A look at health care and human services

By Rep. Collin Duel

First, I want to send my condolences to everyone impacted by the Logan County fires.

I also want to thank the firefighters and first responders for their help – we couldn't do it without you.

If the fires impacted you, the American Red Cross is offering help to find shelter and provide assistance. Another resource available is Heartline Oklahoma.

Now, I want to discuss health care and human services in Oklahoma. House Republicans are committed to working with state leaders and experts to improve health care outcomes and human services for all Oklahomans.

Over the past five years, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has received over $1.5 billion, and the Department of Human Services (DHS) has received over $3.5 billion. The House also enacted several policies to improve access to care and prescriptions.

DHS recently announced that the first families from the Developmental Disabilities Services waitlist, which provides resources to people with a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities through home and community-based waivers, will begin receiving aid following the Legislature's historic $32.5 million appropriation.

The effort to eliminate the DDS waitlist has been an all-hands-on-deck effort for many years.

Some families have been waiting over a decade to receive this support, but were stuck in limbo due to a backlog caused by a lack of state funding. Finally, thanks to last year's appropriation, more and more Oklahomans with developmental disabilities will soon receive the relief they need to live a life of dignity and ensure these families have every tool available.

House Republicans will continue to work with the governor and agency heads to identify best practices for our kids, our families and our state.

Last, I presented SB398 to the Veterans and Mil-