MEDIA ADVISORY
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
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Date: May 9, 2024
Contact: Jennifer Ruffcorn
512-424-6951
Jennifer.Ruffcorn@hhs.texas.gov
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Cecile Erwin Young
HHS Executive Commissioner
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HHSC to Host Grand Opening Ceremony at
Austin State Hospital May 15
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, in partnership with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate the grand opening of a new 240-bed replacement facility for Austin State Hospital.
The Texas Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott approved approximately $305 million in funding to construct the new hospital. The new facility will enhance the state-of-the-art care provided by HHSC staff while eliminating the challenges older buildings pose for modern health care.
Austin State Hospital, which has been in operation since 1861, is the oldest psychiatric hospital in Texas. It offers inpatient mental health services to adults in 26 counties and youth in 77 counties throughout Central Texas.
WHAT: Austin State Hospital ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by state and community leaders. Media tours will be available immediately following the event.
WHO (speakers include):
- Cecile Erwin Young, HHS executive commissioner
- Scott Schalchlin, HHSC deputy executive commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System
- Kirk Watson, city of Austin mayor
- State Sen. Judith Zaffirini
- Stephen Strakowski, Dell Medical School associate vice president for regional mental health
- Sharon L. Wood, The University of Texas at Austin executive vice president and provost
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
WHERE: Austin State Hospital; 4110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX.
- Enter through the Lamar Street entrance where the sign reads “Service Entrance and Loading Dock.” Park in the lots on the right. The map below is provided as a guide.
Reporters should RSVP by emailing Jennifer Ruffcorn.
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