Greg Abbott’s $239 Million Investment Targets Rural Texas Mental Health Facilities

Mental health care in the state of Texas has recently been placed under a microscope. Recent data collected showed that the Lone Star State is lacking in ways for one to get the help they desire. But, a new large amount of money is set to help a part of state find care.

Who Is Providing The Grant To The State Of Texas?

As revealed by KXXV, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is the provider of the grant. In total, the amount provided is $239 million. The money will be used to focus on the rural parts of the state and help shorten the distance Texans need to go for it.

Governor Greg Abbott said the following in a statement:

“This $239 million investment will expand inpatient mental health services, allowing rural communities to treat patients closer to home. I commend the Texas Legislature and the HHSC for their ongoing efforts to improve mental health care access across the state.”

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Deputy Executive Commissioner for the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System, Scott Schalchlin also said that “HHSC is dedicated to collaborating with the Legislature to increase access to quality behavioral health resources."

What Will The Funds Be Used For Exactly?

KXXV revealed this is how the money will be split up:

- $40 million for a new facility in Victoria County with up to 60 beds.
- $50 million to expand the Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility in Conroe by up to 100 beds.
- $64 million for renovations and expansion, adding 72 beds at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.
- $85 million for up to 100 beds at DHR Health in Edinburg.

It was also states that over the half of the previously mentioned beds will assist with forensic patients. KXXV reports that those patients are considered by the Texas Criminal Justice System for "competency restoration."

Time will tell if more funds from Texas will be used to help with mental care in the state.