Texas Construction News staff writer
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced earlier this year that $239 million in construction grants is being awarded to four specific projects to expand inpatient mental health care in rural Texas.
The funding, approved by the 88th Texas Legislature, will help construct new facilities and expand existing ones, supporting the addition of up to 332 new beds for mental health patients. The grants are aimed at allowing rural communities to treat and stabilize patients with acute psychiatric illnesses closer to home, rather than traveling to major urban centers.
“The State of Texas continues working to expand access to critical mental health resources to ensure Texans get the support they need, no matter where they live,” said Governor Abbott.
HHSC awarded the grants to four providers:
- $85 million for DHR Health in Edinburg to add up to 100 beds.
- $64 million for Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont for repairs, renovations, and construction to add 72 beds.
- $50 million to expand the existing Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility in Conroe by up to 100 beds.
- $40 million for a new facility in Victoria County with up to 60 beds.
The legislature also mandated that these facilities be constructed or expanded to have at least 50% capacity for forensic patients. These are individuals admitted to a state hospital through the criminal justice system for competency restoration services.
“The program supports hospitals and local governments that understand the needs of their communities, enabling more people to receive support right where they live,” said Scott Schalchlin, HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System.
