Tulsa County DA’s Office Awarded $1.6M Grant To Boost Mental Health Resources

The Tulsa County District Attorney's Office has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant for mental health treatment.

The goal of the federal grant will help suspects with mental health and addiction struggles get treatment both while they're in jail and after they are released. The DA's office hopes the funds will help reduce the number of drug use and overdose cases in Tulsa County.

“Data shows Tulsa County’s overdose rate is more than twice the combined state rate,” said Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler. “We know that drug addiction fuels a broad cross-section of crime in our community. If we can intercept substance abuse at its earliest stages, we will likely see a reduction in criminal recidivism.”

In September, Kunzweiler spoke on the "lack of" dedication to mental health and addiction in the state after an incident involving his daughter.

Related Story: DA Steve Kunzweiler Calls For Better Mental Health Care After Stabbing Incident

The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and Family & Children’s Services will work together with this grant to fund multiple positions between the two offices, which will work together to identify diversion candidates early in the court process.

“Data shows Tulsa County’s overdose rate is more than twice the combined state rate,” said Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler. “We know that drug addiction fuels a broad cross-section of crime in our community. If we can intercept substance abuse at its earliest stages, we will likely see a reduction in criminal recidivism.”

This award comes from the U. S. Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program grant.