Lawmakers in Oklahoma approved $125 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to build two new state behavioral health hospitals, according to a Sept. 29 report from NBC affiliate KJRH.
The award marks the largest ever single investment in behavioral health by the Oklahoma legislature.
The new hospitals will replace existing facilities in Norman and Tulsa that have outlived their ability to adequately serve the increasing demand for services. Additionally, the new hospitals will provide 150 additional treatment beds and enhance therapeutic options, according to the report.
Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Carrie Slatton-Hodges, said the legacy facilities could not be modified or upgraded to host new evidence-based practices that advance care.
"Having facilities designed to deliver modern mental health treatment services is a game changer and is an investment to meet current and future needs," said Ms. Slatton-Hodges.
Total funding of $87 million is earmarked to replace Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, and an additional $38 million is allocated to replacing the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.
"As we continue to modernize our approach to the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services statewide and increase the ability of all Oklahomans to engage in services when needed, these facilities will play an integral part in making positive change occur," Ms. Slatton-Hodges told KJRH.