One Breath at a Time

Harm Reduction Is More Than Just Narcan

Harm reduction isn’t limited to Narcan—it includes something as simple and powerful as breathing. And by breathing, we don’t just mean in moments of crisis when someone needs another person to breathe for them. We also mean the kind of breath someone takes when they’re pausing, grounding themselves, or just trying to make it through the day.

Harm reduction is broad. It’s peer support and honest conversation, education and connection. It’s test strips, Narcan, gloves, breathing masks, and programs like AA, Al-Anon, NA, YPAA, and Nar-Anon.. It’s also wilderness programs and residential treatment centers. All of these are tools that meet people where they are.

Language is harm reduction, too.

How you talk about addiction, recovery, drugs, alcohol, and sobriety matters. Be open and honest. Help reduce stigma. Creating space for these conversations can be lifesaving.

Motivation for abstinence often grows in community.

Hearing others’ stories—their struggles and successes—can inspire change. Being around people walking the same path reminds us that we’re not alone.

So get outside, breathe, be with people who understand, share your story and listen to others. That’s harm reduction, too.

AA and other peer programs have demonstrated, evidence-based success.

If you want to support harm reduction efforts:

• Look for harm reduction supply distribution sites
• Donate—to us or to other foundations that get supplies into hands that need them
• Find out where to get test strips, Narcan, gloves, and other resources

Every breath, every conversation, every connection—it’s all part of the path.

Let’s build a culture of care, safety, and connection—one breath at a time.