NASHVILLE -- Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that the State of Tennessee will construct a new $56 million facility to replace the aging Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) will build the new facility on existing property owned by the institute in Bolivar, which has served 21 counties in West Tennessee since 1889.
Governor Bredesen, joined by Lt. Governor John Wilder, Representative Johnny Shaw and TDMHDD Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts, announced the project this morning in a ceremony on the institute's front lawn.
"With this new facility, we are not only investing in quality health care for West Tennessee, we are investing in this community and its people," said Bredesen. "This represents one of the largest health care capital investments we will make as a state and I think this is fitting given the 115 years of community support for this important institution. I applaud the work of Lt. Governor Wilder and Representative Shaw, who represent this district, Bolivar, Hardeman County, and appreciate your efforts to work closely with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities to bring this project to fruition."
Western served 2,438 patients in Fiscal Year 2004. Its average daily census is 260. WMHI has 650 staff and a $35 million budget. From the day its doors opened to present, WMHI has been the largest employer in Hardeman County.
Mental health delivery has changed dramatically over the years and the institute's name reflects the progression of advancements. Upon completion of construction in 1889 it was Western Hospital for the Insane, later changed to Western State Psychiatric Hospital and then to Western Mental Health Institute.
From its original one building, presently used as the administration building, WMHI grew to at one point, 1,140 acres with seven buildings housing patients. Its census on June 30, 1950 was 2,330 patients, compared to the average of 260 today.
"This is a time to acknowledge and recognize the history of the present Western and celebrate the future new home," said Commissioner Betts. "There are over 100 years of caring and assistance that has taken place on these grounds. Our friendship with Bolivar and Hardeman County is as strong and significant as ever. Western will continue to provide treatment and rehabilitation with the goal for persons with mental illness to receive care near their own communities within settings whose goals are quality services based on individual needs and choices."