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ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION
Legislative Work
HB 1697 - “The Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act”
This legislation allows families to seek Assisted Outpatient Treatment for adult relatives with mental illness before a situation reaches a crisis. This law failed three time in committee before Mark Costello was killed by his mentally ill son. Ten weeks after her husband's death, Cathy Costello testified twice before a senate hearing committee. The bill passed unanimously in the Oklahoma House and Senate. On June 20th, 2016, Governor Mary Fallin signed “The Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act” into law.
Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act
Mends the nation's broken mental health system by focusing programs and resources on psychiatric care for patients and families most in need of services. The Costello family's tragedy and their willingness to share their story with lawmakers was critical in helping pass this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Advocacy
Oklahoma Insurance Department - Cathy Costello Mental Health PSA
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