April 12, 2025 Issue, Page 12 of 16

Page Text

12• SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 The Elk City News Service Oklahoma Launches REAL ID Mondays and Wednesdays for After-Hours Appointments O K L A H O M A pacity is expected to ben- and Wednesdays: Eve- ment are asked to cancel To ensure a smooth visit: may be necessary for those CITY – With the May 7, efit tens of thousands of ning REAL ID appoint- in advance so the time Use the personalized who plan to travel. 2025, federal REAL ID people across the state. ments available from 6 to slot can be made available REAL ID Checklist to con- To date, over 2.1 million deadline approaching, Ser- “We know life doesn’t 8 p.m. every Monday and to others. firm you have the required REAL IDs have been issued vice Oklahoma is expand- always fit into a 9-to- Wednesday through the Seasonal Saturdays Con- documents to apply. in Oklahoma. While not ing access to ensure more 5 schedule,” said Diedra end of the year. tinue Through October Check live wait times to every Oklahoman will need Oklahomans have the time O’Neil, Chief Strategy & REAL ID Saturdays (May In addition to expanded ac- find a nearby location with or choose to obtain one, they need to secure their Operating Officer at Ser- only): Saturday REAL ID cess through May, Seasonal the shortest current wait. Service Oklahoma is com- REAL ID. Beginning Mon- vice Oklahoma. “These appointments available Saturdays remain available No appointment? No mitted to ensuring those day, April 7, select Service extended hours are about from 12 to 5 p.m. at partic- through October at the fol- problem. Use the same-day who plan to fly without a Oklahoma locations will making essential services ipating locations through- lowing locations, from 8 waitlist to get in line at any passport have every op- offer REAL ID Mondays more accessible and sup- out the month of May. a.m. to 1 p.m.: time without a scheduled portunity to get a REAL ID and Wednesdays – by ap- porting Oklahomans in a Deadline Week Eve- OKC Classen (6015 N appointment. ahead of their travel plans. pointment only – from 6 way that works for them. nings (May 5–9): Extend- Classen Blvd, Building 4) Plan ahead for air trav- For more information p.m. to 8 p.m. through the Whether it’s a parent jug- ed evening REAL ID ap- OKC I-240 (728 E Inter- el. A temporary paper ID on how to get a REAL ID end of the year. gling after-school pickups, pointments offered every state 240 Service Rd.) is issued upon approval, in Oklahoma, visit service. These evening REAL ID someone who can’t get weeknight from 6 to 8 p.m. Tulsa Eastgate (14002 but it cannot be used for ok.gov/REALID. appointments add hun- away during the workweek during the deadline week. East 21st Street) air travel. The permanent Service Oklaho- dreds of new scheduling or anyone whose weekends Participating locations: Broken Arrow (1635 S REAL ID is typically re- ma: Oklahomans Help- opportunities each week, are already full, we’re fo- Chickasha (1701 Frisco Main St.) ceived within 10–14 busi- ing Oklahomans providing greater flexibil- cused on helping Oklaho- Ave.) Tips to Prepare for a ness days. Service Oklahoma’s mis- ity for those who are un- mans get their REAL ID at Hinton (1802 N Broad- REAL ID Appointment REAL ID Dead- sion is to ease the stress able to visit during tradi- a time that fits their sched- way St.) Service Oklahoma has line: May 7, 2025 of navigating government tional business hours. By ule.” Muskogee (1806 N York streamlined the REAL ID A REAL ID-compliant driv- services while providing a extending service into the REAL ID Mondays, St.) process to make it as effi- er license or identification best-in-class customer ex- evening, Service Oklaho- Wednesdays and Addi- OKC Classen (6015 N. cient and accessible as pos- card — or another federal- perience. Service Oklaho- ma is expanding access, tional Availability in May Classen Blvd., Building 4) sible. With the right prepa- ly accepted form of identi- ma provides driver license helping balance appoint- To meet expected demand Stillwater (701 East 12th ration, most visits take less fication, such as a passport and motor vehicle ser- ment volume throughout around the May 7, 2025 Ave.) than 20 minutes once with — may be required to fly vices on behalf of the state the week and making it REAL ID deadline, Ser- Tulsa Eastgate (14002 E an examiner. Oklahomans domestically and access both online and in-person. easier for Oklahomans to vice Oklahoma is offering 21st St.) are encouraged to plan federal buildings and mil- Service Oklahoma’s part- get their REAL ID. While extended hours at six key REAL ID appointments ahead and apply early to itary bases beginning May nership with licensed oper- locations are concentrated locations through a series can be scheduled at service. avoid potential travel dis- 7, 2025. While a REAL ID ators (formerly tag agents) in metro and surrounding of evening and weekend ok.gov/REALID. Oklaho- ruptions as the federal May is not required for driving provides essential services areas to address the high- events: mans who cannot make 7, 2025, REAL ID deadline or for identification within in all 77 counties at 270+ est demand, the added ca- REAL ID Mondays their scheduled appoint- approaches. the state of Oklahoma, it locations across the state. Alcohol Awareness Month: Addressing Alcohol Misuse and Its Impact on Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – alcohol use disorder within the Services (ODMHSAS) facilities. In 2023, hospital discharge re- and personalized treatment tional initiatives. Apr. 4, 2025 – April is Alcohol past year. Excessive alcohol con- According to the ODMHSAS cords indicate that 7,500 emer- plans are crucial to increasing Alcohol misuse doesn’t only Awareness Month, a time for sumption is a leading cause of Substance Abuse Dashboard, gency department discharges the chances of recovery. Encour- affect individuals—it deeply im- Oklahomans to reflect on the preventable deaths, injuries, and 35.1% of admissions indicated occurred where the individual aging responsible drinking hab- pacts families and communities. significant impact alcohol mis- illnesses, such as liver disease, alcohol as the primary drug of had a presenting problem of an its, setting personal limits, and ODMHSAS offers resources for use has on individuals, fami- high blood pressure, and certain choice. For the first time since alcohol-related disorder. Educa- recognizing the signs of alcohol families to support loved ones lies, and communities. The Na- types of cancer. 2015, alcohol outpaced meth- tion is key to raising awareness misuse can help prevent more dealing with alcohol misuse, in- tional Survey on Drug Use and In 2024, alcohol was iden- amphetamine as the primary of the risks of alcohol misuse. severe consequences. Addition- cluding support groups, counsel- Health indicates that about 1 in tified as the primary drug of drug of choice. ODMHSAS provides a state- ally, participation in community ing, and family therapy. For free, 5 Oklahomans aged 12 and old- choice among substance abuse Alcohol misuse is preventable, wide network of behavioral coalitions focused on alcohol confidential, 24/7 support, Okla- er participated in binge alcohol treatment admissions at Okla- and recovery is possible. The health providers and treatment prevention supports advoca- homans can call or text the 988 use in the past month and 1 in homa Department of Mental first step is to be informed about centers specializing in alcohol cy, the development of positive Mental Health Lifeline. 10 are estimated to have had an Health and Substance Abuse the dangers of alcohol misuse. use disorder. Early intervention community norms, and educa- CBA Mike Mazzei: Business Leader, Job Creator, Public Servant, and Conservative Visionary, Launches Campaign for Oklahoma Governor Tulsa, OK – Conservative a long recovery after a car Republican Mike Mazzei accident. Despite years of filed paperwork with the physical challenges, Mike’s Oklahoma Ethics Commis- resolute determination sion to launch his 2026 cam- achieved significant accom- paign for Oklahoma Gov- plishments for Oklahomans ernor, a seat which will be - leading efforts to lower open due to Governor Kevin taxes, restoring the fund for Stitt’s term limit. teacher retirement pensions, “I’m running for Gover- and protected constitutional nor for the thousands of kids freedoms including pro-life who have been left behind policies, pro-gun rights, and by a backward education private property protections. system that has failed. I’m In December 2018, Gov- running for all those Okla- ernor Kevin Stitt appointed homa small businesses who Mike as Oklahoma’s Sec- want to grow their com- retary of Budget, where panies but can’t because of he played a pivotal role in taxes and regulations. More achieving the largest state importantly, I am running savings account in history at because I believe together the time —over $1 billion. we can choose freedom and A strong believer in faith faith for a better tomorrow and service, Mike is an active for all Oklahomans.” member of Asbury Church Mike Mazzei is the Found- and a dedicated supporter of er and CEO of Trinity Stra- numerous charitable organi- tegic Wealth, a premier fi- zations across the state. nancial planning firm with Mike holds a Bachelor of over $1.5 billion in assets Arts in Government & Pol- under management. As a itics from George Mason Certified Financial Planner® University and a Master of professional and Master Science in Personal Finan- Planner Advanced Studies®, cial Planning from the Col- Mike created The Financial lege for Financial Planning. Freedom Process™ and his Mike and his wife, Noel, teammates help clients pur- reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma, sue their lifetime goals and and are proud parents of values. five grown children—Maria, Mike has demonstrated a triplets Caleb, Carissa, and strong commitment to pub- Mykaela, and their youngest, lic service. He was elected to Jackson. Moran Equipment the Oklahoma State Senate in 2004, serving Senate Dis- With a record of business excellence, fiscal leadership, trict 25 for 12 years. During and unwavering conserva- 319 Industrial PKWY his tenure, he chaired the Senate Finance Committee tive values, Mike Mazzei is dedicated to making Okla- for a decade, advocating for homa a thriving, prosperous, Elk City, OK 73644 lower taxes, fiscal responsi- bility, and economic growth. and free state. For more information, 580.225.2575 Through the steadfast help of faith, family, and friends, please visit www.Mike- ForOK.com, or facebook: Mike persevered through Mike Mazzei for Governor.