Fentanyl's Deadly Grip on Odessa

Non-profit Basin Lighthouse works to raise awareness of the opioid crisis in the Permian Basin

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:20am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, featuring a glowing neon outline of a human figure against a dark background, conceptually representing the impact of the fentanyl crisis on the Odessa community.The neon outline of a person symbolizes the devastating toll of fentanyl on the Odessa community, as local organizations work to raise awareness and provide support.Odessa Today

Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is becoming increasingly prevalent in Odessa, Texas and the surrounding Permian Basin region. Basin Lighthouse, a local non-profit, is working to educate the community on the dangers of fentanyl and provide support services for those affected by substance abuse.

Why it matters

The fentanyl crisis is having a devastating impact on communities like Odessa, leading to a rise in overdose deaths. Basin Lighthouse's efforts to raise awareness and connect residents with resources are crucial in addressing this public health emergency.

The details

Fentanyl can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, making it an extremely dangerous substance. Basin Lighthouse is partnering with the Odessa Police Department to spread awareness through community meetings and events. The organization has also felt the personal impact of the crisis, with a staff member losing a family member to a fentanyl overdose.

  • Fentanyl has been becoming more common in the Permian Basin region and around the world.

The players

Basin Lighthouse

A non-profit organization that provides substance abuse prevention, intervention, and education services across the Permian Basin region.

Sara Hinshaw

The Program Director at Basin Lighthouse.

Karime Gutierrez

The Public Relations Coordinator at Basin Lighthouse, who lost a family member to a fentanyl overdose.

Odessa Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that partners with Basin Lighthouse to hold community meetings and raise awareness about the fentanyl crisis.

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What they’re saying

“It's affecting our community by the death. Whether you know somebody personally, you probably know somebody who knows somebody who's either died or been affected by it.”

— Sara Hinshaw, Program Director, Basin Lighthouse

“It can smell like anything. I always tell people...you're not going to know the taste of it because by the time you taste it, you're probably on the ground.”

— Karime Gutierrez, Public Relations Coordinator, Basin Lighthouse

What’s next

Basin Lighthouse plans to continue partnering with the Odessa Police Department to hold community meetings and events aimed at educating residents about the dangers of fentanyl and connecting those struggling with substance abuse to resources and support services.

The takeaway

The fentanyl crisis has had a devastating impact on Odessa and the surrounding Permian Basin region, with Basin Lighthouse playing a crucial role in raising awareness and providing vital services to those affected. Their efforts to work closely with local law enforcement and share personal stories highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this public health emergency.