News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY -- As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation continues to develop in Oklahoma, state leaders, including those within Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), have been working to put plans in place to ensure Oklahomans are protected. OKDHS is committed to service and safety for all Oklahomans, including the safety of our own employees.
Because of this, and out of an abundance of caution, OKDHS has begun to implement a broad-scale teleworking plan for our employees to minimize face-to-face contacts between employees, as well as our customers. For many of our divisions, including Adult and Family Services (AFS) who administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), SoonerCare certifications and Child Care Subsidy, among many other programs, telework is business as usual. Customers for many of our programs already utilize online tools to make applications for or renew services, and we will continue to drive traffic to those tools. For programs and office locations that must conduct face-to-face contacts, such as many of the essential functions of Child Welfare Services, Adult Protective Services and other investigatory or safety functions, OKDHS will continue to do our work with safety and security in mind for both our customers and staff, just as we have always done.
"Now more than ever, OKDHS is ready to serve our fellow citizens during this public health event," said OKDHS Director Justin Brown. "Oklahoma has a rich history of coming together in support of our neighbors and OKDHS is a cornerstone in that effort. Though there is some level of uncertainty in the coming weeks, we want our customers to know that we are here to support them, and we promise to be in communication with them along the way."
We encourage our customers to use online tools like www.okdhslive.org and www.okbenefits.org for applications or renewals of services provided by OKDHS. If customers need help, they may also contact us by using the essential numbers on the "Contact Us" page of our website. The statewide abuse and neglect hotline will continue to be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and may be reached at 1-800-522-3511. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
"As always, OKDHS is dedicated to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of all Oklahomans," said Director Brown. "We will make it through these challenging and uncertain times together and continue to offer hope and encouragement for all Oklahomans."
Consistent and reliable information about COVID-19 is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) websites and social media. You may also contact the COVID-19 Call Center operated by the OSDH at 877-215-8336. Call Center Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The Call Center has the capability to connect callers to Spanish speaking interpreters.
The CDC and OSDH continue to recommend routine hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, staying home when you are sick and routine cleaning as a first line of defense to prevent the spread of all illnesses, but particularly COVID-19.
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