For Immediate Release:

July 31, 2024

Oklahoma County, OK -- Today, with a motion from Commissioner Carrie Blumert, the Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to advance the construction of the County's Behavioral Care Center for the new County Jail.

The 60-bed facility, expected to serve thousands annually, spearheaded by Commissioner Carrie Blumert, will serve individuals who come in contact with the new Oklahoma County Jail by providing trauma-informed mental health care to its residents in a short-term residential setting as an alternative to jail.

The Behavioral Care Center is a pivotal step in addressing the complex intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. By providing effective treatment and support, the County aims to significantly reduce the re-entry of individuals with mental health needs into the county jail. Residents of the Care Center who complete the program and demonstrate the success of their mental health treatment can avoid entering the county jail, will not face criminal charges, and will receive resources to continue care.

Commissioner Carrie Blumert expressed her unwavering commitment to this innovative initiative: “The establishment of the Behavioral Care Center represents a significant milestone for Oklahoma County. By prioritizing mental health resources and implementing a diversion program, we are taking a proactive approach to reduce the jail population and provide critical support to those in need.”

In furtherance of this initiative, Commissioner Blumert is leading efforts to take a group of mental health professionals to visit The Davidson County Behavioral Care Center, a model center in Nashville, Tennessee, in August.

The Oklahoma County Behavioral Care Center marks a significant step to decriminalize mental illness.

For More Information Contact:

Oklahoma County District 1 
405-713-1501

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