State to start planning total replacement of Austin State Hospital

Texas health officials will start plans to replace the aging Austin State Hospital as a part of a $300 million endeavor to revamp the state’s crumbling psychiatric hospital system.

The Texas Legislature approved the money this past legislative session to improve the psychiatric hospital system, commonly referred to as state hospitals, according to Monday’s announcement by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

“A strong state psychiatric system is critically important to all Texans. This investment will benefit the state for generations,” said commission head Charles Smith in a news release. “With this support from state leadership, we can update our facilities and be sure we are providing Texans with the very best mental health care possible.”

The first disbursement of money is $48 million and part of it will go toward planning for the replacement of the Austin and San Antonio state hospitals.

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/state-start-planning-total-replacement-austin-state-hospital/RMLe5Z4bHwUC0w6LEMwwHM/