Oklahoma Department Of Health And Human Services
- Introduction to Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services
- History of the Department and its Establishment
- Organizational Structure of the Department
- Mission and Vision of Oklahoma DHHS
- Services Offered by the Department
- Child Health Programs by Oklahoma DHHS
- Family Planning and Maternal Health services
- Food Assistance Programs by Oklahoma DHHS
- Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services
- Additional Resources and Support offered by the Department
Introduction to Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services
The Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a state government agency that provides a wide range of public health services and social services to the citizens of Oklahoma. The department is responsible for promoting and protecting the health and well-being of Oklahomans through its various programs and services.
History of the Department and its Establishment
The Oklahoma DHHS was established in 1939 as the State Board of Health and Welfare. Over the years, the name and organizational structure of the department have changed multiple times. In 1991, the department was renamed as the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which was responsible for managing the state's Medicaid program. However, in 2017, the department was renamed again as the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services to better reflect its comprehensive role in providing public health and social services.
Organizational Structure of the Department
The Oklahoma DHHS is headed by a Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma. The department is organized into several divisions, each of which is responsible for specific programs and services. These divisions include the Office of the Commissioner, Family Support Services, Aging Services, Child Care Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Mission and Vision of Oklahoma DHHS
The mission of the Oklahoma DHHS is to improve the health and well-being of Oklahomans by providing access to quality health care and social services. The department's vision is to create a healthy and thriving Oklahoma where all citizens have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Services Offered by the Department
The Oklahoma DHHS offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the state's population. These services include child health programs, family planning and maternal health services, food assistance programs, behavioral health and substance abuse services, and additional resources and support.
Child Health Programs by Oklahoma DHHS
The Oklahoma DHHS provides a variety of child health programs to ensure that children in the state receive the care they need to grow and thrive. These programs include the SoonerCare program, which provides health insurance coverage to eligible children and families, as well as the Child Care Subsidy program, which helps low-income families pay for child care services.
Family Planning and Maternal Health services
The Oklahoma DHHS offers family planning and maternal health services to help women and families plan their pregnancies and improve their overall health. These services include access to contraception, prenatal care, and postpartum care. The department also operates the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of five.
Food Assistance Programs by Oklahoma DHHS
The Oklahoma DHHS operates several food assistance programs to help ensure that Oklahomans have access to healthy and nutritious food. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides monthly benefits to eligible individuals and families to purchase food, as well as the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides vouchers to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.
Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services
The Oklahoma DHHS provides a range of behavioral health and substance abuse services to help individuals and families address mental health and substance abuse issues. These services include crisis intervention, outpatient treatment, and residential treatment programs. The department also operates the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, which provides free support and resources to individuals who want to quit smoking or using tobacco products.
Additional Resources and Support offered by the Department
In addition to its core programs and services, the Oklahoma DHHS offers a variety of additional resources and support to help Oklahomans access the care they need. These resources include the Oklahoma Health Care Authority's online enrollment portal, which allows individuals to apply for health insurance coverage online, as well as the Department of Aging's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which provides advocacy and support to residents of long-term care facilities.
Overall, the Oklahoma DHHS plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of Oklahomans. With its comprehensive range of programs and services, the department is working to create a healthier and more prosperous Oklahoma for all citizens.People also ask about Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services:
What services does the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services provide?
The Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services provides a range of services related to public health, social services, and healthcare regulation. This includes programs related to child welfare, aging and disability services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and disease prevention and control.
How do I apply for assistance through the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services?
You can apply for assistance through the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services by visiting their website or by contacting your local county office. Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to provide documentation such as income verification, proof of residency, and identification.
How does the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services protect public health?
The Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services protects public health through a variety of measures, including disease surveillance and control, environmental health monitoring, and immunization programs. They also provide education and outreach to the public on topics such as healthy living and disease prevention.
