In 2016, Nathan embarked on a journey of recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. His path has led him not only to personal healing but also to a role as a dedicated harm reductionist, advocating for those still struggling and working to change the way society approaches substance use and recovery.
Finding Freedom in Recovery
For Nate, one of the most powerful milestones in his recovery journey was realizing that he could truly go anywhere and do anything he wanted. This moment of clarity came when he was working on a drug-checking program analyzing substances using an infrared spectrometer. Handling substances he once used didn’t trigger a craving or even a second thought. That experience solidified just how far he had come. It was a testament to the strength he had built, a realization that his past no longer had control over his future, and that his recovery had given him a new sense of purpose and resilience.
Embracing Harm Reduction
Nate’s passion for harm reduction began with a relentless pursuit of naloxone distribution. For six months, he made phone calls and sent emails, determined to obtain naloxone to distribute within his community. His persistence eventually led him to Eliza Wheeler, who connected him with A New PATH, an organization dedicated to promoting harm reduction known as Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing in San Diego. That introduction sparked a career dedicated to saving lives and reducing stigma.
Now an independent consultant residing in Tennessee, Nate wears many hats in the harm reduction and public health space. He believes harm reduction is a simple yet highly effective way to engage with people who are suffering. “It’s about more than just mitigating harm,” he says. “It’s about connecting people to resources, giving them back their dignity and humanity. It also helps us stay ahead of the curve in understanding what’s in the drug supply, which is crucial from a public health standpoint.”
The Origin of ‘Narcan Nate’
In 2019, Nate became known as ‘Narcan Nate’—a name that stuck after a friend coined it one night. He had been driving around distributing naloxone, announcing its availability at meetings, and ensuring it was accessible to those who needed it. His dedication to harm reduction turned into an identity, one that he proudly carries today.
Advocacy and Policy: The Importance of Education
Beyond direct harm reduction efforts, Nate has engaged in advocacy and public health policy work. His advice to others interested in making a difference? “Find a mentor who has been doing this work. Research every legislative bill thoroughly, and if you don’t understand the language, look it up. Some policies sound great in theory but don’t translate well into practical application and may cause more harm than good.”
‘Naloxone Saves Lives’—Honoring a Legacy
Nate’s advocacy extends beyond policy into awareness and education. He and his friends collaborate on designs for his ‘Naloxone Saves Lives’ hoodies, offering them at affordable prices. “People always say ‘Narcan Saves Lives,’ and it does. But the actual name of the medication is naloxone,” he explains. “Decades ago, people were arrested for giving out naloxone and trying to save lives. This is a way to honor them and the medication that has saved so many.”
One of the most inspiring moments for Nate has been hearing from people who see his hoodie and share their stories. “I’ve had people come up to me and tell me naloxone saved their life or the life of someone they love. That’s why I do this.”
Nate’s advocacy caught the attention of Cal Beyer, Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces, who reached out to compliment him on the harm reduction efforts he had initiated. Cal was particularly interested in how harm reduction was being received in workplace settings. When he came across a LinkedIn post featuring Nate’s hoodie designs, he decided to order one.
Over the 2024 Christmas holiday and New Year’s break, Cal proudly wore his ‘Naloxone Saves Lives’ hoodie. He later reached out to Nate to share how many people in his community commented on or complimented him on the message. The response was overwhelmingly positive, especially from hospital staff and public safety professionals in an emergency room. The most profound moment came at a restaurant, where two employees personally thanked him for wearing the hoodie, sharing that they had lost friends to overdose.
During their conversations, Nate confided in Cal about a tragic loss—his friend had passed away from an overdose at a construction site. Deeply moved, Cal honored Nate and his friend during his keynote address at the 2025 Construction Working Minds Summit in Dallas on February 27, 2025. A photo of Cal standing at the podium, wearing his ‘Naloxone Saves Lives’ hoodie, symbolizes the growing recognition of harm reduction in workplace safety discussions.
Their connection exemplifies how advocacy, awareness, and community support can bring people together in the fight against overdose deaths.
A Creative Outlet for Advocacy
An artist at heart, Nate uses his creativity to further his message. Through art, design, and harm reduction work, he continues to fight for a world where those struggling with substance use are met with compassion and lifesaving resources rather than stigma and punishment. From his own recovery journey to his relentless efforts in harm reduction, Narcan Nate exemplifies how lived experience can fuel meaningful change. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and the belief that every life is worth saving.
