn more about mental illness

Sunday, July 30, 2017 - 17:00

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

LAKEWOOD –Western State Hospital is hosting an education event Saturday, Aug. 12 for anyone interested in discussing mental illness and behavioral health services. 

Open to the public, this event provides friends and family members of hospital patients as well as community members a better understanding of mental illness and how a supportive family/community can help someone with a mental illness recover.

“Beyond hospital treatment and therapy, the support and understanding of ...read more


August is Child Support Awareness Month

Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - 17:00

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

OLYMPIA- Child Support Awareness Month is a time when we celebrate parents who are working hard to make sure that the needs of children are met.

Children thrive when family members work together to provide for their emotional and physical needs. This is especially important when a family structure changes, because regardless of the family dynamic, the child’s needs remain constant.

Each year, the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Division of Child Support serves ...read more


DSHS thanks fire departments for response to Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center fire

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Lisa Copeland, 360-902-7844

DSHS is thankful no injuries or fatalities were sustained as a result of this morning’s fire at the Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline. The agency is also grateful to the first responders that rapidly descended on scene to help battle the blaze and ensure all 200 residents and 600 staff remained safe.

“We are amazed by the efforts we saw today from seven different fire department districts and owe them our deepest gratitude,” said Bill Moss, Acting DSHS Secretary. “ ...read more


Plan of correction for Western State Hospital submitted to Federal government

Tuesday, July 11, 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’s (WSH) plan of correction was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday, July 11, 2017.

On June 30, the agency announced that the hospital had been provided an extension to the ...read more


July is Adult Abuse Prevention Month

Monday, July 10, 2017 - 17:00

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

July is Adult Abuse Prevention Month

OLYMPIA, WA - The Department of Social and Health Services - DSHS) continues to see a sharp increase in the number of cases of adult abuse reported statewide. Adult Abuse Prevention Month is intended to raise awareness and remind everyone to remain vigilant when it comes to the health and welfare of some of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens.

The amount of reports made to Adult Protective Services - APS has nearly tripled ...read more