Safeguarding Tulsa’s Mental Health Infrastructure Amid Fiscal Uncertainty
By GRAND Mental Health Advisory Council co-chairs Cara Hair and David Page
Eleven months ago, we wrote an Op-ed celebrating Tulsa’s increased access to mental health services through four Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic (CCBHC) providers and optimistically emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue regarding Tulsa’s mental health needs. Disappointingly, as of this writing, we are more concerned about access to services today than we were a year ago as the stability of our community’s mental health services faces unprecedented challenges.
We saw before us a timeline of concerning events starting with a news conference and press release from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) on April 2, announcing CCBHC funding was being frozen until the CCBHC providers submitted more financial documentation.
On April 10, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) issued termination notices to three major CCBHC providers in Tulsa County: Family & Children’s Services, CREOKS, and GRAND Mental Health. These clinics are integral to our mental health infrastructure, collectively serving tens of thousands of residents, including vulnerable populations.
While state officials have since clarified that core services will continue uninterrupted, the abrupt nature of these notices and lack of communication underscores the fragility of our current system.
Compounding the issue is a reported $43 million budget shortfall within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The department has requested an additional $6.2 million in supplemental appropriations to maintain essential services through the fiscal year.
The potential disruption of these services poses significant risks to residents in Tulsa County. Without adequate support, individuals in crisis may find themselves in emergency rooms or jails, environments ill-equipped to address mental health needs. This not only endangers the well-being of these individuals but also places additional strain on our healthcare and criminal justice systems.
Transparency and accountability are paramount. While scrutiny of financial practices is necessary, it must be balanced with a commitment to preserving the essential services that CCBHC provides. These clinics have demonstrated their value through measurable outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and improved access to care. The residents of
Tulsa and Oklahoma deserve a unified collaboration between CCBHC partners and ODMHSAS. We can only achieve our goal of a healthier, happier and stronger community together.
The legislature’s initial review of ODMHSAS finances on April 17th offers a promising first step. We hope these proceedings shine a light on core issues behind the disruptions in care. However, let us not forget: the urgent need persists, and the work these vital organizations provide continues regardless.
Tulsa’s mental health infrastructure is at a critical juncture. State officials must act now to prioritize and stabilize funding for all current CCBHC providers in Tulsa. The sustainability of these vital organizations is not merely a fiscal concern; it’s a direct investment in the health and safety of our entire community. Delay is not an option.