NEW ‘RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST’ LEADER KNOWS FIRST-HAND THE EFFECTS OF MENTAL ILLNESS When a person is trying to recover from the devastating effects of mental illness, substance abuse, cancer or other illness, it often helps to talk with someone who has “been there,” someone who has battled the condition and recovered sufficiently to lead a useful, fulfilling life. Individuals who receive services through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are doing just that now – benefiting from the experience, strength and hope of 30 newly hired “Recovery Support Specialists,” all in recovery from mental illness. Click here for more… DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2005 Effective July 1, 2005, responsibility for the department’s domestic violence and sexual assault program will be transferred to the Attorney General’s Office. Upon transfer, the department’s authority over any aspect of this program will cease. Please be assured that our commitment to domestic abuse and sexual assault victims, regarding services and support for mental health and substance abuse needs, will continue. Click Here for More… MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS RALLY AT CAPITOL More than 500 mental health consumers from across the state rallied at the state capitol in March for increased awareness of mental health issues. Coordinated by the Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council, along with several other mental health advocacy organizations, the event was designed to educate legislators and the public about the “severe need” for basic services that either have been unavailable or cut back in previous years, said OMHCC Executive Director Kaye Rote. Click here for more… SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS PREVALENCE April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month, designed to promote awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault, encourage reporting of these crimes, and help victims realize that support and counseling are available. Click here for more… CARL ALBERT CMHC PROJECT RECOGNIZED “Care of the Patient in Seclusion and Restraint,” a project designed by the Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center in McAlester, was recognized with a “Governor’s Commendation” at “Quality Oklahoma Team Day 2005.” Click here for more… JIM TALIAFERRO CMHC PROJECT WINS GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION A project designed by the Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center in Lawton, titled the “Staff Injury Reduction Improvement Project,” was honored May 5 with a “Governor’s Commendation.” Click here for more… ‘VIDEO COURT COMMITMENT PROGRAM’ WINS HONOR FOR NORTHWEST CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH A “Video Court Commitment Program,” designed and implemented by the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health Center, received a “Governor’s Commendation” award at “Quality Oklahoma Team Day 2005.” Click here for more… OKLAHOMA FORENSIC CENTER PROJECT WINS GOVERNOR’S AWARD A project designed by a team at the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita, titled the “Competency Restoration Treatment Program,” received a “Governor’s Commendation” May 5. Click here for more…	E-nformation
	Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Illness
	Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse
	Upcoming Events
	Access Information About Training Opportunities, Special Events, Conferences and More
	Other Resources
	Online Service Locator Access Public and Private Social Service Information Statewide
	Hotlines Utilize the Department’s Toll-Free Hotlines for Assistance
	1-800-522-9054 The Reachout Hotline For assistance with mental health services (24-Hour Hotline)
	1-800-522-Teen Teenline For teens needing a concerned listener
	Website Visit the Department Website at… http://www.odmhsas.org
	Focus is an e-publication for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Log-on to the department website to submit your comments and suggestions, or call 405-522-3908 to access publications staff. Current issues are available at www.odmhsas.org/newfocus.htm 2005-07