AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin will host a media tour at Austin State Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 29, to showcase a major construction milestone of the 240-bed replacement hospital. With construction more than halfway complete, the modern, patient-centered hospital will provide inpatient psychiatric treatment and care to vulnerable Central Texans. Hospital construction is expected to be completed in 2024.
HHSC is partnering with Dell Med on the $304.6 million project. The new hospital will feature private rooms for each patient and natural light throughout the building to promote recovery. Therapy rooms, classrooms, exercise rooms, an arts and crafts room, and other therapy spaces are all important features of the facility. Patients will also have access to social interaction spaces including a café, gym, music and art room, chapel and salon. Basketball and volleyball courts and walking trails will be available to relieve stress and anxiety.
The funding for the replacement hospital is part of a more than $1.2 billion investment from the State Legislature and Gov. Abbott to revitalize the state hospital system. The funds are also being used for the construction and renovation of state hospitals in Kerrville, Rusk and San Antonio, as well as the construction of new hospitals in Houston and Dallas. Construction was completed earlier this year on the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center in Houston, the newest facility in the state hospital system.
Austin State Hospital, which has been operating since 1861, is the oldest psychiatric hospital in Texas. The Old Main Building, a Texas Historic Landmark, will remain intact.
WHAT: Tour of Austin State Hospital construction site and interviews with hospital Superintendent Stacey Thompson and Dell Med’s Associate Vice President for Regional Mental Health Dr. Steve Strakowski to highlight the progress of construction.
WHEN: 11:00 a.m., Tues., Nov. 29, 2022
WHERE: Grounds of Austin State Hospital, 4110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751
- Enter through the Guadalupe Street entrance and park in the lot located between All Faiths Chapel (639) and Nifty Fifty (626). View the ASH campus map (PDF).
Important Safety Information: This will be a tour of an active construction zone. All attendees must wear closed toe shoes. Protective gear (hardhats, safety glasses and vests) will be provided on site.
RSVP: Reporters should e-mail Jose.Araiza@hhs.texas.gov by Mon., Nov. 28 to confirm attendance.