As we reflect on 2024, Mental Health Association Oklahoma has made significant strides in our mission to support Oklahomans – particularly those facing mental illness or homelessness and their loved ones. This year, we’ve touched tens of thousands of lives, providing critical services and making a real difference in our communities.
We kicked off the year by participating in the local Point in Time count, joining efforts to assess homelessness across our state. Through our housing programs, we moved more than 200 vulnerable individuals off the streets and into stable homes, giving them the foundation they need to heal and rebuild.
Our Mental Health Assistance Center answered nearly 1,300 calls this year, offering immediate help to those struggling to navigate the complex mental health system, as well as help for those in crisis. Our street outreach teams connected with more than 6,900 people experiencing homelessness, while our street medicine teams diverted emergency room visits, saving taxpayers almost $800,000.
We’re proud of our Youth Mental Health Program, which reached 20,601 youth, parents, and educators with essential mental health education, screenings and referrals to care. We also provided suicide prevention training to more than 300 individuals across Oklahoma, equipping them to support others in times of need.
Our drop-in centers answered nearly 29,000 knocks on the door, offering case management support and a home away from homelessness. Creating Connections fostered healthy interactions for more than 300 Tulsans. In Oklahoma City, our Veterans Outreach program served 65 veterans facing homelessness or mental health challenges; while our virtual support groups saw nearly 250 requests, with 150 Oklahomans participating in Platicas, our mental health support program for the Spanish-speaking community.
Celebrating its 30th year, Zarrow Symposium, provided continuing education to 733 professionals across the country. Meanwhile, our annual fundraiser, Carnivale, raised more than $1.3 million to support our programs; and community foundations and philanthropic businesses contributed $5.7 million to fund our critical work.
This year, we moved our Oklahoma City location four blocks north to a building that better accommodates our growing team. We also welcomed our new CEO, Carrie Blumert, who brought her unmatched passion and proven advocacy efforts to Mental Health Association Oklahoma. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our staff, board members and volunteers. They have collaborated, elevated, laughed, cried, shared meals and shared stories. They have made possible all of the new doors unlocked, the high fives given, the hugs shared and the lives saved.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are more committed than ever to building a brighter future for all Oklahomans. May it always be of benefit.