Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen released the following statements regarding a report released by the Biden administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service's treatment of those struggling with mental health conditions. 

"This is another Biden administration overreach on their way out the door," said Gov. Stitt. "Allie Friesen and her team are working hard to reform our mental health system, but they can't do that if they're burdened with heavy handed, out of touch mandates from the federal government."

“Oklahoma continues to lead the way in mental health care, guided by evidence-based practices and national standards. Through programs like 988, statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), crisis stabilization centers (CSUs), transportation initiatives, and telehealth innovations, we are delivering high-quality, accessible care across our state," said Commissioner Friessen. "While tragic stories exist, as in any health system, the DOJ focuses on a select few cases to overshadow what it acknowledges are the State's laudable efforts to build out its crisis system in recent years. We disagree with the report's adverse findings as well as the DOJ's subjective recommendations on how we should run our mental health system. As the report itself notes, the DOJ's recommended remedial measures are consistent with the priority areas the State already identified in the comprehensive 60-page action plan we previously provided to DOJ. Our priority remains working with community partners to deliver the best care in the most appropriate settings. There is always room for improvement, and we are committed to continuous progress-not because of investigations, but because it’s the right thing to do. Mental health policy should be shaped by professionals, not litigation. We will be committed to protecting tax dollars for our most vulnerable.” 

The DOJ's report is linked here.