About Healthy Minds
Accelerating Oklahoma's mental health transformation
One in five Oklahoma adults experiences mental illness, and a similar share has a substance use disorder. Too many of these Oklahomans go without treatment, and we feel the consequences in our families, schools, businesses, and the criminal legal system.
Healthy Minds Policy Initiative was founded in 2019 by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation to create a culture of problem-solving on mental health issues like these. To do this, we publish research and analysis on mental health and substance use issues in Oklahoma, advocate for policy solutions that increase Oklahomans’ access to care, and convene community partners to build stronger local mental health systems.
A catalyst for change
Since its inception, Healthy Minds has published over 60 pieces of research and analysis and initiated more than a dozen community-based partnerships statewide.
To date, this work has directly, positively impacted over 862,000 Oklahomans and secured more than $77.5 million in new resources for our state’s mental health system.
Our Core Values
Healthier, thriving communities
We are optimistic about the future of Oklahoma and believe bold change is possible.
We focus on the big picture to make systemic change.
We develop tailored solutions for specific communities.
Empowering others to succeed
We earn trust by being reliable, honest, and humble.
We build capacity in others by integrating partners into our work.
We celebrate the accomplishments of, and are accountable to, our partners, peers, and colleagues.
Solutions that work
We translate ideas into action through a rigorous review of the evidence.
We maintain subject-matter competence through proactive learning.
We engage with the people most impacted by our work.
Our values
Healthier, thriving communities
We are optimistic about the future of Oklahoma and believe bold change is possible.
We focus on the big picture to make systemic change.
We develop tailored solutions for specific communities.
Empowering others to succeed
We earn trust by being reliable, honest, and humble.
We build capacity in others by integrating partners into our work.
We celebrate the accomplishments of, and are accountable to, our partners, peers, and colleagues.
Solutions that work
We translate ideas into action through a rigorous review of the evidence.
We maintain subject-matter competence through proactive learning.
We engage with the people most impacted by our work.
How we work
Illuminating the path forward
By empowering policymakers and community leaders with data, research, and evidence of what works, we help ensure sound policy that leads to a healthier Oklahoma.
Data snapshot: 2025 behavioral health provider data shows heavily part-time workforce
A Healthy Minds-led bill requires behavioral health licensure boards to collect more useful data from providers. The first year of data collection under the bill was incomplete but offers the most nuanced picture yet of provider capacity across the state.
Read MoreInvesting in Oklahoma's future by preventing behavioral health problems
In this primer on prevention in Oklahoma, we outline why and how prevention works, when it is most effective, and what Oklahoma can do to maximize the potential of primary prevention.
Read MoreSuicide and suicidality in Oklahoma: Trends, risks, and prevention strategies
Suicide is a complex, urgent public health problem for Oklahoma. Our newest report uses 10 years’ worth of data from the Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System, along with readily available state and national data spanning nearly two decades, to answer critical questions about suicide in Oklahoma.
Read MoreTransforming mental health policy in Oklahoma
We work with lawmakers to support policy solutions we identify through our research. To date, we have helped lawmakers pass more than a dozen vital pieces of legislation that expand Oklahomans' access to behavioral health care.
Analysis of existing policy and implementation
Drafting legislation and regulations
Analysis of proposed legislation
2026 interim legislative studies: What topics lawmakers will consider before next session
Behavioral health-related studies we're watching ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Read MoreMedicaid in Oklahoma: Understanding how SoonerCare works, who it’s for, and how it’s funded
Our primer explains how Oklahoma’s Medicaid program works, including Medicaid expansion and the state’s managed care program, SoonerSelect.
Read MoreMental health policy changes from Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session
Lawmakers made some meaningful mental health strides this year. Still, there were some opportunities left on the table that lawmakers should consider in future sessions.
Read MorePutting research into practice
As communities across the state prioritize mental health and invest in their treatment and prevention infrastructure, we support these efforts with expert counsel, stakeholder coordination, and a long-term vision for improving behavioral health outcomes and increasing access to care.
Our services include:
Needs identification and assessments
Stakeholder coordination
Implementation strategies
Program evaluations
Resource development for community mental health initiatives
Learn about our work:
New report identifies Oklahoma City’s most urgent mental health challenges
Now, Oklahoma City’s mental health leadership team will use the report findings as a guide to select and implement the evidence-based interventions the community needs to add to its array of mental health and substance use services to better meet residents’ needs across the lifespan.
Read moreHow collaboration paved the way for a stronger crisis system in Tulsa
A program to embed mental health clinicians at Tulsa’s 911 center is just the latest example of “exponential growth” in improving how the city addresses mental health crises.
Read moreOur board of directors
Courtney Knoblock,
Vice President of Programs, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Board chair
Shannon O'Doherty,
CEO, Oklahoma Market, Commerce Bank
Vice chair and treasurer
Chris Bernard,
President and CEO, Hunger Free Oklahoma
Secretary
