The Beacon
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Why Here. Why Now. Why Us.

The Permian Basin is one of the most essential energy-producing regions in the world—yet it faces some of the most pressing public health and infrastructure gaps in the country. Spanning 86,000 square miles, the region is home to over 700,000 people, many of whom live more than an hour from the nearest hospital. In counties like Crane, over 50% of residents live with obesity, 62% have high blood pressure, and one in five had no healthcare visits in the past year.

Despite its economic output, the region ranks at the bottom nationally for healthcare investment and access. Each year, more than 8,000 new cancer diagnoses occur within driving distance of The Beacon site—yet 41% of cancer-related outpatient services happen outside the region. Outmigration, workforce shortages, and chronic conditions are compounding, systemic issues.
 
The Beacon was created in response to these realities—not simply as a development, but as a movement. A commitment to care. A blueprint for generational change.
 
And when you walk into The Beacon grounds, you’ll feel it. The spirit of West Texas. The vastness. The grit. The potential. The Permian isn’t just the heart of American energy–it’s the gateway to deeper West Texas, where the need is great and the opportunity even greater.

Advancing healthcare access and quality to serve the people of West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico, focused on improving the health of rural communities and helping secure the Permian Basin’s unique and essential role as energy capital of the United States.

Establishment of the Permian Basin as the most attractive career and life destination for the people who drive the nation’s energy industry.

    Our Focus Areas

    The Beacon’s work is guided by six focus areas:

    Access to Care

    Bringing essential health services, especially specialty care, closer to home for rural and underserved communities.

    Health Outcomes & Disparities

    Using data-informed strategies to improve chronic disease outcomes and address 
equity gaps.

    Outmigration Prevention

    Reducing the need for patients to leave the region for cancer treatment, pediatrics, behavioral health, and advanced diagnostics.

    Recruitment & Retention

    Building a sustainable clinical workforce by partnering with TTUHSC, UTPB, and others 
to train and retain local talent.

    Rural Health Outreach

    Delivering low-cost, life-saving, scalable 
health interventions to remote areas through telemedicine, survey-based data, and 
targeted tools.

    Health Infrastructure Investment

    Developing nearly 800 acres of roads, hospitals, housing, and educational facilities, all designed to enable long-term regional growth.

    A Timeline of Progress

    The Beacon was imagined as a multi-decade master development, but its impact is already underway.

    Explore Future Phases
    • 2020
      Initial healthcare needs assessment
    • 2022
      Legal formation of PBMC and land transfers initiated
    • 2023
      Infrastructure design and arterial road planning launched
    • 2024
      Construction begins on the 200-bed Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
    • 2025
      EMS, rural outreach, and health workforce initiatives expand; first roads under construction
    • 2026
      PBBHC opens; Phase 2 development begins

      Explore The Beacon Network

      Meet the coalition of visionaries driving this effort.

      Leadership
      Regional and national leaders shaping 
our strategy.
      Member Institutions
      Academic, health and philanthropic partners at the heart of our work.
      The Beacon Alliance
      Our regional coalition advancing EMS, rural outreach, and behavioral health.
      The Beacon
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      UTPB Center for Energy and Economic Diversification | The Beacon
      North 1310 FM1788
      Midland, Texas 79707

      T 432.552.2446

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