Center dedicated to House Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp

Yesterday, UW Medicine dedicated the Center for Behavioral Health and Learning at UW Medical Center – Northwest to Washington State House Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp. The dedication honored his three decades of legislative leadership, which helped shape the state's behavioral health system. 

Speakers included Governor Bob Ferguson, Dr. Jürgen Unützer, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Chop’s wife Nancy Long, former Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, state Sen. Jamie Pedersen and state Rep. Nicole Macri. UW President Emerita Ana Mari Cauce opened the event. The program concluded with the unveiling of a dedication plaque and exterior signage honoring Chopp’s contribution to the Center.   

Chopp, a UW alumnus, served 30 years in the Washington State Legislature, including 20 years as House Speaker — the longest speakership in state history. He championed access to higher education, affordable housing and behavioral healthcare. He passed away at age 71 on March 22, 2025, in Seattle. 

Chopp’s sister lived with rapidly cycling bipolar disorder and was admitted to psychiatric units multiple times over her life. During the center’s opening ceremony in May 2024, Chopp said, “Thanks to the UW Medical Center, Medicare, the disability insurance she had as a public-school teacher, and a loving husband and extended family, my sister overcame many trying times.”  

Those experiences were the impetus for his decades-long push to expand access to psychiatric care, reduce stigma and ensure that Washingtonians in crisis could find treatment regardless of their ability to pay. 

“There is no family that hasn’t been affected by a brain health, mental health or an addiction problem at some point in their lives,” said Unützer. “Chopp’s longstanding support for mental health treatment has helped many more patients and their families get the help they need.” 

The dedication of the center to Chopp will help carry his legacy forward. “When people learn about Frank, they’ll be inspired by his service and want to emulate his service,” said Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson. 

The six-story center houses 150 beds. It is also home to a training and workforce development program to prepare the next generation of behavioral health professionals. 

Nancy Long, Chopp's wife, reflected on the center’s impact. “What is happening in this place is extraordinary. This center not only reflects advancements in treatment but also a commitment to dignity and to designing spaces that heal. The programmatic approaches that are being created here will have ripple effects throughout our nation,” said Long. 

Washington State Senator Jamie Pederson echoed Long’s sentiments: “This place is not only about helping the patients who are here, it is about training an entire cohort of people who are going to go out into the world and help people who are facing challenges with mental health or substance use disorder.” 

 View a recording of the ceremony on YouTube.

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