Mental health investment is compassionate and strategic, benefitting our entire society
As a state representative, my interactions with Mr. Bennie Edwards, fondly known as "The Flower Man," left an indelible mark. I would purchase flowers from Bennie, and it pained me to witness his diminished mental state every time we spoke. Bennie's story exposed a broader crisis in Oklahoma: our insufficient mental health resources.
The recent exoneration of police officers involved in the deaths of three Oklahoma residents, including Bennie, is deeply disturbing. It underlines the urgent need for legislative action to broaden and maintain crisis intervention services. Our state is grappling with a mental health and substance abuse crisis. Ranking third-worst nationally for rates of mental illness and second-worst for substance abuse rates, it's a stark call to action.
Worse, according to the Oklahoma Coalition for Mental Health, between 62% and 94% of Oklahomans needing mental health or substance abuse treatment aren't receiving the help they need. Many wait in county jails for over six months before getting treatment. This systemic failure cries out for immediate attention.
Last year, I co-authored Senate Bill 1370 to address mental health interventions. It’s crucial we rally behind new legislation to extend and preserve crisis intervention services.
Mental health investment is compassionate and strategic, benefitting our entire society. We need collaboration between mental health professionals, community organizations and law enforcement agencies to ensure holistic crisis intervention.
Let us break this cycle of neglect, honor lives like Bennie's and champion legislation to transform lives, strengthen communities and secure a brighter future for Oklahomans. It's time to unite, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as compassionate human beings dedicated to uplifting our fellow citizens.
Rep. Jason Lowe represents House District 97 and is also a criminal defense attorney.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mental health investment is compassionate, beneficial to society
