OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Department of Social and Health Services has created a new division that will spur the integration of substance abuse, mental health and problem gambling services – part of a longer-range effort to create person-centered health care that can surmount traditional barriers.

The new division – called the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery – combines elements of the old Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Division. The new division will be headed by Director David Dickinson, formerly DASA Director.

Dickinson said the new name came together in the wake of many staff suggestions after the decision earlier this year to combine the two divisions.

"Our new name combines themes that stood out in those suggestions, particularly an emphasis on 'recovery,'" he said. "In addition, 'behavioral health' is being widely used in our field to identify a holistic approach to preventing and treating both mental and substance use disorders."

Assistant DSHS Secretary Doug Porter said the new name also reflects an overall commitment at DSHS to bring operational elements like medical assistance, chemical dependency and mental health into closer working relationships that serve clients more effectively and efficiently than before.

"Our new Secretary, Susan N. Dreyfus, emphasizes that the fiscal crisis should not prevent DSHS from reaching out and realigning business practices that can leverage our resources more effectively -- and better serve individuals in need. Like her, we believe we can come out of this challenging time a stronger, more focused, and a better organization."

Porter said DSHS is regarded as a national leader in looking ahead to health care integration and putting patients at the center of planning.

Washington's three psychiatric hospitals – Western State Hospital and the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood and Eastern State Hospital near Spokane – were not part of the merger. They remain in a separate division headed by Mental Health Systems Director Richard Kellogg.

A small contracts staff that worked in the Mental Health Division moved to the managed care unit within the Division of Healthcare Services under Director MaryAnne Lindeblad.

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT:

Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-725-1915 (Pager: 360-971-4067).

Deb Schnellman, Communications Manager, DBHR, HRSA, DSHS, 360-725-3763

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