TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — You wouldn’t know by their smiles in their family photo. But the Harris family has been through a lot after a traumatic and unexpected life-changing event that they are now very open about.

Tom Harris, Jordon E Harris Foundation co-founder, said, “Some people are very, very quiet about their particular experience.”

“In March of 2012, our family was thrust deeply into the world of mental health here in Tarrant County. My oldest daughter died by suicide,” he recalled.

The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation has been created to honor her life and allow us to continue her lifelong passion for helping those in need by focusing on research and awareness related to depression and suicide.

The Harris family is not alone in their grief and battling the stigma that comes with suicide cases. Tarrant County recorded 13.7 suicides per 100,000 residents in 2024—slightly below the U.S. average of 14.1, but still among the highest rates in Texas.

Tom Harris served as one of the speakers at the JPS Psychiatric Emergency Center open house and ribbon-cutting. 

The new 80,000-square-foot facility enhances patient care with a fast-track triage area and observation units on the first floor, providing round-the-clock care for adults and adolescents in psychiatric crises. Attendees also heard from JPS officials, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare from Commissioners’ Court, and District 9 Fort Worth City Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck. 

The first-of-its-kind facility in Tarrant County and all of Texas also got the attention of TV personality and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw.

“If you talk to the staff that’s here, they’re all really uplifting and focused, and it really is a message of hope. It’s such an important step forward,” said Dr. Phil, “This is a facility that says, we’re going to regard you with dignity and respect, not in a dark hallway where we’re going to put you down, out of the way. This is the center stage of cutting-edge care. When a patient checks in somewhere like this, it sends a message that you matter, and we’re going to bring all of the resources that we have to help get you back to full functionality and get you back to your life.”

JPS President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Karen Duncan has been waiting for this day after county officials directed funds to building the facility several years ago. She believes the center will be a game-changer for Tarrant County and eventually other communities that face the same issues when it comes to mental health crises.

“Continue to be the voice of the patient, to be the voice of those who are in crisis, and to create the safe space for their patients to be cared for,” Dr. Duncan said.

Despite the ongoing battle against the stigma surrounding mental health, Tom Harris said, “I think she’d be pretty darn proud of our entire family.”

He encouraged others with family members experiencing a mental health crisis to get help.