SAN ANTONIO — More changes are in the works for the San Antonio State Hospital, according to officials.
These plans are part of a major overhaul to renovate and build other psychiatric hospitals in Texas.
One of the changes includes renovating an existing building to add a 40-bed maximum security unit.
According to Health and Human Services, the renovated unit will have extra security features that include fencing, secure entryways, increased video monitoring and more. The renovations are just one way the state is trying to address its mental health crisis.
Construction on the unit is set to begin this summer.
The changes to the State Hospital is one of several projects by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission.
Last year, lawmakers approved $1.5 billion to renovate and build seven new facilities.
Most of the funds will be used to construct the new Terrell State Hospital outside Dallas. Other facilities in places such as Amarillo, Wichita Falls and Lubbock will also receive significant funding.
State Leaders said these facilities will only benefit patients in every part of the state.
“These new state hospital projects will help ensure that Texans experiencing a mental health issue have access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments to address their needs,” Governor Greg Abbott said.
The state has already paid $2.5 billion since 2017 for capital projects and previous funds were used to construct the state hospital in San Antonio.
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