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.
Suicide 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 MoreAchieving the outcomes and cost benefits of CCBHCs in Oklahoma
With several years of CCBHC experience, Oklahoma should now focus on strengthening implementation practices for the CCBHC model and ensuring services fulfill the model's promise.
Read MoreBringing criminal justice diversion services to scale in Oklahoma
Our new report outlines where Oklahoma's diversion services must grow to meet demand — and quantifies the economic benefits our state can expect in return.
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
Progress since House Bill 4106, Oklahoma's law on mental health protocols for schools
Implementation for HB 4106 is still uneven across the state. But mental health crisis response protocols have shown a positive impact on students by improving systems of coordinated care. In this analysis, Healthy Minds makes recommendations for stronger compliance.
Read MoreHow ‘generally accepted standards of care’ create fairer systems for accessing behavioral health treatment
Some states require insurance companies to use “generally accepted standards of care” — evidence-based criteria that are created and endorsed by behavioral health experts and associations.
Read More2026 Oklahoma legislative session: Mental health bills to watch
Find summaries and tracking lists for the mental health bills we're watching in 2026.
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
