Governor Mary Fallin Announces Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program

SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin announced Tuesday the official kickoff of the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program, a private/public initiative to develop a comprehensive healthcare access and delivery system for the state’s veterans.

The program will also design one statewide transitional system of care and then test that system in early 2017. The system will cover healthcare services in mental health, home health, nursing care, rehabilitative services, and coordinated access to physician services, laboratory services, pharmacy services and tele-health capability.

“We have assembled a bipartisan team of lawmakers, healthcare professionals, education professionals and business leaders,” said Fallin. “It is our hope this effort will produce a cost-effective model that can be emulated on a national basis.”

Fallin said the intent of the program is not to point blame, but to identify best practices and areas the state can improve services.

“Many Oklahoma veterans are unable to access the health services that they need and deserve,” she said. “Delivery of health services for a diverse veterans population is a complicated matter. There are many reasons for this, including service restrictions that exist within the current system, lack of coverage opportunities, roadblocks and red tape that slows the process, and service delivery models that do not address specific veteran needs.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Myles Deering, a former adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard who also serves as executive director of the Veterans Affairs Department, said the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs Council will look into other issues involving homelessness, education and training, employment and volunteerism.

“To our knowledge, this comprehensive effort has never been attempted before,” Deering said.

Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon, who serves as Fallin’s liaison for veterans affairs, is honorary chairperson of the steering committee, and former Gov. George Nigh is special adviser.

Pete Reed, who served as executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs during Nigh’s administration, is coordinator of the veterans pilot project.

“The primary areas of concern for this effort will include home health, mental health, nursing home and hospice care for veterans,” Reed said. “The overarching focus of the program, however, is to look at the entire veterans healthcare system and comprehensively examine such areas as barriers to care, access to physicians, underserved populations and needed policy changes.”

Oklahoma Teens 2015 Health Behaviors Survey Released

SUBMITTED

A recent survey conducted among Oklahoma youth has shown a significant decrease in underage smoking and driving distracted, but has also revealed a rise in obesity and video game use.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is conducted every other year in public high schools throughout Oklahoma. It allows the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), other related agencies and the general public to monitor priority health risk behaviors that can contribute to the leading causes of death, disability and social problems. The survey also assesses whether those behaviors have changed over time.

When comparing the data from 2003 through 2015, trends can be seen in Oklahoma youth’s health. The percentage of students who were obese has increased significantly from 11 percent in 2003 to 17 percent in 2015. There has been a continual increase in the percentage of students who spent three or more hours per school day playing video games or on the computer, from 19 percent in 2003 to a staggering 46 percent in 2015.

The percentage of students who were bullied on school property was at 20 percent and electronically bullying was 14 percent in 2015. This may also be reflective of the student’s resiliency in regards to mental health. The percentage of students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row has remained unchanged since 2003 at 29 percent. The percentage of students who had been forced into sexual acts has been consistent since 2013 at 9 percent.

Although Oklahoma continues to face some health challenges for teens that need continued focus, the state has also seen great health improvements in other areas:

• The percentage of students who text or e-mail while driving has decreased from 51 percent in 2013 to 44 percent in 2015.
• There has been a continual decrease in the percentage of students who reported riding in a car driven by someone who had been drinking alcohol from 31 percent in 2003 to 1 percent in 2015.
• The percentage of students who smoked cigarettes during the 30 days before the survey decreased significantly from 26 percent in 2003 to 13 percent in 2015. In 2015 the YRBS collected additional data on electronic vapor product use and found 24 percent of students had used electronic vapor products during the 30 days before the survey.
• There was a significant decline in the percentage of students who had ever tried cigarette smoking from 2013 to 2015, as well as a decline in students who smoked cigarettes on one or more of the past 30 days prior to the survey.
•  There has been a decline since 2003 in students who reported having had sexual  intercourse before and a decline in reports of having had sex with one or more people in the three months prior to the survey.

Oklahoma has and will continue to promote healthy behavior changes by using the YRBS to help keep track of the issues that need additional focus. The survey will also help acknowledge improvements and recognize efforts to better the health of local communities.

To view the YRBS results and for additional information go to: yrbs.health.ok.gov or contact Thad Burk at 405-271-6761, or at thadb@health.ok.gov. To learn more about what programs and resources OSDH can offer, please contact Ashley Hoobler at 405-271-4471, or at ashleyho@health.ok.gov.

International Overdose Awareness Day Observed Aug. 31

SUBMITTED

Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is asking Oklahomans to wear silver to show support of International Overdose Awareness Day, Wednesday Aug. 31. Prescription drug abuse is Oklahoma’s largest drug problem, and this day aims to raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths affecting Oklahomans and their families.

Of the more than 5,300 unintentional poisoning deaths in Oklahoma from 2007 to 2014, about 80 percent involved at least one prescription drug and almost 90 percent of those deaths involved prescription painkillers (opioids). In recent years, the numbers of unintentional poisoning deaths have surpassed deaths from motor vehicle crashes. More unintentional poisoning deaths involve hydrocodone or oxycodone, both prescription painkillers, than alcohol and all illicit drugs combined. Adults ages 35-54 have the highest death rate of any age group for prescription overdoses.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

OSDH offers the following suggestions for preventing prescription drug overdoses:

• Tell your healthcare provider about ALL medications and supplements you are taking; opioids in combination with other depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants or cold medicine can be dangerous.
• Only take medications as prescribed and never more than the recommended dosage; use special caution with opioid painkillers.
• Never share or sell prescription drugs.
• Dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs at approved drug disposal sites.
• Call 211 for help finding treatment referrals.
• Keep all pain medications in a secure place to avoid theft and access to children.
• Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers.
• Never drink alcohol while taking medication.
• Put the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and cell phone for 24/7 access.

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, react to this true emergency by calling 911 immediately. 

For more information on prescription drug overdose prevention, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at (405) 271-3430 or visit http://poison.health.ok.gov. For help finding treatment referrals, call 211. To report illegal distribution or diversion of prescription drugs, call the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control at 1-800-522-8031. More information on International Overdose Awareness Day can be found at www.overdoseday.com.

Attorney General Pruitt Submits Ballot Title for State Question on Medical Marijuana

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt on Thursday submitted the ballot title for State Question 788, a measure that would legalize the use of medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

“I commend the attorneys in my office for their diligent work to complete this ballot title in an efficient manner. While my office has done its part by preparing the ballot title well before the September 1 deadline, there are still steps remaining in order for the question to be placed on a ballot,” Attorney General Pruitt said.

“We are dealing with processes established in both federal and state election law for initiatives proposed by the people that require specific procedures to be followed. Even with expedited efforts of both the Secretary of State’s office to count the signatures and my office to write the ballot title, the state is running up against deadlines imposed by this process. It’s important for the people of Oklahoma to know, regardless of the substance of the state question, the signatures were not submitted with enough time to allow this process to be played out completely.”

After the Attorney General's Office submits the substitute ballot title to the Secretary of State, it must be published and opponents must have ten business days to object to the ballot title based on the validity or number of signatures or a challenge to the ballot title.  Pursuant to 34 O.S. § 12, the governor cannot issue the proclamation placing the initiative petition on the ballot until the timeline for objections and protests has passed.

To view a copy of the submitted ballot title, CLICK HERE.

Sand Springs plays pivotal role in several County and State elections

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Tuesday was Primary election day for the State of Oklahoma and Sand Springs was well represented in candidacy. Eight of the candidates for various State and County positions were registered with Sand Springs addresses, and even more had Sand Springs ties. Gross voter turnout was up slightly for the Sand Springs area at over 3,200, as opposed to 3,000 in 2014, which translates to approximately 22.7% of voting-age citizens.

Robert T. Murphy defeated Dax Ewbank for the Libertarian nomination for US Senator. Murphy has previously ran for US Congress five times and has never won more than 25% of the vote. He will take on incumbent Republican Senator James Lankford and Democratic nominee Mike Workman in November, along with independent candidates Sean Braddy and Mark Beard. Murphy won the Primary with 56.65% of the vote. Sand Springs voters supported Murphy 15 to 10.

Incumbent Republican Representative Jim Bridenstine won the Republican primary for Congressional District 1 with a landslide over Tom Atkinson and Evelyn L. Rogers. Bridenstine brought home 79.5% of the vote, Atkinson snagged 17.11% and Rogers got 3.39%. Sand Springs voters supported Bridenstine 1673 to 388. No Democrats filed and the lone independent has dropped out leaving the seat uncontested for Bridenstine.

Incumbent Republican Senator Dan Newberry easily warded off a pair of challengers for the State Senate District 37 nomination. Newberry won 69.18% of the vote followed by Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson with 20.26% and Paula L. Patterson with 10.55%. Jackson fared slightly better in his native city with 29% of the vote, but was unable to rally voters to a campaign that focused solely on public education and never mentioned other issues. Newberry won Sand Springs 1244 to 805.

Outgoing Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow swept the Democratic side of the Senate 37 race with 77.04% of the vote over Cory Gage with 12.96% and Andrew Nutter with 10.00%. Snow's Sandite backing was especially apparent in that he won 88.61% of the vote in Sand Springs. Outside of his school district he still had an impressive record at nearly 70%. Snow won Sand springs 1090-140.

Snow and Newberry will face off against independent Shawn W. Ketcher, also of Sand Springs, in November.

Incumbent Republican Representative Jadine Nollan had little difficulty in fending off Emily G. Delozier for the State Representative District 66 nomination with 74.57% of the vote. Sand Springs supported the hometown representative 1450 to 378. Nollan's November opponent will be Democratic nominee Dianna Phillips, also of Sand Springs. Interestingly, it was Nollan's husband Phil who unseated Dianna's husband Michael in the City Council election this March. 

In the County Court Clerk election, Donald Newberry came out on top of an incredible close election, one of the closest in recent memory. Newberry claimed 35.16% of the vote, followed by Ron Phillips with 33.10% and Mary Atkinson with 31.74%. Newberry and Phillips will now go to a runoff election on August 23rd with the winner taking on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November. Sand Springs was nearly as evenly divided as the rest of the County, but put Atkinson ahead of Phillips. Newberry won the Sandite city 726 to 618 to 563.

Rex Berry bested Arthur Jackson 66.61% to 33.39% for the Democratic nomination for Tulsa County Sheriff. Sand Springs held almost identical figures at 756 to 369. Berry will face off against incumbent Vic Regalado in November.

Regalado shrugged off a vicious negative campaign from Luke Sherman with surprising ease for the Republican nomination. After less than three months on the job since winning a special election to replace Stanley Glanz, Regalado defended his position with a 64.31% victory over Sherman with 28.86% and Russell Crow with 6.83%. Once again, the candidate with the best ties to Sand Springs prevailed. The Sandites favored Regalado 1394 to Sherman with 489 and Crow with 172.

Michael Willis bested Nancy Rothman 59.32% to 40.68% in the Republican primary for Tulsa County Clerk. No Democrats, Independents, or Libertarians filed for the position, meaning Willis will win it unopposed. Sand Springs backed Willis 1139 to 743.

Incumbent County Commissioner Karen Keith warded off Deanna Vincent for the Democratic nomination for her position. Keith had the biggest blowout in Tulsa County with 81.95% of the vote and will take on a Republican challenger from Sand Springs in November.

Josh R. Turley won a close race with Jonathan Grable for the Republican nomination for County Commissioner with 52.55% of the vote. Sand Springs backed the Sandite 1157-722.

Friday is the primary registration deadline! Here's a look at the Sand Springs ballot

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Friday, June 3rd, is the final day to register to vote in the June 28th Oklahoma primary elections. Voters have until then to register to vote, change their address, or update other registration information before the Statewide primary.

Voters must either register in person, or mail their registration forms and have them postmarked before the deadline. Per Oklahoma voting law, registered voters cannot change their party affiliation between April 1st and August 31st during even-numbered years. Both the Democratic and Libertarian Parties have opened their primaries to Independent voters this year, but only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.

More than 400 candidates have filed for office in Oklahoma this filing period, more than in any presidential year in recent history, according to Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. This is also the first year that the Libertarian Party has been officially recognized in the State of Oklahoma, meaning voters now have four registration options. 

Incumbent United States Senator James Lankford has the Republican nomination secured with no challengers, as does Democratic nominee Mike Workman. Libertarian voters will choose between Robert T Murphy and Dax Ewbank for their candidate. There are also two independent candidates: Sean Braddy and Mark Beard.

Current Congressional District 1 Representative Jim Bridenstine is up for reelection and is challenged by Tom Atkinson and Evelyn L. Rogers for the Republican nomination. No Democrats filed for the race. The winner of the Republican nomination will square off against Independent David Matthew Hullum. 

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson is challenging incumbent State Senator Dan Newberry for the District 37 Republican nomination, as is Paula L. Patterson. 

District 66 State Representative Jadine Nollan has one challenger in Emily G. DeLozier for the Republican nomination. Dianna Phillips, wife of former City Councilman Michael Phillips, has the democratic nomination locked up.

Donald Newberry, Ron Phillips, and Mary Atkinson are running for County Court Clerk as Republicans.

Rex Berry and Arthur Jackson are vying for the Democratic nomination for County Sheriff. Vic Regalado, the incumbent from Sand Springs, is being challenged by Russell Crow and Luke Sherman for the Republican nomination for County Sheriff.

Michael Willis and Nancy Rothman are running for the County Clerk nomination from the Republican party.

Deanna Vincent is challenging Karen Keith for the Democratic nomination for County Commisioner District No. 2. Jonathan Grable and Sand Springs's Josh R. Turley are running for the Republican nomination.

Full Senate approves ‘Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act’; bill aimed at helping mentally ill needing assisted outpatient treatment

SUBMITTED

Legislation to help families get assisted outpatient treatment for adult relatives with mental illness before a situation reaches a crisis has been approved by the full Senate.  House Bill 1697, by Sen. AJ Griffin and Rep. Lee Denney, was approved unanimously by the full Senate on Tuesday. The legislation is named the Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act. Costello’s adult son, Christian, who struggled with mental illness for years, is charged in his father’s 2015 death.

Griffin said only a few decades ago, many with mental illness in this country were institutionalized, often against their will.  With the move toward deinstitutionalization and community based treatment, laws were passed to ensure patients with mental illness could only be forced into treatment if they were an eminent threat to themselves or others.

View fullsize

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

 “Unfortunately, by the time that happens, it may be too late to avoid a crisis. It’s especially difficult for families who’ve tried to help children with mental illness, but learn once their child turns 18, their hands are often tied when they attempt to get their son or daughter the treatment they need to be able to function safely at home and in the community,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie. “The Mark Costello Act would give families a path through the courts to get their loved one into assisted outpatient treatment before a tragedy occurs.”

HB 1697 outlines circumstances which would allow judges to order individuals to participate in an assisted outpatient treatment program if petitioned by immediate family members or guardians or those directly involved with the individual’s treatment. The individual must be 18 years or older, under the care of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.

Denney said before Costello’s death, he had been an advocate for mental health treatment resources in Oklahoma.

“Mental Illness can be especially hard to address, because the illness itself can cause a person to resist the help of loved ones,” said Denney, R-Cushing. “Mark Costello was very vocal about the need to do more in Oklahoma. His wife, Cathy, is continuing that advocacy and I am proud to collaborate with her and Senator Griffin on this legislation. We hope that it will give judges a tool that can be used to help those afflicted by mental illness.”

Cathy Costello spoke in favor of HB 1697 when it was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee last month. She watched from the Senate gallery as the measure was approved.

“I’m grateful to Senator Griffin and Representative Denney for their hard work on this legislation. It’s heartbreaking for families who struggle to get help for their adult children or other relatives only to hit a wall because current law doesn’t allow for intervention until they’re a danger to themselves or others—and by then it may be too late,” Costello said. “I believe this bill can help Oklahoma families before they face a tragedy like our family experienced.”

The measure now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.