CREOKS Health Services, in partnership with the Tulsa Fire Departments (TFD) Overdose Response Team (ORT) and TFD CARES (Community Assistance Referrals & Educational Services), is proud to announce the launch of the “Bridge to Care” program. This innovative initiative is designed to provide immediate and direct access to mental health, substance recovery assistance and social services for individuals served by TFD.
The “Bridge to Care” program addresses a critical need in the community by connecting TFD CARES and TFD ORT clients who are seeking help with real-time referrals to the Tulsa CREOKS location. The TFD CARES team serves a significant number of elderly individuals, with falls accounting for 46% of their emergency calls and other calls related to accidental overdoses. Through the “Bridge to Care” program, CARES can provide direct referrals to CREOKS Aging Services, offering a crucial pathway to continued support for the aging population.
When Tulsa CREOKS receives a referral from the TFD Overdose Response Team, individuals can be immediately assessed and begin treatment, effectively bypassing potential delays. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), this partnership allows CREOKS to provide expedited, comprehensive mental health and substance recovery care during a client’s most critical moments.
“We are thrilled about the ‘Bridge to Care’ program and the impact it will have on the Tulsa community,” said Brandi Smith, Chief Clinical Director of CREOKS Health Services. “We’ll be able to provide outpatient services as well as crisis stabilization and be there in the moment to be a bridge back to hope.”
Tulsa Fire Department are often the first points of contact for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance-related crisis. This program empowers their teams to provide a tangible solution beyond emergency transport, connecting individuals with essential services and resources.
“Our teams respond to a wide range of emergencies, and we frequently encounter individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders or mobility challenges,” said Chief Lemery.
“The ‘Bridge to Care’ program will enhance the continuum of care started by the Tulsa Fire Department’s MIH teams in the community. This will allow for the direct handoff to the treatment facilities for specialized care that CREOKS offers. It’s a true partnership that benefits the patient and the entire community.”
The “Bridge to Care” partnership between CREOKS and the Tulsa Fire Department is building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Tulsa community, one person at a time.