Shot in the Dark clients thankful for easy access

NOTE: Photography and video options were limited due to the sensitive nature of the topic and no access to photo/video waiver forms.

MESA — Shot in the Dark may not operate legally according to state law, but as one of six syringe access programs in Arizona, they continue to help prevent opioid overdoses.

A report released by the state in June 2017 said that 790 Arizonans had died from an opioid overdose in 2016, a 16 percent increase from 2015 and a 74 percent from 2013. Four days later, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared the opioid crisis a statewide health emergency.

The state has taken many steps to try and curb the epidemic, but Shot in the Dark and other syringe access programs remain illegal, even though SITD has helped save countless lives by administering an opioid overdose reversal drug, naloxone. Giving needles to drug users is considered a felony, according to Arizona law.

Over 12,400 naloxone does have been dispensed and over 4,700 have been administered, since the Arizona Department of Health Services started tracking data in real time.

FIND THE REST OF THE SERIES

Part One: Conversation with a volunteer from Shot in the Dark

Part Three: What you need to know about the latest data

Many of the naloxone doses tracked by the data are distributed by Shot in the Dark volunteers at sites around the East Valley.

One of those sites is at Alma School Road in Mesa, which holds its event on Tuesday nights. Three or four volunteers were distributing clean syringes to people that drive by or ride their bike. Each person that comes is allowed to get two packs of 10 syringes for a total of 20 and are encouraged but not required to take a bag of naloxone.

The volunteers also encourage people to carry the naloxone on their person or make it easily accessible at home, just in case they or someone they know overdoses. Each bottle of naloxone comes with two needles and detailed instructions on how to administer the drug.

“I think they are doing a great thing because they are keeping everybody clean and keep diseases down.” — Ricardo Jose Ortiz, Shot in the Dark client

While most clients normally want to get what they need and get out to avoid being seen by police cars, Ricardo Jose Ortiz and other clients are grateful for the service the organization provides.

‘Keeping Everybody Clean’

“Before Shot in the Dark, it was hard to find syringes,” Ortiz said. “I think they are doing a great thing because they are keeping everybody clean and keep diseases down. I have saved a couple of people’s lives.”

Ortiz found Shot in the Dark from a friend in Phoenix. He started to go to Phoenix locations but he moved to Mesa and now goes to the location on Alma School Road every Tuesday night.

Before he found Shot in the Dark, Ortiz said it was hit or miss to find clean needles. He would go to a place where some people would sell them to him and others would not.

Now he has a place he can go to once a week.

“It is not so stressful to find clean needles,” Ortiz said.

More Accessible and Affordable

Rob and Kristine, both of whom wanted to leave their last name out of the story, also go to the location in Mesa.

Both of them emphasized easier access.

Rob said he was referred by a friend six months ago and also pointed Shot in the Dark’s easy access.

“I did not have to keep reusing the same needle over and over,” he said. “Typically, I would reuse a needle 10 to 15 times by putting rubbing alcohol on it.”

Kristine previously bought needles online, but one day a friend asked her why. She said she did not know where else to get them, and that is when he told her about Shot in the Dark.

“It has saved me money,” she said. “I never shared needles to begin with, but at least I have somewhere to go get them that is easy and accessible. Now, I don’t have to wait for them to come in the mail.”

For the people that have criticized programs like Shot in the Dark for only encouraging drug use by not requiring an exchange of old needles for new ones,Rob said people will find needles either way.

“Addicts are going to get needles regardless, they are going to find drugs even if Shot in the Dark is here. This just keeps it safe and keeps addicts using safely.”