Members of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Pocola receive a citation from Rep. Rick West observing the congregation’s 146th year anniversary.
By Rep. Rick West
Last week, I and nine other legislators attended a meeting with Josh Anderson, the director of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. We asked how the department plans to treat employees who might be affected by the privatization of community mental health facilities, like the Carl Albert Center in McAlester. This facility has 220 employees serving 10 counties. Across the state, 600 employees could be affected in the four centers being privatized.
Anderson said the goal is for the private companies to hire about 90% of these employees. Anderson said those not retained will be offered the opportunity to work with state agencies like the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System or the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to find other state employment opportunities. About 60 may have to go through the reduction in force or severance process.
We were told the overall goal is to save money. Anderson said privatization will save the state about $5 million a month.
Next week, I plan to meet with the head of CREOKS, which is taking over the McAlester facility.
I also had a follow-up meeting about the lack of an Alzheimer’s unit at the veterans’ center in Sallisaw. I spoke with Wanda Ludwig, the commander of the Poteau Disabled American Veterans chapter. We’re trying to set up a meeting with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs liaison, hoping the liaison can come down to talk to our veterans at their monthly meeting.
Also last week, I presented a citation to members of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Pocola. They recently observed their 146th anniversary. The church was founded in 1880 and was known by several different names in the first few decades. The members persevered through a fire, a flood, a storm and even a riot, all of which destroyed the early church buildings. The members were not deterred and continued on through all of this adversity, a shining example of how the body of Christ cannot be overcome
This is such a remarkable accomplishment! I noted in the citation that I pray this legacy of faith and service, which has defined the past, will inspire and strengthen future endeavors and continue making a profound impact in the community of Pocola and beyond.
Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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