A proposed federal rule would prohibit some federally funded medical programs from putting limitations on substance abuse or mental health care.
Mental Health
Unsettled Country: Rural Oklahoma’s Struggle with Addiction, Mental Illness
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The idyllic images of rural Oklahoma conceal a deep struggle with substance abuse and mental illness. With this overview, Oklahoma Watch launches an ongoing series, titled “Unsettled Country,” on mental health in rural areas of the state.
Public Health
Prescription Drug Deaths Subside; Meth, Heroin Overdoses Soar
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Prescription drug overdose deaths appear to be subsiding in Oklahoma as new laws and outreach efforts take effect. But black-market methamphetamine and heroin deaths are surging.
Government
Up In Smoke? Cigarette Tax Faces Lobbying Headwinds
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Tobacco industry lobbyists and conservative tax opponents are working to defeat a proposed $1.50-a-pack cigarette tax increase that would help bridge the state’s budget gap.
Public Health
Approval of Budget Proposals Might Not Prevent Medicaid Cuts
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State health care officials say they might be forced to proceed with a June 1 pay cut to Medicaid providers even if the Legislature enacts Gov. Mary Fallin’s proposals to ease the budget crisis.
Watch-Out Forums
Oklahoma Watch-Out Video: Is Budget Crisis a Threat to Public Health?
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At the Oklahoma Watch-Out public forum Tuesday, two prominent Oklahoma health officials spoke to the impact the state budget crisis and the oil-and-gas downturn could have on residents’ physical and mental health.
Watch-Out Forums
Oklahoma Watch-Out Forum Jan. 26 – Is Budget Crisis a Threat to Public Health?
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Oklahoma Watch will hold a public discussion with state health leaders on the risks that state budget cuts and the downturn in the oil and gas industry could pose for Oklahomans’ physical and mental health.
Mental Health
A Search for Alternatives to Match Services With Disabled
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With the budget in a vise, state officials and advocates are examining new ways to reduce the number of people on a waiting list for services for the developmentally disabled. That includes a website.
OKWatch Radio
OKWatch Radio: An Anguished Wait for Parents of Developmentally Disabled
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Ten years is a long time to wait for available state help to improve the care of a developmentally disabled child or other relative. Some families despair, as captured in this moving “Oklahoma Watch Report” radio segment.
Public Health
OKWatch Radio: Hepatitis C Cases Surge Across State
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Hepatitis C is on the rise again in Oklahoma, which has one of the highest rates of acute infections in the nation. Insures cite expensive medications to treat the liver disease as a reason for rising health insurance rates.
Mental Health
Wait List Reaches All-Time High for Developmental Disabilities Services
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The waiting list for a state program that provides services to Oklahomans with developmental and intellectual disabilities has grown to the highest level it’s ever been.