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State Rep. Derrel Fincher, a Republican from Bartlesville, will host an interim study on using mobile technology to provide mental health support to law enforcement at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13th.

The study will be held before the House Public Safety Committee in Room 206 at the state Capitol and also be livestreamed on the House website.

Working closely with the representative for the study are team members from Grand Lake Mental Health Center (GLMHC) and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).

The study will detail the current program, First Responder, implemented across northeast and north central Oklahoma that provides mental health services through technology to approximately 750 officers and emergency rooms. First Responder allows law enforcement and emergency rooms to connect virtually for consultations and services for any individual they come across needing a mental health screening or support. The program also allows officers to determine if an individual needs a therapist, mental health or other behavioral health specialist on the spot without having to first take the individual to an emergency room or facility for assessment. The philosophy guiding the program is that people should receive treatment in the least restrictive environment. The employment of this philosophy and the program have led to a reduction of inpatient hospitalizations and a monetary savings to local law enforcement agencies.

The primary focus of the study is the implementation of First Responder, Phase II. Phase II will allow law enforcement officers to utilize the already provided technology to seek mental health support for themselves from their vehicle, home or office. The numbers associated with the need for mental health support for law enforcement are significantly higher than most of the general population due to the repeated exposure to trauma.

The support of Carrie Slatton-Hodges, interim commissioner for ODMHSAS; the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health; and Gov. Stitt has allowed for the approval for the use of CARES Act funds to move into Phase II of the use of technology to promote the mental health of Oklahomans, Fincher said. The model currently used by GLMHC is being encouraged throughout the state. First responders will have access to trauma counseling instantly 24/7 in the least restrictive environment possible.

Speakers at the study in order of presentation are:

• Larry Smith, chief executive officer, and Josh Cantwell, chief operating officer, of Grand Lake Mental Health Center; they will provide an overview of the model, its history and outcomes, and a demonstration of First Responder
• Bartlesville Chief of Police Tracy Roles and Jim Warring, law enforcement engagement from GLMHC, will give the law enforcement perspective
• ODMHSAS Interim Director Carrie Slatton-Hodges