Inspiring Conversations with Jess Patrick of Sonoran Prevention Works

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Patrick.

Hi Jess, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Sonoran Prevention Works was founded by and for people who use drugs. We started with a singular focus: everyone should have access to the knowledge, tools, and community they need to be safe and healthy. Today, we’re committed to making that a reality through street-based outreach, organizational capacity building, and state-wide advocacy work. 

We began in 2011 doing bicycle-based syringe delivery & advocacy efforts at First Friday in Phoenix. In 2014, overdose deaths were on the rise, but Arizona still banned naloxone distribution for laypeople. With the support of other programs around the country, we began underground naloxone distribution. Finally, in 2016, Arizona becomes the 48th state to pass a Naloxone access bill following advocacy efforts by Sonoran Prevention Works, Addiction Haven, and hundreds of individuals. The new bill allows community members to possess and administer the medication through a standing order. 

Following the legalization of naloxone, SPW created a statewide Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution network to rapidly train individuals on overdose prevention and expand access to naloxone across Arizona. While syringe exchange and naloxone access was growing in Maricopa County, rural parts of Arizona were still lacking support. In 2018, SPW supported the launch of the first syringe service program in Northwest Arizona – the Kingman Harm Reduction Program. We then went on to create the Harm Reduction Outreach Program to provide harm reduction services in Maricopa, Yuma, Pima, Gila, Coconino, Cochise, and Yavapai counties. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy, and the challenges persist. A significant part of our efforts revolve around changing how the public sees people who use drugs (PWUD), and this transformation takes time. Destigmatizing PWUD is crucial; it opens doors for them to access regular healthcare, secure stable housing, avoid the criminal justice system, and maintain bodily autonomy and control over their lives. 

The alarming increase in overdose deaths in our country is accompanied by a surge in fear-driven reporting. This type of reporting influences public opinion on the necessity of resources for PWUD. Public perception, in turn, impacts our legislative decisions, creating yet another hurdle for resources dedicated to PWUD. Due to the stigma surrounding drug use and individuals who use drugs, essential life-saving medications like naloxone and overdose prevention education often elude those who need them the most. 

While Arizona has legalized naloxone and syringe service programs, obtaining funding for these initiatives can be challenging or resource prohibitive. Community fundraising becomes essential to ensure the continuity of our work, but it can also be an unreliable source of sustained income. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Sonoran Prevention Works (SPW) is a nonprofit dedicated to building a healthy Arizona with people who use drugs. Since 2011, SPW has actively worked to enhance the well-being of people who use drugs by engaging in street-based outreach, strengthening organizational capacity, and advocating statewide. 

Even though SPW operates exclusively in Arizona, it holds the distinction of being the largest community naloxone distributor in the United States. Thanks to this widespread distribution, we’ve observed that while overdose rates in Arizona are on the rise, they are not increasing at the same pace as the rest of the country. 

Since 2017, SPW has distributed an impressive 961,835 doses of naloxone to the Arizona community, resulting in reported overdose reversals numbering 27,541. In other words, 27,541 individuals who might have otherwise succumbed to overdose were saved! It’s worth noting that this figure is likely underestimated, as the number of reversals is presumed to be higher. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What we love most about Phoenix is its vibrant and diverse community. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. We have found an incredible community of dedicated volunteers and donors here and are so grateful for that connection. The warm and sunny weather is undoubtedly also a highlight, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities like street outreach. 

On the flip side, the rapid growth and urban sprawl can be challenging. The city’s expansion sometimes leads to both congestion and human disconnection – the population of unhoused families in Phoenix has skyrocketed. However, despite these minor drawbacks, Phoenix’s overall energy and dynamism make it a fantastic place to call home. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spwaz.org/
• Instagram: @sonoranpreventionworks
• Facebook: @sonoranpreventionworks
• Youtube: @sonoranpreventionworks9245