2017 DSHS News Releases

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


Federal government finds significant improvements at Western State Hospital, extends SIA

Thursday, June 29, 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 extension to the Systems Improvement Agreement (SIA) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS extended the current agreement for 60 days during which CMS will work with the Department to identify next steps for the hospital. The progress to date earned ...read more


Washington tops national rankings for supporting seniors, adults with disabilities

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright, (360) 628-1043

OLYMPIA, WA -- AARP has named Washington the most successful state in the country when it comes to supporting seniors, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers. The third edition of the State Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard, released today by the AARP, Commonwealth Fund and Scan Foundation, highlights the rapid changes states face in terms of aging and changing populations, as well as promising practices that allow programs to continue to provide excellent care and ...read more


2017 Pierce County SBIRT and Behavioral Health Prevention in Tacoma June 14

Thursday, June 8, 2017 - 17:00

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

OLYMPIA-Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment or SBIRT is a national best practice for early intervention in substance use and mental health and will be the focus of the first SBIRT conference in Pierce County on Wednesday, June 14 at The Tacoma Best Western Plus .

The conference, hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services’ - DSHS  Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery - DBHR, the Korean Women’s Association - KWA, Pierce County Human Services and ...read more


DSHS statement on patient escape at Eastern State Hospital

Thursday, June 8, 2017 - 17:00

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

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and Eastern State Hospital (ESH) extend thanks to members of the Spokane Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff for their assistance in locating a patient who escaped from Eastern State Hospital on Thursday evening.  Law enforcement was notified once the patient was discovered missing and they responded immediately.

“We are grateful for the partnership and support provided by local law enforcement and our local community,” ...read more


DSHSs Developmental Disabilities Administration sponsors annual Community Summit mid-June

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Lisa Copeland, 360-902-7744

OLYMPIAIndividuals with developmental disabilities play an important role where they live, work and play. In an effort to build an environment where everyone contributes to improving their communities, the Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is hosting the annual Community Summit June 13-15, 2017.

Nearly 1,000 people are registered to attend – about 200 more than attended the first summit in 2013. The theme this ...read more