Beckley, WV (AP) -- The state and Appalachian Regional Healthcare are planning a new $47 million psychiatric treatment facility in Beckley.
The Department of Health and Human Resources and ARH said Tuesday they've entered into a nonbinding letter of commitment to build the 100-bed facility.
Under a 30-year agreement, the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities is guaranteed at least 38 beds for behavioral health patients.
Both of the state-run psychiatric hospitals in Weston and Huntington have been persistently overcrowded for several years.
Construction of the new facility at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital is tentatively scheduled for completion in two-and-half years.
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