Tulsa Mayor Responds to $8M Mental Health Cuts

Mental Health Funding Cuts Hit Tulsa

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols is pressing forward with his Community Conversations, even as the state cut $8 million in mental health service contracts. The loss of funding comes as Oklahoma’s Mental Health Department works to address its financial shortfall.

Nichols said the conversations will help the city gauge residents’ willingness to support local funding options.

Nichols Takes Pulse of Residents

At each meeting, Nichols emphasizes the need for dialogue. “We cannot ignore the fact that services are being cut while demand continues to grow,” he told attendees.

The contracts provided counseling, addiction treatment, and crisis support. With those services gone, local hospitals, nonprofits, and first responders may bear the brunt.

Funding Questions Ahead

Nichols has not yet outlined a specific funding proposal but said new revenue may be necessary. Options could include a sales tax extension, a bond package, or a city-state partnership.

Mental health advocates warn that without replacement funding, vulnerable residents could fall through the cracks.

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