Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a social services department in Washington State. The agency provides assistance to 2 million people with programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance.^[1]

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Department overview
Employees	18,000
Annual budget	$25 billion (bi-annual)
Website	www.dshs.wa.gov

On August 14, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Angela Ramirez, former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as the Secretary of the agency with an annual salary of $258,744. She will oversee 18,000 full-time staff and a bi-annual budget of $25 billion.^[1]

Mental Health

• Official WA State Mental Health Page
• MHD-PI WA State Mental Health Performance Indicators and Usage Reports

Controversies

• Wenatchee child abuse prosecutions
• $2.5 million settlement to abuse survivors