The Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center (PBBHC) has entered the initial stages of construction, marking progress in the endeavor to enhance mental health services in the Permian Basin. The project, initiated in Oct. 2023, is a collaborative effort between Midland County Hospital District (MCHD) and Ector County Hospital District (ECHD). The two entities jointly established a local government corporation, PBBHC, to own and operate the forthcoming facility.
Construction, encompassing sitework, foundation, and structural steel, began in Oct. 2023 and is currently ongoing. The second phase is set to commence in late April 2024.
MCHD and ECHD appointed members to PBBHC's board, with each district contributing three members to the six-member board. It is anticipated that the districts will provide operational funding to help cover the cost of indigent care once the center opens. Leaders of the two districts are working to complete fundraising throughout the region and are actively involved with the design and development of the new center.
Representatives Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf, along with Senator Kevin Sparks, played a role in securing $126.7 million in state appropriations for the new behavioral health center. The facility aims to serve the entire Permian Basin and address the region's growing need for mental health services.
"PBBHC and our hospital district partners are fully committed to raising the bar for behavioral health in our community, with the intention of establishing equity between our traditional medical care system and behavioral health,” said Board President Russel Meyers to Midland Times. “Working with a wide variety of partners across the region, we believe development of PBBHC will represent a tremendous step in achieving that long-overdue objective."'
As part of a statewide initiative to enhance the availability of behavioral health services, the Texas legislature appropriated over $2 billion during the 2023 legislative session for behavioral health services, including $86.7 million for PBBHC. This funding came with a mandate to expand the design capacity from 100 to 200 beds. Despite this modification, the construction timeline experienced minimal delays.
According to Russel, the community's response has been crucial in supporting the awareness of mental health in the Permian Basin. Funding has reached over $215 million through state appropriations and contributions from local government and philanthropists. The ongoing fundraising efforts target a total budget of $225 million.
A key mission of the design aims to establish a welcoming atmosphere that embraces all residents of the Permian Basin and beyond. Careful consideration went into selecting exterior and interior materials, fostering a sense of familiarity to entice patients, staff, and visitors to actively participate in the available services. The chosen materials and color palette contribute to creating serene spaces in order to provide patients with a haven to seek respite and concentrate on treatment strategies conducive to symptom stabilization and enhanced mental well-being. The center integrates elements like natural light and sensory experiences, along with plans for outdoor spaces to facilitate recreational and active therapeutic activities.
Located near the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on land donated by Diamondback, PBBHC will be a 225,000 sq.ft. facility, with the expected completion date set to the end of 2025.
To learn more about PBBHC, visit their website.