An Oklahoma agency is planning to cut state funding for mental health and substance abuse programs unless lawmakers reach a budget agreement, according to the Enid News & Eagle.
Terri White, commissioner of the state department of mental health and substance abuse services, made the announcement Tuesday as her agency grapples with a $75 million state funding shortfall, according to the report.
The news of cuts for outpatient services comes after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled a smoking cessation fee was unconstitutional. This ruling left state agencies with less in appropriated state funds.
"These cuts … are unbearable. They will decimate the state's behavioral health system, in particular our outpatient network across the state," Ms. White said, according to the report.
"They are the only choices the agency has left to keep from completely eliminating services for Oklahoma's most acutely ill," she said.
In the report, she added she expects the cuts to be implemented in December or January, although they may be prevented if state lawmakers reach a budget agreement by the beginning of next month.
According to Ms. White, nearly 189,000 state residents receive outpatient services.