Oklahoma County Finalizes $40 Million Mental Health Facility Funding
Oklahoma City, OK – After extensive deliberations, Oklahoma County officials have successfully secured $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a new mental health facility. The funding, which had been in jeopardy due to site selection disagreements, is now allocated for the construction of a behavioral health center adjacent to the proposed Oklahoma County Detention Center.
The decision follows a series of mediation sessions between Oklahoma County Commissioners and the Oklahoma City City Council. The primary contention centered on the facility’s location and its integration with the new jail. City council members expressed concerns about transporting inmates from the proposed site at Southeast 15th and Grand to courtrooms downtown. In response, county officials proposed a bus system to address transportation needs. However, Commissioner Brian Maughan noted, "If they didn’t want to take it though, you can’t force people to get on a bus that they don’t want to get on." (kfor.com)
Community advocates have also weighed in, urging that the facility serve the broader public, not just inmates. Sara Bana from Midwest City Council Ward 5 emphasized, "Instead of building a lockdown mental health facility associated in your jail, turn it to a standalone behavioral health care facility that is open to the community." (kfor.com)
With the mediation concluded and the funding secured, plans for the mental health facility are set to move forward, aiming to enhance mental health services in the region.
Oklahoma County Finalizes Mental Health Facility Funding:
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