A recent report has brought to light some troubling news regarding the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). According to the findings, the agency has failed to meet the standards set forth in a lawsuit settlement regarding the treatment of inmates deemed incompetent to stand trial. This failure raises pressing questions about the state’s ability to provide necessary mental health care to those in need, particularly within the justice system.
The lawsuit was originally settled to address significant gaps in mental health treatment for inmates. These gaps can have profound consequences, as individuals classified as incompetent often remain in limbo, unable to receive timely treatment while facing legal proceedings. Unfortunately, the report indicates that ODMHSAS has been sluggish in implementing the required changes.
The shortcomings highlighted in the report include a lack of clear metrics to evaluate how many individuals need to be reassessed and the absence of adequate facilities for treatment. District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler labeled the situation as “amateur hour,” expressing his frustration at the Department’s inability to follow through on its obligations: “This is completely embarrassing for the administration of the Department of Mental Health,” he stated. His disappointment captures the feelings of many who are concerned about the consequences of the department’s inaction.
According to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office, the Department’s failure to even appoint a point person to oversee the necessary changes is particularly egregious. “It appears to me, in reading this interim report, that the Department of Mental Health basically sat on its hands and is continuing to sit on its hands,” Kunzweiler commented. The lack of accountability and leadership has left many wondering whether the state is committed to making the required improvements.
Further complicating the situation, the report indicates that not only has ODMHSAS not started an in-jail treatment program at the Tulsa County Jail, but there is also no clear plan in place to initiate such a program. Sheriff Vic Regalado expressed his willingness to cooperate with ODMHSAS to establish a competency restoration program within the jail. He noted, “On any given day, we average between 40 and 45 inmates in the jail who are awaiting transfer to the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita, so they can finally receive the level of care they need.”
The inability to address the pressing need for mental health care in the jail setting not only affects the individuals involved but also places a larger strain on the overall judicial system. When inmates remain incarcerated without appropriate treatment, it disrupts the legal process and exacerbates the challenges faced by law enforcement and public health officials alike.
In light of these findings, Interim Commissioner Gregory Slavonic has publicly stated that aligning ODMHSAS with the court-ordered consent decree is a top priority for the agency. He took over on June 9th and indicated that targeted restructuring is underway to better align the agency with its responsibilities. However, questions remain about whether these changes will produce timely results.
As the situation develops, more detailed reporting is expected next month, providing further updates on the Department’s progress—or lack thereof. In particular, the potential for state fines raises significant stakes: if the court-ordered requirements are not fulfilled, the financial consequences could compound the issues already facing the Oklahoma mental health system.
The state has a five-year window to meet all the requirements outlined in the settlement. As this deadline approaches, the urgency for immediate action grows. Stakeholders across the state—advocates for mental health, legal professionals, and the families affected—are watching closely, hoping for substantive changes that prioritize health over bureaucracy.
What the report underscores is not just a sluggishness from the Department of Mental Health, but a critical need for transparency, accountability, and leadership. The lives of many individuals hang in the balance, and timely action is essential for transforming the mental health care system from one that is reactive to one that is proactive—ensuring individuals receive the care they need when they need it.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With renewed focus and a commitment to change, there is hope that Oklahoma can fulfill its obligations to these vulnerable populations. As the state moves forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain engaged and vigilant, advocating for the mental health care that so many desperately need. The time for action is now; the consequences of inaction are too great to ignore.
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