From Crisis to Construction: Pearland’s Plan for Mental Health Access

When a local teenager in crisis was forced to remain in a hospital for nearly two weeks because no psychiatric bed was available anywhere in the region, it sparked a turning point for the Pearland Chamber of Commerce (Texas).

“We realized Brazoria County had zero inpatient psychiatric beds and was designated a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area,” said Jim Johnson, CCE, IOM, president & CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce. “With suicide rates rising, opioid deaths increasing and mental health providers in short supply, we knew we had to act.”

What began as one alarming story quickly evolved into a county-wide movement to improve access to mental health care led, in large part, by the chamber and its partners.

From Discovery to Action

The chamber’s initial conversations with hospitals, law enforcement, schools and mental health providers confirmed the scope of the crisis. In early 2023, they launched a closed Healthcare Industry Committee composed of key stakeholders from the school districts, colleges, law enforcement, counselors and hospital executives who focused solely on mental health solutions.

An internal report laid the foundation for advocacy efforts. But a more detailed needs assessment was still necessary to secure major funding.

The chamber commissioned Capital Link to conduct the study. Funded by $50,000 of chamber reserves and community donations, the study quantified the urgent need and outlined the size, scope and operational requirements for a mental health facility in Brazoria County.

Legislative Wins & Next Steps

Armed with concrete data and the support of more than 60 organizations, chamber leaders made their case in Austin, Texas. They met with legislators multiple times pushing for significant state investment.

Their efforts paid off. In late 2024, the State of Texas allocated $5 million to expand crisis stabilization services and facilities in Brazoria County. While far short of the initial $130 million request, the funding provides for:

• Site selection and facility design for a future mental health hospital, including an adolescent unit.
• Expansion of community-based and school-based mental health services.
• Temporary “purchased” beds (ten) in surrounding counties to alleviate immediate needs.
• Additional research on operational sustainability, so the facility won’t rely solely on state funds long term.

“This is just the beginning,” said Johnson. “Our legislative agenda calls for a comprehensive approach securing construction funds, expanding existing services and building the workforce pipeline for mental health professionals.”

Connecting the Community

Beyond legislative advocacy, the chamber launched Pearland Cares, an online hub for mental health resources, service providers and crisis support. The site is complemented by printed flyers placed in employee breakrooms and public spaces throughout the community.

By making resources more accessible, the chamber hopes to reduce strain on service providers while ensuring residents know where to turn for help.

A Timeline of Impact

•  2012: The chamber forms a healthcare committee to address Affordable Care Act changes, hosting events and discussions.
• Late 2022: A business visit reveals a teen in crisis waiting nearly two weeks for a mental health bed; Chamber identifies severe service gaps.
• Early 2023: Closed Healthcare Industry Committee forms, focused on mental health solutions.
• Early 2024: Strengthening Pearland’s Mental Health Framework published.
• Summer 2024:  Capital Link study completed, providing critical data on facility size, needs, and feasibility.
• Fall 2024: Over 60 organizations sign on in support; chamber leaders present findings to legislators and local governments.
• December 2024: State allocates $5 million for crisis stabilization services and planning.

2025 and beyond:  Focus shifts to site selection, design and securing full construction funding during the next legislative session.

Collaboration at Its Core

The Pearland Chamber credits its success to a coalition of hospital CEOs, mental health experts, educators and law enforcement leaders.

“I tell folks all the time, I’m just the middleman,” said Johnson. “The people at the table are the ones who know their stuff. We just help bring them together and keep the momentum going.”

Pearland’s story is proof that chambers of commerce can play a transformative role in tackling community health crises. Serving not just as advocates, but as unifiers and catalysts for change.