OKC Veterans Affairs Systems Will Soon Open The State’s First And Only Substance Abuse Facility In Norman

As the veteran community grows, the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Systems is increasing their services. They plan to open a new substance abuse treatment facility in Norman.

The Department of Veterans Affairs said there's a high demand for veteran services here in Oklahoma.

“We've gone from about 62-63,000 patients in that time using our services to above 73,000 veterans using one of our 19 facilities around the state,” said Paul Gregory.

To keep up with the demand, the VA is adding new locations.

“We just opened up our newest clinic in Shawnee,” said Gregory.

In 2024, there will be an inpatient facility in Norman. The VA recently purchased a building from the City of Norman near Robinson Street and Berry Street for $3.2 million. This is the first facility in the state to offer substance abuse treatment for veterans.

“Currently our patients have to go to anywhere from Wichita, Kansas; Sheridan, Wyoming or Salt Lake City, Utah,” said Gregory.

The new facility will have 52 beds, half will go to residential mental health treatment and the other half will be skilled nursing beds.

“We are seeing increased patients diagnosed with substance abuse disorders going back to pre-2020 during that time frame we've had about six to 7,000 more patients that have received outpatient or inpatient services complete appointments for those services. We're also in tune with the increase rate for suicide amongst veterans across the state,” Gregory said.

The VA is also adding new strategies to provide more resources geared towards mental health and toxic exposures. There are two new programs expanding eligibility for unenrolled and enrolled veterans with all discharges except for dishonorable discharge. For more information on eligibility you can call (405)456-3072. 

The VA said as they expand there are hundreds of new positions that need to be filled. The attached photo has more information on their upcoming job fair.