Denton County took a significant step toward bolstering mental‑health care on Tuesday, purchasing a two‑story former hospital for $12.5 million. The 59,800‑square‑foot building, located at 2809 S. Mayhill Road, sits on 3.21 acres and will be transformed into a modern mental‑health facility that county leaders say will serve a growing population.
County leaders praise the acquisition
County Judge Andy Eads expressed optimism, stating, “I feel excited about the work ahead of us – a state‑of‑the‑art and best practices facility that is going to be implemented in Denton County.” Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Williams added that the new center will provide law‑enforcement officers with a place to divert individuals with mental‑health challenges away from the county jail.
Planned uses and expected impact
The facility is slated to become a comprehensive behavioral‑health hub. In addition to offering direct mental‑health services, it will function as a jail‑diversion center, helping to reduce incarceration costs. Officials estimate that up to 30 % of incarcerated individuals could benefit from the new resources, potentially easing the county’s budget pressures.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell, a longtime member of the Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership team, highlighted the urgency of the project, noting, “Providing a mental‑health facility in Denton County has been a priority on our list as the needs have continued to increase.”
Collaboration and future funding
The purchase resulted from a broad coalition that included county commissioners, the Denton County Sheriff’s Department, local municipalities, hospital systems and nonprofit partners such as United Way of Denton County. Together they formed the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, which crafted a strategic plan for the new behavioral‑health center.
County officials plan to present the project to the 2027 Texas legislative session, seeking additional state funding to support renovations and ongoing operations. “We need to have these services available for those that need them,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson.
Looking ahead
Judge Eads summed up the county’s vision: “Hopefully, with this asset today, we will help people to reach their full potential and receive the help they need to become functioning members of society.” The renovation effort will begin soon, with county leaders emphasizing the importance of finding the right partners to ensure the facility meets best‑practice standards.
As Denton County’s population continues to grow, the new mental‑health center represents a proactive response to a pressing public‑health challenge, aiming to improve outcomes for individuals and reduce the strain on the criminal‑justice system.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
