Power of connection: Resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence

October is Domestic Violence Action Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the month of October victim advocates, allies, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It is a time to connect, lift each other up,…

ICYMI: White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Gupta visits King County to learn more about efforts to support youth

Last week, Dr. Gupta joined King County Executive Dow Constantine, DCHS Director Leo Flor, students, a parent of an alumni, and staff for a tour of the Interagency Recovery Academy, the state’s only publicly funded recovery high school. DCHS supports behavioral health outreach and recovery activities at the Recovery Academy by contributing state and federal funding.…

King County Refreshes Data Impact Dashboard with a Deeper Look at DCHS Programs and Initiatives  

DCHS provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community. DCHS annually administers more than $1 billion in public funds to ensure King County residents can access a broad range of services, including behavioral health treatment, housing, child care resources, education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults, veterans services,…

Substance use prevention and early intervention: Key steps to reduce harm and prevent use before it starts  

Substance use disorders continue to impact people from all walks of life. As the understanding and science of addiction evolves, so too does our understanding of ways to prevent substance use disorder and increase support for communities. As a follow up to the blog post on substance use disorder treatment, we are taking a closer…

Meet your new Crisis Care Centers Initiative Planning Team!  

In April, more than 56 percent of King County voters approved the Crisis Care Centers levy! This is a generational opportunity to improve our behavioral health system and deliver care to King County residents! The core components of this initative include crisis care, walk-in services, and residential treatment, in addition to strengthening this critical workforce.…

Providing support and care for people with substance use disorder: Treatment access in King County

In recent years, the pandemic has had a profound effect on mental health and substance use, with increasing numbers of people experiencing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. In 2021, there were over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the U.S.—the highest on record. This reality is felt across the country, including here in King County, where…