In the wake of the grand opening of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Foundation proudly announced the receipt of $1.1 million in private donations to support its behavioral health services. This significant contribution includes a $500,000 donation from longtime supporters Dick and Francine Dobkin, highlighting the crucial role this new facility plays in the community and in advancing mental health care.
Community Support for Behavioral Health Care Expansion
The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, a newly opened state-of-the-art facility, is poised to meet the growing demand for behavioral health services in the region. John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, emphasized, “With this new, world-class destination for patients needing behavioral health services, we’re working to meet the increased demand for care while strengthening the pipeline of talent needed to fulfill future demand.” The community’s swift and substantial support reflects the pressing need for high-quality mental health care and the essential role this hospital will play in fulfilling it.
Visionary Donation from Dick and Francine Dobkin
The Dobkins, who have long been dedicated supporters of TGH, expressed their commitment to the cause, stating, “Mental health is such a major issue in our country, and the need spans generations—from kids to military veterans facing PTSD.” Their generous $500,000 donation is part of a larger movement within the community to support behavioral health services. Their words resonate with the hospital’s mission: “We are so excited that TGH, USF, and Lifepoint have opened the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital to help meet this critical need in our community.”
A Testament to Community Commitment
Frann Leppla, executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer, praised the Dobkins for their foresight, saying, “Dick and Francine Dobkin have shown such vision and dedication to our community and TGH over the years. We’re deeply grateful for this investment in improved mental health.” In addition to the Dobkins’ donation, the Foundation also received an additional $600,000 from anonymous donors, bringing the total to $1.1 million in support of the new hospital and its mental health initiatives.
A New Era for Behavioral Health Care in Florida
The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital is Florida’s first freestanding academic medical center-affiliated behavioral health facility and was created through a partnership between TGH, Lifepoint Health, and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. Located in the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD), the hospital is strategically placed to serve the growing demand for mental health care in the area.
Doug Leonardo, president of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support, stating, “I truly appreciate the Dobkins and other generous donors for their investment in mental health services for our community. With a state-of-the-art facility, best-in-class providers, and this overwhelming support from the community, we are ready to deliver the behavioral health care this region needs and deserves.”
A Collaborative Effort to Address Mental Health Needs
This new facility is part of a joint venture between TGH and Lifepoint Behavioral Health, a business unit of Lifepoint Health. The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital will provide comprehensive care for those struggling with mental health conditions, offering a range of services to address the varying needs of the community.
The significant support for this new hospital marks a turning point in the region’s approach to mental health care, signaling a future where resources, facilities, and programs are in place to provide high-quality care to those in need.
