About Us
Shot in the Dark is run entirely by dozens of volunteers. Meet our core members.
Nick Jensen
Shot in the Dark is run entirely by dozens of volunteers. Meet our core members.
Volunteer Coordinator
Inventory Coordinator
Community Partnership Liason
Fundraising Coordinator
Sunday West Side Lead
West Side Delivery Lead
East Side Delivery Lead
Media Coordinator
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
I started volunteering for Shot in the Dark in September 2019.
Why do you care about harm reduction?
I see each person we help as a version of my younger brother, who died of a heroin fentanyl overdose in July 2013. Every person we help deserves respect and love, without judgment.
How did you come to this work?
I’d been referring people to the program for about a year, and then took over for my friend Sarah as media coordinator when I was able to. SitD is such a crucial program, I wanted to help keep it up and running. The sheer manpower of this whole program and of the people behind the scenes who give it life is astounding.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
I see Shot in the Dark as an anchor for our Phoenix/East Valley communities; I see SitD providing a voice for people who otherwise don’t have one in our local governments and lawmaking; I see SitD providing radical empathy to those who need it most, and saving thousands of lives over time.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
‘Last Hope’ by Paramore, I could sing it in my sleep.
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
May 2016
Why do you care about harm reduction?
I care about harm reduction because I believe that everyone has a right to access non-judgmental healthcare that is suited to their individual needs and on their own terms.
How did you come to this work?
While I was in college, I did a project on the stigma surrounding people who use drugs, which led me to speaking with members of SitD and eventually joining as a volunteer.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
In the future of SitD I hope to see us continue to develop our programs and services in directions determined by participants. I hope that we can have physical locations in buildings with air conditioning where folks can access healthcare and other resources in a comfortable environment.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
The theme song to Gilmore Girls
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
I’ve been volunteering with Shot in The Dark since 2016.
Why do you care about harm reduction?
I care about harm reduction because I believe that nobody, regardless of life circumstances or choices, should be subjected to unreasonable, avoidable consequences
How did you come to this work?
-I was introduced to this field of work by friends I made in substance use recovery.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
I see a future where Shot in the Dark is better integrated into the communities in need and partnering with innovative and effective community resources.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
I know every word to Early Summer by Ryo Fukui.
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
June of 2016
Why do you care about harm reduction?
I care about harm reduction because quality healthcare for people who use drugs is necessary for the health of the whole community.
How did you come to this work?
I am a former IV drug user and I wanted to help where I could.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
SITD will continue to be a volunteer and peer operated project, and we plan to develop our services while engaging more of the community at large.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
International Players Anthem by UGK feat OutKast
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
November, 2016
How did you come to this work?
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I moved to Mesa, Arizona in 2011. In November of 2016 I heard about a “needle exchange” program called Shot in the Dark. I tracked down one of the volunteers and asked if I could help out too. At the time I had no idea what harm reduction was, had just gotten sober and just wanted to stay connected to people who used drugs. Since I joined Shot in the Dark I’ve been afforded the luxury to learn about harm reduction and a myriad of other concepts from some amazing people in Arizona. My role has changed from packing naloxone kits, to volunteering at out-reach sites, to coordinating fundraising.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
My hope is that Shot in the Dark will continue to change the culture within a city that deems its marginalized citizens as individuals that need to be dealt with as opposed to supported.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
Song I know the words to (if playing) Scenario by Tribe Called Quest.
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
The first time was in February or March, 2018, It was an unusual start — sporadic volunteering while working with SPW on various video and photo projects. Then in May, 2019, it became a weekly thing.
Why do you care about harm reduction?
After being introduced to harm reduction philosophy I saw that it’s logically humanizing efforts would have been beneficial to multiple people in my life who died from overdoes.
How did you come to this work?
In 2018 I produced a video for SPW on the importance of the SAPs called Finding Light in the Dark. While filming I became familiar with SITD and some of the volunteers and immediately new it was something I wanted to get involved with in a bigger way.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
Though it may not come easy, I see it one day coming out of the dark, receiving 501(c)(3) status, and becoming a legally recognized SAP.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
Tom Waits – Gun Street Girl
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
Since October 2016.
Why do you care about harm reduction?
Harm reduction embraces people who have been isolated by their communities, and allows them to be met where they are at. It reduces the risks of substance use including the spread of infections like hepatitis and HIV, and creates opportunities for people to lead better lives.
How did you come to this work?
My passion comes from my personal experience. I have seen the barriers for substance users in Arizona. When I learned about Shot in the Dark, I knew I had to get involved.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
I see SITD continuing to address barriers experienced by marginalized populations within our community. As long as there is gaps between people and resources, there is work to be done!
What song do you know the words to by heart?
Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
When did you start volunteering for SitD?
I began volunteering in 2018 after being involved after attending a Naloxone training that was hosted by a founding member of Shot in the Dark.
Why do you care about harm reduction?
I came in to harm reduction like so many others. After my brother Patrick died in 2016 from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl, I learned about harm reduction and began to realize his death was preventable and there was a whole movement dedicated to helping those like him. I have to come to advocate fiercely for harm reduction because it is a common sense solution that saves lives.
How did you come to this work?
I started out as a volunteer doing deliveries to participants on the East Side and slowly got more involved, eventually becoming the Community Partnership Liaison. I cannot imagine this work not being a part of my life. I have learned so much and have been inspired by the amazing people who volunteer with SITD. I hope to continue to fight for each and everyone one of our participants and syringe access and harm reduction in AZ.
What do you see as the future of Sitd?
SITD has a bright future ahead of it. With a core, committed leadership group in place, we have the opportunity to establish SITD as a leader in the community for syringe access and harm reduction. I envision a future where syringe access is legalized, we are able to expand and improve upon our services to offer more resources for our participants, and we are able build long-term relationships in the community. Arizona is still very much behind the times in recognizing the overall benefit of syringe access programs and I am excited for SITD to continue to help expand and establish the movement.
What song do you know the words to by heart?
Hamilton musical cast album. Pretty much every song (which has 20,520 words total) but if I had to pick one, “Wait for It” is my jam and I even have a tattoo on my arm of it’s refrain of “Love/Life/Death doesn’t discriminate”