Mental Health Association Oklahoma
Mental Health Association Oklahoma provides comprehensive mental health services, including housing support, suicide prevention, employment assistance, and street outreach, utilizing a Housing First model and various innovative programs.
Mental Health Support Services
Mental Health Association Oklahoma offers a variety of mental health support services. These include professional consultation, screening, and assistance in navigating Oklahoma’s mental health system. The organization operates the Mental Health Assistance Center to provide these crucial services. Additionally, they offer QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, empowering businesses, schools, faith communities, and civic organizations to effectively intervene on behalf of someone with thoughts of suicide or who is in crisis. The organization also provides mental health education to 2nd-12th grade students through its Youth Mental Health program.
Housing Support and Homeless Outreach
Using a Housing First model, Mental Health Association Oklahoma ensures safe, decent, and affordable housing for individuals who have experienced mental illness, homelessness, and substance use disorders. They operate peer-run drop-in centers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, supplying essentials such as hygiene kits, bus passes, food, and water. Additionally, the Street Medicine program in Oklahoma City and Tulsa offers primary patient care to homeless individuals impacted by mental illness or substance use issues. The Housing to Hope Youth Program (HHYP) provides transitional living for youth aged 18-24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Employment Support Programs
Mental Health Association Oklahoma offers employment support services to help individuals impacted by mental illness find and maintain employment. Programs include supportive employment initiatives and specialized projects like the Altamont Bakery. The 'A Better Way' program in Tulsa and Oklahoma City provides an alternative to panhandling, compensating individuals with a full day's wages for community beautification work. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health challenges while contributing to community betterment.
Criminal Justice Reform Initiatives
The Criminal Justice Reform department of Mental Health Association Oklahoma focuses on redesigning the current justice and health systems in Oklahoma. Initiatives include the Special Services Docket and the FUSE/Bridge Program. The Intensive Outreach and Navigation (ION) team also provides essential outreach and services to individuals with serious mental illness, specifically those who are frequent users of crisis centers and psychiatric hospital beds. Efforts are made to bridge the gap between the justice system and mental health services, aiming for holistic and effective support for affected individuals.
Community Education and Outreach
Mental Health Association Oklahoma places significant emphasis on community education and outreach. They host the annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions on various mental health topics. The organization also provides educational materials for children, including a free-to-download mental health activity and coloring book available in English and Spanish. Partnerships with the Tulsa Area United Way, United Way of Central Oklahoma, and affiliation with Mental Health America strengthen their outreach efforts, enabling broader community engagement and resource distribution.