When Bryce Hospital originally opened in 1861, it was a major advance in the care of the mentally ill in Alabama.

In more than a century since, its long history has seen both successes and tragedies as the understanding of mental illness has evolved.

In the late 60s, 5500 patients were hospitalized at Bryce. By 1992, advances in treatment, medications and a move to community-based care had reduced that number to 1250. Now, 268 patients are being treated there.

Jim Reddoch, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, also has a  history with the hospital, having served as director for eight years at Bryce and nine years at the Taylor Hardin Secure Facility before being appointed commissioner. Reddoch says he is looking forward to the opening of the new Bryce Hospital later this year.

    “We brought in a designer who specializes in psychiatric hospitals and designed the new facility around patient recovery,” Reddoch said. “We have an area we’re calling the recovery mall, with a canteen, chapel, beauty salon, barber shop and other facilities that will give patients the opportunity to experience everyday activities.”

 The 270,000-square-foot facility is located in Tuscaloosa on the old Partlow campus. With 268 beds, it will serve patients from throughout the state.

“The focus will be on providing treatment for patients who have more severe illnesses that require more complex treatment or a longer stay than patients who go to community-based facilities,” Reddoch said.

The Bryce legacy continues as proceeds from the sale of the old hospital are being reinvested to cover construction costs of approximately $75 million to build the new hospital to care for new generations of patients.