October 26, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas — JPS Health Network today officially broke ground on a new JPS Psychiatric Emergency Center (PEC) to treat patients experiencing mental health crisis. The facility is part of the JPS Bond Package approved by voters to expand and modernize facilities.
Representatives from the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, JPS Board of Managers, and the City of Fort Worth joined JPS executives, healthcare providers, and other team members for a special Groundbreaking Ceremony at the JPS Main Campus.
The new facility will be approximately 80,000 square feet and will increase the number of patient care spaces from 30 to about 90. JPS is building the PEC facility on the southwest side of campus, along Allen Street at South Jennings Avenue. The first component of this project will be the connector building between the new PEC and the current behavioral health hospital, Trinity Springs Pavilion. Plans are to begin construction by the end of the year and the project is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
“With this new Psychiatric Emergency Center, JPS will be able to redefine our point of mental and behavioral health access and support the growing healthcare needs in Tarrant County. Our new facilities will ensure that we will continue to provide high quality healthcare for everyone,” said Dr. Karen Duncan, JPS President and CEO.
The JPS Psychiatric Emergency Center is the only one in Tarrant County and is among the busiest in the United States. It is open 24 hours, providing treatment of adults and teens with severe and emergent psychiatric illness. The PEC is staffed by psychiatrists and other behavioral health experts. The PEC is currently located within the Main Campus, and more space is needed to meet patient needs. In addition, its location on the 10th floor is a challenge for caregivers, family members, and patients to navigate.
About Psychiatry at JPS Health Network:
JPS Health Network is dedicated to providing a full continuum of Behavioral Health Services. JPS is home to Tarrant County’s only Psychiatric Emergency Center for treatment of severe and emergent psychiatric illness. JPS currently provides inpatient care for adults and adolescents, and specialized outpatient services for children through senior citizens at community clinics located across Tarrant County. JPS also offers psychiatric telemedicine, including virtual urgent care and virtual video appointments.
About JPS Health Network:
The Tarrant County Hospital District, known as JPS Health Network, is a tax-supported organization serving the healthcare needs of families in Tarrant County. Home to Tarrant County’s only Level I Trauma Center, JPS provides adult inpatient care at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, and offers comprehensive services including primary care, behavioral health, and pharmacy at more than 25 community locations. JPS is governed by an 11-member Board of Managers, whose members are appointed by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
JPS was named the Best Hospital for America by Washington Monthly magazine and the Lown Institute in 2020, and Outstanding Healthcare System by D CEO Magazine.
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