BIG BEND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (BBRMC) is a 40-bed community hospital dedicated to the residents of Alpine and surrounding counties. Big Bend Regional is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO). Located in the Big Bend country of far west Texas, the hospital is the sole provider for a geographic area of 12,000 square miles and 20,000 residents, as well as over one million tourists who come to the area national and state parks annually. The emergency room offers Trauma Level IV services on a full time basis. Big Bend Regional is also an American Heart Association "Get with the Guidelines" recognized facility with a Level 4 Trauma Emergency Department. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency care, medical/surgical rooms, OB care, pharmacy, laboratory, surgical and home health services. Big Bend Regional is also a hub of the community, providing meeting areas for several local service clubs.
A significant population of federal employees relies on the hospital for emergency and acute care services. The hospital also provides student health services for Sul Ross State University.
THE COMMUNITY & ACTIVITIES
Alpine is a growing community of about 8,000 with pristine air, a surprisingly moderate climate, a cost of living 25% below the national average, and a crime rate one third the national average. The town is especially attractive for young couples raising children or for those looking for a safe retirement area. Education offerings range from preschool through Masters programs.
Like an oasis in the desert, Alpine sits in a valley in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas. Located just minutes away from picturesque Maria and historic Fort Davis, Alpine is known as the heart of the Big Bend. You can experience the beautiful ruggedness of Big Bend National Park, splash down the Rio Grande, peer into space at McDonald Observatory or just enjoy the mild climate. One thing is certain - you will find a year-round variety of plays, concerts, activities, festivals and celebrations to choose from.
THE CLIMATE
The sun shines 73% of the daylight hours in the Big Bend area. Temperatures average 63 degrees for the year. The average minimum is 50°; average high, 75.7°; and the average high during the hottest month (June) is only 90 degrees! Alpine’s climate is—literally—a breath of fresh air!
RECREATION
Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountain State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, McDonald Observatory, and Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute are but a few of the many beautiful places you can spend time visiting, hiking, camping or star gazing. River rafting and fishing are also seasonal activities on the Rio Grande between Presidio and Big Bend National Park. A variety of sports programs for all ages are available, as well as many special interest clubs including a community band.
EDUCATION
A Montessori school, public education and home schooling are all available to residents. The Alpine High School has a program for dual credit for students who want to take classes for college and high school credit their senior year. Distance education provides the same opportunity to students 60 miles away in Presidio.
Beautiful and fast growing Sul Ross State University has provided higher education in the region for almost 100 years. Its attractive, clean campus houses traditional studies, weekend graduate programs and summer classes in a variety of fields. Masters degrees are available for study in 14 areas at Sul Ross. The university provides the area with unique access to academic, cultural and entertainment opportunities. An excellent working relationship exists between the university and the hospital, which serves as the clinical experience site for the Sul Ross Vocational Education Program. The hospital provides student health services for university students.