State and local leaders began the ceremony at the state’s Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital.
The cost of the project has ballooned in recent months due to inflation, but state Sen. Roger Thompson said the latest estimate is just over $150 million. “We have no intention of reducing the scope of the project because the need is there,” he said.
The state Legislature appropriated $87 million in ARPA funds for the project, and Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, and several private foundations also contributed. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse plans to use the proceeds from the sale of land for the current Griffin Memorial Mental Health Hospital to fund the renovation.
Newly appointed ODMHSS Commissioner Arie Friesen hopes the new facility could open as early as 2026. “Of course, there are barriers to construction and inflation costs and all that to consider,” Friesen said. “However, we will remain diligent and vigilant to open our doors as quickly as possible, but in a high-quality and safe manner.”
The new facility is expected to make a noticeable difference in the number of patients treated. The current hospital in Norman has beds for 120 people, and the new hospital in Oklahoma City will have beds for 330 people. “It’s going to be more accessible for police officers and other public safety officials who are looking for a place to put people who need this. It’s a form of therapy,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said.
Elected officials representing Mr. Norman voiced opposition after the plan was announced last fall. Their concerns included questions about the employment status of those currently working at the Norman facility. However, ODMHSS said each employee will be offered a position at the new facility. “This is a transplant of existing services, and that includes all of our employees,” Friesen said.
Leaders of the department located on Oklahoma City OSU’s campus look forward to working with the university to prepare students to meet the specific needs of the mental health workforce and provide clinical experiences.
