The Donahue Behavioral Health Center is a mental health facility once planned for the Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City campus, and the $147 million project has since been abandoned. Oklahoma lawmakers approved halting construction after cost estimates grew by another $125 million, forcing officials to scrap the planned 330 bed hospital entirely.

Donahue Behavioral Health Funds Redirected to a New Oklahoma City Site

ODMHSAS has redirected the remaining American Rescue Plan Act money toward purchasing and renovating a former SSM Health hospital in southwest Oklahoma City, a $60 million plan delivering 197 beds instead of the promised 330. The retreat echoes a wider pattern of health systems recalibrating major builds, as seen in Pennsylvania where Geisinger just topped out steelwork on its $900 million Wyoming Valley expansion, a reminder that large healthcare capital projects carry real execution risk even when fully funded.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Donahue Behavioral Health Center (plans abandoned)
• Original Location: Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City campus, near I 44 and West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City
• Original Project Value: $147 million, later requiring an estimated $125 million more that lawmakers declined to approve
• Client/Owner: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS)
• Originally Planned Components: 330 inpatient beds for adults and adolescents, plus an Urgent Recovery Center, across more than 200,000 square feet
• Construction Start: Groundbreaking held March 28, 2024
• Current Status: Construction halted and lease with OSU terminated in 2025
• Replacement Site: Former SSM Health hospital, southwest Oklahoma City, purchased for $18.5 million with $41.5 million allocated for renovation
• Replacement Capacity: Approximately 197 beds, down from the 330 originally promised
• Strategic Impact: Intended to still replace the century old Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman and help meet a court ordered consent decree on competency restoration beds

Project Team

• Client/Owner: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• Original Land Partner: Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City
• Interim ODMHSAS Commissioner: Steve Slavonic
• Former ODMHSAS Commissioner: Allie Friesen
• Funding Contributors: Oklahoma County Commissioners, City of Oklahoma City
• Comparable Project Contractor: Turner Construction Company, steelwork on Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center expansion

Reported 12th September 2023: The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a cutting-edge mental health facility, Donahue Behavioral Health, on the campus of Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC). This new hospital is set to be a game-changer in the realm of mental health care, offering a broad spectrum of innovative services to support individuals during their most vulnerable moments. These services will cater to both adults and children, encompassing referrals to outpatient services as well as the most acute care services available.

Situated on the OSU-OKC campus near the intersection of I-44 and West Reno Avenue in Oklahoma City, the Donahue campus is strategically located for easy access, reflecting the strong support from the local community. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for fostering broader workforce development partnerships and support resources.

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The economic impact of this new Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital is substantial. With an estimated contribution of $447.5 million to the Oklahoma City metro area over the course of five years. This encompasses job creation, tax revenues, savings in emergency room costs, and addressing homelessness. A holistic approach to mental health care and its far-reaching benefits.

Donahue Behavioral Health construction budget

With a budget of $147M and spanning over 200,000 square feet. Donahue Behavioral Health will have the capacity to serve 275 adults and 55 adolescents daily. Furthermore, this expansion marks a significant milestone for ODMHSAS, increasing its operational capacity by an impressive 100 beds. Notably, the facility will feature an Urgent Recovery Center (URC). Designed to enhance immediate accessibility to services for Oklahomans confronting mental health crises.

OSU President Kayse Shrum emphasized the university’s commitment to improving mental health across the state of Oklahoma. The location of this state-of-the-art facility aligns with OSU’s One Health mission. That is aiming to serve the community and address critical needs effectively.

The construction of Donahue Behavioral Health represents a significant step forward in Oklahoma’s visionary approach to mental health treatment and care. It’s worth noting that the project was made possible through funding of $87M from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To secure ARPA funding, Oklahoma Legislature stipulated that the facility must be situated within 30 miles of the state Capitol.

Significantly, when completed, the Donahue Behavioral Health will replace Griffin Memorial Hospital. Thus, symbolizing a shift towards modern and comprehensive mental health care for the people of Oklahoma.