Oklahoma Counties Expand Access to Diversion Programs
New state funding aims to help local areas support treatment for residents facing misdemeanor drug and property charges.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Oklahoma is working to expand state-funded misdemeanor diversion programs as part of a 2016 voter-approved initiative to reduce incarceration rates. While savings from lower prison populations are available to support local programs, many counties face hurdles in navigating the application process.
Why it matters
By redirecting state prison savings into local diversion efforts, officials hope to provide better community-based substance abuse treatment for the 19% of Oklahomans experiencing such issues. This shift is crucial for improving access to resources that address the root causes of non-violent offenses.
Current state reporting shows 43 of 77 Oklahoma counties are utilizing the County Community Safety Investment Fund, which became available in late 2023. While the state's prison population dropped nearly 20% between 2016 and 2021, the efficacy of funding distribution across all counties remains under evaluation.
The players
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The state agency responsible for overseeing substance abuse treatment and administering the County Community Safety Investment Fund.
The details
The program functions by channeling savings generated from reclassifying certain drug and property offenses from felonies to misdemeanors into local diversion infrastructure. To access these funds, court officials must secure approval from county commissioners before applying through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This agency oversees the implementation and develops models for programs that aim to keep individuals out of the formal carceral system.
Timeline
2016: Voters approved State Question 780 and 781.
2016-2021: Prison population dropped nearly 20%.
2021: Oklahoma and Tulsa Counties launched misdemeanor diversion programs.
Late 2023: Funding became available for the County Community Safety Investment Fund.
October 20, 2026: 43 of 77 counties were participating in the program.
Health Landscape
This effort represents a significant pivot in Oklahoma's approach to managing substance-related offenses by prioritizing local diversion over traditional imprisonment. It builds upon the 2016 shift initiated by State Question 780 and State Question 781 to reduce the state's incarcerated population.
If you or a loved one are navigating the legal system due to substance-related issues, ask your public defender or local court clerk if a diversion program is available in your county. Connecting with community-based treatment resources can be a vital step toward managing health outcomes and recovery.
The takeaway
Diverting individuals into treatment programs can yield significant success, as seen in the 73% graduation rate recorded by the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub. If you are concerned about local access to these services, consult with your county commissioner regarding the status of local applications for state investment funds.
What happens next
Applications for the next round of state diversion funding remain open to all counties through the end of October 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support available to residents at Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oklahoma Watch.
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