Behavioral Health Patients Move to New OKC Campus as VA Begins Facility Upgrades
Oklahoma City, OK – March 9, 2026 – State officials begin moving behavioral health patients to a new OKC campus as the VA launches major facility upgrades.
State mental health officials have begun transferring patients to a newly renovated behavioral health facility in southwest Oklahoma City, marking a significant step in a broader plan to reshape inpatient psychiatric care in the metro area.
Patients Transition to OKC Behavioral Health Campus Annex
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is moving patients from Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman to the Oklahoma City Behavioral Health Campus Annex, located at 2129 SW 59th St. The first phase of renovations at the Annex has been completed, allowing the facility to accept patients.
The Annex is expected to provide 32 inpatient beds. Officials have said the renovations included technology upgrades and cost approximately $1.3 million. The site is part of a larger, multi-phase effort funded in part through the American Rescue Plan Act, with long-term plans to replace inpatient services currently provided at Griffin Memorial.
Officials emphasized that the Annex is not open for public walk-ins and will not directly admit patients until the full campus project is completed.
VA Oklahoma City Begins Infrastructure Improvements
At the same time, the VA Oklahoma City Health Care System has launched a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at supporting safe and effective patient care. The improvements are part of a nationwide Veterans Health Administration modernization effort funded through the Non-Recurring Maintenance program.
Local projects for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 include converting a respiratory unit into a step-down unit as part of a phased approach, renovating a canteen kitchen, recapitalizing key infrastructure systems, and performing exterior waterproofing and repairs.
VA officials said the upgrades are designed to improve facility reliability and enhance the care environment for veterans who rely on the Oklahoma City system.
What Residents Should Know
The new Behavioral Health Campus Annex is focused on inpatient transfers and is not currently accepting direct admissions. Individuals seeking mental health or substance use services should continue using established referral pathways or emergency services when appropriate.
Veterans receiving care through the VA Oklahoma City system may see construction activity as projects move forward, but services are expected to continue during upgrades.
“If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.”
