Washington Breaks Ground on the Construction of the New Forensic Center of Excellence

Oct 17, 2024 - On Thursday morning, state leaders gathered in Lakewood to break ground on a new hospital to be built on the Western State Hospital campus. The hospital will be a secure facility with 350 beds to serve forensic patients (those accused of a crime and ordered by a court to receive treatment before trial). While Washington state is advancing a new system of behavioral health care, Inslee and state leaders are quick to reiterate the need for continued investments in the facilities and workforce necessary to provide the specific care people need when and where they need it.