Groundbreaking

Fulton’s current 164-year-old state mental hospital is finally receiving the attention it so desperately needs. On Wednesday, May 27, I was proud to participate in the groundbreaking of Fulton’s new $211 million mental health facility. The renovation of the Fulton State Hospital is a project I feel will drastically impact the lives of Missouri’s mentally ill, the safety of the employees at the hospital and will potentially bring more than 2,500 jobs to the area.

For years, Fulton’s current facility has been referred to as rundown, outdated, and deemed unfit to treat Missouri’s mentally ill despite its numerous modifications and updates. Known for being the oldest mental health facility west of the Mississippi, it was originally constructed in 1851, last renovated in the 1930s. The 19th century hospital is just not able to accommodate to the ever-changing world of medicine and treatment. In fact, it was originally designed for those who needed time away from the chaotic world around them after Missouri’s then-governor committed suicide.

This facility treats far more than those overwhelmed with life today, and it is crucial that we provide a facility that has the ability to treat every aspect of Missouri’s mentally ill. 

Every design incorporated in the new facility is included in order to provide the best treatments for its patients. This includes shorter hallways, higher ceilings, better use of natural light, individual bedrooms, increased treatment space and additional room for vocational and recreational therapy.

Although the patients’ well-being is a top priority, the design of the hospital also considers the safety of the 950 employees that interact with patients daily. Of them 508 employees work in Biggs, which houses the most dangerous patients. Employees have told me safety has been and continues to be an issue within the facility. A new facility will not fix everything for those dealing with dangerous and unpredictable patients daily, but it is a step in the right direction.

The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on the energy control center and services building, which contains the power plant, dietary services, warehouse and emergency command center. This construction is set to be completed a year from now. However, the entire project is looking at a completion date of December 2017, with patients entering for treatment in the new facility beginning Spring 2018.

I was honored to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony. I am proud of the efforts for all involved in recognizing and ensuring Missouri’s mentally ill receive the treatment they desperately need.