Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is awarding $239 million in construction grants to improve and expand access to inpatient mental health care across rural Texas. These funds are intended to help rural communities treat and stabilize patients suffering from acute psychiatric illnesses without the need for them to travel to major cities for care.
“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,” Governor Abbott stated. “With this $239 million investment, Texas is expanding inpatient mental health services so rural communities and local governments will be able to treat patients with acute psychiatric illnesses closer to home. I thank members of the Texas Legislature and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their ongoing work increasing access to mental health care across our great state.”
The funding will support the creation of up to 332 new beds for mental health patients in hospitals across four communities. These grants aim to strengthen the ability of local healthcare facilities to provide immediate care to patients in need, ensuring they receive the support necessary within their own communities.
The specific breakdown of the funding includes:
– $85 million to support the creation of up to 100 beds at DHR Health in Edinburg.
– $64 million to fund repairs, renovations, and new construction, adding 72 beds at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.
– $50 million to expand the existing Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility in Conroe by up to 100 beds.
– $40 million to build a new facility in Victoria County with the capacity to house up to 60 beds.
Deputy Executive Commissioner for the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System Scott Schalchlin emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “HHSC is committed to working with the Legislature to increase options for accessing quality behavioral health resources. The program supports hospitals and local governments that understand the needs of their communities, enabling more people to receive support right where they live.”
These grants represent a significant step forward in ensuring that all Texans, regardless of where they reside, have access to essential mental health care.
