Democratic leaders warn of harm from mental health program cuts; criticize failure to implement consent decree

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leaders of the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses said Friday they are deeply troubled by how people will suffer from the ongoing cuts to mental health and substance abuse services in the state and have called for a strategic budget when the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) submits its funding request next week.  

Sen. Julia Kirt and Rep. Cyndi Munson were also highly critical of findings in the first report on the status of the court ordered consent decree. The report released this week by the court said the agency has missed deadlines and failed to take the required steps for people in jail waiting for competency restoration so they can stand trial. The decree was the result of a class action lawsuit filed by inmates against the state because of the excessive wait times for treatment. 

“Right now, people are stuck in jail because they’re waiting for mental health treatment. That means victims don’t get justice quickly, and people who are accused don’t get treated fairly. That’s not okay. We need to put more money into programs that actually help. When we don’t fund mental health services in our communities, the problems just get worse. But instead of adding help, the Department of Mental Health cut 300 service contracts. Even worse, many of the contracts are for programs that stop people from reaching a crisis,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “State agencies have to turn in their budget plans by October 1. We’re asking the department to show how big the need really is, including asking for the extra money it takes to fix the gaps. With a smart budget, they can help solve the crisis that’s hurting our neighbors and communities.” 

Without proper funding and action, the leaders said Oklahoma’s mental health crisis would only continue to grow, causing more individuals to end up hospitalized or in prison – a far more costly outcome with a much higher toll on families and communities. 

“Right now, some of our most vulnerable Oklahomans are being put in danger because of the inaction from ODMHSAS,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Providers across the state, some who have been operating for decades, are being forced to consider closing their doors or cut treatment and prevention services. Mental health is already severely underfunded in Oklahoma, and forcing more cuts to care will cause harm to Oklahomans. The agency must request a budget increase in order to continue the lifesaving treatment and preventative care on which Oklahomans are depending. Without it, more Oklahomans will be incarcerated or hospitalized, which will only deepen this ongoing crisis and end up costing Oklahomans more.” 
 

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For more information, contact:    
Sen. Julia Kirt: 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov     
Rep. Cyndi Munson: (405) 557-7392 or Cyndi.Munson@okhouse.gov