OLYMPIA - More than 107,000 people in Washington have Alzheimer’s disease or another other form of dementia. By 2040, that number is expected to grow to over 270,000. When you or a loved one develops memory loss or other cognitive impairments, it can be a difficult time for the entire family. Recognizing the impacts of dementia and that caring for a loved one with it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, the Dementia Action Collaborative of Washington state is developing easy, straightforward ...read more
2017 DSHS News Releases
Welcome to DSHS' news releases for 2017. You may search by keyword and release number.
New resources for people with dementia and their families
Monday, July 31, 2017 - 17:00
DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright, (360) 902-8338
Western State Hospital invites community to learn more about mental illness
Sunday, July 30, 2017 - 17:00
DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, (360) 902-7739
LAKEWOOD –Western State Hospital is hosting an education event Saturday, Aug. 12 for anyone interested in discussing mental illness and behavioral health services.
Open to the public, this event provides friends and family members of hospital patients as well as community members a better understanding of mental illness and how a supportive family/community can help someone with a mental illness recover.
“Beyond hospital treatment and therapy, the support and understanding of ...read more
August is Child Support Awareness Month
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - 17:00
DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Stowe, 360-902-7739
OLYMPIA- Child Support Awareness Month is a time when we celebrate parents who are working hard to make sure that the needs of children are met.
Children thrive when family members work together to provide for their emotional and physical needs. This is especially important when a family structure changes, because regardless of the family dynamic, the child’s needs remain constant.
Each year, the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Division of Child Support serves ...read more
DSHS thanks fire departments for response to Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center fire
Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 17:00
DSHS Office of Communications, Lisa Copeland, 360-902-7844
DSHS is thankful no injuries or fatalities were sustained as a result of this morning’s fire at the Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline. The agency is also grateful to the first responders that rapidly descended on scene to help battle the blaze and ensure all 200 residents and 600 staff remained safe.
“We are amazed by the efforts we saw today from seven different fire department districts and owe them our deepest gratitude,” said Bill Moss, Acting DSHS Secretary. “ ...read more
Plan of correction for Western State Hospital submitted to Federal government
Tuesday, July 11, 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’s (WSH) plan of correction was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday, July 11, 2017.
On June 30, the agency announced that the hospital had been provided an extension to the ...read more