The Beckham County Opioid Project (BCOP) is ramping up efforts to connect individuals affected by opioid use disorder with vital resources across the county. At a recent task force meeting, Cierra Dennis was introduced as the new Recovery Navigator assigned to Beckham and Custer Counties. Dennis will serve as the primary contact for local recovery services, focusing on housing support, utility assistance, and transportation coordination.
Dennis joins a growing coalition of community stakeholders working under the BCOP umbrella, a statewide initiative designed to reduce opioid-related harm and improve access to services. The project is supported through the Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).
BCOP currently assists with rental and utility aid for those with a self-reported history of opioid use. No medical documentation is required, and applications remain confidential.
Project leads emphasized that applicants need to respond to requests for paperwork, such as a lease or utility bill in their name, to complete the process.
“We’re here to help people, but we’re not a direct care provider,” said the meeting’s facilitator. “We rely on individuals to return phone calls, submit their paperwork, and take steps toward stability. We don’t want to set someone up for failure.”
STRENGTHENING LOCAL ENGAGEMENT Consistent attendance at BCOP task force meetings has been a challenge, with only a handful of regular participants. Organizers hope Dennis’s presence will help increase engagement among local residents—not just agency leaders.
“What we really need is guidance from the community,” one organizer said. “These meetings aren’t just for officials; they’re for the people of Beckham County to help shape how this support is delivered.”
One promising strategy discussed involved setting up information tables at Sayre’s local food bank, which operates every Wednesday evening behind a church on the north side of town. Health department volunteers already attend regularly, and organizers see it as an ideal space to reach residents directly. Attendance at the food bank ranges from 30 to over 70 people each week, especially near the end of the month.
Flyers promoting BCOP services—especially utility and rent assistance—will be distributed during these events. Dennis is also working to establish partnerships with other outreach providers in the area.
RECOVERY HOUSING PROGRESS
A certified recovery home is expected to open in Beckham County in the near future, under the direction of Stacey Kirby with Amethyst House in Altus. Kirby is actively working with a local realtor to secure a property. Once operational, the home will serve as a safe, structured environment for individuals in recovery, using best practices in line with Oxford House and OKARR (Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Residences) certification standards.
RECOVERY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE INITIATIVE Another key objective of the BCOP effort is the Recovery- Friendly Workplace Initiative, which launched in June and aims to certify 20 Beckham County businesses by June 30, 2026.
The program is designed to help employers better understand the needs of individuals in recovery and create work environments that support their success. Businesses that participate will receive training and resources, including: - Guidance on HR policies for employees in recovery - Access to an “Opioid Assistance Box” containing Narcan and recovery literature - Support navigating situations such as treatment leave or court-related absences - Recognition in the community for promoting second- chance hiring “Recovery-friendly doesn’t mean letting someone show up late and do whatever they want,” one speaker clarified. “It means understanding that someone might need a flexible schedule for counseling or court—and that they may bring valuable skills to the table.”
Participants stressed that many individuals exiting incarceration or treatment programs are licensed electricians, welders, HVAC technicians, or experienced in restaurant and farm work—but are often turned away due to visible tattoos or outdated assumptions.
Organizers are currently identifying employers in the county—especially in hospitality, agriculture, and retail— who may benefit from new hiring pipelines and who are open to supporting individuals in recovery.
If you’re a local business owner, this is your invitation to learn more. Whether you’re curious about the initiative or ready to take the next step, BCOP representatives are available to provide guidance and support. The program team is eager to partner with employers who believe in second chances and want to help rebuild lives—while strengthening their own workforce in the process.
LOOKING AHEAD
The BCOP task force meets every two months to discuss recovery services, community needs, and new partnership opportunities. Meetings are open to all Beckham County residents—not just agency leaders—and new voices are always welcome. Whether you’re a business owner, service provider, or someone with lived experience, your input matters.
Stay tuned for updates on the next meeting date and location. Help us build a stronger, more supportive community—one step at a time.
