Norman Residents Call For More Effective Mental Health Outreach

Norman city council heard from residents and mental health professionals Tuesday night.  

Their goal was to see what crisis services are in place and to see if any other resources need to be added.  

In December, two inmates died while in custody at the Cleveland County Detention Center.  

Residents are now calling on the city council to do more to help those during a mental health crisis  

It was standing room only at the Norman municipal complex Tuesday night.  

This time Norman City Council was directing its questions to the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in preparation for the public comment section at their City Council Meeting.  

“We really wanted to explain our comprehensive crisis system including our launch of 988 and mobile crisis teams,” said Ron Sims, the Chief of Statewide Crisis Services for ODMSHS.  

“I’m heartened that the council is taking this seriously to revive this conversation. As we heard in tonight’s study session 988 implementation is still a work in progress,” said Kate Bierman, a Norman Resident who attended both the study session and the city council meeting Tuesday night. 

Bierman was Shannon Hanchett’s friend, she and several community members attended to advocate on her behalf.  

“When it comes to people who are not voluntarily agreeing to treatment, we have to have that conversation about whose responsibility it is because as we have seen not only are the consequences fatal, but they affect the whole community,” she said.  

Currently, Norman has Urgent Recovery Centers, Crisis Centers and the 988-crisis hotline. Residents said there is one problem with these options.  

“The state and the county are pouring a lot of money into response and treatment options for people who are voluntarily agreeing to treatment, but it is our officers who end up on the line when someone isn’t voluntarily agreeing to treatment and it is our responsibility to engage,” said Bierman.  

Several other residents spoke during the meeting. They hope after hearing their concerns the city council will come up with a solution to some of the shortcomings of current programs.