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El Paso City Council Pushes for State Support for New Behavioral Health Center

KVIA•Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:39 PM•Nina Gallegos

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AI Summary

The El Paso City Council has unanimously voted to advocate for ongoing state funding for the Emergence Health Network's new Behavioral East Campus, aimed at providing crucial crisis behavioral health care for both youth and adults. This facility will be the first in the city to offer dedicated beds for children, with a total of 16 diversion adult chairs, 16 extended observation beds, 16 residential crisis beds, and 8 beds specifically for kids. With nearly $50 million already secured from the state legislature for construction, the council emphasizes the need for sustainable funding to cover operational costs and staffing, ensuring the center's long-term viability. This initiative is particularly important for the Far East El Paso area, which has been lacking direct access to such services.

Key Details: • City Council passed the advocacy item unanimously during the meeting. • The Behavioral East Campus will include 8 beds specifically for children, marking a significant addition to local mental health resources. • EHN seeks sustainable funding to support operational costs and staffing for the facility. • The facility will provide a dedicated space for crisis intervention, reducing reliance on emergency rooms and jails.

city-council community mental-health emergency-services behavioral-health

People & Organizations

El PasoCity CouncilFar East El PasoEmergence Health NetworkIvan NiñoCrystal Davis

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