Please note: This post discusses suicide and self-harm and may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Help is available through the U.S. national suicide and crisis helpline—call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Day Two of the 31st Annual Zarrow […]
The 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium is off to a powerful start. Wednesday’s attendees had the opportunity to choose from 20 breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, from ethical responsibilities of clinical practice to innovative approaches in mental health care. The day’s highlight was the opening keynote from Dr. Christine Caldwell, a
Day One Recap: The 31st Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Read More »
Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) is proud to welcome Jimmy Farmer as Chief Housing Officer, following a nationwide search. While new to Oklahoma, Jimmy brings over 20 years of leadership in public and affordable housing asset management, with a proven track record of transforming housing portfolios and strengthening communities. Before joining MHAOK, Jimmy served as
Mental Health Association Oklahoma Welcomes Jimmy Farmer as Chief Housing Officer Read More »
At Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK), a cornerstone of our mission is to provide clean, safe, and affordable housing for individuals and families in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Today, MHAOK owns and manages more than 1,300 rental units—about a quarter of which are home to people engaged in our programming. Thanks to a generous grant
A Fresh Start: Charan Apartments Renovated to Support Housing Stability in Tulsa Read More »
Last week, Governor Stitt announced Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere)—a new initiative aimed at Tulsa’s unhoused population. The plan enacts 64 OK Stat § 1097, a statute created through the passage of State Bill 1854 in 2024, which restricts camping on state-owned land. Through Operation SAFE, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers will issue warnings
Housing, Not Handcuffs: A Call to Rethink ‘Operation SAFE’ Read More »
As a street outreach and housing service provider in the Tulsa area, we are extremely concerned by Governor Stitt’s “Operation SAFE” program that does nothing to address the root cause of homelessness. Each day, our outreach teams engage with Oklahomans experiencing homelessness and work tirelessly to get them into housing, connected with healthcare, and find
Statement from CEO, Carrie Blumert, on Operation SAFE Read More »
Please note: This post discusses suicide and self-harm and may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Help is available through the U.S. national suicide and crisis helpline—call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. ADAM’S STORY Adam Raine was a
Adam’s Story: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Mental Health Read More »
Mental Health America (MHA) has named 11 state legislators from across the country as 2025 State Legislative Champions—including three dedicated Oklahoma leaders recognized for their efforts to promote mental health equity, reduce stigma, and improve access to care in their home states. Senator Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City), Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton), and Representative Ajay Pittman
Three Oklahoma Lawmakers Named National Mental Health Champions Read More »
The Executive Order issued on July 24, 2025 regarding homelessness and mental health treatment includes many directives that cause us concern. Extensive evidence has shown that when we prioritize safe and stable housing—and combine it with voluntary and personalized access to resources and treatment—homelessness can be brief and nonrecurring. Policies that criminalize homelessness only increase
Statement from CEO, Carrie Blumert, on Recent Executive Order Read More »
On July 24, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order on homelessness and mental health treatment, an action which raises serious concerns for those working on the front lines of housing and mental health. Among the directives are proposals that would expand the involuntary commitment of individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorder,
Responding to the Executive Order on Homelessness: What the Evidence Really Says Read More »
