Demolition of the former West Hills Hospital began Tuesday, Sept. 16, to clear the site for a new Washoe Behavioral Health Center.

"This is an investment for the future of Washoe County's children and families, and to hopefully make a huge dent in the mental health crisis," Commissioner Clara Andriola said at the groundbreaking.

West Hills Behavioral Health Hospital opened in 1981, standing as the region’s only acute care facility for children .

The hospital closed Dec. 20, 2021 , citing several factors, including " the cost to renovate aging infrastructure ." At the time, Nevada ranked 49th in the nation for access to mental health services .

The new 46,000-square-foot Washoe Behavioral Health Center will replace the West Hills building at 1240 E. Ninth St. It is planned to in

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