The Bartlesville City Council on Oct. 6 accepted a report on the first year of the Recovery Support Specialist outreach program and voted to renew a one‑year contract with Grand Mental Health under the 2024 Opiate Abatement Grant Program.

Program description: The program funds two recovery support specialists who conduct street outreach, follow up with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, connect people to housing and treatment resources, and work with the Crisis Intervention Response Team and jail re‑entry efforts. Staff said the effort is grant‑funded through a state opiate‑abatement grant and does not require a new local appropriation.

Reported results: Staff reported 265+ successful contacts and 445 follow‑ups in the February–August reporting period, multiple placements into residential or outpatient treatment, two individuals moved into housing and reductions in repeat law‑enforcement contacts in areas such as the Pathfinder and public parks. Staff also cited distribution of Narcan and coordination with housing providers and the court to reduce fines when homeless individuals cleaned up debris.

Funding and recommendation: The program was funded via Opiate Abatement grant funds originating from state allocations connected to an earlier settlement. Staff recommended renewing the contract for a second year; council unanimously approved the renewal.