2025 DSHS News Releases

Welcome to DSHS' media releases for 2025. You may sort by keyword, release number and date.

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

 

DSHS to close White Salmon office permanently on June 30

Jun 09 2025

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

Uninterrupted access to services still available in person, online and via phone

WHITE SALMON, Washington – People living in Klickitat County will be able to access services like food, cash and medical benefits and other supports online, over the phone and at mobile office events once the DSHS brick-and-mortar office in White Salmon closes permanently on June 30, 2025, when the building’s lease is set to expire.

No DSHS staff are stationed currently at the White Salmon ...read the full news release

SUN Bucks returns to provide food support for Washington children

May 21 2025

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

Nearly 600,000 children got $120 in nutrition benefits last summer

OLYMPIA—This summer, up to 620,000 Washington children will receive SUN Bucks – funds to help buy food when school is not in session – through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. Read the full news release.

Changes to the WA Cares Fund expand long-term care support

May 20 2025

DSHS Office of Communications, Jessica Nelson, 360-688-3718

OLYMPIA — Today Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a new law expanding Washingtonians’ options for accessing long-term care support through the WA Cares Fund. The law creates opportunities for Washingtonians to purchase affordable supplemental long-term care coverage from private insurers in the future, allows workers who have a private insurance exemption to join the program and simplifies the ten-year contribution requirement to qualify for benefits.  

“These changes will allow more ...read the full news release

Sunnyside DSHS office moving to new location May 14

May 01 2025

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

Sunnyside, WA – The Department of Social and Health Services’ Sunnyside office is relocating effective May 14, 2025, from Yakima Valley Highway to 3302 Picard Pl., Sunnyside, WA 98944. This new location is centrally located just off Interstate 82 at exit 69, 1.6 miles from the former location.

During the move, a DSHS ...read the full news release