For Immediate Release:

September 3, 2024

Oklahoma County, OK- Oklahoma County District One Commissioner Carrie Blumert recently led a group of 18 individuals to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit the Davidson County Behavioral Care Center. The purpose of the trip was to gather insights and best practices for developing the new Oklahoma County Behavioral Care Center, which will serve residents diverted from the county's new jail.

Commissioner Blumert is dedicated to community involvement in developing the new center and recognizes the importance of input from various mental health service providers. "I wanted to host this trip to Nashville because I believe it's crucial to gather a diverse group of individuals with expertise in mental health care to ensure that the new Oklahoma County Behavioral Care Center truly meets the needs of our community," said Blumert.

Blumert, a long-time mental health advocate herself, believes that by bringing together knowledgeable community partners and professionals, she is taking a comprehensive approach to ensure that Oklahoma County is developing a center that will positively impact the lives of individuals in need of behavioral care services in Oklahoma County who come into contact with the county's justice system and will be a significant step to decriminalize mental illness.

In July of 2024, The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners voted to begin the construction of the County's Behavioral Care Center for the new County Jail at 1901 E. Grand Blvd.

The 60-bed facility will serve individuals who come in contact with the new Oklahoma County Jail by providing trauma-informed mental health care to its residents in a short-term residential setting as an alternative to jail.

Residents of the Care Center who complete the program and demonstrate the success of their mental health treatment can avoid entering the county jail, will not face criminal charges, and will receive resources to continue care.

For More Information Contact:

Oklahoma County District 1
405-713-1501

-30-