Several Oklahoma state lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, have raised concerns about the state’s funding for mental health services in the Tulsa area. This comes after the state sent letters to three providers, including CREOKS and Grand Mental Health, notifying them that their funding would be terminated. However, it was later clarified that these letters were sent in error.
Lawmakers are emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals in need of mental health services continue to receive the care they require, with Democratic Representative Melissa Provenzano describing the situation as chaotic and calling for better communication from the Department of Mental Health.
Republican Representative Mark Lawson stated that there was miscommunication between the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services regarding the termination letters. Both providers, CREOKS and Family and Children’s Services, have expressed confidence that there will not be an interruption in services.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services released a statement expressing their commitment to protecting access to care for individuals in need of mental health services. They clarified that the termination letters were not indicative of funding gaps or contract optimization, and they are working with OMES and community partners to address the situation.
Overall, the main priority for all involved is to ensure that critical mental health services continue to be provided to the 53,000 Oklahomans served by these providers in the Tulsa area.
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