Ohio is proposing to build a new state mental health hospital in suburban Dayton, on the site of the old Hara Arena. <\/p>\n
The former arena closed a decade ago. The site, located in the city of Trotwood, has sat unused since. <\/p>\n
State documents show that the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health plans to ask the state Controlling Board on Monday to release $2.5 million to buy the property at 1001 Shiloh Springs Road. <\/p>\n
Ohio now owns and operates six behavioral health facilities but is chronically short on beds.<\/p>\n
State documents show that the new proposed hospital would add 208 beds to the state’s mental health hospital network. <\/p>\n
On Nov. 4, the city of Trotwood released a statement that said the city recognizes that mental health is a critical public health issue “that affects individuals, families, and the community as a whole” and the city acknowledges the importance of expanding access to care.<\/p>\n