OKC Health Brief: Behavioral Health Annex Transfers, VA Upgrades, and Norovirus Report

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Oklahoma City, OK – March 3, 2026 – Mental health patients shift to a new OKC annex, VA upgrades begin, and norovirus reports rise statewide.

State and federal health systems in Oklahoma City are reporting major operational updates this week, while a new report points to rising stomach illness activity across Oklahoma.

New OKC behavioral health annex set to start transfers

State mental health officials said patient transfers are expected to begin next week at the Oklahoma City Behavioral Health Campus Annex, part of a larger effort to replace inpatient services currently provided at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman. The renovated annex at 2129 SW 59th St. has a capacity of 32 patients, according to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Officials said the first-phase renovations focused on technology upgrades and cost $1.3 million. Commissioner Gregory Slavonic said the location and additional capacity are intended to reduce strain on emergency rooms and improve how quickly people in crisis can be connected to care. The agency has said the full campus plan totals 197 beds once completed, up from 120 at Griffin Memorial.

VA Oklahoma City begins infrastructure upgrades

The VA Oklahoma City Health Care System announced Feb. 27 that it has started infrastructure improvement projects aimed at supporting safe and effective care for veterans. The VA said the work is funded through the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance program as part of broader facility modernization efforts in fiscal year 2026.

Projects listed for early fiscal-year work include converting a respiratory unit space to a step-down unit (phase 1), renovating the canteen kitchen, recapitalizing infrastructure, and waterproofing and repairing the facility's exterior envelope.

Norovirus and gastroenteritis activity flagged in Oklahoma

A March 2 report from KFOR-TV said norovirus and gastroenteritis cases are on the rise in Oklahoma. Separately, the Oklahoma State Department of Health notes that norovirus is not a reportable disease statewide, but the agency investigates outbreaks to help control spread.

For Oklahoma City families, the practical impact is often seen first in schools, workplaces, and group settings when multiple people become ill around the same time. Health officials typically recommend following institutional cleaning and exclusion policies when outbreaks are suspected and using official public health updates for the most current guidance.

Sources

https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/mental-health-department-set-to-begin-transferring-patients-to-new-oklahoma-city-hospital-location/
https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/news-releases/va-oklahoma-city-hcs-upgrades-health-care-infrastructure/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/norovirus-gastroenteritis-cases-rise-oklahoma-221908800.html
https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/acute-disease-service/school-and-child-care-setting-resources/norovirus-redirect.html

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.