Mental Health Advocates Rally At Oklahoma Capitol

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Mental health advocates are warning state lawmakers that more budget cuts to substance abuse and mental health services will lead to more crime and hospital visits by people in recovery.

About 300 mental health providers and consumers rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday.

State lawmakers are considering budget cuts because of a revenue shortfall caused by low energy prices and the faltering economy.

4/28/2010 Related story: Budget Cuts Could Put Oklahoma's Mental Health Services In Jeopardy

Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance President Karen Walker says $20 million has already been cut from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services' budget.

Mental health advocates say more cuts at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will mean more homeless Oklahomans, more property crimes and a lack of resources to help people in a mental health or substance abuse crisis.