Tribal-state social services council meets ahead of Centennial Accord

Contact: Jessica Nelson, DSHS Office of Communications

Jessica.Nelson1@dshs.wa.gov or (360) 628–1043

Nearly 100 people gathered in Olympia and virtually to participate in the Washington State Governor’s Tribal and State Leaders Social Services Council Centennial Accord pre-meeting on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 5. The meeting was followed by an afternoon session of the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council.

The GTLSSC is comprised of tribal leaders, tribal social service program directors, the Governor’s Office and the appointed leaders of the Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Corrections, Department of Commerce, Health Care Authority and the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The goal of the GTLSSC is to prepare for the Centennial Accord, which includes action items meant to address the impacts of the social determinants of health in Indian Country. Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that influence people’s health and well-being, like economic stability, access to quality health care and education, social policies, climate change and racism.

Thursday’s conversations helped members of the GTLSSC focus on the priorities that should be addressed at the 34th Annual Centennial Accord Meeting set for Oct. 30–31. Discussions centered on responding to the opioid and fentanyl crisis, the need for mental and behavioral health treatment and supports, substance abuse treatment options and affordable housing to prevent homelessness.

“DSHS is very committed to this work and beyond, along with our sister agencies and tribes,” says Secretary Jilma Meneses. “No one agency or tribe can do it on their own, and we will only be successful if our services address the whole person, providing treatment, housing and community supports.”