Oklahoma has the sixth-highest eviction rate in the nation. The impact of eviction does not end when the doors are locked. High eviction rates are linked to high rates of school absenteeism, job loss, family separation, homelessness, and incarceration. Yet, very little progress has been made by Oklahoma lawmakers in addressing eviction as a root cause of these systemic issues.

In this episode of Mental Health Download, we sit down with Oklahoma Senator Julia Kirt to talk about her efforts to extend the state’s eviction timeline and why meaningful reform is urgently needed. We discuss the importance of legislative advocacy and how small changes in policy could lead to lasting impact for thousands of Oklahomans.

We also spotlight Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s new partnership with Shelterwell, made possible by generous support from Inasmuch Foundation. Brad Senters, Manager of Eviction Prevention at MHAOK, joins us to share Shelterwell’s approach to eviction prevention, the value of dispute resolution, and MHAOK’s broader mission to strengthen housing stability and mental health services across the state.

This is a powerful conversation about the human cost of eviction—and why Oklahoma’s housing policies must change.

To read more about the need for eviction reform, visit MHAOK's blog, When Suffering Becomes Policy: Oklahoma's Eviction Crisis.