Governor Stitt and Mental Health Services: A Critical Update in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) - The pressure is mounting as Governor Stitt faces a September 13 deadline related to the ongoing struggle for improved mental health services in local jails across Oklahoma. A recent lawsuit accuses the state of failing to provide adequate mental health evaluations for inmates, some of whom have waited over a year. This suit, initiated in 2023 on behalf of multiple inmates, highlights a significant gap in the state’s mental health care.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is under scrutiny as federal court proceedings continue. U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frizzell has instructed both the Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the plaintiff’s attorneys to reassess a consent decree aimed at improving these crucial services and procedures.
Previously, the judge expressed concerns that the proposed pilot restoration treatment program would conflict with state laws, as outpatient services are currently not allowed in Oklahoma. In response to these developments, Drummond emphasized his commitment to finding a suitable solution that benefits Oklahomans.
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