2017 DSHS News Releases

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


Community forums will address racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice system

Sunday, August 13, 2017 - 17:00

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

Community Forums will address racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile justice system

OLYMPIA – Earlier this year, Washington was one of three states awarded a federal grant intended to address racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system. The two-year Smart on Juvenile Justice Reform Grant gives the state and its partners a chance to develop a plan that will have a significant impact on the system.

As part of the process, DSHS’s ...read more


Interim CEO of Western State Hospital Named

Sunday, August 13, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360.902.7739

OLYMPIA--The Department of Social and Health Services today announced that Dr. Marylouise Jones will step forward to lead Western State Hospital as the Interim Chief Executive Officer while a search is underway for a permanent replacement for current CEO, Cheryl Strange.

Strange, who has been at the helm as CEO at Western for the past 15 months, was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve as Secretary for DSHS, effective Sept. 18, 2017.

Carla Reyes, Assistant Secretary for ...read more


Inslee names Cheryl Strange secretary of DSHS

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 - 17:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Adolfo Capestany, 360.902.8007

Cheryl StrangeGov. Jay Inslee has named Cheryl Strange secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. Strange has served as chief executive officer of Western State Hospital since April 2016. Strange replaces acting DSHS secretary Bill Moss. 

“DSHS serves many of our state’s most vulnerable adults and children. Cheryl ...read more


Newly appointed Secretary, Cheryl Strange, sets tone for future of Western State Hospital

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 - 17:00

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

OLYMPIA- Earlier today, Governor Jay Inslee announced that he has appointed current Western State Hospital CEO, Cheryl Strange, as the Department of Social and Health Services Secretary.

In a message to staff after the Governor’s announcement, Strange made it clear that Western State Hospital’s success is still a main priority with her:

Over the course of the next few days, I will be working with others, including WSH and DSHS leadership to appoint the next WSH ...read more


Public hearing on proposed opioid treatment program in Skagit County set for Aug. 30

Monday, July 31, 2017 - 17:00

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

OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has scheduled a public hearing in Skagit County to receive comments on plans for a new substance use disorder treatment program Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The proposed services from this new treatment program will improve access to essential health care for people in Skagit County who are dependent on opioids, such as heroin and OxyContin. 

The proposed program, didgʷálič Wellness Center, is requesting to operate at 8212 ...read more