This week, I want to highlight some interim studies that the House Public Health Committee heard recently.
My friend Rep. Marilyn Stark requested a study exploring the benefits of prescriptive authority for psychologists. She explained that she wanted to consider this possibility because of the shortage of providers in almost every area of health in Oklahoma. If more providers, including PhD-qualified psychologists, could prescribe medications, more people in the state could access care more quickly.
During her study, we heard about additional training that may be required, how it could impact underserved communities, and how this could help Oklahoma address the mental health crisis.
We heard from Daniel Gering, a child psychologist in Oklahoma City, who discussed the high rate of mental illness and the low amount of providers within the state. He said expanding prescriptive authority to psychologists would shorten the lengthy wait times many Oklahomans face in receiving mental health care.
He suggested requiring some kind of additional training for psychologists who want to issue prescriptions to patients rather than providing blanked prescribing authority to all psychologists in the state automatically.
Later that day, we heard Rep. David Smith’s study on how Oklahoma could develop an accessible support system for those facing mental health struggles.
We heard from Rachel Lindemann, a psychiatrist from Wetumka, and Meadow Hazelhoff, a clinical social worker in Oklahoma City. They discussed demand and barriers to receiving mental health services in rural areas of the state.
Hazelhoff also proposed some possible solutions, including integrated behavioral healthcare wherever the population meets such as libraries.
Another idea she mentioned was investing in tele-behavioral health and community needs assessments to identify what specific rural communities may or may not need.
Before I wrap up, I want to remind everybody that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer awareness is near and dear to my heart because I lost an aunt to breast cancer and my husband’s sister died of breast cancer a year ago.
Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thankfully, advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. Today, there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., and I am privileged to know many of them.
The American Cancer Society recommends women 45-54 get mammograms annually, though women 40-44 could start annual breast cancer screening if they wish. However, talk to your doctor about the best option for you, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. My office phone is (405) 557-7365 or you can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the state Capitol!
(Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.)