US EditionFinancial experts dig into Dept. of Mental Health's money woes; still no exact number on shortfall
- On May 12, 2025, Governor Kevin Stitt named Robert McCampbell to serve as special counsel tasked with carrying out a comprehensive independent review of the Oklahoma mental health agency responsible for substance abuse services.
- The appointment followed revelations of a budget shortfall estimated between $43 million and $63.7 million, prompting concerns about possible abuse, waste, fraud, and mismanagement within the department.
- The department, led by Commissioner Allie Friesen since January 2024, faces urgent payroll challenges and uncertainty about sustaining services through the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.
- Governor Stitt emphasized that Robert and his team will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the citizens of Oklahoma fully understand what went wrong and identify those responsible.
- The investigation aims to restore public trust and guide reforms, while lawmakers plan supplemental funding to ensure the department meets payroll and maintains operations.
12 Articles
12 Articles
McAlester News-Capital
Reporter.netOklahoma mental health department needs $27.4M to finish out budget year
OKLAHOMA CITY — An emergency one-time appropriation of $27.4 million is needed for the Oklahoma mental health department to make it through the current fiscal year and pay its employees, according to an official request made public Tuesday.
Financial experts dig into Dept. of Mental Health's money woes; still no exact number on shortfall
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Financial experts, who have been digging into Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), said they would give state lawmakers an accurate figure on their financial woes by Monday. A select committee of lawmakers from both the House and Senate questioned David Greenwall, an accountant hand-selected by Governor Kevin Stitt, on Monday. Greenwall said he was tasked with breaking down the agenc…
Stitt taps attorney to investigate potential fraud at state mental health agency
The governor said his goal is to protect the interests of the state “in anticipation of one or more civil or criminal actions or proceedings potentially commencing as a result of abuse, waste, mismanagement and potential fraud.”
Stitt appoints special counsel to investigate Oklahoma Department of Mental Health
Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed a special counsel to conduct an investigation into alleged mismanagement at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Gov. Stitt appoints attorney to investigate Oklahoma Department of Mental Health
Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed attorney Robert McCampbell as special counsel to begin an independent investigation into the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Governor appoints special counsel to investigate ODMHSAS
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed special counsel to investigate the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.Governor Stitt announced the appointment on May 12. He said attorney Robert McCampbell will act as special counsel, and has been ordered to conduct a full, independent investigation into ODMHSAS.2 News told you in April when we learned about the stunning $43 million budget shortfall revealed by the Oklahoma Departme…
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