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Half a decade ago, Midland County confronted a harsh reality: its jail had reached maximum capacity.
The swelling occurred partially due to a rise in incarcerated individuals requiring mental health evaluations. Moreover, the closest behavioral center capable of conducting these evaluations was already operating at full capacity.
“The incarcerated individuals in need are essentially being stored like goods in a warehouse,” stated Laura Nodolf, the district attorney for Midland County.
The prevalence of overcrowded jails and hospitals filled with residents in need of mental health assistance has increased not only in the Permian Basin but also across the entire state.
A $25 billion investment and state plan has not been enough to keep up with the state’s booming population and their mental health needs. An estimated one in five Texans lives with a mental health disorder.
The state ranked last when it comes to access to mental health services, according to Mental Health America, a nonprofit advocacy group. And nearly every one of Texas’ 254 counties has a shortage of mental health care workers, according to the federal government.
Nodolf, along with other local officials in the Permian Basin, are anticipating the arrival of a new 200-bed hospital. This much-needed facility is expected to not only relieve the strain on the local jail but also cater to the increasing demand for mental health services in the rapidly growing region.
In 2025, the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center is scheduled to open under the joint management of two neighboring hospitals. This facility will cater to both teenagers and adults, providing comprehensive treatment options for various durations. Additionally, the center will conduct court-ordered competency evaluations for inmates awaiting trial, while also extending counseling services to families whose loved ones are undergoing treatment at the facility.
The behavioral center, which required an investment of $240 million to establish, is expected to prioritize mental health services for the residents of the region, according to health care leaders.
Russell Tippin, CEO of the Medical Center Health System, emphasized that many overlook the fact that the Permian Basin is home to a thriving population. He highlighted that the common perception of the region solely focused on oil and gas extraction fails to acknowledge the diverse community and the extensive efforts required to sustain its operations.
Over the years, the population within this 22-county stretch has consistently increased.
According to census data, the population center of the basin, which includes Midland and Ector counties, has a combined total of 333,000 residents. Interestingly, this figure is roughly equivalent to the population of Arlington, which is the seventh most populous city in the state.
With the increasing population in the region, local facilities have become overwhelmed.
Chris Barnhill, CEO of PermiaCare, a local behavioral clinic, stated that due to immense pressure, existing mental health care facilities are prioritizing emergency situations over preventive care.
According to Barnhill, their clinic, which is one of the few in the area, has shifted its focus towards preventing emergencies in order to minimize the need for hospital treatment. In situations where a case becomes a medical emergency, Barnhill mentioned that patients often have to endure journeys of up to five hours to reach the nearest hospital.
According to Barnhill, “I believe that [a new facility] will greatly enhance the quality of all our lives.”
Lawmakers demanded increased investment this summer as a response to the escalating issue.
A total of $2.26 billion was allocated by the legislature to provide financial assistance to state hospitals and behavioral health centers. This funding was aimed at supporting a range of infrastructure projects, such as expansions and the construction of new facilities. Notably, an Amarillo hospital was granted $159 million to establish additional beds, while a long-term care facility in Lubbock received $121 million. Additionally, the Permian Basin was awarded $86.7 million for the development of a new facility.
Andy Keller, CEO of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, stated that it will require several years to perfect and effectively execute these endeavors. Keller emphasized that providing funding to local healthcare leaders is the most optimal utilization of state resources.
As funds from the state gradually flow into the Permian Basin, various organizations have taken up the task of addressing remaining deficiencies.
A collaborative effort was made by leaders in education, health care, and energy to establish a supportive plan for the behavioral health center. As an illustration, the University of Texas Permian Basin is currently providing scholarships for students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology, social work, counseling, and school counseling.
The Permian Strategic Partnership, comprising of various energy companies, generously contributed $10 million in grants to establish the program. Additionally, Diamondback Energy, an oil and gas company based in Midland, generously donated 50 acres of land for the construction of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center.
“The emergence of significant, unparalleled investments is becoming apparent,” declared UTPB’s president, Sara Woodley. “We are currently experiencing a series of successes. This is the path to achieving our goals.”