Social isolation during the pandemic disproportionately impacted the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Washington. Connection with others is critical to health and well-being in all age groups — elders, young parents, teens, veterans, family caregivers. What can we learn from the pandemic years to encourage strong social connections? Build…

When a certified peer counselor met Robert* at the courthouse, they were visibly scared — afraid for their life due to their history of self-harm and thoughts of suicide. Robert lived through a traumatic childhood, and was struggling with being on the autism spectrum. …

The Aging Mastery Program is a series of classes to support aging well, creating community and empowerment. It has reached over 30,000 adults across the country and continues to grow and reach new communities. Participants, generally age 50+, consistently report that the program has helped them make meaningful and…

On Thursday, March 31, Gov. Jay Inslee joined Washington state tribal leaders at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville, Washington to sign seven bills into law. The new laws will improve American Indian/Alaska Natives access to services, increase participation in regional planning and develop a stronger network to support missing…

Contact: Chris Wright chris.wright@dshs.wa.gov (360) 628–1043 OLYMPIA — The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington this week dismissed a class action lawsuit filed against the WA Cares Fund, the first-of-its kind program that ensures all Washingtonians have access to long-term care when they need it. The…

Registration has opened for DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration’s 10th annual Community Summit, which launches virtually on May 5. “DDA and the Community Summit are proud to welcome Lateef McLeod and DJ Savarese to open this year’s conference,” said Ronald Bryan, DDA’s Roads to Community Living Program and a co-chair of…

Hundreds attend virtual events for DDA’s legislative projects Contact: Lisa Pemberton, DSHS Office of Communications lisa.pemberton@dshs.wa.gov More than 350 people attended the recent Show & Share events hosted by DSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration. The virtual events were designed to gather information on seven projects that were requested by the Washington…

Contact: Norah West, 360–489–5587 OLYMPIA — Secretary Jilma Meneses announced today she has appointed Tony Bowie to be Assistant Secretary for the Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration, effective May 1. …

Contact: Chris Wright chris.wright@dshs.wa.gov The Department of Social and Health Services has hired a new chief executive officer at Eastern State Hospital. Eric Carpenter, who brings with him years of health care executive leadership in both behavioral and community health, will officially start with the department’s Behavioral Health Administration on…