by Nicole Bradford
Citing a drastic need and few resources, the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pearland, and local districts are advocating for a mental health crisis facility in Brazoria County.
“Right now, Brazoria County has zero psychiatric beds,” Pearland Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jim Johnson said, summarizing a recently completed comprehensive report comparing growing needs with inadequate resources.
A center specializing in mental health has been a topic of conversation at the chamber since 2022, Johnson said.
“Over the last 19 months, the chamber has worked with our hospitals, our education partners, law enforcement, colleges and businesses to better understand the impact this is having on our community.”
Pearland City Council on Oct. 28 unanimously voted to join Alvin ISD, Pearland ISD, Alvin Community College, area hospitals, and others in adopting a resolution in support of an inpatient crisis center in Brazoria County to be forwarded to lawmakers in Austin.
The hope, Johnson said, is that the next legislative session will result in funding for a 115-bed facility serving Brazoria County with a dedicated unit for adolescents.
“That money, we are hoping, will come through the state of Texas, and we will work with public and private partners to see this operating and serving our needs,” he said.
