Oklahoma’s refusal to share county-level measles data during outbreaks has sparked concerns from health experts, including Dr. George Monks, who argues the data is crucial for public safety. The state's stance contrasts with how it handles other diseases like West Nile.

The post Oklahoma Health Department Refuses to Share County-Level Measles Data appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

More older Americans are dying by gun suicide. The rate is particularly high in Oklahoma, and especially in rural counties.

The post Isolation, Illness and Guns: Why More Older Oklahomans Are Dying by Suicide appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has yet to send out renewal applications for Fiscal Year 2026, prompting some counties to pay out of pocket for services.

The post Counties Await Guidance on Renewing State Question 781 Programs appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Known as legal morphine, kratom and 7-OH are readily available at convenience stores, smoke shops and online. The government is cracking down with restrictions that go into effect this year.

The post Kratom Compound Under Fire as Users Brace for Ban appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Investigation of a second harrowing attempt to seize control of an elderly vet establishes a troubling pattern of abuse in the St. Francis Health System and uncovers hints of turmoil and controversy at Oklahoma’s largest hospital.

The post Failed Seizure of a Vulnerable Vet at Oklahoma’s Largest Hospital Hints at Crisis to Come for Aging Population appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Gov. Kevin Stitt launched a Make Oklahoma Healthy Again campaign at the Oklahoma Capitol

The post RFK Jr. Brings MAHA to Oklahoma appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Oklahoma’s mental health agency faces an evolving budget shortfall and may miss payroll, agency leaders told lawmakers this week. Legislative hearings have uncovered poor budgeting practices and spending inconsistencies. Multiple investigations are underway as the agency works with state leaders to stabilize finances and maintain services.

The post Mental Health Agency Warns of Payroll Issues Amid Cash Crunch appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The Trump Administration partially restored Oklahoma’s Title X family planning grants, effectively ending a legal dispute over abortion referral requirements. The Justice Department notice would mean a federal grant supporting reproductive health services for 25,000 Oklahomans would continue

The post Trump Administration Restores Family Planning Grants Under Court Review appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Oklahoma’s Donahue Behavioral Health Center faces a $125 million funding shortfall due to underestimated costs, inflation and design changes. Delays may push its opening to 2028.

The post State’s New Mental Health Center Faces Huge Construction Cost Overrun  appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Oklahoma lost an emergency bid to restore $4.5 million in federal grants for family planning services after refusing to publicize an abortion referral hotline. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an emergency application, forcing the state to use its own funds for critical reproductive health care in rural areas.

The post U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Oklahoma’s Attempt to Restore Federal Family Planning Funds  appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.