The mental health crisis and access to behavioral health resources are very hot topics in Oklahoma and across the United States, and Edmond is no exception. The City, as well as many other community partners, have made it clear that our resident’s mental health and well-being should be made a priority.
In 2021, the City of Edmond engaged Healthy Minds Policy Initiative (Healthy Minds) to conduct a mental health system assessment of the community. Healthy Minds presented their findings to the Edmond City Council the following year, providing more than 20 recommended action items.
The Community Behavioral Health Assessment reported that access to mental services in Edmond had multiple barriers including lack of availability of local providers and cost. Also, treatment often requires transportation to Oklahoma City for more intensive care. Children with behavioral conditions are especially vulnerable to these barriers. The assessment also reported that stigma is often an impediment to recognizing and seeking behavioral health care. These issues affect people from all walks of life and likely impact many young professionals or their families.
The City Council approved investment to support the implementation of the action plan through a community-driven process. Five teams were launched in 2023 to begin tackling barriers and providing solutions. The implementation of Edmond’s mental health plan and prioritization of projects is overseen by a steering committee and four subcommittees. The committees include representation from City Council, City Management, the Edmond Police and Fire Departments, Edmond Public Schools, The Edmond Chamber of Commerce, the Edmond Economic Development Authority, NorthCare, Edmond Family Counseling, and many more. Representatives from Healthy Minds facilitate each committee.
Many big steps forward were made in 2023. Below are just a few.
- A Certified Community Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic was opened at 901 S. Bryant.
- Edmond 911 Dispatch coordinated with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to divert incoming calls for those needing non-life-threatening services, de-escalation, or compassionate listening by behavioral health specialists.
- The Edmond Chamber of Commerce Hosted a “Well-Being in the Workplace” behavioral health-focused panel at a Business Development Luncheon in November.
- Construction and fundraising have been ongoing for the Edmond Urgent Recovery Clinic and Crisis Center for Youth, families, and adults at 15th and Kelly. This facility is scheduled to open in early 2024. Edmond’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) are facilitated by NorthCare.
As we move into 2024, new projects and initiatives will be implemented to build on the group’s many successes and keep the momentum going. This year, Healthy Minds will work to develop a written multi-year tiered plan for school-based mental health. Additionally, the new branding for Edmond’s Mental Health Plan, “Flourish”, will debut. The communications sub-committee also plans to create an easy-to-use Flourish website where local resources can be organized to better connect residents with behavioral health care. The marketing and communications will be separate from city branding because supporting the Behavioral Health Action Plan is not just a city program, it is a community-wide effort with support from numerous partners.
Lastly, a workplace mental health-focused campaign will be implemented to help support those who own businesses or work in Edmond. This is where you can join in on our efforts! Do you own or work at a local business? We have launched a simple, 12-question survey and would love to hear from you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EdmondBusinessSurvey
Please take the survey to help provide the committee with a snapshot of current workplace resources and needs. All responses will remain anonymous.
The Edmond City Council recently approved further investment to continue efforts toward making our community a better place for those with behavioral health needs. If you would like to learn more about this effort, please contact The City of Edmond’s Housing and Community Development Manager, Christy Batterson at (405) 359-4694.