The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services says it has stabilized its finances, marking what officials describe as a major turning point for the agency.

After a self-described decade of overspending and weak financial controls, ODMHSAS says the department implemented a four-step overhaul.

In May, , after an audit revealed a $28 million financial shortfall in the department. Friesen blamed the budget confusion on previous leadership, while State Auditor pointed to questionable spending and missteps in budget planning as the primary causes.

What was included in the overhaul?

The overhaul included:

Eliminating 23 executive positions, saving $3.5 million annually.

Ending non-essential vendor contracts.

Auditing grant programs for sustainability

Reviewing IT

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