SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County officials broke ground Friday morning on an expansion project that aims to help even more jail inmates who struggle with mental health issues. At the same time, the goal is to also address the ongoing problem of overcrowding at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.
The $25 million expansion project for the Applewhite Recovery Center is made possible through federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The 39,000-square-foot facility is adding 130 beds to the current Applewhite Recovery Center. Once completed, the center will be equipped with 370 treatment beds.
“It’s really important for the community that those who come in here and leave here are equipped so they don’t commit new crimes but if they do lapse they have a place they can come back to,” said Jarvis Anderson, Bexar County Community Supervision and Corrections Department director.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said potential patients typically wait anywhere from 90-180 days to be admitted for treatment.
“This facility is for those non-violent offenders, for those that have significant, health, mental health issues or addiction issues that we can take out of our jail,” Sakai said. “The existing facility currently lacks enough beds to treat every individual who’s been court ordered to be placed in a residential treatment facility by the courts.”
The expansion groundbreaking comes a day after the Bexar County jail reported its 11th inmate death of the year involving a 48-year-old woman who suffered a medical episode, according to officials.
Bexar County officials did not comment on the death at the groundbreaking event.
Precinct 1 Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores has remained a staunch advocate of investing in mental health services for the community.
“This is about believing in our community, believing in each other as human beings,” Clay-Flores said.
The expansion project is expected to wrap up in 18 months.