Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, Sen. Roger Thompson, and other stakeholders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on Donahue Behavioral Health, Oklahoma’s newest mental health hospital. The facility, set to open in 2026, will become the state’s largest mental health hospital and offer over 300 beds for adults and adolescents.
Allie Friesen, the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, expressed her dedication to improving mental health services in the state at the ceremony. She emphasized the urgent need for mental health treatment and highlighted how many young individuals are in need of care. Friesen also pointed out that Donahue Behavioral Health will replace the aging Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman and provide better accessibility to mental health services through an Urgent Recovery Center.
The new facility is a testament to Oklahoma’s commitment to ensuring that every individual has access to necessary mental health care. The construction of Donahue Behavioral Health is significant as it expands access to essential mental health services for all Oklahomans. This much-needed mental health facility is expected to be a valuable asset in improving the lives of those in need of care in Oklahoma City and beyond.