New TGH Behavioral Health Hospital Inspires $1.1 Million in Community Contributions

Generous contributions to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation will expand access to world-class behavioral health care services.

Tampa, FL (Feb. 27, 2025) – On the heels of the ribbon-cutting celebrating the new TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Foundation announced $1.1 million in private contributions to support the new hospital and behavioral health services, including a sizable donation from Dick and Francine Dobkin.

“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,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “The immediate outpouring of support from our community for the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital is a testament to the critical importance of this new hospital to our region and the future of our state.”

Longtime TGH supporters Dick and Francine Dobkin contributed $500,000 to support the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital. 

“Mental health is such a major issue in our country, and the need spans generations from kids to military veterans facing PTSD,” said the Dobkins. “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.”

“Dick and Francine Dobkin have shown such vision and dedication to our community and TGH over the years,” said Frann Leppla, executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer. “We’re deeply grateful for this investment in improved mental health.” 

The Foundation also received $600,000 in other donations from anonymous contributors for the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital and the behavioral health service line. 

“I truly appreciate the Dobkins and other generous donors for their investment in mental health services for our community,” said Doug Leonardo, president of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital. “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.” 

Tampa General Hospital (TGH), Lifepoint Health and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine formally celebrated this week the grand opening of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital. Located at 1303 West Kennedy Boulevard in the center of the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD), the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital is Florida’s first and only freestanding academic medical center-affiliated behavioral health hospital. It results from a joint venture between TGH and Lifepoint Behavioral Health, a business unit of Lifepoint Health.