Responding to efforts from the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Hearing Loss Association of America-Washington, Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed May 2023 to be Better Hearing Month in Washington state. This proclamation is a reminder that we all can take steps to get our hearing checked…

This Memorial Day, veterans throughout the Department of Social and Health Services’ Behavioral Health Administration share their personal stories of remembrance and honor. For these veterans, Memorial Day represents more than just a day off — it’s a time to carry the nation’s monument in their hearts and minds. Remembering…

When Waleska Rios-Derrick thinks back on her 15-year career as a nurse, she believes that nursing chose her. “I never in my life thought I was going to be a nurse. I went to college back in the day for translations and languages. I came to Washington state 20 years…

There is a strong chance you have lost your way and need help getting home if you run into Leslie Shimabukuro away from the Eastern State Hospital campus. Shimabukuro, the hospital’s clinical laboratory supervisor and a 15-year employee, has been a certified volunteer for Spokane County’s Search and Rescue team…

Thursday, May 11, 2023 DSHS Office of Communications Tyler Hemstreet tyler.hemstreet@dshs.wa.gov (564) 201–0027 (LAKEWOOD) — One of two new wards opened May 1 to patients in the Gage Forensic Center of Excellence on the campus of Western State Hospital. All 29 beds on the new ward, F9, are now occupied…

Congratulations to two Department of Social and Health Services teams that were recognized recently for going above and beyond in their public service. The Policy, Operations and Escalation Team and Afghan Arrivals Support Team were selected for 2023 Public Service Recognition Week Extra Mile Awards, given to state employees…

Release date: May 1, 2023 DSHS Office of Communications Lisa Pemberton, Media Relations Manager lisa.pemberton@dshs.wa.gov 360–902–7844 More affordable and accessible housing will be available soon for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington state. The Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Commerce and the Washington State…

DSHS Office of Communications Tyler Hemstreet, Media Relations Manager (360) 902–0265 LAKEWOOD — While there is a palpable feeling of sadness in the air amongst the rows of empty plant tables arranged in the greenhouse on the campus of Western State Hospital, staff and patients there are choosing to view…

DSHS Office of Communications Lisa Pemberton, Media Relations Manager (360) 902–7844 More than 600 people attended a hybrid screening and panel discussion of “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters” on Wednesday, April 19, hosted by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The event…