Norman legislators respond to relocation of Griffin Memorial Hospital and Children’s Recovery Center to Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, Rep. Annie Menz, and Rep. Jared Deck released the following statement Tuesday regarding the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health’s (ODMHSAS) decision to relocate Griffin Memorial Hospital and the Children’s Recovery Center to Oklahoma City.

“As a Norman delegation, we’re disappointed that the services and jobs provided by Griffin Memorial Hospital are being relocated. We’ve worked diligently for communication between ODMHSAS and their employees about the potential move, which finally occurred Monday, September 11, just hours prior to the press release issued by the department. The four of us received the initial news of Griffin’s potential relocation in December 2022 by reading the same article that Griffin employees read in the media. We were frustrated to learn this decision had been years in the making with little input from the people of Norman.” — Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman

“As of last week, the last word we had from ODMHSAS was that a final decision would be made in October. Last night’s press release, which was not sent to legislators, also failed to mention the relocation of Children’s Recovery Center along with Griffin. The handling of this situation is another example of the executive branch’s lack of transparency and lack of communication with the folks at the receiving end of its decisions.” — Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman

“We’ve spent months trying to work with ODMHSAS to provide a new urgent recovery center, much needed support to the Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center, and expanded services for patients. Our priority is maintaining and expanding mental health services within Norman and supporting affected state employees. We note that the announcement by ODMHSAS states dependence upon the sale of their owned properties to complete the building fund equation. The City of Norman, Cleveland County, and several non-profit organizations have an interest in those properties, but the century-old Griffin Hospital land has potential environmental issues that cannot be ignored.” — Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman

“The Norman delegation will work with the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and other stakeholders to ensure ODMHSAS holds up to its word that every current Griffin employee has an opportunity to continue their career serving patients. It’s vital to remember that these decisions impact patients first and foremost. Any disruption of services can have a detrimental effect on those in need. We’ll continue fighting for patients, employees, and constituents to whom state government must be accountable.” — Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553, or email Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov

Rep. Annie Menz at 405-557-7386 or email Annie.Menz@okhouse.gov

Rep. Jacob Rosecrants at 405 557-7329 or email Jacob.Rosecrants@okhouse.gov

Rep. Jared Deck at 405-557-7323 or email Jared.Deck@okhouse.gov