Oklahoma Caring Foundation and GRAND Mental Health mark one year of expanding mental health access

TULSA, Oklahoma - One year after launching a mobile mental health initiative in partnership with GRAND Mental Health, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, is continuing its mission to bring critical health resources directly into rural Oklahoma communities.

As part of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation's Caring Van program, the mobile mental health unit was created to help expand awareness, outreach and access to behavioral health resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas where barriers to care can be significant.

All 77 Oklahoma counties are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, reflecting a statewide lack of providers. Federal data indicates the state meets only about one-third of its behavioral health workforce need, leaving a substantial gap in access to care. In rural areas, where approximately one-third of Oklahomans live, limited provider availability, longer travel distances and transportation constraints further impact residents' ability to access services.

For the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and GRAND Mental Health, the mobile unit represents more than transportation, it represents visibility, connection and a shared commitment to making mental health care more accessible regardless of where someone lives.

"Too many Oklahomans still face barriers when it comes to accessing mental health support," said Brooke Townsend, Oklahoma Caring Foundation Executive Director. "Through this partnership, we're bringing resources directly into communities while reinforcing our commitment to meeting people where they are. This effort goes beyond access, it's about reducing stigma, continuing important conversations and ensuring Oklahomans know they are not alone."

Over the past year, the mobile mental health van has traveled more than 4,000 miles to host 75 events in communities across Oklahoma to support outreach efforts, move people into treatment services, increase awareness of available resources and help foster conversations around mental health and wellness.

Leaders from both organizations say the anniversary is not just a milestone, but a reminder of the continued need for innovative and community-centered approaches to mental health care.

"In rural communities, access to mental health care can't wait," said Josh Cantwell, President and CEO of GRAND Mental Health. "By bringing resources directly into communities, we're expanding access, increasing awareness and creating more opportunities for people to get the help they need and deserve. The Caring Van is more than a vehicle, it's a shared commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring that their location is never the reason someone goes without support."

As the partnership enters its second year, the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and GRAND Mental Health remain committed to reducing stigma, increasing awareness and supporting innovative approaches that help connect more Oklahomans to care. To find out more about the GRAND Mental Health Mobile unit, click here.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 850,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About The Oklahoma Caring Foundation
The Oklahoma Caring Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization administered as an in-kind gift by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company. These companies are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Foundation was established in 1994 to improve the health of Oklahoma children through vaccinations and access to basic, preventive health care. For more information, visit oklahomacaringfoundation.org.

About GRAND Mental Health
GRAND Mental Health provides services for adults, children, adolescents, and families struggling with behavioral health issues, substance use issues, and integrated medical needs across northeastern and north central Oklahoma. In business since 1979, GRAND Mental Health is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) providing evidence-based mental health and substance use services, integrated with primary health care and wraparound support services, all focused on improving lives through innovation and access. GRAND Mental Health operates 31 clinics and centers in 13 Oklahoma counties, serving over 28,000 clients last year and employing more than 2,100 people. GRAND Mental Health works closely with and is partially funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.