Rogers County, OK — The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse has awarded Rogers County a $289,173 grant aimed at enhancing mental health services. District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier announced the funding will support the development of a community resource app, embed mental health support personnel in the county jail, and fund a juvenile diversion program through Rogers County Youth Services.
This grant is part of ongoing efforts stemming from State Questions 780 and 781, approved by voters in 2016, which aimed to redirect funds saved from reduced incarcerations towards mental health and substance abuse treatment. “We’re excited to announce the county has been approved for a significant mental health grant,” DeLozier stated.
The upcoming app will compile local mental health resources, allowing users to easily access support. Diana Dickinson, county spokesperson, emphasized the app’s purpose: “We want to shorten the search for those resources that can actually help them.” The county anticipates launching the app within six months, with funds allocated for vetting resources and development costs.
GRAND Mental Health will utilize approximately $39,000 for a peer recovery support specialist and $49,000 for an employment specialist, focusing on reducing recidivism and enhancing outpatient service engagement. “We want to decrease recidivism for those leaving Rogers County jail,” said Josh Cantwell, GRAND’s COO.
Additionally, Rogers County Youth Services will receive about $54,000 to employ a diversion specialist who will work with law enforcement to refer youth in trouble with the law to mental health evaluations, aiming to prevent further offenses. Herb McSpadden, director of the nonprofit, noted, “When you engage kids early on, you have a greater chance of keeping them out of the juvenile justice system.”
Dickinson highlighted that this approach is innovative for Rogers County, as the community seeks long-needed mental health support. With the grant’s implementation, the county aims to create a robust framework for ongoing mental health assistance for both adults and youth.
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