Steve Metzer

Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY — A veteran provider of mental health services in the Tulsa area and a Tulsa lawmaker have expressed concerns about cuts to contracts for services announced recently by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

The cuts were referenced by the department’s interim commissioner, Gregory Slavonic, in recent comments he made assessing his first 90 days on the job.

Many providers of drug treatment and mental health services were first notified in letters dated Aug. 29 of plans made by the ODMHSAS to save $40 million through “cost optimization” by canceling or reducing contracts.

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, said a course correction at the Mental Health Department was needed, “but not to

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