Governor Greg Abbott | Governor Greg Abbott Official headshot
Governor Greg Abbott | Governor Greg Abbott Official headshot
Governor Greg Abbott has revealed plans for a $34 million project that will see the construction of a behavioral health campus in Uvalde, dedicated to providing on-site care for individuals experiencing mental health crises in 32 surrounding counties. The campus is set to open in summer 2025, with construction set to commence this summer.
In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of mental health resources, stating, “Our communities—urban and rural—are stronger when Texans are safe and healthy.” He expressed gratitude to the Texas Legislature and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their efforts in expanding access to mental health services across the state.
Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the priority of providing mental health services to rural areas in Texas. Young expressed appreciation to Governor Abbott and the Legislature for their support of the behavioral health campus project.
Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers Chief Executive Officer Tod Citron highlighted the significance of the new facility, stating, “The regional facility will be a state-of-the-art crisis and outpatient center serving those who are most in need.”
The behavioral health campus will feature a 16-bed crisis unit for adults, a dedicated youth wing with a 16-bed crisis unit for children and adolescents, and various outpatient programs. The facility will focus on providing crisis stabilization and act as a designated 24/7 diversion center for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The project is made possible through funding approved during the 88th Legislative Session, with $33.6 million allocated for construction and an additional $5 million for the facility’s first year of operation.
The city of Uvalde will host the campus on seven acres of land, with construction overseen by Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers. The campus, totaling approximately 50,000 square feet, is a significant step towards enhancing mental health care services in the region.
For those seeking more information on mental health and crisis resources, they are encouraged to visit MentalHealthTX.org.
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