Comal County, Texas, has taken a significant step toward addressing its growing mental health needs by starting construction on the Comal County Mental Health Extended Observation Unit and Crisis Residential Unit Facility in New Braunfels. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on December 12, marks a pivotal moment for mental health care access in the region.
Facility Overview
This $8.65 million project, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, aims to provide comprehensive local mental health care. By reducing the need for residents to seek treatment in other cities, the facility addresses critical gaps in crisis care.
Key highlights include:
Capacity: A 16-bed facility for both voluntary and involuntary patients.
Services: Crisis stabilization, psychiatric evaluations, and additional mental health services.
Operator: Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) will manage the facility, with an annual operating budget of $4.5 million.
Community Benefits
According to Deborah Wigington, Judge for Comal County Court at Law No. 3 and a project advocate, the facility will:
- Alleviate pressure on local emergency rooms, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system.
- Offer a community-based alternative to emergency rooms or incarceration for individuals in crisis.
- Enable patients to remain connected to their community during treatment, improving recovery outcomes.
Tod Citron, CEO of Hill Country MHDD, emphasized the importance of this resource, noting its role in providing critical stabilization and mental health care services to residents in need.
Project Timeline and Impact
The construction is expected to conclude by late 2025, with a 10-to-12-month timeline. Upon completion, the facility is projected to serve approximately 200 individuals annually, becoming a cornerstone of mental health support in the county.
This initiative reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of localized mental health resources and the need to address the mental health crisis proactively. Comal County’s investment in this facility demonstrates its commitment to improving outcomes for its residents while reducing strain on public services.
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