In a recent public rebuttal, Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Allie Friesen of the Oklahoma State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pushed back against criticism from the Department of Justice regarding the state's handling of mental health. Following a Department of Justice report, Stitt was quick to call the federal government's recommendations an overreach. "This is another Biden administration overreach on their way out the door," Gov. Stitt said. Friesen defended her department's work, citing numerous initiatives that align with national standards;, as stated by the Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt.
According to a statement released by the Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt, state officials are particularly proud of their progress with mental health care innovations, such as the 988 hotline, crisis stabilization centers, and telehealth services. Friesen addressed the Department of Justice report's focus, noting, "While tragic stories exist, as in any health system, the DOJ focuses on a select few cases to overshadow what it acknowledges are the State's laudable efforts to build out its crisis system in recent years." She firmly disagreed with the negative findings and the federal recommendations, underscoring that the state's previously submitted 60-page action plan already mirrors the Department of Justice's suggestions.
Despite the claim of leading the way in mental health care, the Department of Justice report seems to suggest that significant improvements are still needed in Oklahoma's treatment of those struggling with mental health conditions. Stitt and Friesen, however, view the report as overlooking the strides made statewide and as an undue burden on local initiatives.
Commissioner Friesen stressed the importance of local control over the establishment of mental health policies. "Mental health policy should be shaped by professionals, not litigation," she stated. In her view, the state is committed to making continuous progress in mental health care delivery, not as a result of external investigations, but out of a responsibility to do what is right for the community, as per the Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt. Oklahoma's stance is firm on relying upon the expertise of health professionals and community partners to guide their way forward, promising to protect the tax dollars allocated for the care of the most vulnerable populations.
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