2017 DSHS News Releases

Welcome to DSHS' news releases for 2018. You may sort by keyword, release number and date.

To read archived news releases, please choose the appropriate year below:

 

State agencies voice concern over Trump administrations SNAP proposal

Feb 13 2018

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

OLYMPIA – The budget released this week by President Trump substantially reduces funding to programs that are foundational to strong, healthy families and communities.

The impact of this will be felt statewide in Washington, especially among children and families that are struggling to make ends meet.  

Leadership from the departments of Health (DOH) and Social and Health Services (DSHS) have concerns the budget proposal from the White House that would impact almost 900,000 ...read the full news release

Western State Hospital Invites Community to Learn about Trauma-Informed Care

Feb 12 2018

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360.902.7739

LAKEWOOD, WA. –Anyone interested in learning more about the treatment and care provided to patients with mental illness should attend a public workshop occurring from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at Western State Hospital.

This quarterly Community Conversations public workshop hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services’ Behavioral Health Administration, provides friends and family members of hospital patients, community members, and care providers a better ...read the full news release

Eastern State Hospital continues accreditation by The Joint Commission and appoints a new Chief Medical Officer

Jan 30 2018

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360.902.7739

OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Eastern State Hospital has started 2018 with being re-accredited by The Joint Commission and naming a new Chief Medical Officer for the hospital.

Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Eastern shares ...read the full news release

DSHS continues work to combat opioid crisis with launch of Starts with One campaign

Jan 08 2018

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360.902-7739

OLYMPIA-- According to recent statistics, prescription pain medications are now the leading cause of accidental death in Washington state – more than guns or car crashes. In 2015, an average of two Washingtonians died each day from opioid overdose, and heroin deaths more than doubled between the years 2010 and 2015.

Now, using a portion of an $11 million federal grant, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is continuing its work to combat the state’s opioid epidemic by ...read the full news release