Center For Prevention Services

Queen City Harm Reduction (QCHR): QCHR provides syringe access services primarily to Mecklenburg County residents and does limited outreach in surrounding counties. We also provide support and education to other counties who wish to start their own syringe access programs. The purpose of syringe access programs is harm reduction and individual empowerment. We provide practical strategies to improve the health of people who use drugs by providing sterile injecting equipment. Syringe access programs are a proven method to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, HepC, and endocarditis. Safer equipment also means fewer absesses and other health problems that put a strain on health departments and other public resources. Syringe access programs improve the lives of people who use drugs and reduce overdose deaths. QCHR is supported by grant funding from the the NC Department of Health and Human Services and a number of private grants including Novant, Gilead, and HepConnect.

Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Transitional Housing: In 2023-2024, Center for Prevention Services and QCHR initiated a CTI Transitional Housing program for syringe access program participants. This housing program assists people who are currently homeless, have unstable housing, are in danger of losing their housing, or are transitioning from incarceration. Participants receive support for deposits, rent, utilities, appliances, and furniture to get them established in safe housing. As they are able to accept more responsibility for these expenses over the course of several months, they are transitioned out of the program. Currently, we have 40 individuals and families in the program and many who have transitioned out of the program and are self-sustaining. This program is funded through McKinsey Social Responsibility grants, grants from NCDHHS, Mecklenburg County contracts, and grants from Opioid Settlement Funds.