Blaine County DHS Office to Close Its Doors by June 19

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  • Blaine County DHS Office to Close Its Doors by June 19
    Blaine County DHS Office to Close Its Doors by June 19
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According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, employee productivity went up as they worked from home, inducing the department to close about half of its locations, including the Watonga office. The move will save $6 million statewide.

Justin Brown, the director of the department, said the state will partner with other community organizations to offer continuity of service delivery.

“It could be tribal partners. Other foundations and non-profits that would totally benefit from the Department of Human Services sort of co-locating on a part-time basis. It also allows us to be in the community and meet our customers where they are," said Brown.

“By prioritizing our services and customers over physical structures as we absorb budget cuts, and by strengthening community partnerships to serve in new ways, we are creating stability for our agency and those we serve well into the future,” Brown said. “Our priority as an agency is always to serve Oklahomans, especially those who need us most.”

Brown said no one will be furloughed or laid off as part of the new plan. ODHS is the state’s largest agency. It handles SNAP benefits, child welfare, adult protective services and Medicaid.

Closures will take place in the next six months. The Watonga office is expected to close by June 19.