Oklahoma health leaders discuss addiction, elect new board leader

Health Commissioner Terry Cline said at the state health board meeting that the hope is to create a state-of-the-art facility that takes a holistic approach in looking at the health of individuals and families.

“Right now, across the state, there's a waiting list of about 600 people for substance abuse treatment, so clearly (there are) not enough substance abuse services,” Cline said.

The center would potentially be in Oklahoma City, based on its central location not only in the state but also the country, Cline said.

A range of people has been involved in the discussion, including hospital system officials and city and public health leaders.

Oklahoma ranks No. 1 in the rate of prescription pain drug abuse and has ranked high on the list for methamphetamine abuse. Addiction costs the state and its residents an estimated $7.2 billion, including $1.8 billion in direct costs.