The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services plans to cut or reduce $40 million in services amid a budget shortfall, NonDoc reported Sept. 3.
A document from a meeting with Oklahoma legislators showed that of the 573 contract items reviewed, 312 will be eliminated, 122 reduced and 128 renewed. The cuts will affect a range of services for addiction, adult mental health, children’s services and criminal justice initiatives across service providers including community behavioral health clinics.
Interim department Commissioner Greg Slavonic said the agency reviewed nearly 800 contracts and cannot sustain current spending, according to the report.
The changes will go into effect Oct. 1.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.