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Serving Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union Counties

Fostering strong, safer communities by addressing the challenges of substance

dependency and building resilience among individuals, youth, and families

August 2026

The Prevention Pulse

This month's stories & impact at the heart of growth & transformation

• At a Glance
• Impact Story
• GPCR Achievements
• QCHR Service Outcomes

• Behind the Scenes
• Featured Events
• Call to Action
• Get Involved

Youth participated in Atrium Health's Trauma Reboot classes, building coping skills through art

We ended the 2026 fiscal year strong by expanding community engagement, strengthening partnerships, and increasing access to prevention, harm reduction, and family support services. This issue highlights a Housing First success story, Trauma Reboot classes at Lake Mist Apartments, the launch of Digital Impact Cohort 6, and QCHR's participation in Pride in the Park. You'll also find key program milestones, including 38 reported overdose reversals, expanded testing services, and thousands of harm reduction supplies distributed, along with upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.

Digital Impact Cohort 6 put their photography skills into practice while exploring outside

Community Outreach

Center for Prevention Services is proud to serve as a distribution location for Mecklenburg County’s gun safety lockbox initiative. So far, we have distributed 51 lockboxes from our headquarters and helped distribute 49 more at the Archdale Community Center, reaching 100 lockboxes total. Free lockboxes will continue to be available at our headquarters through the end of August, while supplies last.

Local Partnerships

Thanks to our continued partnership with Atrium Health, we are able to offer Trauma Reboot classes at Lake Mist Apartments in a space that is welcoming, accessible, and close to home. These classes provide youth and families with opportunities to build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and healing. By bringing programming directly into the community, we are making it easier for families to connect with valuable resources, support one another, and grow together.

Spanish Programs

Digital Impact Cohort 6 is now underway at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, with 16 students participating in creative classes that use photography to explore self-expression, substance use prevention, mental health, and their connection to the community. We are very thankful to St. Andrew’s for supporting our efforts and collaborating with us to make this program accessible to youth and families within the community. We would also like to give a huge thank-you to our facilitators, who have been providing classes for the parents and leading De Familia a Familia, a family education program developed by NAMI. Their dedication has allowed us to create a space where both youth and parents can learn, grow, and strengthen their families together.

Pride in the Park at The Mint Museum Randolph

Supplies & Testing

QCHR distributed 27,400 sterile syringes, 402 naloxone kits (resulting in 38 reported overdose reversals), 145 wound care kits, 234 safer sex kits, and 112 biohazard disposal containers. We also provided infectious disease testing, launched a new drug-checking machine, and reached 300 community members through outreach, including a kit-making event with the Charlotte Royals Rugby Team.

Community Connections

Queen City Harm Reduction participated in Pride in the Park at the Mint Museum by hosting a community resource table, where staff connected with attendees and shared information about harm reduction, overdose prevention, safer sex supplies, HIV prevention, and other wellness resources. The event brought together the Charlotte community for an evening of live entertainment, local artists, food trucks, interactive activities, and LGBTQ+ community organizations, celebrating inclusion, connection, and Pride.

live music events, and making meaningful memories with family and friends. Grateful to be part of the CPS team, she looks forward to growing alongside the organization as it continues to make a positive impact in our community.

Whether you're interested in evidence-based programs for youth and families, professional development opportunities, or serving as a community ambassador, there are many ways to connect and make an impact.

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