City releases report on OKC’s mental health response efforts
07/01/2024
Link to story
Link to report
Residents interested in learning about Oklahoma City’s approach to mental health response can read a comprehensive report on okc.gov/mentalhealth. The 20-page report is titled “Transformational Progress, Oklahoma City’s Mental Health Services” and is part of an effort to keep residents informed on the City’s mental health-related programs and services.
“Over the years, the City has diligently expanded our resource base for residents experiencing a mental health crisis, establishing a benchmark for comprehensive behavioral health services and collaborating with the community to address gaps in the process,” Assistant City Manager Jason Ferbrache said. “This report shows the City’s commitment to improving mental health services in the community.”
The report:
- Outlines the City’s goals for providing services to people in crisis.
- Explains the City’s core services, protocols and resources.
- Compares City services with federal guidelines.
- Includes real examples of mental health response.
“This report underscores the dedication of our officers to the well-being of our community, ensuring residents are connected with resources that meet their needs,” Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley said. "In partnership with local mental health service providers, we can deliver public safety and professional mental health services at the same time."
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 1 in 25 adults in America live with a serious mental illness. In 2023, out of 18,614 mental health-related calls to 911, less than one percent resulted in arrest.
“Our top priority is safely connecting people in crisis with mental health professionals as soon as possible,” Lieutenant Vanessa Hurd, OKCPD’s Crisis Intervention Team Commander, said.
Two new programs highlighted in the report are the Oklahoma City Fire Department’s Crisis Call Diversion Unit and Crisis Response Team, which have been funded in the FY25 City budget.
“Our new Crisis Call Diversion Unit will add mental health professionals to 911,” Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley said. “When people experiencing a mental health crisis call 911, a counselor will either stabilize them and refer them to services or dispatch a crisis response team staffed by a Fire Department paramedic and a mental health professional. We are excited to better serve our residents with this improved approach.”
To read the report and learn more about OKC’s mental health crisis response, visit okc.gov/mentalhealth.
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Media Contacts:
Captain Valerie Littlejohn, OKCPD, (405) 297-1111
Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov
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