2021 DSHS News Releases

Welcome to DSHS' news releases for 2021. You may search by keyword and release number.

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

 

Adult abuse cases continue to rise in Washington state as social distancing rules begin to relax

Friday, June 11, 2021 - 08:45

DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright, (360) 628-1043

OLYMPIA — June is Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Washington state. This annual statewide awareness campaign is designed to promote education, identification and reporting of the mistreatment of vulnerable adults throughout the state.

“Adult Abuse Awareness Month carries additional weight this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged stay-at-home order,” said Adult Protective Services Director Kathy Morgan. “For the past year, adult abuse was not as visible as it once was. ...read more

DSHS appoints interim CEO at Western State Hospitals Gage Center for Forensic Excellence

Thursday, April 29, 2021 - 11:30

DSHS Office of Communications, Adolfo Capestany, (360) 878-1240

 

The Department of Social and Health Services is reaching a major milestone this week toward Governor Inslee’s vision for a multi-biennia, statewide transformation of Washington’s behavioral health system. The plan focuses on developing a 21st century system of care by, in part, creating Forensic ...read more

Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund expands with $65M in additional funding on April 21

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 08:30

DSHS Office of Communications, Norah West, (360) 489-5587

Millions of Washingtonians have been adversely impacted and have endured economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including 250,000 people who have been unable to access unemployment insurance compensation and federal stimulus packages due to their immigration status. Starting Wednesday, April 21, applications will be open for additional rounds of the Washington ...read more

Disaster cash assistance available again for some Washingtonians beginning April 19

Monday, April 19, 2021 - 13:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Norah West, (360) 489-5587

OLYMPIA — Beginning April 19, Washington residents can once again apply through the Department of Social and Health Services for emergency cash assistance to help meet their immediate needs. DSHS received additional funding and a new order from Governor Inslee to reinstate this temporary program to help Washingtonians through this unprecedented time of hardship. Read more about DCAP on the ...read more

DSHS names interim Western State Hospital CEO

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - 11:00

DSHS Office of Communications, Adolfo Capestany,

Contact:
Adolfo Capestany
DSHS Office of Communications
acapestany@dshs.wa.gov

OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services announced today that Charles Southerland will step in to lead Western State Hospital as the interim Chief Executive Officer while a search is underway for a permanent replacement of the retiring CEO, David Holt. He begins his new role on April 23. Read ...read more