Report Lauds Oklahoma's Tremendous Improvement in Mental Health Services

Oklahoma is the only state in the nation to improve two grade levels in two years in mental health services. State Sen. Brian Crain chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and said a newly issued report card shows how far Oklahoma has come.

"In 2006, the National Alliance on Mental Illness gave Oklahoma a "D" for its mental health service system. There simply was not enough access to these services, especially in rural communities," explained Crain, R-Tulsa. "Since that time, we've expanded drug courts and created mental health courts. We've also better coordinated services and programs between state agencies. As a result, we now have a grade of "B." That's a significant improvement."

Crain said Oklahoma was one of only six states to receive a "B" with 18 states receiving a "C". Twenty-one states received a "D" and six were given an "F." No state received an "A" in the report.

"There's still more work to be done, but I'm extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Improving access to mental health services will help thousands more Oklahomans lead productive and healthy lives, and that will benefit our entire state," Crain said.