Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

09/01/2023 DSHS News Release: Disaster cash assistance available to eligible Washingtonians affected by recent eastern Washington wildfires

OLYMPIA — As of Aug. 31, eligible Washington residents affected by recent wildfires in eastern Washington can apply through the Department of Social and Health Services for emergency cash assistance to help meet their immediate needs. DSHS is now able to access funding through a new proclamation from Governor Inslee to activate this temporary program that can help certain residents of Pend Oreille, Spokane and Whitman counties through this time of disaster recovery. Read more on the DSHS Medium page.

DSHS Hosts Taiwan Ministry of Health and Wellness

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, DSHS Secretary Jilma Meneses hosted members of Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare in a rich exchange of insights, practices and challenges to providing human services. Fariborz Pakseresht, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, joined to represent the state of Oregon.

Interim DDA Assistant Secretary Dr. Tonik Joseph introduced Beth Krehbiel Director, Division of Field Services who focused on the intersection of poverty and developmental disabilities. Pointing to economic barriers impacting our clients, 99% of whom live in poverty, she shared our efforts to help people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities find employment and improve their quality of life—including improved health outcomes. Krehbiel also discussed the success of paying family members for the support they provide.

Each delegation expressed concerns about caring for an aging population. “Things that benefit our aging population benefit our community with developmental disabilities,” Krehbiel said. Speakers also shared challenges around funding and the need for culturally respectful approaches. Common solutions included partnerships between government agencies, private organizations, local communities and families.

As an extension of previous meetings with the Chinese Taipei Minister of Agriculture, this collaborative experience brought to life the words of Department of Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah, “Public health challenges do not know borders.”