Candidates for Governor focus on mental health, substance abuse prevention

11/4/2009

Dem. candidates focus on mental health, substance abuse prevention
James Coburn
The Edmond Sun

FOR MORE information about the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s final report of the 2009 legislative agenda, or to learn more about the institute’s 2010 legislative agenda, go to www.oica.org.

Oklahoma’s two Democrats competing for the 2010 gubernatorial election both say prevention is key to solving the state’s substance abuse problems.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson presented their views on mental health at a recent debate on children’s issues. A Conversation with Candidates for Governor was sponsored at the University of Central Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.

“We know how many individuals who have been convicted of crimes initially had contact with the court because of substance abuse or some kind of mental health problem,” Askins said. “Unfortunately, Oklahoma has never been a state that has adapted like other states have in that kind of prevention level.”

Edmondson and Askins were the only 2010 gubernatorial candidates to appear at the forum.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin was unable to attend the debate due to her congressional duties in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, canceled his appearance at the debate, said News 9 Anchor Alex Cameron, moderator.

Ninety percent of Oklahoma inmates have an underlying mental health, alcohol or other substance abuse problem, Edmondson said.

Askins pointed out that the state of Minnesota’s population of 5,220,000 exceeds Oklahoma’s population of 3,642,000, but Minnesota ha fewer prisoners.

“I would submit to you that is because for decades, they have recognized the opportunity to intervene at the community level,” Askins said. “Before activity links to criminal conduct, not only is it better for the individual but it’s certainly better for the state’s resources.”

Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of mental illness in the nation, with 10 percent of Oklahoma children having a mental health problem, said Anne Roberts, executive director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.

The Oklahoma Partnership for Children’s Health, representing eight state agencies with child serving responsibilities, made a specific, consolidated appropriations request of nearly $11.6 million during the 2009 legislative session. This request, encompassing prevention, early intervention, community-based services, therapeutic foster care, group homes, residential and inpatient treatment, was denied when a revenue shortfall of $650 million caused lawmakers to make budget cuts among state agencies.

“Again, it will not be easy convincing legislators during a time of economic downturn that this is an investment that pays us money in the long run,” Askins said at the 2009 Fall Legislative Forum on Children’s Issues. “But it is a statement we have to continue to make to them because it is what addresses the needs that take up the bulk of our costs.”

Edmondson said his No. 1 priority as governor would be to stimulate the economy to create jobs and create funds for essential state programs.

“When that happens, I have already endorsed the Department of Mental Health’s Smart on Crime proposal,” he said. The proposal would increase expenditures for the Department of Mental Health to expand programs for drug, alcohol and mental health, Edmondson said.

“Our children’s problems, our teenagers’ problems and our young adult problems will manifest in criminal activity if we do not put in place the resources to intervene,” he said.

The state could save hundreds of millions of dollars in incarceration costs through the years by putting mental health and substance abuse facilities in place, Edmondson said.

Today, there is a total of 25,485 inmates in state prisons, said Jerry Massie, Department of Corrections public information officer.

Edmondson told The Edmond Sun that funds to prevent substance abuse could be spent for prevention, or the state could continue spending $20,000 a year to lock up each prisoner.

jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114