DHR Health Breaks Ground on New Behavioral Health Facility in Pharr, Texas
PHARR, Texas – In a significant advancement for mental health services in the region, DHR Health has officially commenced construction on a state-of-the-art behavioral health facility. This new endeavor, located at 4800 North Jackson Road, marks a pivotal moment for the City of Pharr and the broader Rio Grande Valley.
A Collaborative Effort
The facility, boasting 161,000 square feet designed to cater to various patient demographics—including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric—will offer 100 inpatient beds and intensive outpatient therapy programs. This ambitious project has been made possible by a generous $85 million grant from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, allocated through the Texas Legislature’s recent appropriations.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President of DHR Health, emphasized the collective effort involved in this monumental initiative. “This day would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners across the region,” she stated, highlighting the crucial backing from the City of Pharr.
Community Impact
City leaders echoed this sentiment. Yuri Gonzalez, the City of Pharr’s News Director, remarked, “This project represents our shared commitment to improving mental health services and building a stronger, more resilient community,” underscoring the facility’s potential to enhance local healthcare offerings.
Contributions from Local Leadership
DHR Health currently operates an 87-bed behavioral hospital in Edinburg. The new facility’s broader scope for mental health treatment is pivotal to the community. Dr. Carlos Cardenas, MD, Chairman of the Board at DHR Health, referred to this moment as “a transformational change in healthcare,” and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare across South Texas.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads. DHR Health has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare in South Texas,” Cardenas added. “This is how great things happen. It’s how transformation occurs.”
Anticipated Benefits
Set to open in summer 2026, this facility signifies the first dedicated hospital in Pharr, aiming to provide essential mental health services to the community. Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, MD, described the new hospital as “a transformative milestone.” He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of DHR Health, the Texas Legislature, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission as crucial to expanding access to quality care.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
The new behavioral health facility not only promises to increase healthcare access but is also expected to create numerous local jobs. Local officials predict it will stimulate the economy while bolstering the region’s healthcare infrastructure. By reducing wait times for inpatient behavioral health care, residents of the Valley will have improved access to critical mental health services.
Looking Towards the Future
In closing, DHR Health CEO Dr. Manish Singh, MD, referred to the project as “a commitment and a future,” expressing appreciation for the support received from various partners. He articulated a vision of health, resilience, and opportunity for all.
Other notable speakers at the groundbreaking included state Senators Juan Hinojosa and Brandon Creighton, as well as several other key figures from the healthcare sector.
For further details about DHR Health and their behavioral health services, visit their official page at DHR Health Behavioral Health or call (956) 362-4357.
With the construction of this new DHR Health Behavioral Hospital, Pharr is set to witness a substantial upgrade in mental health care, benefiting not only its residents but also the broader region for generations to come.
Keywords: City of Pharr, DHR Health, DHR Health Behavioral Hospital, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Dr. Carlos Cardenas, Dr. Manish Singh, Marissa Castañeda, Yuri Gonzalez.
