Oklahoma Senate Recognizes OCARTA

The Coalition of Advocates is asking us to take action concerning the FY2011 Budget

Dear OCARTA Members and Associates:

HB2999 and CADC’s:

As you know, in the rule changes proposed by ODMHSAS and OHCA, CADC’s will no longer be allowed to provide SA psychotherapy services as of January 1, 2012. Representative Kris Steele authored and is working for the passage of House Bill (HB) 2999 that extends the time CADC’s can provide psychotherapy services until June 30, 2013. This will give CADC’s additional time to complete a master’s degree. HB2999 also insures Substance Abuse Services will continue to be represented on the ODMHSAS Board of Directors. HB2999 passed the House and is now being heard in the Senate. Contact your legislators and ask for their support of HB2999 and join me in thanking Representative Steele for the work he continues to do in support of substance abuse services.

The Coalition of Advocates is asking us to take action concerning the FY2011 Budget:

As our state’s budget crisis continues to be front page news, we need you to remind our state’s leader’s that treatment for mental illness and substance abuse is becoming harder to access with budget cuts, and that our state’s treatment system cannot endure more cuts.

Click here to tell them mental health should be at the forefront of negotiations. (view current list of active campaigns)

Both Governor Brad Henry and Speaker of House Chris Benge have come out in support of protecting mental health and substance abuse funding saying that these services are a “priority area”.

Tell them that you agree and urge Senate Pro Temp Glenn Coffee to join them in their stance to protect these important services.

Click here to tell our leaders to protect mental health and substance abuse treatment. (view current list of active campaigns)

Your efforts are working to raise the profile of behavioral health needs in budget negotiations, but we still have work to do. Thanks for taking action again to share your message with policy makers.

Connie Motley, M.Ed., LPC
Executive Director
Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance
3200 NW 48th Street Suite201
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Office: 405-702-7215
Fax: 405-609-1946
Cell: 405-615-4855
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” –Mohandas Gandhi

You be the change agent.