South Oklahoma City mental health facility set to open

South Oklahoma City mental health facility set to open

A new South Oklahoma City mental health facility is expected to open within days, with dozens of patients being transferred from Griffin Memorial Hospital to the newly renovated campus.

State leaders say the South Oklahoma City mental health facility will mark a major step forward for mental health services across Oklahoma.

South Oklahoma City mental health facility called a turning point

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services purchased the former SSM Health facility last November. Officials say renovations are aimed at modernizing care and relieving strain on aging infrastructure.

“We think this is a tremendous opportunity for the state,” said Gregory Slavonic, interim commissioner for the agency.

State Rep. Preston Stinson, chair of the Appropriations and Health Budget Subcommittee, called the project a turning point.

“This will allow us to start moving some people out of Griffin, which is a facility way past its prime,” Stinson said.

Agency-provided footage shows the 32-bed annex includes updated security systems, modern technology, shared living and dining spaces, and an outdoor courtyard.

Information on statewide mental health programs is available through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Central location expected to reduce backlog

Officials say the South Oklahoma City mental health facility will help address delays in treatment and reduce transportation time for patients in crisis.

“I think it'll help alleviate some of the issues we had with some of the mental health creating issues with folks that are in the county jails, being held for mental incompetency, and getting them restored to competency so they can stand trial,” Stinson said.

Slavonic emphasized the importance of being centrally located in Oklahoma.

“We will be able to get responders to bring individuals in crisis much quicker, patients here much quicker, as opposed to having to go to Norman,” Slavonic said.

Details about mental health court procedures and competency restoration are available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network.

Funded by ARPA dollars

The South Oklahoma City mental health facility project is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, which must be spent by the end of the year.

Once fully completed, the campus is expected to house up to 195 patients.

Officials stress this is a secure treatment facility and is not open for walk-in care.

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