Hope on Wheels: Oklahoma’s Bus Tour Brings Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources to Rural Communities

A non-profit organization in Oklahoma is collaborating with other entities to bring mental health and substance abuse resources to communities in northeast Oklahoma through the Hope on Wheels bus tour. This initiative was sparked by feedback received from rural residents about the lack of available resources for support. Organizations such as Grand Mental Health, Stonegate Center, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services have joined forces to visit seven towns in northeast Oklahoma.

During the stops on the bus tour, individuals can access information about various resources related to mental health and substance abuse that may not have been previously known to them. Tara Carr, director of marketing and outreach for Parents Helping Parents, Inc., stated that the goal is to raise awareness about available resources as many people in these communities are already aware of the issues but may not know where to seek help.

This marks the first time Parents Helping Parents, Inc. has organized a bus tour of this nature. Even if specific resources are not available in a particular town, the focus is on informing individuals about resources in neighboring towns. The tour is designed to help people understand the options available to them and where they can seek help.

The bus tour will take place on April 18 and 19 with stops in Sapulpa, Bartlesville, Nowata, Claremore, Wagoner, Muskogee, and Shawnee. The goal is to reach residents in these communities and provide them with valuable information about mental health and substance abuse resources in their respective areas.

Overall, this initiative aims to provide critical support services for those who need it most while also raising awareness about available resources for those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.