Norman's The Virtue Center grapples with sudden budget cuts

As budget cuts continue to make its rounds, The Virtue Center in Norman has been targeted with a cut that will not only impact its clients but could also result in job loss. 

The center has been around for decades currently serving about 1500 people a year. Two weeks ago the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health sent a notice to the organization stating funding will be cut. This has left workers and clients wondering what they will do if they will lose their jobs or services are stopped.  

What current and former clients are saying 

“I can't imagine that if people didn't have a place to come where they felt comfortable, confident and could get the help they needed,” said current client Robyne Rice.  

“I came in at a time when I was not able to stop using on my own, and if I didn't have access to the services that we provided clients at that time, I wouldn't have made it through my addiction,” added Shay Hinds.  

When did The Virtue Center find out funding will be cut ?

Two weeks ago, Executive Director Teresa Collado said they received a letter from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health saying they were cutting funding.  

How much is being cut ?

Collado said it is a 50 percent cut.  

Who will have this impact? 

Collado said the money coming from the department helps pay for people on medicaid or at poverty level who do not have insurance.  

She also said they now have to explore different ways to deal with the cut.  

Collado said this was a hit for substance abuse treatment providers that contract with the Department of Mental Health.

How can the community help?

Collado said one way the community can help is by letting legislatures as well as the Department of Mental Health know how important and needed these services are for everyone.