Forum puts OKC’s first responders, mental health pros in same room

-- New developments in mental health crisis responses available were featured in an event to orient first responders.

OKLAHOMA CITY – On May 21, Ward 6 Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon hosted a town hall titled “Rethinking 911: First Response + System of Care” at the Downtown OKC Library. 

It didn’t have any made-for-TV high drama. Instead, it was an important roll-up-the-sleaves gathering of first-response leaders in the City.

The event covered OKC’s mental health crisis response, featuring discussions on five programs with services available related to mental health crises. 

mental health
Councilwoman Hamon addresses the audience at the panel discussion. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Hamon aimed to inform the public, highlight city achievements, clarify resources, and challenge mental health stigma, fostering open dialogue and minimizing police intervention in crises. 

“It’s about enhancing crisis response systems and ensuring resources in our schools and communities can break cycles and address underlying social conditions that lead people back to crisis points,” Hamon said. 

Dialing 988: Connecting Oklahomans with Lifesaving Mental Health Support

The 988 Lifeline links callers to mental health support funded by diverse sources, originally for suicide prevention but now addressing broader crises. Unlike 911, which manages safety emergencies, 988 offers ongoing support for non-life-threatening crises and can send a crisis team with consent. Notably, most calls are for care coordination, underscoring the persistent demand for mental health services.

“The goal of 988 is to help meet people where they’re at and get them to the resources that are most appropriate for them,” Tony Stelter, Chief of Statewide Crisis Services for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSA), said.

Mental Health
Tony Stelter explains the goals of the 988 Lifeline. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Stelter outlined Oklahoma’s 988 process: callers with an Oklahoma area code connect to local, licensed staff trained by the International Council for Helplines and ODMHSA. Oklahoma City has four mobile teams available for quick response and ensures privacy under HIPAA. Callers can remain anonymous and undergo risk evaluation, including suicide screenings. About 80% of cases are resolved over the phone. The National 988 Lifeline offers online chat services, including support for veterans and ASL video chat. 

In addition to that, mobile crisis teams are able to conduct on-site assessments, while urgent recovery or crisis centers offer 24/7 care for longer-term cases. 988 has strong partnerships with mental health and addiction recovery centers, offering free follow-up services to prevent future crises. 

Empowering Crisis Response: The Role of Oklahoma City’s CIAG

Oklahoma City’s Public Safety Partnership consists of the Crisis Intervention Advisory Group (CIAG), alternative response teams, and crisis intervention training. 

The CIAG formed based on recommendations from a city law enforcement task force. It involves city leaders, council members, public safety departments, and community stakeholders. The group focuses on developing compassionate crisis responses and guides individuals in mental and behavioral health crises to appropriate care providers, overseeing crisis response teams for severe cases and alternative response teams for less urgent situations.

mental health
Andrea Grayson presents during the panel discussion. (ZOE.TRAVERS/Okla City Free Press)

The CIAG uses data analysis to improve the city’s crisis response and oversees the training and deployment of crisis intervention-trained personnel. Initially, they focused on forming a committee for a mobile Mental Health Response Team and enhancing crisis intervention training for police and dispatchers.

“The primary goal was to create a crisis intervention committee to focus on mental health response and address the ongoing needs of our residents here in Oklahoma City,” Andrea Grayson, Public Safety Partnership Implementation Manager, said.

Enhancing Emergency Response: Oklahoma City’s Mobile Integrated Health Unit

Oklahoma City’s Fire Department launched the Mobile Integrated Health Unit, which includes the Community Advocacy Program (CAP) and the Overdose Response Team. 

CAP assists frequent 911 users with specialized behavioral and medical services. Trained 911 personnel and the Crisis Response team handle emergencies, transporting individuals to Urgent Recovery Centers if needed. CAP’s case navigators provide continuous support by connecting individuals to appropriate resources, ensuring 911 callers receive proper help for mental health emergencies.

“Having the ability to combine those two levels of care will give a higher degree of confidence that we’re catering to the patient’s experience,” Deputy Chief Mike Walker with the Oklahoma City Department Walker said. 

mental health
OKC Fire Fighters learn more about mental health-related organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) after the event. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

The MIH program, with its Overdose Response Team, supports survivors with follow-ups and rehab guidance, partnering with healthcare entities. Administering Narcan to over 500 individuals last year, they aim to improve patient follow-up, enhance survival rates, and ease strain on healthcare services. 

EmbraceOKC: Supporting OKCPS Students and Families

EmbraceOKC, a school-based initiative involving multiple organizations including Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and the City of Oklahoma City, addresses student psychological distress and substance abuse through prevention, assessment, and treatment, guided by a district-wide mental health action plan prioritizing students’ well-being and fostering safe school environments.

“Through this, we’ve seen that mental health issues are preventable and treatable and that we are there to help children achieve maximum social and emotional well-being, both individually and within their families, viewing school as a sanctuary and safe place.” Armisha Harrison, Director of Mental Health Services for OKCPS, said.

mental health
Armisha Harrison presents at the town Hall discussion. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

In OKCPS, students have access to a range of support services, including substance abuse assistance, life skills education, and crisis support. 

Mental health professionals offer immediate counseling, and partnerships with organizations like Hope Community Services, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, and NorthCare provide additional aid. 

EmbraceOKC also offers re-entry plans for students returning from inpatient facilities. Collaboration with the Oklahoma City Police Department is in place for crisis situations, and a proactive approach, including mental health screenings, supports approximately 6,000 students who need early intervention.

After the Crisis with The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma

The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma focuses on several aspects of mental health but especially post-crisis support, primarily through supportive housing. 

In 2019, they partnered with ODMHSA to create the Intensive Outreach and Navigation program. This transitional living program helps frequent crisis center users by providing housing, connecting them with services, and assigning a housing case manager. This approach ensures they have a safe place to live, can maintain their medication routine, and attend appointments, reducing their reliance on crisis centers and associated costs.

“Having that safe housing just allows people to be a little bit healthier,” Sheila Farley, Clinical Director of Programs for Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, said. 

mental health
Sheila Farley engages in discussion with fellow panelists at the town hall. (ZOE.TRAVERS/Okla City Free Press)

In 2023, the program served 47 individuals, resulting in a 72% reduction in crisis center stays and an 89% reduction in arrests. This saved the state approximately $1.1 million.

Community Collaboration: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Oklahoma City

Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon’s town hall showcased efforts to improve crisis response and mental well-being. Attendees praised its educational value and awareness-raising. Hamon emphasized ongoing challenges and the need for continued community collaboration.

“We’ve had some great developments within the last few years with things like 988 to help expand the options of what kind of what resources are available when people have a mental health crisis, but we still have a long way to go,” Hamon said.


Author Profile

Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.