OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) celebrated a historic groundbreaking on Thursday for Oklahoma’s largest mental health hospital.

A ceremony was held for the Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City campus.

More than $150 million has been invested into the 200,000 sq ft facility that will expand ODMHSAS’ psychiatric bed capacity and operational outreach.

There will also be an Urgent Recovery Center that helps provide immediate access to vital and stabilization services, plus walk-in availability.

Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall issued a statement in celebration of the groundbreaking:

The groundbreaking of the Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital, an advanced mental health hospital located on the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City campus, marks a critical moment for mental healthcare in Oklahoma. This facility is the result of a collaborative effort between federal, state and local governments, foundations, universities and private donors. It represents what can be achieved when striving together towards a common goal.

I am pleased that the Legislature worked together to fund a significant portion of this much needed project using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This hospital represents our collective commitment to making meaningful progress in addressing mental health, something that affects many citizens and communities throughout our state. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen. The true beneficiaries of this hospital are the citizens of Oklahoma.

The new hospital has an estimated five-year economic impact of $447.5 million in job creation, taxes, and emergency room costs.

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