Governor Abbott Announces $239 Million In Construction Grants For Mental Health Care In Rural Texas
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~ In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott revealed that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will be providing $239 million in construction grants to improve access to inpatient mental health care in rural areas of the state. This investment aims to help rural communities treat and stabilize patients with acute psychiatric illnesses without the need for them to travel to major cities.

Governor Abbott expressed his commitment to expanding access to critical mental health resources for all Texans, regardless of where they live. He 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." The governor also thanked members of the Texas Legislature and the HHSC for their ongoing efforts in increasing access to mental health care across the state.

Scott Schalchlin, Deputy Executive Commissioner for the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System, also emphasized the importance of working with the legislature to provide more options for accessing quality behavioral health resources. He stated, "The program supports hospitals and local governments that understand the needs of their communities, enabling more people to receive support right where they live."

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The funding will support up to 332 beds for mental health patients in hospitals across four communities. The HHSC has awarded $85 million for up to 100 beds at DHR Health in Edinburg, $64 million for repairs, renovations, and construction of 72 beds at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, $50 million for expansion of the existing Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility in Conroe by up to 100 beds, and $40 million for a new facility in Victoria County with up to 60 beds.

This funding was approved by Governor Abbott and the 88th Texas Legislature with a focus on constructing or expanding four mental health facilities that will have at least 50% capacity for forensic patients ordered to a state hospital for competency restoration. Forensic patients are those who are admitted to a state hospital through the criminal justice system, and competency restoration is a process for restoring a person's ability to stand trial.

The grant contracts have been executed and are currently in various phases of design and document development. More information about funding opportunities can be found on the HHSC grants page. This investment in rural mental health care is a significant step towards ensuring that all Texans have access to the necessary resources for their mental well-being.

Filed Under: Government, State

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