Griffin Memorial Hospital, located in Norman, Oklahoma, has a rich and complex history that intertwines with the evolution of mental health care in the state. Established in 1890 as High Gate College, a girls’ school, it was repurposed in 1895 by the Oklahoma Sanitarium Company into a mental health institution. In 1915, the State of Oklahoma acquired the facility, renaming it Central State Hospital, and later Griffin Memorial Hospital in 1953 to honor Dr. David Griffin, an early psychiatrist and administrator.
A Self-Sustaining Community
Over the years, Griffin Memorial grew into a self-contained community, encompassing over 30 buildings and three farms. Patients contributed to its operations by working in dairies, laundries, and gardens, while staff and administrators, including physicians, resided on the grounds with their families. The hospital’s Main Street front gate once bore the inscription “Norman Institute for Violently Mentally Insane,” a term later removed by Dr. Griffin in an effort to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Transition and Closure
In recent years, Griffin Memorial’s role in Oklahoma’s mental health system has diminished. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced plans to relocate the facility to Oklahoma City, constructing the Donahue Behavioral Health Center on the Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City campus. This new 330-bed facility aims to serve both adults and adolescents, increasing the state’s mental health treatment capacity by 100 beds and creating approximately 250 jobs.
Future of the Griffin Memorial Site
With the relocation underway, the future of the Griffin Memorial campus remains uncertain. The 240-acre site, situated in the heart of Norman, presents both opportunities and challenges for redevelopment. City officials have expressed interest in acquiring the land, with discussions focusing on potential uses such as a permanent homeless shelter. However, the process is complicated by the need for land surveys, appraisals, and legal considerations before any sale can proceed.
Preserving History Amidst Change
As Griffin Memorial Hospital transitions out of active service, its legacy as a pioneer in mental health care and its role in the community’s history remain significant. The buildings, though abandoned and deteriorating, stand as monuments to a bygone era of institutional care. While the specifics of the site’s future are still being determined, the ongoing discussions reflect a community’s desire to honor its past while planning for a sustainable future.
