1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

The proposed House Bill 1343 to abolish the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and transfer its duties and powers to the Department of Corrections is deeply concerning. Mental health and substance abuse are complex public health issues that require specialized expertise and a treatment-focused approach, which the corrections system is ill-equipped to provide. Transferring mental health services to the corrections department would be a major step backwards, further criminalizing mental illness and addiction instead of treating them as the medical issues they are. This move would reduce access to evidence-based treatments and support services for those struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Instead of abolishing the Department of Mental Health, we should be increasing funding and resources to improve access to comprehensive, community-based mental healthcare across Oklahoma. Numerous studies have shown that investing in mental health services reduces overall healthcare costs, improves outcomes, and decreases rates of incarceration, homelessness, and other societal challenges linked to untreated mental illness. I urge you to reject House Bill 1343 and instead work to strengthen Oklahoma's mental health infrastructure through increased funding, expanded services and treatment options, and better integration of mental healthcare into our overall public health system. Protecting and enhancing the Department of Mental Health is vital for the wellbeing of all Oklahomans.